30 Best Master’s in Civil or Environmental Engineering Online Degrees 2018

Home/Rankings of Top Master’s Degree Programs/30 Best Master’s in Civil or Environmental Engineering Online Degrees 2018

In this article, we profile the 30 best online master's in civil or environmental engineering programs.

The work of civil and environmental engineers is all around us: the roads we travel on, the buildings we work in, and the clean air we breathe. At the core, civil and environmental engineering have a common goal: to solve problems and tackle challenges faced in the 21st century. Some of the nation's top research universities offer graduate-level programs in both engineering disciplines. Some are combined, while others offer two separate programs. And to accommodate the growing need for online options, these schools now offer distance education programs.

We looked at 110 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master's in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or closely related programs. We narrowed our original list of schools by choosing institutions with regional or national rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We then listed them in order of affordability based on the in-state graduate tuition rates published by NCES College Navigator.

The resulting selections for our 30 best online master's in civil engineering or environmental engineering degrees are listed below in order of affordability.

#30 – Johns Hopkins University

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

Baltimore, Maryland

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $52,210

Johns Hopkins University offers an accredited online master's in environmental engineering program that focuses on how today's scientists can improve pollution, water, and soil. Admission to Johns Hopkins is highly competitive. Prior education must include an undergraduate degree or demonstrated work in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited college or university. Courses may be taken online and include air quality control technologies, biological processes for water and water treatment, principles of environmental engineering, and water supply and wastewater collection. Johns Hopkins is a research institution that is ranked with major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 10th best national university and 20th best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #21 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#29 – Stanford University

Online Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Stanford, California

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,940

Stanford University's online engineering master's programs include the master's in civil and environmental engineering that is designed for working individuals who want to earn advanced engineering skills on a part-time basis. The graduate degree takes approximately three to five years to complete. Most courses are delivered online, but some on-campus attendance may be required. Five specialty fields are available so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These areas of interest include atmosphere and energy, environmental engineering and science, environmental fluid mechanics and hydrology, structural engineering and geo-mechanics, and sustainable design and construction. Stanford is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 5th best national university. Also, the graduate engineering school ranks #2 in the country.

#28 – Case Western Reserve University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Cleveland, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,610

One alternative to an online environmental engineering master's degree is a graduate degree in civil engineering. Case Western Reserve University offers an online master's in civil engineering program that requires the completion of nine online courses and a comprehensive examination. This program also offers one concentration in structural engineering for those interested in tailoring their engineering degree even more. The program is designed to equip graduates for careers in professional practice, research, or teaching. Case Western Reserve is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 37th best national university and 43rd best value school. Other rankings include #50 for best engineering graduate schools.

#27 – Clarkson University

Online Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Potsdam, New York

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $29,936

Clarkson University's online engineering master's programs include the MS in civil and environmental engineering degree. The program is designed to be completed in 18-24 months and requires a written thesis and defense on independent research. A total of 30 credit hours must be completed to satisfy the degree requirements. A total of up to ten transfer credits may be accepted (grade of B or better). The degree also offers several specialty areas including environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources engineering. These specialties allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals and personal interests. Clarkson is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university and 19th best value school in the country. Also, the graduate engineering school ranks #127 out of more than 800 institutions surveyed by U.S. News.

#26 – Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

Worcester, Massachusetts

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $25,404

Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers an online master's in environmental engineering degree program that emphasizes emerging research and contemporary topics in this highly specialized career field. Students explore topics in advanced water-quality practices and the impact of sustainability. Courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Required courses include biosystems in environmental engineering, industrial waste treatment, surface water quality monitoring, and water resources management. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 60th best national university. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #40 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#25 – New Jersey Institute of Technology

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Newark, New Jersey

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,814

New Jersey Institute of Technology offers civil engineering degrees that may appeal to those interested in an online environmental engineering master's degree due to the overlap between the two disciplines. The program is offered entirely online and designed to be completed in just 19 months. Three specialty tracks are also available, including construction management, structural design and construction, and transportation engineering. The school also offers graduate-level certificate programs in select areas for those interested in tailoring their degree even more. New Jersey Institute of Technology is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 135th best national university. Also, the graduate engineering school ranks #87 out of more than 800 institutions.

#24 – Norwich University

Online Master of Civil Engineering

Northfield, Vermont

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,249

Norwich University's online master's in civil engineering degree program offers advanced curriculum designed to be completed in just 18 months. All courses are delivered online, and classes are capped at 15 students. Several concentration areas are offered so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals and interests. Some of the concentration options include environmental, geotechnical, and structural. Courses for the environmental concentration include physiochemical and biological processes in water and wastewater treatment and storm water management and GIS applications for water resources. Norwich is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 80th best regional university in the North and 14th best value school. The online graduate engineering programs have also earned rankings in recent years.

#23 – University of Illinois

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Champaign, Illinois

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,289

University of Illinois offers an accredited online master's in civil engineering program with four specialty areas, including construction management, infrastructure, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. In addition to the concentrations, specific course offerings in environmental engineering and environmental hydrology allow students to tailor their civil engineering degree toward environmental studies. All courses are delivered online and are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are also required. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best national institution, and the online graduate engineering programs rank #9 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed.

#22 – Villanova University

Online Master's in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,017

Villanova University offers an alternative to the online civil engineering master's degree. Students may earn a master's in water resources and environmental engineering that may be completed entirely online. A minimum of 30 semester credits is required with 21 credits in civil and environmental engineering courses. Students also have the option of following a thesis or non-thesis track. Online courses include fundamentals of environmental engineering processes, open channel hydraulics, river mechanics and engineering, and water resource planning and management. Villanova is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 51st best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#21 – University of Washington

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Seattle, Washington

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,266

One of the more affordable online engineering master's programs on our list is the master's in civil engineering offered by the University of Washington. With no requirement to come to campus, students work at their own pace and set their own schedule. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Four specialty tracks are available so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These tracks include construction engineering, energy infrastructure, supply chain transportation and logistics, and sustainable transportation. University of Washington is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 54th best national institution and the 16th top public school. Also, the engineering graduate school ranks #25 in the country.

#20 – University of Dayton

Online Master's in Civil, Environmental and Engineering Mechanics

Dayton, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,070

The School of Engineering at University of Dayton offers an accredited online civil engineering master's degree program that combines both civil and environmental engineering practices and mechanics. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include environmental engineering separation processes, fundamentals of air pollution, hazardous waste engineering, and solid waste engineering. Students may choose to either complete a thesis or follow the non-thesis track. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 111th best national university and 52nd best value school in the country. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #53 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#19 – University of New Haven

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

West Haven, Connecticut

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,860

One of the top online engineering master's programs on our list is the master's in environmental engineering at University of New Haven. Admission requires no GRE, and the program is designed to be completed in two years. The program is designed as six terms with each lasting only eight weeks. A total of 30 credits are required for completion of the degree. All courses are taught online by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses may include air pollution fundamentals, biological treatment of aqueous wastes, environmental law and legislation, hazardous waste treatment, and pollution prevention management technologies. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 95th best regional institution in the North. Also, the graduate engineering programs are ranked #55 among schools where doctorate degrees are offered.

#18 – University of Findlay

Online Master's in Environmental, Safety and Health Management

Findlay, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,085

The University of Findlay offers a type of online master's in environmental engineering that combines graduate level courses in five critical areas, such as analytical, business, integrative, managerial, and technical. The program is specifically designed for working students who want to earn a degree in environmental management but take courses in business and engineering that are closely related to the degree. Online courses include applied safety management, environmental health and epidemiology, industrial hygiene principles and calculations, research methods, risk management for managers, and water and wastewater treatment. All classes are delivered online by the same professors who teach on campus. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 56th best regional university in the Midwest.

#17 – Virginia Tech

Online Master's in Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Blacksburg, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,532

One of the more affordable online master's in environmental engineering degrees on our list is offered by Virginia Tech. All courses are delivered online, and the program is ideal for working students who do not have time to attend traditional classes. The program mirrors that of the on-campus program so that online students receive the same quality education as their traditionally attending peers. Admission requires a bachelor's degree in the physical or life sciences and completed application package. Virginia Tech is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 74th best national university and 27th top public school in the country. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #13 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#16 – University of Tennessee

Online Master's in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Knoxville, Tennessee

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,834

University of Tennessee offers an accredited online master's in environmental engineering with five concentrations that adhere to the civil engineering track and three concentrations available to the environmental engineering track. Concentrations are offered so that students may tailor their graduate degree toward specific interests or career goals. These concentrations include climate impacts engineering, environmental engineering, public works engineering, or water resources. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on the Knoxville campus. University of Tennessee is a nationally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, the graduate engineering programs rank 53rd out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#15 – University of Florida

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering Sciences or Civil Engineering

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

The distance learning department at University of Florida offers several environmental engineering and online civil engineering master's degree programs. For those interested in civil engineering, one general track is offered. Those interested in environmental engineering may choose from four specialization tracks. These specializations include systems ecology and ecological engineering, water resources planning and management, and wastewater and storm water engineering. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. The programs are designed to mirror the on-campus curriculum and content. University of Florida is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #59 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#14 – University of Louisville

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Louisville, Kentucky

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,442

The online master's in civil engineering degree program from University of Louisville offers a 100% online degree designed for busy and working students. The program is for professionals with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. All courses are conveniently offered online, and the program mirrors the program offered on campus. Courses include building information modeling, environmental analysis of transportation systems, GPS theory and application, and transportation planning and urban development. Admission requires a bachelor's in civil engineering, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and satisfactory GRE scores. University of Louisville is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national institution. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #64 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#13 – University of Wisconsin

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

Madison, Wisconsin

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,943

The online environmental engineering master's degree program at University of Wisconsin offers a 30-credit graduate degree designed for working students looking to become technical experts in the field. Courses are delivered entirely online and can be completed from any location without interrupting life obligations or daytime responsibilities. Online courses are taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. These courses include biological treatment processes, biological principles of environmental engineering, chemical principles of environmental engineering, energy principles of environmental engineering, and physical-chemical treatment processes. University of Wisconsin is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 44th best national university. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #6 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#12 – Colorado State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Fort Collins, Colorado

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,716

The online master's in civil engineering from Colorado State University is a top-ranked program that is both affordable and accredited. The degree may be completed entirely online with classes taught by university professors. The program is designed for working professionals with a bachelor's degree. In fact, admission requires an accredited bachelor's in engineering and a 3.00 GPA. GRE scores are not required for admission. Classes include advanced biological wastewater processing, drainage and wetland engineering, engineering decision support and expert systems, irrigation systems design, and residuals management. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the university as the 129th best national institution. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#11 – Old Dominion University

Online Master's in Environmental Engineering

Norfolk, Virginia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,480

Old Dominion University's online environmental engineering master's degree program may be completed entirely online and following two pathways: the project option or the course option. The project option requires graduates to have completed a research project, while the course pathway only requires the completion of online classes. Courses are taught by university professors and include air quality, biological wastewater treatment, hazardous waste treatment, introduction to coastal engineering, water quality management, and sustainable development. Old Dominion is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 210th best national university and 118th top public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #45 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#10 – Missouri University Science and Technology

Online Master's in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Rolla, Missouri

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,814

Missouri University Science & Technology offers online master's in environmental engineering and civil engineering degree programs designed for working and busy students. Both programs may be completed entirely online via live video streaming, class recordings, or live collaborative software. The civil engineering program is a non-thesis study track that requires 30 credit hours of coursework and includes research components. The environmental engineering program is also a 30 credit hour program that incorporates biological and chemical characteristics of natural and engineering environmental systems. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 164th best national institution and 87th top public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #16 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#9 – North Carolina State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Raleigh, North Carolina

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,572

North Carolina State University's online civil engineering master's degree program requires no thesis for completion, and in some admission cases, the GRE may be waived. The program offers several areas of concentration so that students may tailor their degree toward career goals. These concentrations include construction, management, geotechnical, structures and mechanics, transportation systems, and water resources. Approximately two-thirds of all credit hours (30 credits required) should be in civil engineering and the area of emphasis. North Carolina State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 92nd best national university and 62nd best value school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #9 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#8 – Kansas State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Manhattan, Kansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,532

Kansas State University's affordable online master's in civil engineering degree program is designed for working professionals who have already obtained a civil engineering bachelor's degree. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Five focus areas are offered so that students may tailor their degree toward interests and career goals. These focus areas include environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, and water resources. All classes are delivered within a semester time frame of 16 weeks, while summer courses run eight to 12 weeks in length. Kansas State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 135th top national university. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #35 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#7 – Iowa State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Ames, Iowa

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,549

Iowa State University's online engineering master's programs include the master's in civil engineering. The program is specifically designed for those interested in various areas of construction like management, methods, or operations. Students may tailor their degree in one of these areas of focus. All courses are presented entirely online by digital video streaming. Online students may choose the day, time, and location to observe the recorded class lectures. Admission to the program requires an undergraduate degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution and a GPA of 3.0 or better. Iowa State is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report lists the school as the 111th best national university in the country.

#6 – Ohio University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Athens, Ohio

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,510

The online civil engineering master's degree program from Ohio University offers 100% online coursework in as few as five semesters. Several areas of focus allow students to tailor their degree toward career goals. These focus areas include environmental engineering, structural engineering, and transportation engineering. While admission to the program is competitive, no GRE or GMAT is required for qualified applicants. For those interested in a degree in civil engineering that emphasizes environmental engineering, several courses are available, including advanced wastewater treatment, advanced water treatment, and environmental analysis of transportation systems. Ohio University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 146th best national university and 74th top public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #31 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#5 – University of Houston

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Houston, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,938

The University of Houston's online master's in civil engineering degree program is a nationally recognized and accredited research program that offers online course completion options. Admission is highly competitive and requires GRE test scores, an undergraduate degree in engineering, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program allows students to tailor their degree toward specific areas of interest under the civil engineering umbrella. Areas explored include environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydro-systems engineering, and mechanical engineering. All online courses are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. University of Houston is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West and offers one of the most affordable programs on our list.

#4 – University of Arkansas

Online Master of Science in Engineering

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,350

University of Arkansas's online engineering master's programs include the MS in engineering, which may be completed 100% online. The program is flexibly designed so that students may tailor their degree toward specific areas of interest like civil engineering or biological engineering. Civil engineering classes include environmental regulations and permits, groundwater hydrology, matrix analysis of structures, open channel flow, structural loadings, and transportation soils engineering. All classes are taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 135th best national university. Also, the graduate engineering programs rank #40 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#3 – Mississippi State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Mississippi State, Mississippi

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,780

Mississippi State University offers an accredited online civil engineering master's degree that is designed for working professional who hold a bachelor's in civil engineering. The program is flexibly designed and allows students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest and career goals. These focus areas include environmental engineering, geotechnical, structures, transportation, or water resources. All courses are delivered online with lectures led by university professors. Admission to the program requires a BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution and program and GRE test scores. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 176th best national university and 93rd top public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs rank #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#2 – Texas Tech University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Lubbock, Texas

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,525

Some online environmental engineering master's degree programs combine civil engineering practices with an environmental focus, and vice versa, like the Texas Tech University program. The civil engineering program emphasizes the study of hazardous waste treatment, renewable wind energy systems, and wastewater treatment. All courses are delivered online and include advanced mechanics of solids, information technology and operations management, and structural reliability. Admission to the program requires a complete application and satisfactory GRE scores. Texas Tech is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and public school. Also, the online graduate engineering programs are ranked #17 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#1 – Kennesaw State University

Online Master's in Civil Engineering

Kennesaw, Georgia

Website

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,740

Kennesaw State University's online civil engineering master's degree program is the most affordable on our list. Students have the option of choosing a thesis pathway to their degree or coursework-only in one of three concentrations, including environmental engineering and water resources, structural and geotechnical engineering, and transportation and pavement engineering. The master's degree is designed for students who hold an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering. Kennesaw is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best national institution. Also, the online gradate engineering programs are ranked #56 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Kennesaw offers the #1 most affordable online master's in civil engineering degree program on our list.

BMD Staff
July 2017

This concludes our list of the 30 best online master's in civil or environmental engineering degrees.