When Taylor Hernandez sought a master’s degree to fuse her expertise in engineering and architecture, the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) stood out to her. Unlike other university programmes, CEE had highly customisable degree pathways and the opportunity to pursue a dual degree across disciplines.
“I was confident that NJIT would provide a strong academic foundation, hands-on learning opportunities, and the mentorship necessary to support both my technical and creative ambitions,” she says. “The institution’s reputation, cutting-edge facilities, and industry connections made it clear to me that this was the ideal environment to help me grow as a future professional.”
Today, Hernandez is pursuing a dual master’s degree programme in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in Construction Management and Architecture at the #8 best Civil Engineering college in the US (College Factual). Looking back at her experience thus far, she describes her time at CEE as “incredibly rewarding.”
Like her, Jason Lin finds the CEE department “amazing and helpful.” The Master of Science in Civil Engineering lets students like Lin work with their advisor to tailor the courses they take to achieve a certain specialisation. As a BS/MS programme student, he was also able to take master’s courses while finishing up his bachelor’s to expedite his journey in achieving both degrees.
Support from the department his advisor extended far beyond academic matters. “The CEE department has facilitated my application to the Honors College programme at the end of my first year, wrote recommendation letters for the numerous scholarships I applied to throughout the years, and guided me when I was applying for an internship,” he says.
Flexible master’s degrees at NJIT CEE ensure you’re developing the skill set to advance your career to new heights. Source: New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Kick off with a certificate
Beyond customisable master’s programmes, CEE’s graduate certificate programmes provide even more flexibility for those seeking to develop specific skills and expertise. They are more focused, shorter, and potentially more affordable. Upon completion, you have the option to continue to a master’s programme.
“The most compelling reason for me to attend NJIT by far was the fact that [it] offered a graduate certificate programme in my field of interest,” says student Edward Grimsland. “I think more students should consider participating, as it is an accessible means of gaining more expertise in various fields of study.”
You can pursue the Geotechnical Engineering certificate to explore the behaviour of natural geological materials like soil and rock, or Transportation Studies if you seek to improve the mobility of people, goods, and services. If you’re committed to conserving the environment against the threat of climate change, then the Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience is a great option.
Grimsland joined the Certificate in Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering, a programme that applies mathematical and scientific principles to the design and development of surface- and groundwater systems. After he wraps up this spring, Grimsland will continue with the MS in Environmental Engineering with concentration in Water Quality at NJIT in the fall.
“I am proud that I have been able to take each semester at my own pace,” says Grimsland. “Even though it may take me longer to complete the programme, I have been able to dedicate more of myself to each class to perform well.”
The master’s degrees at CEE are offered online and on campus, full- and part-time. Source: New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Advance with a focused master’s degree
The certificate programme served as a smooth transition for Grimsland to apply and receive acceptance into the master’s programme. The Certificate in Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience, on the other hand, lets you work towards an MS in Environmental Engineering, where students develop sustainable solutions to environmental dangers like air pollution and contaminated soil.
In a CEE master’s programme, your faculty members are world-class experts who lead NJIT’s multidisciplinary research centres, labs, and facilities, driving fields like wastewater infrastructure planning to policy and regulation forward. Working with them has been “enriching,” according to Hernandez.
“I’ve connected with faculty mentors and peers who have encouraged my participation in interdisciplinary projects and guided me toward academic and career development resources,” she says. “I’ve also had the opportunity to represent the department and student body in leadership roles, helping foster a stronger academic community.”
Hands-on and real-world focused, that’s just how learning runs at NJIT. With the help of the NJIT Career Development Services, you can secure an internship or co-op opportunity at a global company like General Motors, Parsons Corporation, or Langan Engineering. Hernandez herself completed a national precast concrete competition, where she designed a parking structure for a zoo that integrated public spaces.
“My architectural work was selected for representation at the 2025 Hillier College of Architectural Design (HCAD) Design Showcase, which was a great honour and a testament to the dedication I bring to my academic projects,” she says.
Feeling inspired? Check out the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NJIT. You can also stay connected with the department on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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