MASTER’S PROGRAMS

The Master’s degrees offer students a chance to advance their knowledge above that of the undergraduate level, and a chance to begin to specialize in one of the sub-disciplines of Civil or Environmental Engineering. All Master’s degrees may require that students take one or more undergraduate courses as articulation (pre-requisite) if they are coming from a different undergraduate engineering or a related science field in order to become fully prepared for graduate work in Civil or Environmental Engineering.

Tracks

Thesis Option

The Master’s degree programs can either be research-oriented (thesis option) or non-research-oriented (non-thesis option). The Thesis option is the only option for students who are receiving a fellowship or assistantship (GTA or GRA) from the department. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for all full-time students, even those who think that they can pay for their own education. A minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours of approved course work along with a minimum of six (6) hours of thesis credits is required.

  • A minimum of twenty-four (24) semester hours of approved course work along with a minimum of six (6) hours of thesis credits is required.
  • No more than six hours of thesis credits will be applied toward degree requirements.
  • At least 15 credit hours must be at the 6000-level (includes thesis hours).
  • A maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate credit may be transferred into the program from UCF non-degree-seeking status or regionally accredited institutions. Only grades of “B-” or better can be transferred.
  • A minimum “B” (3.0) average must be maintained in the program of study and no more than two C+, C, and C- grades are allowed. No D+ or lower grades are acceptable.
  • A written thesis and final oral defense are required.
  • Once six hours of thesis credits have been completed and all course work has been satisfied, the student is required to have continuous enrollment in one hour of thesis until the final thesis has been received by the Division of Graduate Studies (but also see next rule).
  • International students have to meet all Graduate Studies and ISS rules to remain in legal standing as a full-time student throughout their tenure at UCF.

Master’s Thesis Committee

  • The thesis committee will consist of a minimum of three members. All committee members should hold a doctoral degree and be in fields related to the thesis topic. At least two members must be department faculty (one to serve as chair). Off-campus experts, joint faculty members, adjunct faculty, and other university faculty members may serve as the third person in the committee.
  • In unusual cases, with approval from the Department Chair, two professors may chair the committee jointly. Joint faculty members may serve as committee chairs, but off-campus experts and adjunct faculty may not serve as committee chairs.
  • All members vote on acceptance or rejection of the thesis proposal and the final thesis. The final thesis must be approved by a majority of the advisory committee

Non-Thesis Option

  • With a requirement of 30 semester hours of coursework, the non-thesis option is intended primarily for part-time students.
  • The program requirements are the same as for the thesis option except that the thesis requirement is replaced by 6 credit hours of course work.
  • An advisor is required, and he/she will review and sign the program of study.
  • For nonthesis MS students, the culminating experience is the submission of a portfolio that satisfies program requirements: