CEE-MS - Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS)

Our Master of Science (MS) programs are terminal degree programs for those seeking advanced knowledge in a focused civil and environmental engineering discipline to pursue a career in industry or another professional degree. The MS degree is coursework-based. Our Master’s degrees are offered under the general regulations of the university as outlined in the Stanford Bulletin.

The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering offers Master’s degrees in five areas of specialization, as shown below.

Many fundamental skills and bodies of knowledge are the foundation of all areas of specialization in a modern CEE graduate education. These cross-cutting courses are accessible to students in any program.

The Master’s program consists of core courses, technical electives, seminars, and unrestricted electives to deepen knowledge and learning.

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) offers MS  degrees structured in five areas of study.

• Atmosphere/Energy

• Structural Engineering & Mechanics and Computation

• Sustainable Design and Construction

• Environmental Engineering 

• Sustainable Engineered Systems

Atmosphere/Energy (A/E)

Stanford University’s Atmosphere/Energy MS degree program bridges the gap between the two key Civil and Environmental Engineering disciplines. This program aims to mitigate atmospheric problems by increasing the efficiency with which energy is used‚ optimizing the use of natural energy resources, and understanding the effects of energy technologies on the atmosphere.

Environmental Engineering (EnvEng)

The Environmental Engineering MS degree program emphasizes applying fundamental principles to analyze complex environmental problems and devise effective solutions. With this education, graduates of our program can deal effectively with new environmental issues as they emerge and meet the challenges created globally by increasing urbanization, population growth, and ecological degradation.

Structural Engineering & Mechanics (SEM)

Previously called Structural Engineering & Geomechanics, there are no changes to academic requirements for current students already admitted to Structural Engineering & Geomechanics. The Structural Engineering and Mechanics MS degree program offers courses in various areas related to structural analysis and design, geomechanics, engineering informatics, hazard risk and reliability, structural mechanics and materials, and structural sensing, monitoring, and data analytics for the built environment.

Sustainable Design & Construction (SDC)

The Sustainable Design and Construction MS degree program prepares students for careers in the built environment: designing, building, and managing sustainable buildings and infrastructure to maximize their lifecycle economic value and net contribution to environmental and social functions and services.

Sustainable Engineered Systems (SES)

The Sustainable Engineered Systems MS degree program, available exclusively in a hybrid online/on-campus format, is designed for students who want to gain advanced knowledge of the sustainability of civil and environmental engineering systems and data science along with a specialization in structural and material systems, sustainable construction systems, environmental engineering systems, or atmospheric and energy systems.

Applications require online submission of the application form and statement of purpose, followed by three letters of recommendation and transcripts of all courses taken at colleges and universities. See https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/. Further details for each of the programs in the department are available on the department website.  See: https://cee.stanford.edu/. 

The department maintains a program of merit-based financial aid for graduate students. Merit-based financial aid can consist of teaching assistantships and/or research assistantships and  fellowships. Applicants who are interested in being considered for merit based financial aid should indicate so on the application under the appropriate section.