Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Admission to this program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States, or its equivalent from a foreign institution. 

Our reviewers consider your preparation and professional experience as part of holistic review. When you apply to our program, you should explain how your background prepares you for graduate level coursework.

A 3.0 GPA is the minimum guideline, but we review applications holistically. Reviewers consider academic performance in context, including trends over time, the rigor of prior coursework, how long ago you completed your degree, and professional experience since graduation. If your GPA was below 3.0, we encourage you to address the context directly in your Statement of Purpose and highlight evidence of your readiness for graduate-level study.

You’ll find our application portal on the UW Graduate School website. In Program Selection, please select “Civil & Environmental Engineering- Master of Science in Civil Engineering: Construction Engineering.”

Reviewers consider your academic background, professional experience, Statement of Purpose, and letters of recommendation together. Strength in one area can help balance a weakness in another area. Our goal is to assess your readiness for graduate‑level work and alignment with the program. 

Most applicants receive an admissions decision within a few weeks after their application is complete. We cannot begin reviewing your application until we receive all required materials. Timelines vary by application volume and time of year, and we notify applicants by email when a decision has been made.

No. The degree awarded is the same University of Washington degree that on-campus students earn, and the diploma does not indicate that the program was completed online. Transcripts list the degree and courses completed without labeling the mode of delivery. 

Letters of recommendation are optional for this program.

Choose people who know you well and can speak specifically to your character, abilities and technical work. For working professionals, direct supervisors or professional mentors who can speak to your technical contributions are often the strongest choice. Ask recommenders well in advance and remind them of the deadline.

Reviewers look for clear alignment between your professional experience, technical preparation, and goals within construction engineering. Strong statements explain the engineering or technical aspects of your work, your role and level of responsibility, and how that experience prepares you for graduate-level engineering coursework.

Most students spend about 10–15 hours per week on coursework. As a general guideline, 1 academic credit equals roughly 3 hours of total student effort per week over a 10‑week quarter (or 30 hours total). This includes all required work: reading, assignments, projects, problem‑solving, and any class meetings or instructor check‑ins.

Yes. Our online courses include structured interaction through discussion boards, group work, and direct faculty engagement. You’ll move through courses alongside peers, and your instructors will be actively involved in teaching and feedback. 

Courses are fully asynchronous. You’ll complete coursework on your own schedule, without required live class sessions. You’ll interact with faculty and classmates through discussion boards, group work, and direct instructor feedback.

Yes. The asynchronous format of our online courses is well-suited to professionals with demanding or irregular schedules. Because we provide recorded lectures and you’ll complete coursework on your own time, travel does not prevent participation the way it could for an in-person program.

No. Online programs do not qualify students for F-1 visa / I-20 sponsorship. Our program is designed to be completed remotely, and we welcome international students to enroll.

Please contact an adviser and the UW International Student Services office to confirm your specific situation.

Yes. Veterans and active-duty service members can use GI Bill benefits and military tuition assistance for this program. Eligibility depends on your benefit chapter and remaining entitlement.

Contact the UW Veterans Education Benefits office and your program adviser for guidance.

Yes. This program offers a Graduate Non‑Matriculated (GNM) option, which allows you to enroll in graduate‑level courses without being formally admitted to the master’s program. GNM coursework can often be applied toward the degree if you are later admitted, making this a flexible way to try the coursework and strengthen your application before committing.