Civil Engineering, PhD

Program Description

The Department of Civil Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Within these degrees, there are six primary emphasis areas: Applied Fluid Mechanics, Construction Engineering and Management, Construction Materials, Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, and Transportation Systems.

Summary of Degree Requirements

The PhD requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond the Master’s degree, and at least 60 credits beyond the Bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 12 credit hours of non-research coursework and a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation research are required.

Coursework leading to the PhD is planned to give students a comprehensive knowledge of Civil Engineering and a mastery of the methods of research. A PhD is not awarded solely based on coursework completed, residence, completion of preliminary or comprehensive examinations, or other routine requirements. The final basis for granting this degree is the student’s grasp of the subject matter across a broad field of study, competence in planning and conducting research, and ability to express themselves adequately and professionally both orally and in writing. Ultimately, only the PhD Advisory Committee can certify that a student has earned this degree.