Civil and Environmental Engineering
Master's
Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusHybrid
Commitment Options
Full-timePart-time
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students build advanced knowledge in civil and environmental engineering while developing technical depth in a chosen area of interest. Students may complete coursework-only study or pursue thesis research, depending on their academic and professional goals. The thesis option can support students interested in doctoral study, research-focused roles, or advanced engineering practice.
Coursework and research preparation may include topics such as:
- Civil and environmental systems engineering
- Environmental health
- Environmental and water resources engineering
- Geosystems engineering
- Structural engineering and mechanics
- Climate, energy, and resilient systems
- Infrastructure and the built environment
- Engineering tools used in professional practice
About the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts applies engineering and science to challenges related to infrastructure, environmental systems, health, climate, energy, water, and resilient communities. Faculty research spans areas such as geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, environmental health, water resources, air pollution, climate adaptation, renewable energy systems, extreme events, and sustainable infrastructure.
Graduate students benefit from small classes, interdisciplinary coursework, and opportunities to engage with faculty whose work addresses the relationship between infrastructure, the environment, and people.
Interdisciplinary Engineering for Complex Systems
Civil and environmental engineering students at Tufts study problems that connect infrastructure, water, health, climate, energy, and communities. This interdisciplinary approach helps students understand both technical systems and the broader social and environmental contexts in which engineering decisions are made.
Faculty Mentorship
Students learn from faculty working across civil and environmental engineering specialties, including geosystems, structural engineering, environmental health, water resources, air quality, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure. Small classes create opportunities for close academic guidance and research mentorship.
Research and Thesis Opportunities
Students who want to pursue advanced research may complete thesis work in addition to graduate coursework. This option can help students prepare for doctoral study, research-oriented careers, or specialized engineering practice.
Flexible Enrollment Options
The program offers full-time and part-time study options, allowing students to pursue graduate education in a way that aligns with their academic goals, work responsibilities, and professional plans.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering?
Graduates may pursue engineering, consulting, research, planning, or sustainability-focused roles in areas such as infrastructure, environmental systems, water resources, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, environmental health, public agencies, and private industry. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, focus area, thesis or non-thesis pathway, technical experience, internship or co-op experience, and professional goals.
Possible paths may include:
- Transportation engineer
- Infrastructure planner
- Sustainability engineer
- Environmental consultant
- PhD student or research scientist in training
- Civil engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Structural engineer
- Geotechnical engineer
- Water resources engineer
What is the Career Outlook?
Civil and environmental engineering skills are relevant across infrastructure, transportation, water resources, sustainability, environmental protection, construction, and public works. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, civil engineers had a median annual wage of $99,590 in May 2024, and employment in this occupation is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034. Environmental engineers had a median annual wage of $104,170 in May 2024, with projected employment growth of 4 percent from 2024 to 2034.
Average Salary: $95K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 5%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Can Civil and Environmental Engineering Students Complete a Co-op?
Students in the Tufts University School of Engineering may have the opportunity to participate in the Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op program allows eligible graduate students to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build their resumes, and strengthen their preparation for future career opportunities.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
What Background Do Applicants Need?
Applicants are generally expected to have preparation in science, mathematics through differential equations, and engineering sciences such as fluid mechanics and statics. Additional preparation may be expected for specific areas, including probability and statistics for environmental and water resources engineering and biological sciences for environmental health.
Are Scholarships Available?
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Is the GRE Required?
No. GRE General Test scores are not required for the M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
