Graduate Students With a Degree Outside of Engineering
We welcome students with a wide range of backgrounds interested in pursuing graduate studies in engineering at Carnegie Mellon.
While most of our program applicants have engineering backgrounds, we also frequently accept students who have completed undergraduate degrees in mathematics and science. This is not an exhaustive list but it includes:
Math and Science Background Expected for All Entering Students:
| 1 Semester | General Chemistry |
| 2 Semesters | Calculus |
| 1 Semester | Differential Equations |
| 2 Semesters | Physics |
| 1 Semester | Biology (or other science) |
| 1 Semester |
Probability and Statistics or 1 semester Linear Algebra |
| 1 Semester | Computer Programming, Applications or Tools |
Make-Up Requirements for MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering
To pursue the standard MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering degree you will need to complete four basic undergraduate engineering courses, in addition to the courses required for the graduate degree.
These makeup requirements have been put in place to make sure that you have the necessary groundwork for more advanced engineering studies at the graduate level. Your faculty advisor may consider replacing these courses with similar or closely related ones, but this will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
Please note that the undergraduate makeup courses should be completed in addition to the minimum graduate unit requirements of your enrolled program.
Required Makeup Courses for students with a degree outside of engineering:
| 12-320 |
Engineering Mechanics |
| 12-335 |
Soil Mechanics |
| 12-355 |
Fluid Mechanics |
| 12-411 |
Project Management Construction |
From Campus to Career
Embracing Change: Jason Clouse's Career Pivot into Engineering
Jason Clouse (MS '22), a former finance professional, began looking for a program that could help him to transition into a civil engineering career—without having to start over completely. He found a suitable fit due to his love for math and physics and benefited from streamlined fundamentals classes designed for career changers like him.
“The CEE program at CMU, particularly my professors and advisors, opened my eyes to a career path I hadn’t even considered prior to my enrollment.”
Additional Degree Options
We provide alternative degree options that do not have undergraduate makeup requirements. However, some of these programs may still require additional coursework to ensure students have the appropriate background knowledge for specific graduate courses.
These degree options are as follows:
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering oversees the administration of these interdisciplinary degree programs. Each program can typically be completed within three semesters or fewer, depending on the amount of required or desired undergraduate coursework. With guidance from your advisor, you have the freedom to select your courses; however, your curriculum must be approved by the CEE Department Head.