SOP for MS in Civil Engineering

Construction sciences have radically revolutionized our concepts of living spaces. With advanced technologies, we are now equipped to build houses on every challenging terrain and withstand harsh climates. However, these innovations have cost us a lot in other spheres of life, like the integrity of natural resources and health. During my graduate studies, I became fascinated by the sub-discipline that aims to come up with feasible alternatives to construction materials and technologies. I wish to delve deeper into this domain. With this goal, I am applying to the MS in Civil Engineering with environmental engineering specialization from your venerated academy.

I have maintained a record of a high level of excellence throughout my academic career. With an outstanding result in the higher secondary examinations, I secured myself a seat for a Civil Engineering degree at the NIT Mumbai and completed the course with 73% marks. I selected Industrial Contamination Regulation Methods, Non-conventional Power Production, and Ecological Construction Sciences as my electives with a desire to become a green activist scientist. My career decisions, later on, were also guided by this motivation.

My final year dissertation was titled “A Study on the impact of construction residue on nature”. It aimed to classify construction materials based on their level of toxicity, long-term impact on nature, and damage to human health. From construction to demolition, an excess of pernicious chemical components gets ejected into the atmosphere and water resources, contaminating the natural resources. Concrete, asbestos, and plastic – from wiring and plumbing were the most common malefactors. Later, I published my finding in the web edition of the International Journal for Environmental Studies.

The period of undergraduate studies has been a gratifying experience – both academically and otherwise. I served as an active member and chairman of the nature club. In this capacity, I organized awareness campaigns on tree-planting, plastic reduction, and water conservation, both inside and outside the campus. I have also participated in seminars, debates and roadshows to get more people aware of this cause. In addition to giving me a sense of purpose, these opportunities have enhanced my communication and organizational skills. I believe that I can maintain these activities during my higher studies as well.

Following my graduate studies, the focus of my works has been firmly rooted in environmental conservation and similar causes. Protests for abatement of these damaging practices can only stall the inevitable consequences for a short period of time. The scientific community, on the other hand, can make use of this extra time to come up with viable nature-friendly alternatives. I believe it is my responsibility as an engineer to contribute to the research for alternative technologies. To this end, I wish to further my studies and align them with my motivations. This perspective of pursuing a career as a civil engineer prioritizes sustainable development.

As far as education is concerned, the academic destination goes a long way in determining the competence of the professionals.  For this reason, I took my time to go through the curriculum and websites of various universities in the United States of America to find the best university for my higher studies. The country is renowned for being safe for international students, and for being amiable to people from other societies and nations. As it is a popular destination for international students, I will also be able to find like-minded students with whom I can collaborate.

The distinguished faculty, a milieu brimming with research activities, and the futuristic curriculum are the factors that attracted me to the University of California, Berkeley. The syllabus perfectly blends a solid course work with experimental pedagogy.  Its focus on environmental construction theories largely influenced my evaluation and decision to choose your academy.

As a research enthusiast, I am fascinated by the works of Prof. Jonathan D. Bray on environmental geotechnics and am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to associate with the team. I believe the program will equip me with the versatility required to completely unlock my potential as an engineer. It would, therefore, be a privilege to secure admission to pursue post-graduate studies at UCB.

The financial demands for the completion of this course will be met through a bank loan. I am submitting the documents pertaining to the loan and my financial wherewithal along with this statement of purpose for your assertion and confidence.

After completing my higher education, my immediate objective will be to find a job in India. I am inclined towards a career in research-based work. Therefore, the position of a Research Associate at leading institutions like IITs or NITs looks appealing to me.  Later I wish to pursue a doctorate in Environmental Engineering. This will empower me to make contributions to the society and make the world a better place for our subsequent generations. I am confident that a berth in your university will help me actualize my aspirations.