The program is an opportunity to complete the requirements for the two degrees in a five-year span. Completing the MS degree usually requires 1.5 to 2 years full time beyond the BS degree.
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a combined B.S./M.S. program that will allow outstanding students to earn both BSCE and MSCE degrees in a five-year program. This accelerated program enables undergraduate students to begin their graduate experience at an earlier date and thereby receive both a more challenging education and the rewards of advanced learning activities. The required research activities will enhance a student’s record of achievement such that it exceeds that of most undergraduate students nationwide. This opportunity is not open to all undergraduates, but those who do qualify will find the BS/MS experience very rewarding. This combined program does not compromise the requirements for either the BS degree or the MS degree.
REQUIREMENTS
The BS/MS opportunity is only available to students who are currently enrolled in our department. Students will complete all of the normal requirements for both the BS and MS degrees, but in a reduced time period because two courses count towards the requirements for both degrees. The minimum requirements for acceptance into this combined program are:
- At least a 3.50 GPA at the time of admission.
- No more than 24 credits of ENCE courses remaining for the B.S. degree.
- No more than 6 credits of GenEd requirements remaining for the B.S. degree
- The applicant must have completed at least two semesters of CEE course work on campus prior to applying for admission to the BS/MS program. ·
If you opt to complete the BS/MS program, a M.S. thesis is required for the M.S. degree.
APPLICATION
To apply for admission to the program, the student should complete the attached forms and submit them to Dr. McCuen (room 1170).

Dr. Natasha Andrade
Associate Chair for Undergraduate Programs
Senior Lecturer
FAQs
What is the B.S./M.S. program?
What are the advantages of participating in the program?
Obviously, the reduced time to earn the graduate degree is the principal benefit. However, those involved in the program also have the opportunity to become involved in research as an undergraduate and replace two undergraduate classes with up to two graduate courses while still enrolled as an undergraduate.
What are the disadvantages of the BS/MS program?
The program does not have any disadvantages. You get to enroll in two graduate-level courses in your senior year, which provides you with the opportunity to experience graduate-level work before actually being a graduate student. These courses will be focused on your primary career interest. They will, of course, be more challenging than the undergraduate courses that you have had in the past.
Who is eligible for the BS/MS Program?
Acceptance into the program requires a 3.50 GPA or better based on your UMCP record and junior-year or senior-year status. The student must have completed at least two semesters of CEE undergraduate work at UMCP.
When should I think seriously about the program?
Planning ideally would start in the sophomore year. If you do not plan early enough, you may not be able to take full advantage of the program.
When should I apply for admission to the program?
The best time to apply is during the semester before you have two semesters remaining; however, you can apply if you only have one semester remaining. We cannot admit you into the BS/MS program if you have more than three semesters remaining. However, if you are fairly certain that you will apply to the program, you should talk with one of the undergraduate academic advisors much earlier in your program to ensure that you properly allocate the technical electives to be filled with the two graduate courses.
What is the admission procedure?
If you meet the qualifications, discuss the option with a faculty member in your technical specialty, complete the attached application form, and submit it to Dr. McCuen.
Do I need to select a faculty research advisor before applying for the BS/MS program?
No, the graduate courses replace the free elective slots in the undergraduate program. They cannot be used to replace the in-track core courses or the out-of-track electives.Yes and no! It is not a strict requirement, but it is definitely to your advantage to have an advisor who is committed to serving as your academic and research advisor when you attend graduate school. The two graduate courses that you select should be approved by the faculty member who will serve as your research advisor, as these courses may be needed to complete the research on time. While it is not a firm commitment, it is advisable to become involved in a faculty member’s research as soon as possible. If you have no idea of an advisor, you should see the technical group leader for your track, as follows:
Environmental: Dr. Davis
Geotechnical: Dr. Aggour
Project Management: Dr. Cui
Structures: Dr. P. Chang
Transportation: Dr. Schonfeld
Water Resources: Dr. McCuen
Do I have to take the GREs before applying to the BS/MS program?
No! You will need to take the GREs before you apply for graduate school, but that is a separate application process. Admittance to the BS/MS program does not automatically admit you to the graduate program.
Does the two graduate-course requirement add to the number of credit hours needed to complete the BS degree?
No! With respect to graduation requirements, the two graduate courses are taken as replacements for the two undergraduate technical electives. Thus, the number of credit hours needed for the BS degree remains the same, but the BS/MS student will only need to complete 24 additional credit hours to be awarded the M.S. degree. Six of the 24 credit hours are used to complete the M.S. thesis with the remaining 18 credit hours used for course work.
Is a M.S. thesis required?
While the BS/MS program does not require a thesis, you cannot take the non-thesis option for the M.S. degree as a member of the BS/MS program. A thesis is required for the M.S. degree.
Should I begin the research for my M.S. degree during my undergraduate years?
Yes! All good students should make every effort to be involved in research while they are an undergraduate. Participating in research gives the student a perspective on both graduate school and on state-of-the-art problem solving that most undergraduates are not fortunate enough to experience.
When must I complete the M.S. thesis?
The University requires that a student must complete a M.S. thesis in order to graduate as part of the BS/MS program. The University allows a five-year period following the first semester of graduate study for the completion of a M.S. degree. The student should make every effort to get involved in the research as early as possible, with some of the work completed prior to finishing the B.S. degree.
Will I be required to work on campus during the summer between the completion of the B.S. degree and the start of my graduate work?
No, but it may be advisable. The summer before the start of graduate school is a good time to make significant progress on the research.
Can I take any two graduate courses or are specific courses required?
The courses required depend on the track and the advisor. They must also fit into the respective graduate program. Again, it is important to select an advisor as early as possible. Appendix A shows the courses that are usually acceptable.
Can I use 400-level courses as the two double-counting courses?
No! The two graduate courses must be at the 600-level or above.
Can I use the two graduate courses as out-of-track electives for the undergraduate degree?
No, the two graduate courses replace the two technical elective slots in the undergraduate program. They cannot be used to replace the breadth electives.
Can out-of-track graduate courses be used as the double counting graduate courses?
In some cases, this may be approved; however, it must be approved by both the faculty member who will serve as your M.S. research advisor and the undergraduate advisors. CEE is subject to accreditation requirements, so your undergraduate program will need to fully meet these B.S. requirements.
Do I register for the two graduate-level courses at the same time as I register for the undergraduate courses?
Not necessarily! You need special permission to register for graduate classes. Your research advisor will give you permission so that arrangements can be made with the undergraduate advisor who you meet with to approve your courses for the next semester. Once you have been approved for the graduate classes, you must register immediately; if you delay, the clearance may be dropped.
Will I need to apply to the graduate program if I am in the BS/MS program?
Initially, you will only be applying to the BS/MS program. Acceptance into the two programs is separate. Therefore, you will also need to apply to the graduate program. You should do this in a timely manner in order to be considered for financial assistance. In fact, once you are in the BS/MS program, you should discuss the financial assistance for graduate school with your advisor.
Do I have to take the GREs when applying to the graduate program?
Yes! The GREs are not required for admission to the BS/MS program, so you can be admitted to the BS/MS program without taking the GREs. The GREs are required for admission to the graduate program. The two programs are administered separately and applications for admission are made at separate times in your academic program.
What if I decide not to continue for the M.S. degree upon completion of the B.S. degree?
This is certainly acceptable. Participating in the BS/MS program does not obligate you to complete all of the requirements for the M.S. degree. There is no penalty for not continuing into the M.S. program.
Can I use the research that I complete as part of the requirements for the Engineering Honors Program (EHP) as part of the M.S. thesis?
Yes! In fact, if you are a member of the EHP, it is a good idea to get the M.S. research started while an undergraduate. Then the part completed can be used as the EHP requirement and the initial part of the M.S. thesis. However, the EHP research does not have to be the basis for the BS/MS thesis.
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