Is a master’s in civil engineering worth it?

By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Rebecca Munday

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Civil engineers are in demand, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 6% growth for these professionals between 2023 and 2033. Although becoming an engineer requires only a bachelor's, many managers and supervisors hold a master's. Explore the degree program's curriculum, learning outcomes, and potential career opportunities to discover why a master's in civil engineering might be worth it for you.

Benefits of earning a master's in civil engineering

A master's degree in civil engineering may lead to increased job security and higher earning potential. Earning your master's in civil engineering can also help you:

• Upgrade your skillset with the latest industry developments.
• Gain expertise in a specific area of civil engineering.
• Get the necessary training for leadership positions.
• Earn a professional engineering (PE) license with fewer years of work experience.
• Grow your career network through fellow students and program faculty.

Are graduates with a master's degree in civil engineering in demand?

Graduates with master's degrees in civil engineering are in demand, as the maintenance and construction of buildings and other infrastructure are vital to U.S. society.

The BLS projects 6% growth for civil engineers from 2023-33, faster than the 4% average for all occupations. The BLS also projects about 22,900 job openings for these professionals annually.

Job growth is influenced by the U.S. government's continued investment in infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Demand for civil engineers is also affected by the need to replace professionals who leave the field due to transfers and retirements.

Master's degree in civil engineering program overview

A master's degree program in civil engineering can enhance your knowledge and prepare you for specialized roles, leadership positions, or doctoral studies. Study topics may include:

• Advanced bridge engineering
• Advanced foundation design
• Advanced soil mechanics
• Design of wood structures
• Earthquake engineering
• Steel structures
• Structural mechanics
• Sustainable coastal engineering

Some civil engineering graduate programs require students to choose an area of focus. Examples include:

• Construction management
• Geotechnical engineering
• Hydrology and hydrodynamics
• Ocean and coastal engineering
• Structural engineering
• Sustainable infrastructure
• Transportation engineering

Most civil engineering master's programs require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. If your undergraduate studies are unrelated to engineering, you may need to complete core coursework before starting the master's program.

How much does a master's degree in civil engineering cost?

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that graduate students attending public universities paid an average of $12,596 in tuition and fees during the 2021-22 academic year. Students at private schools paid an average of $28,017. These figures do not include the cost of textbooks, transportation, and other education-related expenses.

If you're interested in a specific school, check its financial aid website for information on tuition and fees.

You may be able to receive financial aid to help pay for your master's in civil engineering. According to NCES, nearly 74% of graduate students received some type of financial aid in the 2019-20 academic year. Types of financial aid include:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Employer tuition benefits
• Work-study programs
• Veteran benefits
• Federal or private student loans

Which civil engineering field has the highest salary?

The median salary for civil engineers was $99,590 in 2024, according to the BLS. Below you'll find salary information from the BLS for related occupations.

How to calculate the ROI of a master's in civil engineering

Comparing master's programs involves researching their potential return on investment (ROI). You can start by calculating each program's total cost of attendance (COA). Make sure the COA includes tuition, fees, and all education-related expenses.

Once you know each program's COA, research what you can do with your engineering degree. Compare these jobs' salaries to what you make now. Use these figures to calculate how long it would take for your improved salary potential to exceed your degree's COA.

Programs offering maximum ROI qualify you for high-paying positions, wherein you can make up your education's COA in just a few years. Attending an affordable public university can also make your master's in civil engineering worth it, as lower out-of-pocket costs help you achieve a positive ROI on your degree as soon as possible.

Other ways to increase a program's potential ROI include applying for scholarships and grants. These options can lower your COA and prevent you from taking out high-interest student loans.

How to decide if a master's in civil engineering is right for you

A master's in civil engineering is worth it for many reasons, particularly if you want to:

• Explore new career opportunities.
• Increase your salary potential.
• Gain personal satisfaction.
• Qualify for PhD programs.

You should look beyond a degree's potential benefit before enrolling. Your first job is to determine whether a degree is right for you. Consider whether you:

• Can pay for school.
• Have time for full-time or part-time learning.
• Prefer in-person or virtual learning.
• Need a master's degree to reach your career goals.

Speaking with family and friends can help you make an informed decision. Coworkers are also a great resource, especially those who hold a master's in civil engineering.

If you're concerned about costs, check whether your employer offers a tuition reimbursement program. If so, they may pay for your education if you agree to remain employed with them for a set number of years after earning your degree. If you leave sooner than promised, you may need to pay back some or all of the covered tuition.