USA · Master's
University of Southern California (Viterbi School of Engineering)
MS in Civil Engineering
University of Southern California (Viterbi School of Engineering)
Course Overview
The MS in Civil Engineering at USC Viterbi is a 28-unit STEM-designated program offering five specialisations: Structural, Construction Engineering, Transportation, Water & Wastewater Engineering, and Sustainable Infrastructure & Climate Resilience. Sri Lankan engineers (especially structural and transportation grads from Moratuwa and Peradeniya) use this program as a direct route into licensure-track roles with US infrastructure firms.
Los Angeles is one of the largest urban civil engineering markets globally — the program embeds you in active projects through partnerships with AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, and the LA Metro. Like all Viterbi MS programs, this is STEM-designated, so graduates get 36 months of OPT to work in the US after graduation and build the project portfolio needed for PE licensure.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline (ABET-equivalent for Sri Lankan applicants from IESL-accredited programs).
- check_circle Minimum GPA 3.0 (out of 4.0) — Second Upper equivalent.
- check_circle GRE is NOT required for 2026 entry.
- check_circle Statement of purpose, three recommendation letters, and CV/resume.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall (minimum 20 in each section).
- check_circle Waived if your undergraduate degree was taught entirely in English.
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount ($) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (28 units @ $2,742) | $76,776 | Rs. 24,568,300 |
| Mandatory Fees & Health Insurance | $5,200 | Rs. 1,664,000 |
| Living Expenses (18 months, LA) | $36,000 | Rs. 11,520,000 |
| F-1 Visa & SEVIS Fees | $535 | Rs. 171,200 |
| Total Programme Investment | $118,511 | Rs. 37,923,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
Viterbi Civil Engineering MS graduates leverage 36-month STEM OPT to build experience for US PE licensure. Median starting salary around $82,000, with strong placement at AECOM, Jacobs Engineering, Bechtel, Parsons, and LA Metro on infrastructure megaprojects (Sepulveda Transit Corridor, LAX modernisation, California High-Speed Rail).
Related Programs
MEng in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (CEE)
MS in Aerospace Engineering
Purdue University (School of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
MS Electrical and Computer Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Our counsellors have helped hundreds of Sri Lankan students secure placements in the US. We handle everything from applications to visa processing — and it starts with a free, in-person visit to one of our three offices.
ඔබට සුදුසු විශ්වවිද්යාලයක් තේරීම, අයදුම්පත් යොමු කිරීම, SOP සකස් කිරීම සහ වීසා ලබා ගැනීම ඇතුළු සෑම පියවරකදීම, ඔබ වෙනුවෙන් සියලුම වගකීම් විශ්වාසවන්තව අප භාර ගනිමු.
Book a visit to discuss this course
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Every consultation happens face to face with a counsellor. We don't do phone or online consultations — pick a branch, day and time that suits you.
- location_on Rajagiriya (head office) 8th Floor, Jana Jaya City Mall, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka
- location_on Jaffna 158 Hospital Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka
- location_on Matara No. 474 New Tangalle Road, Matara, Sri Lanka
schedule Mon – Fri: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Sat: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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