A group of people celebrating outside.

Civil engineering online master's program
ranked #12 in the nation

February 10, 2026

By Jana Crouch

U.S. News & World Report ranked CSU’s fully online master’s degree in civil engineering as #12 in the nation for 2026, one of the highest-ranked online programs at Colorado State University.

The degree offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering focuses on water resource engineering, preparing current and future professional engineers to address dynamic global water management and infrastructure challenges.

“This ranking reflects the quality of our graduate civil engineering program and the success of our students,” said Susheela Mallipudi, graduate advisor.

“Our goal is to deliver accessible, high-quality engineering education that supports working professionals. We are proud that our online program upholds the same standards of excellence and professional preparation as our on-campus experience.”

The program is ideal for professional engineers seeking to increase their expertise in water resource engineering and management and add a distinguishing credential. Beyond a career jumpstart, engineers can deepen their knowledge of hydrology, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure management.

“I target consulting engineers, public works departments, and city utilities as places where engineers can benefit from the content I provide in water management, infrastructure, and flood control,” Professor Neil Grigg.

Grigg, a CSU civil engineering Ph.D. alum in his 44th year as faculty, was central to the creation of the program in 2007.

“Our good standing did not happen overnight. In the 1980s, the dean of engineering, Lionel Baldwin, perceived the need to deliver graduate instruction to industries via videotape and courier. Now we’re able to reach out to all kinds of professionals and find out what they need and respond to their workplace and professional development needs.”

More from Our Students:

"CSU was a stand-out option for me with its scholastic opportunities and its flexibility for professionals looking to obtain a degree while still working. In my current role, I utilize software I have become familiar with through my studies at CSU to model dam break studies and analyze risk pertaining to Tailings Storage Facilities."
Jo Hartmann

Elko, Nevada

Landry Caver

Austin, Texas

"I have worked in water resources, specifically in water design, designing cross-culverts and detention ponds. While I certainly enjoyed this type of work, I think I'd like to focus more on the water supply and reclamation side. I hope that with this program, I will not only expand my technical knowledge, but also narrow down my focus as well."
"I chose to pursue my masters degree online out of simplicity and ease of access to a reputable program at Colorado State University. Online school brings the amazing professors to me, wherever I am."

Vincent Livengood

Florence, Colorado

Mark Swanson

Beaumont, California

"The program has provided valuable knowledge across many aspects of water resources and management. The coursework has strengthened my technical foundation and helped me bring added expertise to my role, allowing me to contribute confidently as both a leader and a subject-matter professional in the field."
"I chose to pursue my master's to address the skills gap I currently feel between what school prepared me to do and what I am being asked to do in my job."

Malia Alita

Utah County, Utah

Logan Peters

Waikoloa Village, Hawaii

"I hope this degree will add to my military service and differentiate me from my peer group with similar backgrounds, while providing further insight into the engineering industry."
"It's amazing how many organizations have either CSU grads or are actively conducting research with CSU. I've had a significant number of positive tangents in job interviews talking about pursuing a Master's through the university."

Wyatt Espell

???, Washington

About the Department

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at CSU offers undergraduate degrees in civil engineering, construction engineering, and environmental engineering. Graduate degrees include Master of Science, a Master of Engineering, and a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering, as well as several graduate certificates. Graduate students can focus their coursework and research on a range of engineering topics, including construction, environmental, geotechnical, structural, hydrologic, hydraulic, and water resources.