Engineering students work on a simulated steel bridge

4+1 Degree in Civil Engineering

Combined Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Civil Engineering

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Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Overview

Bridges, roads, roofs, airports: Wherever you go, you’ll see the work of civil engineers. We design, build, and maintain the foundation and infrastructure for our world, from interstate highways, suspension bridges, high-rise buildings, and energy systems to seaports, airports and community centers.

Purdue University Northwest’s combined Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program allows outstanding undergraduate students to expand their studies by completing both degrees at an accelerated pace.

Department of Mechanical and Civil Engineering

If you’re a hard-working, dedicated engineering student who has decided to pursue graduate study, we offer an option that makes the best use of your time and schedule.

The 4+1 combined option means you will receive both your bachelor’s AND master’s degrees in just five years.

That means you can save a whole year of studying and paying tuition and be that much closer to your next big step: starting your career!

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Curriculum

This 4+1 combined Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) program enables you to earn both degrees in five years instead of the six that are required to complete these degrees separately.

As a 4+1 student, you’ll broaden your studies at an accelerated pace, improve your career prospects and gain a competitive advantage in a dynamic field.

Build a foundation of engineering knowledge with mechanics and calculus courses.

Civil Engineering 4+1 Course of Study

Sample Courses

  • MA 16300 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry I
  • MA 16400 – Integrated Calculus Analysis Geometry II
  • PHYS 15200 – Mechanics

Expand your knowledge through courses in multivariate calculus, statics and materials used in the civil engineering discipline.

Civil Engineering 4+1 Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • MA 26100 – Multivariate Calculus
  • CE 0400 – Civil Engineering Materials
  • CE 27101 – Basic Mechanics I (Statics)

Dive into structural analysis, environmental engineering and hydrology.

Civil Engineering 4+1 Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • CE 33400 – Structural Analysis I
  • CE 35400 – Introduction to Environmental Engineering
  • CE 34200 – Engineer Hydrology and Hydraulics

Engage in a hands-on project in a two-semester capstone experience; take nine hours of graduate classes toward your MSE degree.

Civil Engineering 4+1 Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • CE 42900 – Senior Engineering Design I
  • CE 43900 – Senior Engineering Design II

In year five, you can choose the non-thesis option (21 credit hours of classes) or to complete a thesis (with nine hours of thesis-focused classes and 12 additional credit hours).

Civil Engineering 4+1 Course of Study

 

Sample Courses

  • CE 32300 – Soil Engineering
  • CE 34200 – Engineering Hydrology and Hydraulics

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Highlights

The combined program allows you to use nine credits of graduate level courses (approved by a graduate advisor or the graduate committee of the MCE department) to satisfy both the BS and MS graduation requirements.

This reduces the number of required credits for the combined BSCE+MSE degree to 143, making it possible for you to complete both degrees in five years.

PNW Lion Statue with a brick wall in the background Two students pose in commencement regalia in front of the Nils Building

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you’ll become a competent and engaged professional in the field of civil engineering, who can:

  • Continue developing professionally
  • Demonstrate teamwork and leadership skills
  • Contribute meaningfully to your profession
  • Recognize the societal, ethical and global impact of your work

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Career Paths

Civil engineers work in a variety of industries and roles, including:

  • Project management
  • Field works
    Consulting
  • Research
  • Computer aided design

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

We encourage you to get involved in activities like:

  • American Society of Civil Engineers
  • Society of Women Engineers
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

See All Student Organizations

Civil Engineering 4+1 Degree Program Employers

Our alumni work with some of the most innovative organizations across the region and around the world, including:

  • ArcelorMittal Steel
  • BP
  • Caterpillar
  • NIPSCO
  • NIES Engineering
  • INDOT
PNW Alum Hugo Cedeno

PNW prepared me not only for my doctoral studies but also for my future career in the industry. I developed research skills and improved my ability to solve realistic problems that are faced by engineers and managers in the industry.

Hugo Cedeno
Ph.D., Civil Engineering and Computational Science, Fall ’20

Meet the Faculty

Bruce Berdanier

Bruce W. Berdanier, Ph.D., PE, PS

Dean, College of Engineering and Sciences | Director, School of Engineering

I am currently the Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences at Purdue University Northwest.

Veera Gnaneswar Gude, Ph.D., P.E., BCEE, D.WRE, F.ASCE, F.EWRI

NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment | Director, PNW Water Institute

Veera Gnaneswar Gude is NiSource-Meyer Charitable Foundation Professor of Energy and the Environment and Director of Purdue University Northwest Water Institute (PWI). He is a professional engineer and a board-certified environmental engineer.

Subbarao Majety

Subbarao Venkata Majety, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice and Director of the Design Studio

Subbarao Venkata Majety is an Assistant Professor of Practice in Civil Engineering and director of the Design Studio at Purdue University Northwest.

Kimia Mortezaei

Kimia Mortezaei, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Practice

TarfuleaNicoleta

Nicoleta E. Tarfulea, Ph.D.

Department Chair, Mathematics and Statistics

Nicoleta Tarfulea is a Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Wubeshet Woldemariam

Wubeshet Woldemariam, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Civil Engineering

Wubeshet Woldemariam is an assistant professor of civil engineering in the mechanical and civil engineering department. His research and teaching focus on transportation and infrastructure planning.

Two students work on a formula SAE car outside of the PNW Design Studio

Earn a Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Civil Engineering at PNW

Our graduate studies staff is ready to help you take the next step! Contact us at (219) 989-2257 or grad@pnw.edu to see how PNW’s flexible programs can meet your needs.