Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis)

Program overview

Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis) is a master's degree program in engineering and architecture at University of Nevada - Reno (UNR), a public institution in Reno, Nevada, United States, founded in 1874.

First-year tuition is listed at 27,092 USD and the application fee at Free. The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027.

Applications to University of Nevada - Reno (UNR) typically receive a decision in 6 days and 14 hours, based on recent applications.

Cost of the first year

Plan for about 40,792 USD for the first year before travel, insurance and visa fees. Costs differ sharply between public and private schools and between states. The I-20 states the school's estimate of tuition and living costs, and your funds evidence should match it. Read the school's cost page and the official student visa pages for the fees that apply.

Figures are as listed in October 2026. Schools revise tuition every year, so confirm the current amount with the school before you pay a deposit.

How the tuition compares in the United States

Our directory lists 852 master's degree programs in engineering and architecture at 86 schools in the United States. Their median first-year tuition is 27,846 USD, and the middle half cost between 22,669 USD and 33,052 USD.

At 27,092 USD, Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis) is 3% below the median, in the middle of the range. The full range runs from 6,900 USD to 64,730 USD.

• All engineering and architecture courses in the United States

Lower-cost master's degree options in engineering and architecture

If budget matters, these master's degree programs in engineering and architecture have some of the lowest listed first-year tuition in the United States.

Plan for the Jan 2027 intake

Working back from a Jan 2027 start, this is a realistic plan. Popular programs can fill early, so the earlier end of each window is safer. Fall (August or September) is the main intake and Spring (January) is the second. Graduate deadlines are often several months earlier than the start date.

Entry requirements and documents

University of Nevada - Reno (UNR) sets the exact entry requirements for Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis). For a master's degree, applicants usually need the following.

Most schools accept TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo and set their own minimums. Graduate programmes may also ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though many programmes have made these optional.

• A completed bachelor's degree, with transcripts and degree certificate.
• A statement of purpose explaining why this program fits your plans.
• Academic or employer references, and a CV if you have work experience.
• A valid passport.
• English test results, unless the school waives them.

Student visa: F-1 student visa

Students from India need a F-1 student visa to study in the United States. U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) decides the application.

An F-1 visa is for full-time academic study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The school issues a Form I-20 and the visa itself is decided at a consular interview, so a consistent study plan and clear finances matter more than the paperwork volume.

• Shortlist SEVP-certified schools and complete applications. Check test requirements such as GRE, GMAT or English tests programme by programme.
• After admission and proof of funds, the school issues the Form I-20.
• Pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 online visa application and pay the visa application fee.
• Book and attend the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring the I-20, passport, financial documents and admission papers.

• Study in United States: full visa guide
• U.S. Department of State: Student visa
• Study in the States (DHS)

After you graduate

Students may be eligible for optional practical training in their field of study, with an extension for certain STEM degrees. Conditions apply, so read the official rules and speak to your school's designated school official.

How to apply with Study Spectra

• Send us your marksheets, English test result (or test plan) and budget.
• We check your profile against Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis) and suggest alternatives if it is a stretch.
• We prepare your statement of purpose and documents, and submit the application.
• When the offer arrives, we help with the deposit, funds evidence and the student visa file.

Questions students ask

How much is the tuition for Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis)?

First-year tuition is listed at 27,092 USD. Living costs are extra; University of Nevada - Reno (UNR) estimates 13,700 USD a year. Confirm the current fee with the school.

What is the application fee?

This program lists no application fee.

When is the next intake?

The earliest intake currently open is Jan 2027. Start your application about eight months before that.

Is Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Structural and Earthquake Engineering (Optional Thesis) a degree?

It is listed as a master's degree. The school awards the degree on completion.

Which visa do I need to study in the United States?

You need a F-1 student visa, decided by U.S. Department of State (visa) and Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Apply after you accept an offer and can show the required funds.

Can Study Spectra help me apply?

Yes. We check your profile, prepare your documents and submit your application to University of Nevada - Reno (UNR), then help with the visa. The first call is free.

More at University of Nevada - Reno (UNR)

• Bachelor of Science - Geological Engineering, 26,892 USD first year
• Bachelor of Science - Mining Engineering, 26,892 USD first year
• Master of Science - Chemical Engineering (Optional Thesis), 26,404 USD first year
• Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Environmental Engineering (Optional Thesis), 27,092 USD first year
• Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Geotechnical Engineering (Optional Thesis), 27,092 USD first year
• Master of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering - Pavement Engineering and Science (Optional Thesis), 27,092 USD first year
• Master of Science - Electrical Engineering (Optional Thesis), 20,189 USD first year
• Pre-Engineering - Bachelor of Science - Chemical Engineering, 26,892 USD first year