ADMISSION CRITERIA
Departmental Admission Criteria
- The applicant must demonstrate the ability to master graduate-level studies. The evaluation is based on a review of the formal application submitted, transcripts from all previous colleges attended, and letters of recommendation.
- All International applicants (unless he/she has earned a degree from a 4-year US college or university) must also provide evidence of adequate proficiency in the English language determined by:
- TOEFL or IELTS examination scores
For complete details, refer to the Application Requirements for all graduate level applicants in the College of Engineering.
- To earn the MSCE degree, the candidate would normally hold a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program or its equivalent. A candidate with a degree in another engineering or related field is eligible provided he/she can present evidence of proficiency in:
- Mathematics
- Basic and engineering science
- Computer literacy
- Engineering design consistent with ABET's Criteria for Basic Level Programs
- In the absence of such evidence, the candidate will be required to complete the undergraduate engineering design courses and their appropriate undergraduate prerequisites, including mathematics and basic science courses consistent with the BSCE program at Villanova. Engineering technology courses cannot be used to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites. The undergraduate courses will be in addition to the graduate courses required for the MSCE degree.
- Are undergrad prerequisite courses offered online via Distance Learning?
We do not offer the undergraduate classes via Distance Learning. These courses are typically day classes. - Are the application requirements the same if a student is only applying for an individual course?
Yes. - How do I know if a prerequisite course is sufficient?
If the course is required at another institution’s ABET-accredited BSCE program, then it is sufficient. Otherwise, the student can refer to the Villanova University Course Catalog to match course descriptions or consult with the CEE Department.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES
“I worked closely with Villanova's faculty on sponsored research projects addressing practical engineering challenges that have been adopted by industry practitioners. My professors cared deeply about my success, encouraged me to pursue my PhD, and were excellent mentors when I later applied for faculty positions in higher education.”
Matt Bandelt, PhD, Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Dept. of Civil & Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology
“I formed close relationships with my professors. The faculty genuinely want to see you succeed. If it were not for them, I would not have ended up in a job that I am excited to go to each and every day.”
Teresa Lord, Project Engineer, Pennoni
“The classes I have taken at Villanova have been extremely beneficial in helping advance my career. The program has rounded out my education and provided better context for the work I do on a daily basis.”
Chris Slick, Structural Engineer, RS Mowery