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Bhanusarathy Lankapalli, a 2023 Graduate was excited when he discovered the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in Civil Engineering at Purdue University. The curriculum resonated deeply with his aspirations, offering a glimpse into a promising future in the field. “When I think about all the cool stuff happening in the field — like designing sustainable infrastructure, improving transportation systems, and finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges — I just can’t help but want to dive deeper into it,” Lankapalli says.
Ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024), Purdue University’s College of Engineering is the seventh-ranked civil engineering graduate program in the US (US News & World Report 2024) and is home to the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, consistently ranked by US News & World Report as one of the top 10 civil engineering undergraduate and graduate programs in the country.
The PMP in Civil Engineering equips students with the technical skills and practical know-how to make a lasting impact in industry and government. This intensive, course-based program can be completed in as little as one year, making it an attractive option for professionals seeking to advance their careers in half the usual time. What’s more, students gain a unique blend of academic rigour and practical application.
Bhanusarathy Lankapalli, a 2023, Civil Engineering PMP Graduate. Source: Purdue University
The PMP concentration combines courses in technical specializations with core coursework in management, entrepreneurship, and leadership with Professional Development Seminars. This curriculum strengthens one’s technical expertise while fostering essential business and communication skills. Specialisation tracks allow students to delve deeper into specific areas of civil engineering, including Architectural, Environmental, Construction, Geomatics, Geotechnical, Hydraulics and Hydrologic, Materials, Structural and Transportation and Infrastructure Systems.
Regardless of specialisation, learning is experiential. There are real-world projects, mimicking the challenges faced in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) industries. Just ask student Sri Ram Boinpally from India.
“The degree offered by Purdue is highly relevant to the current job market in civil engineering,” he says. “The curriculum is designed to address both foundational theories and modern technological advancements in the field. This relevance ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges in civil engineering and remain valuable assets in their respective workplaces.”
Industry professionals further bridge the gap by sharing their expertise in the classroom and during Professional Development Seminars. These experts deliver sessions on a wide range of topics, including innovation in the AEC sector, research and development trends, and ethical considerations in civil engineering practice. These sessions equip students with valuable insights and hone their written, oral, and leadership skills.
The PMP program has a structure of vital contemporary topics for professionals and uses active engagement and discussions with leading practitioners in the civil engineering field. Source: Purdue University
“Many of these guest speakers and even visiting alums are more than willing to meet with students on an informal basis,” says Mark J. Perniconi, a member of the Civil Engineering Advisory Council. “Keep in mind that many of these visiting professionals are just as interested in you as future employees as you are in their industries and employment.”
Their expert insights set students up for success as they prepare for and take on internships and full-time positions within the AEC and EPC sectors. Internship opportunities — often lasting one to two semesters — are a key feature of the program. “The program offers a dynamic mix of classroom learning, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences that really amp up your skills and industry readiness,” Lankapalli says. “Whether it’s through internships, co-ops, or industry-sponsored projects, Purdue offers plenty of opportunities to roll up your sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of civil engineering.”
Sai Chandan Kolla can attest to the profound impact of the PMP’s engaging approach. “Thanks to the university-industry collaboration, I secured an internship with a leading construction firm for the summer,” he says. “Additionally, it expanded my professional network, connecting me with industry experts and potential future employers, which is invaluable for my career development in civil engineering.”
The Purdue curriculum includes exposure to current innovations and ongoing research in the industry, as well as an introduction to the many alternative career paths for CE and construction graduates. Source: Purdue University
Purdue resources extend beyond just merely academics, with the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) and Pre-Professional Advising, there are even more on-demand 24/7 resources to help students polish their resumes, cover letters, and elevator pitches. There’s even a year-by-year list of support available for international students, covering key pain points such as work authorisation and the American job search process.
This center is led by a team committed to connecting students with professional opportunities within Indiana, the US and globally. And the CCO’s impact shows in how 83% of 2021-22 student rely on it to access career services in person and virtually, and how there were 1,833 employers recruiting on Purdue-sponsored platforms in the same academic year.
“Purdue University is highly proactive in enabling employment opportunities for its students. Through career fairs, networking events, and strong industry ties, the university provides numerous platforms to connect with potential employers,” says Boinpally. “Personally, I have benefited from internships facilitated by the university, which have been instrumental in enhancing my practical skills and improving my employability
By strategically blending academic excellence with industry exposure and practical learning, Purdue’s PMP concentration empowers graduates to seamlessly transition from the academic world to successful careers in civil engineering. As Bhanu. aptly says: “Purdue doesn’t just teach you about civil engineering — it immerses you in it.”
Learn more about the Professional Masters Program in Civil Engineering at Purdue University.
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