A gateway to the Pacific Rim, Vancouver is one of the best places to live and learn. The Department of Civil Engineering at UBC Vancouver is renowned for its dedication to world-class research and state-of-the art facilities. This status is in large part thanks to our graduate students and we continue to seek outstanding applicants to maintain and strengthen our contributions to society.
At the graduate level we offer one course-based degree, the Master of Engineering (MEng), and two research-based degrees, the Master of Applied Science (MASc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Taken together, there are 9 different specialization options across these programs. The Department also participates in two Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL) programs offered by the Faculty of Applied Science.
On this page you will find:
- Degree comparison
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
- Master of Applied Science (MASc)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)
Degree comparison
| MEng | MEL | MASc | PhD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | Master of Engineering | Master of Engineering Leadership | Master of Applied Science | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Type | Professional | Professional | Research | Research |
| Duration (on average) | 8 – 16 months | 12 months | 2 years | 4 years |
| Specializations | • Environmental Systems Engineering • Geotechnical Engineering • Hydrotechnical Engineering • Project & Construction Management • Structural & Earthquake Engineering • Transportation Engineering | • Integrated Water Management • Urban Systems: Infrastructure for Resilient Cities | • Environmental Fluid Mechanics • Environmental Systems Engineering • Geo-Environmental Engineering • Geotechnical Engineering • Hydrotechnical Engineering • Project & Construction Management • Structural & Earthquake Engineering • Structural Materials Engineering • Transportation Engineering | • Environmental Fluid Mechanics • Environmental Systems Engineering • Geo-Environmental Engineering • Geotechnical Engineering • Hydrotechnical Engineering • Project & Construction Management • Structural & Earthquake Engineering • Structural Materials Engineering • Transportation Engineering |
| Components | Coursework | • Coursework • Business and leadership training | • Coursework • Thesis | • Coursework • Dissertation |
| Financial Eligibility | May apply for teaching assistantships | Scholarships are available based upon submitted application | • Teaching assistantships • Scholarships • Graduate awards | • Teaching assistantships • Scholarships • Graduate awards (Minimum funding of $22,000 CDN guaranteed) |
| Co-op | Available but not guaranteed (approx. 4-8 month work terms) | Available for MEL in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering only | N/A | N/A |
Master of Engineering (MEng)
The MEng program is a non-thesis, course-based professional program designed for students who would like to further their studies in Civil Engineering without pursuing research. The program requires completion of at least 30 credits of coursework beyond the Bachelor’s degree level. In addition to the 30 credits of required coursework, some specialty groups may require a project to be completed in partial fulfillment of the degree requirements.
Master of Applied Science (MASc)
The thesis-based MASc is a traditional research-based degree taken over two years of full-time study. The program includes a total of 18 credits (or more) of coursework and the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The MASc is the recommended course of study for students who are interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The thesis-based MASc is a traditional research-based degree taken over two years of full-time study. The program includes a total of 18 credits (or more) of coursework and the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The MASc is the recommended course of study for students who are interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.
Master of Engineering Leadership (MEL)
The thesis-based MASc is a traditional research-based degree taken over two years of full-time study. The program includes a total of 18 credits (or more) of coursework and the completion of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member. The MASc is the recommended course of study for students who are interested in eventually pursuing a PhD.