Programs Doctor of Philosophy ProgramThe Doctor of Philosophy Program in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers students the opportunity to focus on one of the following major areas of civil engineering.
Engineering students may use the Ph.D. program as a more intensive preparation for engineering practice, as a way to enhance their current professional career in industry, or as a springboard into academia or with research organizations. They may combine courses in civil engineering with other programs, including mechanics and fluids from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, materials science from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and operations research from the Department of Industrial Engineering. Extensive courses in mathematics, physics, management, public health, computer science, etc. are also chosen. While most applicants apply directly to one of the four specialized programs in the Department (Structural Engineering & Mechanics, Construction Management & Sustainability, Environmental Engineering & Water Resources, Geotechnical Engineering & Pavements), prospective students may also consider interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs. These disciplines require preparations with a wide selection of courses such as project management, decision analysis, probability and statistics, materials of construction and environmental risk assessment, as well as courses from water resources, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, pavements and structures. In addition, students may select courses in economics, operations research and management. To complete a Ph.D. in any of the areas, as student must complete 45 semester course or special investigation credits in the major area, which must include at least ten actual courses, 9 semester course credits in a minor area, and 18 semester credits of dissertation. In addition, a minimum of two terms of residency is required. Comprehensive and final examinations on course work and dissertation are required. The timing of such examinations is done in consultation with a student's advisor and in accordance with regulations of the School of Engineering. The plan of study for the Ph.D. degree is prepared individually for each student according to his/her interest and intended research work, in consultation with the advisor. The courses completed for M.S. degree in the same program will be included in the plan of study. For courses completed for the M.S. degree at another program or university, only relevant courses can be applied, with a maximum of 30 course credit limit. |
Structural Engineering
& Mechanics
Geotechnical
& Pavements Engineering
Environmental
and Water Resources Engineering
Construction
Management & Sustainability
Real world application
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