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The Charles W. Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction


Academics: M.S. in Construction

Master of Science in Construction (M.S.)

The Master of Science in Construction degree was designed to provide a conduit for professionals working in the construction industry to obtain an advanced degree. Students normally live/work near the Lincoln/Omaha area while completing their studies. Students applying to complete this degree typically continue working on a full or part-time basis for their organization. There are generally no graduate assistantships, fellowships or stipends associated with pursuing this degree.

The Master of Science in Construction is currently awarded only after completing coursework on the UNL College of Engineering's Lincoln or Omaha campus.

Note: This degree does not qualify an individual for a P.E. license in the state of Nebraska.

Minimum Undergraduate Requirements for M.S. in Construction

Basics (12 credits)

  • Science course with lab (Physics or Chemistry)
  • Calculus I (Differential Calculus - 5 hours minimum)
  • Statistics

Construction (9 credits)

  • Mechanical and/or Electrical Systems (3 hours minimum)
  • Conceptual and Detailed Estimating (6 hours minimum)

Forces, Materials and Structures (12 credits)

  • Statics, Strength of Materials and Structures (6 hours minimum)
  • TOTAL: 33 semester hours
Students lacking some of the above courses may be provisionally admitted with deficiencies. Deficiencies must be removed by the end of two semesters of graduate study.

Degree Requirements and Course Information

For complete information concerning degree requirements and courses: (.pdf) (.doc)

Admission Requirements

The M.S. degree program is designed for those who have a B.S. in the fields of construction management, civil engineering, industrial engineering, architecture, architectural engineering or other construction-related fields.

The grade point average (GPA) criterion for admission to the Master of Science program with full standing requires a baccalaureate degree in engineering with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale. Students who have a GPA close to the required value and who are judged to have the capability of successfully completing the program may be provisionally admitted.

  • Unofficial transcripts must be submitted for application review. Official transcripts are required from all admitted and enrolled students. See website for more details: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/reqs.shtml#transcripts
  • Three letters of reference educators or supervisors who familiar with applicant’s work but not related to the applicant
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose with proposed area of study clearly outlined (2 page maximum)
  • GRE score
  • FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
    • TOEFL score: 550 Paper Based Test, 213 Computer Based Test, 79 Internet Based Test (Note: International students from countries where English is not an official or native language are required to take the TOEFL if they did not graduate from a U.S. based university of higher education or if their education was not primarily in English. If submitting IELTS test score instead of TOEFL, a minimum score of 6.2 is required.) For more information concerning UNL's English proficiency requirements see: http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/prospective/international/english.

The College of Engineering does not accept hard copies of application documents, other than official transcripts and test scores. All supporting documents should be uploaded through the applicant’s personal web portal on GAMES using the unique login credentials. After applying online, you will receive an email with instructions concerning how to use GAMES.

Application Deadline:

  • Fall: February 15
  • Spring: October 15
  • Summer: February 15

For general questions, contact: udurhams@unlnotes.unl.edu