Admission Requirements for Non‐Civil Engineering Graduate Applicants

Abstract

Because of economic conditions and the favorable job market in many civil engineering (CE) disciplines, the number of CE graduate‐school applications from those lacking a CE undergraduate degree has increased substantially. What admission requirements should be placed on these applicants? An alternative at one end of the spectrum is to admit only those having a (B.S.C.E.) degree; this requirement would ensure uniform standards, but it would discourage many from pursuing their goal of a graduate CE degree. At the other end of the spectrum, minimal requirements such as completing differential equations and a junior‐level speciality course such as fluid mechanics may be imposed. The advantages and disadvantages of various levels of admission requirements are discussed. Considerations such as educational preparation for the Engineering‐in‐Training examination are also discussed. Recommendations for minimal requirements are presented.