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Civil and Environmental Engineering (Non-Thesis)

Masters of Science

Delivery Options

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Fall 2026 Deadline

Domestic: August 1st
International: March 1st

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Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Program Overview

Develop advanced technical expertise in designing, analyzing, and managing infrastructure and environmental systems with a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Non-Thesis) from Colorado School of Mines. This program is designed for you if you want to solve complex engineering challenges affecting communities, industry, and the built environment through advanced coursework and applied learning.

At Mines, you will strengthen skills in analysis, modeling, design, and systems thinking across civil and environmental engineering disciplines. As industries and public agencies face aging infrastructure, growing resource demands, and evolving environmental conditions, engineers who can evaluate systems holistically and apply rigorous engineering methods are increasingly valuable.

What sets Mines apart is its applied, industry-focused approach. Through specialized coursework and project-based learning, you will gain practical experience using modern engineering tools and techniques while developing the technical and professional skills needed for leadership roles in consulting, industry, and public-sector organizations.

Program Detail

The Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering (Non-Thesis) combines advanced coursework with practical application. You'll take graduate-level courses aligned with your technical interests and career goals, selecting one of three emphasis areas:

Geotechnical Engineering

  • Gain specialized knowledge in soil and rock mechanics, foundation engineering, slope stability, and subsurface characterization for infrastructure, construction, and resource development projects.

Structural Engineering

  • Develop expertise in structural analysis, advanced materials, infrastructure resilience, and performance modeling for buildings, bridges, transportation systems, and other critical structures.

Water Resources Engineering

  • Focus on hydrology, water systems engineering, environmental modeling, stormwater management, and sustainable water infrastructure that supports growing communities and changing environmental conditions.

Rather than completing a thesis, you will build depth through advanced coursework and applied problem solving. Coursework emphasizes analytical methods, engineering design, numerical modeling, and systems-level decision-making that reflect challenges faced by industry and public agencies. This approach allows you to develop specialized technical expertise while preparing for immediate professional application in civil and environmental engineering practice.

 

 

Thesis & PhD Options

Faculty Expertise 

Meet three accomplished faculty who pursue game-changing research and partner across disciplines and with industry partners to prepare students to design resilient systems for a changing world.

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Shiling Pei

Professor

Reza Hedayat profile picture

Reza Hedayat

Associate Professor

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Christopher Bellona

Associate Professor

Application Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree

  • GRE: Not Required

  • Letters of Recommendations

  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Statement of Purpose

  • Transcripts

  • International students please review the English proficiency requirements

Program Curriculum

View Academic Catalog

World-Class Labs, Centers and Facilities

PFAS@Mines

The PFAS@Mines Initiative adopts an interdisciplinary, solutions-based approach to the challenge of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. Led by Professor Chris Higgins, the initiative is at the forefront of charactering environmental behavior, studying human exposure and developing treatment technologies for PFAS-impacted soils and drinking water.

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Center for Underground Construction and Tunneling

The Center for Underground Construction and Tunneling (UC&T) advances knowledge and state-of-the-art practice in underground construction and tunneling. Led by Professor Mike Mooney, the center’s research includes soil conditioning, tunnel boring machine techniques and cross passage design and construction.

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Colorado Center for a Sustainable WE2ST Water Technology Hub

The WE2ST Water Technology Hub promotes academic-industry collaboration to solve municipal and industrial water problems across scales. Led by Professor Tzahi Cath, the hub provides an environment to develop, test and validate technologies for global water challenges.

Career Outlook

Average starting salary for recent program graduates $75,000. Learn more about Mines' comprehensive career development resources and this degree's salary potential.

Explore Mines Career Center

Employers who seek Mines graduates include

Civil Infrastructure & Construction

Companies such as AECOM, Bechtel, Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell (Hires MS grads for specialized water/environmental roles), EXP, Granite Construction, Jacobs, Kiewit (Major partner; hires for underground construction and geostructural roles), Kimley-Horn, Martin Marietta, Mott MacDonald (Specializes in tunnels/underground structures), U.S. Steel (Hires for structural/materials engineering), WSP  (major employer for geotechnical/tunneling)

Energy & Mining (Environmental Focus)

Companies such Antero Resources BP (and BP Chemicals) Chevron Colorado Oil & Gas Association Encana (now Ovintiv), Freeport-McMoRan Maptek, Newmont, North American Coal Corporation, Shell

Environmental Consulting & Water Resources

Companies such as Carollo Engineers, CDM Smith, CORE Consultants, Engineering Analytics, Environmental Resources Management (ERM), Eurofins Environmental Testing, Geosyntec Consultants, Hazen and Sawyer, Leidos, Stantec, Tetra Tech

Government, Research & Non-Profit

Companies such as Colorado Department of Transportation, National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Denver Water, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Water Research

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential parts of a civil and environmental engineering graduate degree?

This degree provides advanced technical depth and research experience that strengthens your ability to design, analyze and manage complex engineering systems in professional practice.

What advances are shaping this field right now?
  • Increased use of data-driven design and modeling
  • Greater focus on infrastructure performance and resilience
  • Integration of advanced materials and construction methods
  • Expanded use of monitoring and sensing technologies
What career opportunities will I have with this graduate degree?

Graduates pursue roles such as civil engineer, environmental engineer, structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, project engineer or technical consultant. Many continue to do doctoral programs.

What industries hire individuals with this degree?

Industries include engineering design, construction, infrastructure development, energy, consulting and government agencies.

What types of research are common in this program?

Research areas often include infrastructure systems, structural performance, geotechnical analysis, water resources and applied environmental engineering problems.

Featured Alumni

Meet Josh Dickerson, Environmental Engineering BS ’12

Since earning his environmental engineering degree from Mines, Josh Dickerson has worked on several high-profile projects in Denver, including the City Park Golf Course redesign and hydrologic modeling for the 16th Street Mall. In recognition of his technical expertise and community leadership, he was named the 2022 Young Professional of the Year by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado.

Take the Next Step

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