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Why ODU for Coastal Engineering?

Civil engineers are master planners, designers, and managers of the built environment. Coastal engineers are also stewards of our natural resources and the environment. Engineers often find a master's degree is an asset in advanced positions, such as coastal engineering. This applies to the private industry and federal, state, and municipal government agencies.

Our online civil engineering master's program focusing on coastal engineering will help you rise to leadership in the field. You'll learn to innovate as you apply technology to the creation and maintenance of infrastructure. In this online master's degree, you'll take an emphasis in coastal engineering. This will include coastal engineering-specific topics like wave theory, soil erosion, and coastal resilience to sea level rise.

Located in coastal Virginia, ODU leads the way in coastal engineering and science research. Students find our interdisciplinary approach is an asset to their education. Faculty are active in the field, and can provide valuable insights and career advice.

When you graduate, you will earn a Master of Science in Engineering - Civil Engineering with Coastal Engineering focus.

Want to learn more? Contact us!











Ranked #4

Best Online Master's in Civil Engineering, 2021 - Intelligent.com

Ranked #3

Most Affordable Online Master's in Civil Engineering, 2023 - OnlineU.com

A coastal bridge under construction by civil engineers.

Get Started with a Certificate

You can get a head start on this degree by enrolling our online graduate certificate in Coastal Engineering as a non-degree seeking student while you apply to this online master's program in civil engineering.

The four courses in the certificate can be transferred to this master's program (a grade of B or higher in each course is required).

Coastal Engineering Certificate

Required Courses

  • 30 credit hours minimum, which includes six credit hours for the thesis

Your total number of credit hours may vary if you need to complete prerequisite courses. Visit the ODU Graduate Catalog for specific course information, including prerequisites.

Online Learning Environment

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Careers in Coastal Engineering

Coastal engineering professionals have careers in:

  • Coastal zone management teams
  • Permit review, dredging or surveying
  • Consulting engineering or instrumentation development
  • Project management
  • Federal, state or city government
  • Research, education and teaching

Calculating Cost

  • In-state Virginia Residents$571 per credit hour*
  • Out-of-state Students$595 per credit hour

Rates are effective Summer 2022 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Licensure Disclosure

This program is not intended to lead to a specific state-level license.

If you plan to pursue a professional license or credential, we encourage you to explore requirements through the appropriate credentialing agency or professional organization in your state.

Have questions? Please contact us through the form above to talk to an enrollment coach.

Sound Interesting?Let’s Get Started

How to Apply

You should have a bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum 3.00 grade point average (4.00 scale). A bachelor's degree in physical sciences (oceanography, geology, etc.) can also apply, but you must be able to demonstrate adequate knowledge in engineering mechanics (statics, dynamics, fluid mechanics, soil mechanics, strength of materials, etc.) at the undergraduate level.

If you have an engineering degree from an ABET accredited institution in the U.S., GRE is not required.

You can get a head start as a non-degree seeking student with ODU's online graduate certificate in Coastal Engineering, then apply to this online master's program. A grade of B or higher is required in each certificate course in order to apply them to the master’s degree.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.