Program

Where can I learn about the graduate program?

The best resource to learn about the graduate program is the CAEE Graduate Program Handbook. The handbook covers all program requirements, including detailed information about coursework, milestones, supervisor selection and general departmental information. All questions about the program should be directed first to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Can I transfer coursework?

UT Austin permits the transfer of up to six hours of coursework to the MSE, as long as those courses do not count toward another conferred degree. Ph.D. students who earned an MSE or completed graduate-level coursework prior to admittance at UT Austin are eligible to receive credit for up to six hours of coursework toward the Ph.D. program of work.

How can I schedule a visit with the department?

Due to the overwhelming number of requests to visit our department, we do not conduct individual visits. Applicants who are offered admission may have the opportunity to visit during recruitment events. To meet with a faculty member outside of a recruitment event, contact them directly.

I am currently a graduate student at The University of Texas Austin. Can I complete a Change of Major application to apply to CAEE?

Change of major applications are not accepted. You must apply to the program even if you are currently a UT graduate student.

Am I required to have an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering to apply?

The department accepts students from a variety of backgrounds, including engineering, natural sciences, geology, math, physics, computer science and more. We recommend that students complete a number of college-level prerequisites at the time of application.

What professional development and extracurricular activities are available for students?

Our students participate in national and departmental engineering organizations and serve in leadership roles in the CAEE Graduate Advisory Board, Graduate Student Assembly, Graduate Engineering Council and other student organizations. Our department hosts graduate student symposia and students are encouraged to attend seminars in any areas related to their work. A number of students attend and present at national and international conferences each year and the department offers travel awards to assist with costs.

What are the requirements to enter the graduate program?

Learn more about UT Austin's graduate program requirements.

How long does it typically take to finish the degree?

The time to completion varies but averages five to six years for the Ph.D. degree and two to three years for the MSE degree while studying full-time.

I've contacted faculty and haven't received a response. What do I do now?

Our faculty teaches, researches and travels often. Follow up with them. If you still cannot get in touch, you may This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Who are the faculty in the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering?

Learn more by exploring our full faculty directory.

What are the application statistics for your department?

The University of Texas at Austin compiles and maintains application statistics for each department and college.

How do I apply to the EWRE PH.D. program? The application to EWRE only offers the MSE option.

Students seeking a Ph.D. in EWRE should apply for the Ph.D. in civil engineering. At UT Austin, the civil engineering Ph.D. is the umbrella program for all Ph.D. research areas, including EWRE.

I have questions that are not answered on the website or the CAEE Graduate Program Handbook. Who should I contact?

Contact the CAEE This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Admissions

When is the application due and when should I submit it?

Applications for fall admission are due December 15 each year. After submitting the initial application and paying the application fee, it takes up to 48 hours to receive the link to upload the required documents. Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials are received on time.

Can I submit materials late?

Yes, you may submit materials after the priority deadline of December 15, but we strongly recommend that you submit all materials ahead of the deadline for admissions purposes.

Do I have to take the TOEFL?

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS and submit official, valid, unexpired scores as part of the application process. The score must be valid at the application deadline. Some international applicants may be exempt from the TOEFL.

Is there an application fee waiver?

Some U.S. students are eligible for a fee waiver.

Where do I send paper/print documentation?

All application materials must be submitted online. If you must submit paper documents, send all materials to Graduate and International Admissions.

Can you tell me the status of my application?

Applicants may check their application and materials submission on the MyStatus page.

Can you confirm that the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) have received materials?

The department cannot confirm that application materials have been received. You may check the MyStatus page for updates related to any application materials.

I am concerned my references will not be submitted by the deadline. What do I do?

After entering your recommender's information in the application, an automatic email will be sent to them with instructions for submitting their recommendation online. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that reference letters are submitted prior to the deadline.

Once you have submitted your application, you can use the self-service feature on the MyStatus page to resend the Request for Reference email to your recommenders, if necessary. You can use this site to supply an alternate email, such as Gmail, if your recommender's spam filter blocks the original request or has removed the link. Submitting an early application will ensure your recommendation letters are received by the deadline.

When will I know my admission status?

You will receive notification typically by the end of March for fall admission, or October for spring admission.

I am an international student. What additional requirements must I fulfill? If I am accepted, what paperwork do I need to complete?

Review our admissions page to learn more about the required application materials. You should also review the International Student and Scholar Services page. Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must apply using the domestic application. Students who are permanent residents of the U.S. are not required to submit TOEFL scores.

My GRE or TOEFL scores expire before the application deadline. If I apply before they expire, will they still count?

Your scores must be valid at the application deadline.

I applied last year and wasn't accepted. Can you provide me with specific feedback on my application?

We receive a large number of competitive applications each year and are not able to provide individualized feedback. Know that every applicant's materials are reviewed. Coursework, GPAs, scores, references, personal statements and CVs are all heavily considered in the admissions process.

How do I submit my transcripts as part of the application for admission? Do I need official transcripts?

UT Austin provides information and instructions on how to submit transcripts. Official transcripts must be uploaded through MyStatus. No unofficial documents will be accepted.

I can't find the application on ApplyTexas. Where is it?

The Cockrell School of Engineering uses a separate application and does not accept the ApplyTexas application.

Do you have a cut-off or minimum for the GRE?

No, we do not use cut-off scores or exclude applications based on GRE scores. All applications received are reviewed using a holistic process.

Can I apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin?

Yes, you may apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin.

Funding

What funding will I receive if admitted?

Many admitted students will not receive an offer of funding prior to starting the program, particularly in the M.S. degree plan. If faculty extend an offer of funding, it is typically sent after the initial letter of admission.

How do I apply for a fellowship, teaching assistant, or graduate research assistant position?

If admitted, the department may nominate you for institutional fellowships. You will be contacted if we need additional information or materials from you; there is no additional form to complete. Students who are not funded by a fellowship may be offered a teaching assistantship (TA) or graduate research assistantship (GRA) after admittance as recommended by the faculty.

Although not guaranteed, MSE students may apply for TA or GRA positions in CAEE and related departments to earn a stipend, funding toward tuition and fees and health insurance coverage. The Graduate School provides more information about student employment policies. Faculty will make all decisions regarding hiring in these positions; the CAEE department does not centralize the hiring process.

What is the requirement to become a TA or GRA?

Students are not required to work, but the Graduate School Office provides certain conditions for employment.

What is the minimum stipend for TAs and GRAs?

Incoming CAEE Ph.D. students' GRA stipend rate is about $26,000 per year. The stipend may be supplemented with fellowships from the Cockrell School of Engineering. Stipends amounts are checked annually and typically increase in small increments each year. MSE students who earn a position as a TA or GRA will receive commensurate stipend rates as well.

Will I receive any other benefits of employment?

Student academic employees (TAs and GRAs) receive a tuition reduction benefit and are eligible for UT's employee health insurance.

Are MSE students funded?

Master's students are not guaranteed support but may work as a TA or GRA.

Should I apply for financial aid?

It depends on your circumstances since funding is often not offered before admission. U.S. students may apply through the FAFSA.

Is there any financial support for traveling to conferences and meetings?

The department nominates students for travel awards to attend major professional meetings in the fall, spring and summer sessions. Depending on the funding available, supervisors may also provide support for their students.

Am I required to pay taxes?

Departmental staff cannot provide tax guidance to students, but the Graduate School Offices offer tax consideration resources