Graduate Degrees in Construction Engineering and Management
Master of Construction Management (MCM)
The Master of Construction Management (MCM) degree is designed for working professionals employed in the construction industry. The courses required for the MCM degree and most other degrees in construction engineering and management are taught in the evening on the Lawrence campus and available online.
The MCM degree program is open to applicants with bachelor’s degrees in architecture, business and other relevant non-engineering fields. A minimum of two years of construction-related employment is preferred for applicants with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than architecture. In general, four-year technology degrees are not acceptable. The GRE examination is not required for applicants for part-time (evening only) graduate study. Applicants for full-time study must submit GRE scores.
As a condition of admission, students may be required to take additional prerequisite courses depending on their previous academic background. These prerequisite courses will be in addition to the degree requirements and must be taken before the construction management course requiring the prerequisite. Prerequisite courses required of all students include courses in probability and statistics and engineering economics or financial analysis.
A student who wishes to enroll in a special-problem or directed reading course must submit a written request to the director of Graduate Studies with a detailed syllabus provided by the instructor. The director of Graduate Studies, along with at least one more faculty member, will review the request to either approve or deny the request. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
(Approved by CEAE faculty on 10/6/2023)
The MCM degree requires 30 credit-hours of graduate coursework*, consisting of 18 hours of core courses and 12 hours of elective courses. The core courses required for the MCM degree are:
- CMGT 700 Construction Project Management
- CMGT 701 Construction Planning & Scheduling
- CMGT 702 Construction Equipment & Methods
- CMGT 703 Construction Quality, Productivity, & Safety
- CMGT 704 Construction Estimating & Bidding
- CMGT 705 Construction Contracts, Bonds & Insurance
- CMGT 706 Construction Alternative Project Delivery Methods
- CMGT 707 Engineering Risk and Decision Analysis
- CMGT 711 Construction Safety
- CMGT 712 Construction Safety Solution Development
- CMGT 713 Request for Proposal in Design and Construction
*KU M.Arch students are eligible for a credit-hour reduction of 6 hours if they have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or greater at the time of admission.
The CEAE Department does NOT offer application fee waivers.
Admission – How to Apply
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs in the CEAE department.
Complete the online application: APPLY
Application Fees are:
Degree-Seeking, Domestic: $65
Degree-Seeking, International: $85
Certificate-Seeking: $30
Non-degree seeking: $30
Permit to Re-enroll: $20
Undergraduate Preparation
An ABET-accredited BS degree in architecture, business and other relevant non-engineering fields, or the equivalent from abroad, is required for admission to the MCM degree.
Transcripts
Before you can be admitted, we must receive an official transcript from each university or college you have attended. The official transcript must be sent directly from the university or college to the KU Graduate Application Processing Center at this address:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
Alternatively, an official electronic transcript can be sent directly from the college or university to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When you submit the online application, a copy of official transcripts may be uploaded to your application. However, we must receive official transcripts by the end of your 1st semester.
GRE Exam
The GRE exam is not required for admission to graduate programs in the CEAE department. However, MS and PhD applicants are strongly recommended to take the exam, as some funding decisions are made that include consideration of GRE scores (analytical, quantitative, and verbal). Admitted students with highly competitive application packages will be considered for GRA/GTA responsibilities, and strong GRE scores are one component of a competitive application package.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, specify the University of Kansas as the institution (institution code 6871) and "engineering, civil" as the department (department code 1102) for all degree programs in the CEAE department.
Recommendations
In the online application, enter the names and e-mail addresses of two persons who will provide recommendations for you. The online application system will send those persons an e-mail with a link to an online recommendation form.
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and statement of purpose to the online application site. The statement of purpose is a brief explanation of your academic and career interests and goals and your desired area of specialization. A statement of purpose is not required for admission to the graduate certificate programs.
International Applicants
International applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet KU’s English proficiency requirements.
For admission to any of the CEAE Department’s graduate degree programs, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 20 or higher.
IELTS – Overall score 6.0 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 5.5 or higher
International applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 23 or higher
IELTS – Overall score 6.5 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 6.0 or higher
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for applicants with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited English-medium U.S. college or university or a college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking province of Canada, or an English-speaking Caribbean country, with instruction conducted in English. Degrees earned online may not be used to verify English proficiency.
All applicants must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report (not student’s copy), with scores achieved not more than two years prior to the requested start date for graduate study. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
When ordering TOEFL scores, specify institution code 6871 and program code 65.
Applicants from institutions that use consolidated mark sheets (as in India and Pakistan) must also provide official copies of individual mark sheets. Applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (as in P.R. China) must provide an official copy of this certificate.
KU International Student Services provides helpful information and assistance to international applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of all required application documents are as follows.
| Deadline/Reviews | Fall/Summer Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadlines (MS and PhD) | December 2 | October 1 |
| Rolling Reviews (all CEAE grad programs | Two business days before start of classes | Two business days before start of classes |
Applications are processed immediately upon receipt of all required documents.
Review of Applications
When we have received all of your required application documents, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review your application. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform you of the committee’s decision by e-mail. You will receive an official notice of the decision from the University a few days later.
You can check your application status online. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application or admission, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
We are happy to visit with you individually and assist you in planning your graduate studies. Contact us to arrange a visit and tour.
CEAE Graduate Director
Jian Li, Ph.D. jianli@ku.edu
CEAE Graduate Program Coordinator
Master of Civil Engineering (MCE)
The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degree is a coursework-only master’s degree in civil engineering for both full-time and evening-only students. Students pursuing the MCE degree can specialize in any of the following areas of civil engineering:
- Construction engineering and management
- Environmental engineering
- Geotechnical engineering and materials
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Water resources engineering
- Power systems engineering
As a full-time student, you can earn the MCE degree in two semesters, starting in either fall or spring!
A bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering is required for admission to the MCE degree program.
Evening-only students specializing in structural engineering can complete all coursework for the Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degree at KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.
The Master of Civil Engineering degree requires 30 semester hours of graduate courses, with a minimum of 9 hours of graduate-level courses in one of the following areas:
- Construction engineering and management
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Geotechnical engineering
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Water resources engineering
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs listed above.
In addition, a minimum of 6 hours of graduate-level work is required in any of the other above departmental areas. Graduate courses offered by the CEAE Department are identified by the prefixes ARCE, CE, and CMGT and are numbered 700 and above. No more than 9 hours of courses from other departments and no more than 6 hours of courses numbered between 500-699 ( of which only 3 hours may be within the department) may be applied toward the MCE degree without approval of the departmental graduate studies committee. No more than 4 hours of special problem credit may be applied toward the MCE degree without approval of the department's graduate advisor.
Courses to be applied toward the MCE degree must be listed on a Plan of Study form approved by the student's graduate advisor, the student's graduate committee, and departmental graduate advisor. All graduate students must have an approved Plan of Study on file by the beginning of their second semester of study.
A student who wishes to enroll in a special-problem or directed reading course must submit a written request to the director of Graduate Studies with a detailed syllabus provided by the instructor. The director of Graduate Studies, along with at least one more faculty member, will review the request to either approve or deny the request. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
(Approved by CEAE faculty on 10/6/2023)
The CEAE Department does NOT offer application fee waivers.
Admission – How to Apply
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs in the CEAE department.
Complete the online application: APPLY
Application Fees are:
Degree-Seeking, Domestic: $65
Degree-Seeking, International: $85
Certificate-Seeking: $30
Non-degree seeking: $30
Permit to Re-enroll: $20
Undergraduate Preparation
An ABET-accredited BS degree in engineering, or the equivalent from abroad, is required for admission to our graduate degree and certificate programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering and architectural engineering.
Transcripts
Before you can be admitted, we must receive an official transcript from each university or college you have attended. The official transcript must be sent directly from the university or college to the KU Graduate Application Processing Center at this address:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
Alternatively, an official electronic transcript can be sent directly from the college or university to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When you submit the online application, a copy of official transcripts may be uploaded to your application. However, we must receive official transcripts by the end of your 1st semester.
GRE Exam Scores - NOTICE: GRE score requirement is waived until spring 2023.
Applicants for the MS graduate program are required to take all three sections of the General GRE (Analytical, Quantitative and Verbal). While our Department does not have a minimum required score for the GRE, most admitted applicants have at least a 155 on the Quantitative Section of the exam. However, decisions to admit are based on a prospective student’s entire application package. Admitted students with highly competitive application packages will be considered for GRA/GTA responsibilities.
Applicants for full-time graduate study must submit GRE scores. The GRE subject exam in engineering is not required.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, specify the University of Kansas as the institution (institution code 6871) and "engineering, civil" as the department (department code 1102) for all degree programs in the CEAE Department.
Recommendations
In the online application, enter the names and e-mail addresses of two persons who will provide recommendations for you. The online application system will send those persons an e-mail with a link to an online recommendation form.
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and statement of purpose to the online application site. The statement of purpose is a brief explanation of your academic and career interests and goals and your desired area of specialization. A statement of purpose is not required for admission to the graduate certificate programs.
International Applicants
International applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet KU’s English proficiency requirements.
For admission to any of the CEAE Department’s graduate degree programs, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 20 or higher.
IELTS – Overall score 6.0 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 5.5 or higher
International applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 23 or higher
IELTS – Overall score 6.5 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 6.0 or higher
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for applicants with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited English-medium U.S. college or university or a college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking province of Canada, or an English-speaking Caribbean country, with instruction conducted in English. Degrees earned online may not be used to verify English proficiency.
All applicants must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report (not student’s copy), with scores achieved not more than two years prior to the requested start date for graduate study. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
When ordering TOEFL scores, specify institution code 6871 and program code 65.
Applicants from institutions that use consolidated mark sheets (as in India and Pakistan) must also provide official copies of individual mark sheets. Applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (as in P.R. China) must provide an official copy of this certificate.
KU International Student Services provides helpful information and assistance to international applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of all required application documents are as follows.
| Deadline/Reviews | Fall/Summer Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadlines (MS and PhD) | December 2 | October 1 |
| Rolling Reviews (all CEAE grad programs | Two business days before start of classes | Two business days before start of classes |
Applications are processed immediately upon receipt of all required documents.
Review of Applications
When we have received all of your required application documents, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review your application. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform you of the committee’s decision by e-mail. You will receive an official notice of the decision from the University a few days later.
You can check your application status online. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application or admission, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
We are happy to visit with you individually and assist you in planning your graduate studies. Contact us to arrange a visit and tour.
CEAE Graduate Director
Jian Li, Ph.D. jianli@ku.edu
CEAE Graduate Program Coordinator
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
The Master of Science (MS) degree in civil engineering is intended primarily for full-time graduate students. It requires a thesis or a final project. The MS Design Option provides a path for completion of the MS degree in two semesters.
Students pursuing the MS degree in civil engineering can specialize in any of the following areas of civil engineering:
Construction engineering and management
Environmental Engineering
Geotechnical engineering and Materials
Structural engineering
Transportation engineering
Water Resources
Students may start their graduate studies in the fall, spring or summer semester (except for students in the MS Design Option, who must start in the fall or spring semester). A bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering is required for admission to the M.S. degree program in civil engineering.
Candidates for the MS degree in civil engineering have 2 options. Option A requires 30 credit-hours including a thesis of 6 hours and a final oral examination including defense of the thesis. Option B requires 30 hours including a 3- or 4-hour special problem investigation in the specialization and a final examination. It does not require a thesis.
The MS degree in civil engineering requires a minimum of 9 hours of graduate-level courses in one of the following areas:
- Construction engineering and management
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental and water resources engineering
- Geotechnical engineering and Materials
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs listed above.
In addition, a minimum of 6 total hours of graduate-level work is required in any 1 or more of the remaining 6 departmental areas.
Courses to be applied toward the MS degree must be listed on a Plan of Study form approved by the student’s major professor and examining committee and the departmental graduate advisor. All graduate students must have an approved Plan of Study on file by the beginning of their second semester of study. Graduate courses offered by the CEAE department are identified by the prefixes CE, ARCE and CMGT and are numbered 700 and above. No more than 9 hours of courses from other departments or more than 6 hours of courses numbered between 500-699 (of which only 3 hours may be within the department) may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
A student who wishes to enroll in a special-problem or directed reading course must submit a written request to the director of Graduate Studies with a detailed syllabus provided by the instructor. The director of Graduate Studies, along with at least one more faculty member, will review the request to either approve or deny the request. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
(Approved by CEAE faculty on 10/6/2023)
The MS Design Option provides the opportunity for you to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering, with an emphasis in design, in one academic year. The degree requires 30 credit-hours of graduate work, and the overall degree requirements are identical to those offered under MS Option B.
Students in the MS Design Option take four regular academic courses in the fall and spring semesters, plus CE 895 Design Special Problems for three credit-hours in the fall semester and two credit-hours in the spring semester, combined with a one credit-hour seminar.
Students in the Design Special Problems section of CE 895 operate as a consulting group. The consulting group is tasked with the design of a major civil engineering project – for example, a large bridge or industrial site. The scope of the work is focused on the enrolled students’ areas of specialization, which may include structural, geotechnical, construction, transportation, environmental and water resources engineering. Practicing engineers help plan the project, provide guidance and review, and critique the students’ work. Students complete design documents and make oral presentations over the course of two semesters. Each student in the MSCE Design Option is advised by a professor in his or her area of technical interest. Academic advisors are selected based on an individual’s area of technical interest.
The CEAE Department does NOT offer application fee waivers.
Admission – How to Apply
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs in the CEAE department.
Complete the online application: APPLY
Application Fees are:
Degree-Seeking, Domestic: $65
Degree-Seeking, International: $85
Certificate-Seeking: $30
Non-degree seeking: $30
Permit to Re-enroll: $20
Undergraduate Preparation
An ABET-accredited BS degree in engineering, or the equivalent from abroad, is required for admission to our graduate degree and certificate programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering and architectural engineering.
Transcripts
Before you can be admitted, we must receive an official transcript from each university or college you have attended. The official transcript must be sent directly from the university or college to the KU Graduate Application Processing Center at this address:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
Alternatively, an official electronic transcript can be sent directly from the college or university to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When you submit the online application, a copy of official transcripts may be uploaded to your application. However, we must receive official transcripts by the end of your 1st semester.
GRE Exam
The GRE exam is not required for admission to graduate programs in the CEAE department. However, MS and PhD applicants are strongly recommended to take the exam, as some funding decisions are made that include consideration of GRE scores (analytical, quantitative, and verbal). Admitted students with highly competitive application packages will be considered for GRA/GTA responsibilities, and strong GRE scores are one component of a competitive application package.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, specify the University of Kansas as the institution (institution code 6871) and "engineering, civil" as the department (department code 1102) for all degree programs in the CEAE department.
Recommendations
In the online application, enter the names and e-mail addresses of three persons who will provide recommendations for you. The online application system will send those persons an e-mail with a link to an online recommendation form.
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and statement of purpose to the online application site. The statement of purpose is a brief explanation of your academic and career interests and goals and your desired area of specialization. A statement of purpose is not required for admission to the graduate certificate programs.
International Applicants
International applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet KU’s English proficiency requirements.
For admission to any of the CEAE Department’s graduate degree programs, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 20 or higher.
IELTS – Overall score 6.0 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 5.5 or higher
International applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 23 or higher
IELTS – Overall score 6.5 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 6.0 or higher
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for applicants with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited English-medium U.S. college or university or a college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking province of Canada, or an English-speaking Caribbean country, with instruction conducted in English. Degrees earned online may not be used to verify English proficiency.
All applicants must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report (not student’s copy), with scores achieved not more than two years prior to the requested start date for graduate study. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
When ordering TOEFL scores, specify institution code 6871 and program code 65.
Applicants from institutions that use consolidated mark sheets (as in India and Pakistan) must also provide official copies of individual mark sheets. Applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (as in P.R. China) must provide an official copy of this certificate.
KU International Student Services provides helpful information and assistance to international applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of all required application documents are as follows.
| Deadline/Reviews | Fall/Summer Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadlines (MS and PhD) | December 2 | October 1 |
| Rolling Reviews (all CEAE grad programs | Two business days before start of classes | Two business days before start of classes |
Applications are processed immediately upon receipt of all required documents.
Review of Applications
When we have received all of your required application documents, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review your application. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform you of the committee’s decision by e-mail. You will receive an official notice of the decision from the University a few days later.
You can check your application status online. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application or admission, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
We are happy to visit with you individually and assist you in planning your graduate studies. Contact us to arrange a visit and tour.
CEAE Graduate Director
Jian Li, Ph.D. jianli@ku.edu
CEAE Graduate Program Coordinator
Many full-time MS students in civil engineering receive financial support from research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships and scholarships. There is no separate application for financial aid. If you are admitted, we will consider you for financial aid. The professors in your desired area of specialization will be informed of your admission and asked to consider you for a graduate research or teaching assistantship. Graduate research assistantships are awarded by individual professors with funded research projects. Graduate teaching assistantships are awarded by the professors in charge of specific courses. Some assistantships are awarded to incoming students; others are awarded to continuing students who have excelled in their studies. Graduate research and teaching assistants are typically employed 50%-time (20 hours per week) and receive payment of tuition and fees in addition to a salary. Many graduate research assistants and teaching assistants also receive a supplemental scholarship or fellowship.
The CEAE Department, the School of Engineering and KU Graduate Studies award a variety of scholarships and fellowships to new graduate students. If you wish to be considered for a specific award, please inform the Professor Caroline Bennett, Director of Graduate Studies, well in advance of the deadline for the award.
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering (MSARCE)
Students pursuing the Master of Science (MS) degree in architectural engineering can specialize in any of the following areas of architectural engineering:
- Building power systems
- Building mechanical systems
- Building illumination and lighting systems
- Building energy efficiency and energy management
- Building acoustical systems
- Construction management
Students who wish to specialize in structural engineering generally pursue the MS degree in civil engineering rather than architectural engineering. The MS degree program in architectural engineering is open to full-time and part-time graduate students. Students may start their graduate studies in the fall, spring or summer semester. A bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering is required for admission to the MS degree program in architectural engineering.
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into the architectural engineering graduate degree program.
Students in the MS in architectural engineering degree program have 3 options. Option A requires 30 credit-hours including 6 hours for preparing a thesis (via ARCE 899) and a final oral examination including defense of the thesis. Option B requires 30 hours including a 3-hour special problem investigation in the student's area of specialization (via ARCE 895) and a final oral examination. Option B requires a project report instead of a thesis. Option C, known informally as the "design option," has the same credit-hour requirements as Option B but can be completed in only two semesters. It includes coursework and a practical design project, report, and presentation.
The MS degree in architectural engineering is intentionally flexible in its course requirements because graduate study in architectural engineering requires specialization in one of many areas of professional practice. Each student works with his or her committee to select appropriate graduate courses that support the research project and the student's career goals. Students can pursue specializations in, for example, building mechanical, energy, electrical, lighting, or structural systems, or construction engineering. Emerging or hybrid specializations such as sustainability, acoustics, or fire safety are also encouraged.
Courses to be applied toward the M.S. degree must be listed on a Plan of Study form approved by the student’s major professor and examining committee and the departmental graduate advisor. All graduate students must have an approved Plan of Study on file by the beginning of their second semester of study. Graduate courses offered by the CEAE department are identified by the prefixes CE, ARCE and CMGT and are numbered 700 and above. No more than 9 hours of courses from other departments or more than 6 hours of courses numbered between 500-699 (of which only 3 hours may be within the department) may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
A student who wishes to enroll in a special-problem or directed reading course must submit a written request to the director of Graduate Studies with a detailed syllabus provided by the instructor. The director of Graduate Studies, along with at least one more faculty member, will review the request to either approve or deny the request. No more than 4 hours of special-problem credit may be applied toward the degree without approval of the department’s graduate advisor.
(Approved by CEAE faculty on 10/6/2023)
The MS Design Option provides the opportunity for you to complete as master’s degree in architectural engineering, with a design emphasis, in one academic year. The degree requires 30 credit-hours of graduate work, and the overall requirements are identical to those offered under the MS Option B. The Design Option requires 27 credit-hours of graduate coursework, a three credit-hour design project resulting in a written report, and a final presentation.
Students in the MS Design Option can take five courses in their first (fall or spring) semester, and four more courses plus ARCE 895 – Master’s Project for three credit-hours in their second semester. If desired, students may take one of the courses and/or the ARCE 895– Master’s Project in the summer.
Students in the MS ARCE Design Option are advised by a professor in an area of mutual technical interest. The topic of the design project in ARCE 895 is agreed upon by the student and the academic advisor. The final presentation is made to the student’s committee, composed of the advisor and two other faculty members.
The CEAE Department does NOT offer application fee waivers.
Admission – How to Apply
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs in the CEAE department.
Complete the online application: APPLY
Application Fees are:
Degree-Seeking, Domestic: $65
Degree-Seeking, International: $85
Certificate-Seeking: $30
Non-degree seeking: $30
Permit to Re-enroll: $20
Undergraduate Preparation
An ABET-accredited BS degree in engineering, or the equivalent from abroad, is required for admission to our graduate degree and certificate programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering and architectural engineering.
Transcripts
Before you can be admitted, we must receive an official transcript from each university or college you have attended. The official transcript must be sent directly from the university or college to the KU Graduate Application Processing Center at this address:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
Alternatively, an official electronic transcript can be sent directly from the college or university to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When you submit the online application, a copy of official transcripts may be uploaded to your application. However, we must receive official transcripts by the end of your 1st semester.
GRE Exam
The GRE exam is not required for admission to graduate programs in the CEAE department. However, MS and PhD applicants are strongly recommended to take the exam, as some funding decisions are made that include consideration of GRE scores (analytical, quantitative, and verbal). Admitted students with highly competitive application packages will be considered for GRA/GTA responsibilities, and strong GRE scores are one component of a competitive application package.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, specify the University of Kansas as the institution (institution code 6871) and "engineering, civil" as the department (department code 1102) for all degree programs in the CEAE department.
Recommendations
In the online application, enter the names and e-mail addresses of three persons who will provide recommendations for you. The online application system will send those persons an e-mail with a link to an online recommendation form.
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and statement of purpose to the online application site. The statement of purpose is a brief explanation of your academic and career interests and goals and your desired area of specialization. A statement of purpose is not required for admission to the graduate certificate programs.
International Applicants
International applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet KU’s English proficiency requirements.
For admission to any of the CEAE Department’s graduate degree programs, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 20 or higher.
IELTS – Overall score 6.0 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 5.5 or higher
International applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 23 or higher
IELTS – Overall score 6.5 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 6.0 or higher
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for applicants with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited English-medium U.S. college or university or a college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking province of Canada, or an English-speaking Caribbean country, with instruction conducted in English. Degrees earned online may not be used to verify English proficiency.
All applicants must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report (not student’s copy), with scores achieved not more than two years prior to the requested start date for graduate study. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Kansas
1502 Iowa Street
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: graduateadm@ku.edu
When ordering TOEFL scores, specify institution code 6871 and program code 65.
Applicants from institutions that use consolidated mark sheets (as in India and Pakistan) must also provide official copies of individual mark sheets. Applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (as in P.R. China) must provide an official copy of this certificate.
KU International Student Services provides helpful information and assistance to international applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of all required application documents are as follows.
| Deadline/Reviews | Fall/Summer Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadlines (MS and PhD) | December 2 | October 1 |
| Rolling Reviews (all CEAE grad programs | Two business days before start of classes | Two business days before start of classes |
Applications are processed immediately upon receipt of all required documents.
Review of Applications
When we have received all of your required application documents, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review your application. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform you of the committee’s decision by e-mail. You will receive an official notice of the decision from the University a few days later.
You can check your application status online. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application or admission, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
We are happy to visit with you individually and assist you in planning your graduate studies. Contact us to arrange a visit and tour.
CEAE Graduate Director
Jian Li, Ph.D. jianli@ku.edu
CEAE Graduate Program Coordinator
Many full-time MS students in architectural engineering receive financial support from research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships and scholarships. There is no separate application for financial aid. If you are admitted, we will consider you for financial aid. The professors in your desired area of specialization will be informed of your admission and asked to consider you for a graduate research or teaching assistantship. Graduate research assistantships are awarded by individual professors with funded research projects. Graduate teaching assistantships are awarded by the professors in charge of specific courses. Some assistantships are awarded to incoming students; others are awarded to continuing students who have excelled in their studies. Graduate research and teaching assistants are typically employed 50%-time (20 hours per week) and receive payment of tuition and fees in addition to a salary. Many graduate research assistants and teaching assistants also receive a supplemental scholarship or fellowship.
The CEAE Department, the School of Engineering and KU Graduate Studies award a variety of scholarships and fellowships to new graduate students. If you wish to be considered for a specific award, please inform the Professor Dennis Lane, Director of Graduate Studies, well in advance of the deadline for the award.
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
Students pursuing the PhD degree in Civil Engineering can specialize in any of the following areas:
- Construction engineering and management
- Geotechnical engineering
- Structural engineering
- Transportation engineering
- Water resources engineering
- Building mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems
Students may start their graduate studies in the fall, spring or summer semester. A bachelor’s degree in a field of engineering is required for admission to the PhD degree program in civil engineering.
Exceptionally well-qualified baccalaureate degree holders may be accepted directly into the fast-track PhD degree program without prior completion of a master’s degree. Students in the fast-track PhD program are not required to write a master’s thesis or complete the MS degree en route to the PhD.
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into the Construction Engineering and Management doctoral degree program.
Doctoral graduate students must satisfy the university’s requirements that apply to all doctoral degrees. These requirements are stated in the "Doctoral Degree Requirements" section of the Academic Catalog. The student also must complete additional requirements of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering.
1. The student must pass a qualifying exam to the satisfaction of a faculty advisory committee. This committee shall consist of the proposed dissertation advisor and at least two other members of the graduate faculty. At least two of the committee members must be CEAE faculty members holding regular graduate faculty status. A student with a master's degree must take the qualifying exam after completion of 12 credit-hours toward the doctoral degree. Students admitted to the doctoral degree program directly from the bachelor's degree must take the qualifying exam after completion of 30 credit-hours toward the doctoral degree. The final examination for a master's degree granted by the KU CEAE Department may also serve as the qualifying exam for the doctoral degree. In this case, the examining committee would make two separate pass/fail decisions: one for the master's exam and another for the doctoral qualifying exam.
2. The student must submit a completed Plan of Study form before the end the first semester of study. The Plan of Study must be approved by the advisory committee identified in Item 1 above and must list the following:
(a) The course work to be completed. The amount of course work required for the doctoral degree depends on the student’s needs and level of preparation. The student’s advisory committee will decide how many credit-hours of course work are needed and may require specific courses. The course-work requirement may not be less than 24 credit-hours beyond the master’s degree, or 48 credit-hours beyond the bachelor’s degree for students without a master’s degree.
(b) One proposed foreign language or research skill. Any course work taken to satisfy the foreign language or research skill requirement shall be in addition to the course work required in item 2(a).
(c) The student's dissertation topic or the general area proposed for the dissertation.
3. A minimum of 6 hours of research credit (CE 991 and CE 999 combined) are required. The student should enroll in CE 991 before passage of the comprehensive exam and CE 999 thereafter. The student’s enrollment in research hours should reflect the demand on the research advisor’s time.
4. A student who wishes to enroll in a special-problem or directed reading course must submit a written request to the director of Graduate Studies with a detailed syllabus provided by the instructor. The director of Graduate Studies, along with at least one more faculty member, will review the request to either approve or deny the request.
(Approved by CEAE faculty on 10/6/2023)
The CEAE Department does NOT offer application fee waivers.
Admission – How to Apply
A minimum of 3.0 GPA is required for admission into any of the graduate degree programs in the CEAE department.
Complete the online application: APPLY
Application Fees are:
Degree-Seeking, Domestic: $65
Degree-Seeking, International: $85
Certificate-Seeking: $30
Non-degree seeking: $30
Permit to Re-enroll: $20
Undergraduate Preparation
An ABET-accredited BS degree in engineering, or the equivalent from abroad, is required for admission to our graduate degree and certificate programs in civil engineering, environmental engineering and architectural engineering.
Transcripts
Before you can be admitted, we must receive an official transcript from each university or college you have attended. The official transcript must be sent directly from the university or college to the KU Graduate Application Processing Center at this address:
Graduate Application Processing Center
313 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
Email: gapc@ku.edu
Alternatively, an official electronic transcript can be sent directly from the college or university to the Graduate Program Coordinator.
When you submit the online application, a copy of official transcripts may be uploaded to your application. However, we must receive official transcripts by the end of your 1st semester.
GRE Exam
The GRE exam is not required for admission to graduate programs in the CEAE department. However, MS and PhD applicants are strongly recommended to take the exam, as some funding decisions are made that include consideration of GRE scores (analytical, quantitative, and verbal). Admitted students with highly competitive application packages will be considered for GRA/GTA responsibilities, and strong GRE scores are one component of a competitive application package.
When you request a GRE score report from ETS, specify the University of Kansas as the institution (institution code 6871) and "engineering, civil" as the department (department code 1102) for all degree programs in the CEAE department.
Recommendations
In the online application, enter the names and e-mail addresses of three persons who will provide recommendations for you. The online application system will send those persons an e-mail with a link to an online recommendation form.
Resume and Statement of Purpose
Upload your resume and statement of purpose to the online application site. The statement of purpose is a brief explanation of your academic and career interests and goals and your desired area of specialization. A statement of purpose is not required for admission to the graduate certificate programs.
International Applicants
International applicants who are non-native English speakers must meet KU’s English proficiency requirements.
For admission to any of the CEAE Department’s graduate degree programs, international applicants must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 20 or higher.
IELTS – Overall score 6.0 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 5.5 or higher
International applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores that meet the following requirements:
TOEFL – Reading, listening and writing part scores all 23 or higher
IELTS – Overall score 6.5 or higher, with reading, listening and writing part scores all 6.0 or higher
TOEFL or IELTS scores are not required for applicants with a baccalaureate degree (or higher) earned in residence from an accredited English-medium U.S. college or university or a college or university in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, English-speaking province of Canada, or an English-speaking Caribbean country, with instruction conducted in English. Degrees earned online may not be used to verify English proficiency.
All applicants must submit an official TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo score report (not student’s copy), with scores achieved not more than two years prior to the requested start date for graduate study. Submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to:
Office of Graduate Studies
213 Strong Hall
1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence KS 66045-7535
graduateadm@ku.edu
When ordering TOEFL scores, specify institution code 6871 and program code 65.
Applicants from institutions that use consolidated mark sheets (as in India and Pakistan) must also provide official copies of individual mark sheets. Applicants from institutions that use diploma award certificates (as in P.R. China) must provide an official copy of this certificate.
KU International Student Services provides helpful information and assistance to international applicants.
Deadlines
Deadlines for submission of all required application documents are as follows.
| Deadline/Reviews | Fall/Summer Semester | Spring Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Deadlines (MS and PhD) | December 2 | October 1 |
| Rolling Reviews (all CEAE grad programs | Two business days before start of classes | Two business days before start of classes |
Applications are processed immediately upon receipt of all required documents.
Review of Applications
When we have received all of your required application documents, the Graduate Admissions Committee will review your application. The Director of Graduate Studies will inform you of the committee’s decision by e-mail. You will receive an official notice of the decision from the University a few days later.
You can check your application status online. If you have any questions or issues regarding your application or admission, please contact the Graduate Program Coordinator.
We are happy to visit with you individually and assist you in planning your graduate studies. Contact us to arrange a visit and tour.
CEAE Graduate Director
Jian Li, Ph.D. jianli@ku.edu
CEAE Graduate Program Coordinator
Construction Management Graduate Certificate
The objective of the certificate program is to allow students to broaden and deepen their knowledge in the area of Construction Engineering and Management, while learning the most up-to-date theory and techniques used in practice.
The certificate program offers an opportunity for engineering and science practitioners to enhance their skills in Construction Engineering and Management without having to apply for and complete a Master’s degree.
The program consists of four courses (12 credit hours).
Four (4) courses from the selected list are required to complete the certificate. Courses satisfying the Certificate Requirements:
- CMGT 700 Construction Project Management
- CMGT 701 Construction Planning and Scheduling
- CMGT 702 Construction Equipment and Methods
- CMGT 703 Construction Quality, Productivity, and Safety
- CMGT 704 Construction Estimating and Bidding
- CMGT 705 Construction Contracts, Bonds, and Insurance
- CMGT 706 Construction Alternative Project Delivery Methods
- CMGT 707 Engineering Risk and Decision Analysis
- CMGT 711 Construction Safety
- CMGT 712 Construction Safety Solution Development
- CMGT 713 Request for Proposal in Design and Construction
The completion requirements of the graduate certificate in Construction Engineering and Management include: (a) the minimum grade for any course to be applied toward the certificate is a grade of B; and (b) no credits may be transferred from another institution for this certificate.
Applicants with baccalaureate degrees in engineering are expected to have undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale for regular admission to this graduate certificate program. An undergraduate grade-point average of 3.3 or higher is expected for applicants with baccalaureate degrees in other fields.