Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Track

Program Description

This degree track leads to a Master of Civil Engineering degree (MCE) or Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering (MSCE) at UTSA.

The Master of Civil Engineering degree is designed to provide specialized knowledge in selected technical areas of Civil Engineering. The educational objective of this program is to produce graduates who are capable of professional practice in a specialized area of Civil Engineering namely, environmental engineering, geo-environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. The new MCE degree is a courses-only program targeted towards providing advanced technical training and building critical thinking skills for practicing engineers.

Learn more about admission to this program.

Read full program information.

The Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering is designed to provide civil engineering professionals with the opportunity to prepare for careers concerned with the critical problems of a multifaceted society. Civil engineering education and research activities focus on projects that are typically large and costly, with potentially profound environmental, social, and financial impacts. The MSCE is a research-oriented thesis program, while the MCE is a course-only technical training program. The objective of the graduate degree program is to provide advanced training in four Civil Engineering specialty areas: environmental, geotechnical/transportation, structural, and water resources. 

Learn more about admission to this program.

Read full program information.

Learn more about these UTSA Graduate Programs:

Now Accepting Applications:
2024-2025

 

2025-2026

 



Graduate Admission Requirements

Graduate Admission requirements vary by program. Please check your individual degree program: MCE or MSCE for more details.

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
  • 1-Semester Pathway: TOEFL iBT 71 or equivalent
  • 2-Semester Pathway: TOEFL iBT 61 or equivalent

To apply for the Graduate Pathway, you must submit the following:

  • Graduate School Application: 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
  • Non-Refundable Application Fee: $90
  • Official TOEFL / IELTS Test Scores / Duolingo
  • Passport & Confirmation of Financial Resources (after program admission)

View the video guide on the application process here!

For complete details: Graduate Admissions Checklist

For important deadlines: Graduate Application Deadline (MCE); Graduate Application Deadline (MSCE)

If you need assistance with your application, contact English Language Center at: englishlanguagecenter@utsa.edu


Sample Course Maps - M.S. in Civil Engineering

[Sample Course Map] Graduate Program: Civil Engineering — Geotechnical Track, 2 Semester

2-Semester Pathway
Course Map

Program Components

9 credit hours apply from pathway toward degree completion (M.S. in Civil Engineering)
21 credit hours remaining toward degree completion (M.S. in Civil Engineering)

 

Entry requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field of study
  • TOEFL iBT 61 or equivalent
  • Meet admission requirements for track
Semester 1 Progression Requirements
  • 80% or above in all non-credit courses
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in all credit-bearing courses

These courses are delivered through the UTSA English Language Center and are required to develop English proficiency

Course Title ELC hours
Credit-bearing hours
Communication for Academic Discourse 3
Reading for Academic Success 3
Student Success I 3
CE 5523 Retaining Structures 3
Total 12
Semester 2
Course Title ELC hours
Credit-bearing hours
Advanced Communication 3
Writing for Academic Success 3
Student Success II 3
CE 5533 Slope Stability 3
CE 5543 Ground Improvement 3
Total 15

[Sample Course Map] Graduate Program: Civil Engineering — Geotechnical Track, 1 Semester
1-Semester Pathway
Course Map

Program Components

6 credit hours apply from Pathway toward degree completion (M.S. in Civil Engineering)
24 credit hours remaining toward degree completion (M.S. in Civil Engineering)

Entry requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree in related field of study
  • TOEFL iBT 71 or equivalent
  • Meet admission requirements for track
Semester 1 Progression Requirements
  • 80% or above in all non-credit courses
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA in all credit-bearing courses

These courses are delivered through the UTSA English Language Center and are required to develop English proficiency

Course Title ELC hours
Credit-bearing hours
Advanced Communication 3
Writing for Academic Success 3
Student Success II 3
CE 5523 Retaining Structures 3
CE 5533 Slope Stability 3
Total 15

See the full course descriptions and semester availability here.


Tuition & Fees

UTSA offers top-quality education and services at a competitive price. Click here to learn more about tuition and fees for the Civil Engineering - Geotechnical Track.

Housing Options & Research Opportunities