Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a non-thesis Master of Civil Engineering (M.C.E.), allowing students to gain advanced knowledge and experience in civil engineering specialties including environmental, structural, and geotechnical.

What can I DO with this degree? 

Civil engineers plan, design, and supervise the construction and maintenance of building and infrastructure projects. They work in a variety of locations and conditions, commonly splitting their time between an office setting and construction sites. The median pay for civil engineers in 2023 was $95,890 annually. For more information, visit the occupational outlook summary. 

Degree(s)
Certificate(s)

EOL Insights: Build a resilient future with a Master of Civil and Environmental Engineering degree from Auburn

Are you ready to lead the next generation of infrastructure development, sustainable water management, or structural design? As the demand for climate-resilient cities and modernized transportation grows, specialized tracks in civil and environmental engineering are critical.  These roles require site-specific judgement and public safety oversight that AI simply cannot provide.  A Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) or Master of Science (MS) has become the gold standard for professionals aiming for senior leadership and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Auburn University’s online civil engineering graduate programs are ranked among the top 20 nationally by U.S. News & World Report. We offer the technical depth of a premier research university with the flexibility required by today’s busy engineers. Here is why professionals searching for the best online civil engineering degrees choose Auburn.

  1. Versatile Degrees for Working Professionals

We offer two distinct paths to suit your career goals:

  • Master of Civil Engineering (MCE): A non-thesis master’s program designed for practitioners who want to expand their technical expertise through advanced coursework.
  • Master of Science (MS): A thesis program for those looking to integrate independent research into their professional portfolio.

Both paths are delivered 100% online via high-definition streaming, ensuring you receive the same curriculum and faculty instruction as our on-campus students without needing a campus residency.

  1. Specialized Tracks for High-Demand Fields

Modern civil engineering is a broad discipline. Our online civil engineering courses allow you to specialize in the areas most relevant to today’s job market:

  • Environmental Engineering: Focus on water and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and surface water quality modeling.
  • Structural Engineering: Master advanced reinforced concrete design, bridge engineering, and seismic design for lateral loads.
  • Pavement and Materials: Study pavement management, sustainable infrastructure, and advanced characterization of materials.
  • Geotechnical Engineering: Deepen your knowledge of foundation engineering, soil properties, and earth-retaining structures.
  1. Career Advancement and Salary Outlook

If you’ve been researching "civil engineer salary" or "environmental engineer jobs," the data is clear: advanced credentials pay off. According to the ASCE 2025 Salary Report, the median income for civil engineers has seen a sharp 6-7% annual increase, with those holding a master's degree and a PE license commanding significantly higher compensation.

Graduates from an ABET-accredited university like Auburn are recruited by global leaders such as Jacobs, AECOM, and Bechtel, as well as federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

  1. Expert Faculty and Global Network

At Auburn, you aren't just earning a degree; you’re joining a network of experts. Our faculty are pioneers in fields like sustainable pavements and biological wastewater treatment. As an online student, you gain full access to Auburn’s career services and an alumni base that leads the industry across the globe.