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Best Doctorates in Civil Engineering: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

Civil engineering degrees teach students how to design and execute building and infrastructure projects. For those looking to pursue advanced studies in civil engineering, a civil engineering PhD is a great option. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best PhDs in Civil Engineering to provide an overview of what to expect when pursuing this degree and to help make your search for the right school easier.

Choosing a program that provides all you need for quality education can be a difficult task. Read on for all the details of each program, including the admissions process, tuition, and core material covered. We’re also showing you the best civil engineering jobs and what you can expect for a PhD in Civil Engineering salary.

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What is a phd in civil engineering.

A PhD in Civil Engineering is a doctoral research degree that prepares you for a career in high-level research and civil engineering jobs. A PhD can take anywhere from four to six years to complete. A civil engineering PhD involves in-depth and rigorous coursework, which prepares students for advanced engineering practice, and a PhD thesis to conclude the program.

How to Get Into a Civil Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements

The requirements to get into a civil engineering PhD program include a qualifying exam, a minimum undergraduate or graduate degree GPA, and standardized test scores. Admission requirements vary by school, however, with the specifics differing from program to program.

For most programs, students will have to complete a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Some programs allow students with only undergraduate degrees to apply. Students will also have to submit letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Some schools require GRE or GMAT scores to apply to their graduate program.

PhD in Civil Engineering Admission Requirements

• Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools attended
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Writing sample

Civil Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Civil Engineering?

It is very hard to get into a PhD program in civil engineering. Most schools are very selective with the applicants they admit into their PhD in Civil Engineering programs. Make sure that you meet all of the admission requirements before applying and that you have the dedication to complete a research-heavy program.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Civil Engineering: In Brief

Best Universities for Civil Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering

The best universities for civil engineering PhDs include Arizona State University, Rice University, Syracuse University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Drexel University. If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in Civil Engineering, our overview of the best schools below might help.

Arizona State University takes the second spot worldwide when it comes to global impact , out of 1,406 universities ranked, according to Times Higher Education ’ s Impact Rankings. Its graduate school has more than 450 programs, with 91 percent of its graduates getting jobs within 90 days of graduation.

PhD in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering

The coursework in the civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering PhD program at Arizona State University prepares students for a lifelong career in civil engineering research and practice. Concentration areas in the program include environmental, sustainable, structural, transportation, geotechnical, and hydrosystems engineering. 

PhD in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Overview

• Program Length: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $13,814/academic year (in state); $26,298/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities : Arizona State University and CONACYT Doctoral Fellowships for Mexican Students, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, GPSA Graduate Research Support Program, Gastwirth Graduate Student Loan Fellowship Program, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists, Completion Fellowship, Graduate College Enrichment Fellowship, Graduate College University Grant, Teaching Assistant/Associate, Research Assistant/Associate, Graduate Services Assistant, Graduate Intern

PhD in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.20 in a master’s degree or in the last 60 hours of an undergraduate degree
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement

Carnegie Mellon University , founded in 1900, ranks number four on the list of the 2023 Best Engineering Schools by US News & World Report. It has over 1,300 faculty members spread across six colleges and several graduate programs.

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The civil and environmental engineering doctoral program has three major focus areas in environmental engineering, sustainability and sciences, advanced infrastructure sciences, and mechanics, materials, and computing. Students will be matched with a PhD thesis supervisor whose research goals align with theirs. 

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 3 years (with MS degree), 4 years (with BS degree)
• Tuition and Fees: $46,400/academic year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, PhD fellowships, GEM Fellowship program

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements

• University or college transcripts 
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Essay questions
• GRE scores (currently waived) 

Drexel University focuses on experiential education, giving students all they need to become excellent researchers and educators. The university, founded in 1891, continues to excel on different fronts with its massive list of programs and cooperative education. 

PhD in Civil Engineering

This program equips graduate students with the skills and technical expertise needed for the plan, design, construction, and maintenance of different scales of infrastructure. Program concentrations include architectural engineering, structural engineering, hydraulic engineering, sustainable engineering, hydrology/water resources, geotechnical engineering, and geosynthetic engineering. 

PhD in Civil Engineering Overview

• Program Length: Approximately 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 77% (university acceptance rate)
• Tuition: $1,342/credit hour
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching, research, and graduate assistantships 
• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores (waived for 2022 PhD applicants)
• 2 letters of recommendation

George Washington University was chartered in 1821 and currently has 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers graduate programs in the academic departments of education and human development, political management, arts and design, business, engineering and applied sciences, international affairs, and law. 

The program features research areas in environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, mechanics and materials engineering, and water resources engineering. Students who hold a master’s degree have to complete a minimum of 30 credits, which includes a minimum of 12 credits in dissertation research, to earn the doctorate.

• Tuition and Fees: $1,995/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, teaching assistantships
• 3.4 GPA from graduate programs or 3.3 GPA from undergraduate programs
• Published research or conference papers
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• 3 recommendations
• Transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• 400-to-600-word statement of purpose

Iowa State University held its first class in 1869. It now has a current student enrollment of 30,708. The university values learning communities, and with over 800 student organizations, you get a chance to learn in an environment where you feel valued and heard. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering 

The Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering requires a minimum of 72 credits, which includes dissertation research. Concentration areas include civil engineering materials, construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and intelligent infrastructure engineering. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 5-6 years
• Tuition and Fees: $11,404/academic year (in state); $26,948/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college
• Transcripts from previous universities
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• GRE or GMAT may be required by specific programs 

A public research university founded in 1885, Michigan Technological University (MTU) currently boasts over 125 degree programs. Its graduate school has existed for over 125 years and has 70 degree options, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

The civil engineering PhD program at Michigan Technological University has a minimum 30-credit requirement in coursework with at least six credits in thesis research. Students can choose concentration areas in geotechnical, structural, water resources, infrastructure, and transportation. 

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 3-7% in recent years
• Tuition: $25,517/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and administrative assistantships 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Prerequisite course
• Statement of purpose

Missouri University of Science and Technology, founded in 1870, has a commitment to integrating research, education, and application to raise global leaders in various fields. The STEM-focused university has more than 7,200 students enrolled in over 100 degree programs.

PhD in Civil Engineering 

This program allows students to gain engineering expertise and advanced research skills in eight concentration areas that include architectural engineering, construction materials, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering. The school’s college of engineering has a PhD student-to-faculty ratio of less than three-to-one.  

• Tuition and Fees: $7,840/20 credit hours (in state); $22,170/20 credit hours (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellowship, graduate research assistants, graduate assistants, graduate teaching assistants, Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship Program, external funding
• Master of Science in Engineering with minimum GPA of 3.0
• Partnership with a PhD advisor from the faculty

Rice University opened its doors as Rice Institute in 1912 to 77 students. Today, the university offers several undergraduate, graduate, and online programs to its student population of over 7,000. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of six-to-one. 

This doctoral program has two sub-tracks in Civil Engineering (CE) and Environmental Engineering and Sciences (EES). Graduate students can choose to pursue a doctoral degree in either of these, with the coursework for both revolving around structural mechanics and FEM, earthquake engineering, structural dynamic systems, applied mathematics, and probabilistic mechanics.

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Tuition: $54,100/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate fellowships, National Science Foundation fellowships, NASA fellowships, the Ford Foundation fellowship, Fulbright Foundation fellowships
• GRE scores (waived for 2022 admissions)
• Application and fee

Syracuse University , with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, ranks as a top destination for international students. It currently has a student population of 22,000 enrolled across its different colleges and schools. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

This program is designed for engineering graduates who want to pursue a career in engineering research and teaching. Students can choose to concentrate on environmental engineering, construction engineering and management, structural engineering, or geotechnical engineering. To complete the PhD, students have to meet a GPA of 3.333 throughout the program.

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• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 69% (university acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $33,358/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, graduate assistantships, university fellowships
• Master of Science from an accredited school
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Proven potential for research work
• An average of B+ grade in MS courses
• Departmental approval
• Satisfactory scores on graduate entrance exams

Pennsylvania State University , founded in 1855, has more than 750,000 alumni, which demonstrates its rich history and long-term commitment to educating professionals across several fields. Its academic options include undergraduate, graduate, professional, and online degrees. 

Graduate students in this program learn about core and advanced subjects and research findings on modern civil engineering principles and methods. Students can choose from specializations in structural engineering, water resources engineering, water transportation engineering, and geotechnical and materials engineering. 

• Tuition and Fees : $9,481/9-credit semester (in state); $15,574/9-credit semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, trainingships, scholarships, loans, employment, The Summer Tuition Assistant Program
• GPA of 3.0 

Can You Get a PhD in Civil Engineering Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Civil Engineering online. The University of South Carolina, for example, offers an online program in civil engineering. Mississippi State University offers an online PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Civil Engineering.

Best Online PhD Programs in Civil Engineering

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering?

It takes between four and seven years to get a PhD in Civil Engineering. A doctoral degree in engineering disciplines usually requires many semester hours to complete the intensive coursework.

In addition, students have to take a doctoral comprehensive examination, which is necessary to be admitted into candidacy for the PhD degree. Students who fail the examination will have to retake the examination. Also, students have to complete a dissertation and a defense of the dissertation.

Is a PhD in Civil Engineering Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Civil Engineering is relatively hard. Considering the volume of advanced-level courses students have to take, completing the credit requirement can be draining. In addition, writing a dissertation is difficult, even for seasoned academics.Doctoral comprehensive examinations are often tough exams, which students can either pass or fail. Most programs only allow two attempts at the exam.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering?

It costs an average of $19,792 per year to get a PhD in Civil Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This amount covers the tuition and fees for the program. The average cost of a civil engineering doctorate program at public universities is $12,410 per year, and at private institutions is $26,597, according to NCES.

How to Pay for a PhD in Civil Engineering: PhD Funding Options

The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Civil Engineering include teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, loans, university fellowships, administrative assistantships, and tuition waivers. Students often receive full funding of their program costs through these options.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between a civil engineering master’s degree and a PhD is the level of education. While both are advanced degrees, they differ in the type of coursework and research students are required to complete.

A master’s program in civil engineering focuses mainly on set courses covering a range of engineering topics, with a specialization or concentration that offers an opportunity for more focused study. On the other hand, a PhD is heavily research-focused and steered more by the student’s preferences overall, with instructors and advisors playing a largely supervisory role.

Master’s vs PhD in Civil Engineering Job Outlook

Civil engineering professors , who are typically required to have a PhD, have a job outlook of 12 percent growth in the coming years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, urban and regional planners , with a master’s degree entry-level education requirement, have a job outlook of 7 percent growth.

Difference in Salary for Civil Engineering Master’s vs PhD

The average salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering is $98,000, according to PayScale. Some job titles requiring a PhD in Civil Engineering earn much more than that. The average salary for a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering is $75,000. Getting a doctoral degree usually leads to higher-paying positions.

Related Civil Engineering Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Civil Engineering

You should get a PhD in Civil Engineering because of better job opportunities, higher salaries, research opportunities, and specialized skills.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Civil Engineering

• Job opportunities. Earning a PhD in Civil Engineering qualifies you for more career opportunities in the field. If you want to work in academia, for example, then a doctoral-level engineering education is the right fit.
• Higher salaries. With better job opportunities often come higher salaries. Civil engineers with a doctoral degree earn, on average, higher salaries compared to those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
• Research opportunities. Doctoral programs are usually heavily research-focused. Completing a PhD program in civil engineering gives you the experience you need to pursue research-based careers and further research opportunities.
• Specialized skills. A PhD in Civil Engineering inculcates in professionals specialized skills to deal with a wide range of real-world problems. For example, students can gain expertise to work as construction managers.

Getting a PhD in Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering PhD Coursework

The coursework for civil engineering PhD students is usually elaborate, rigorous, and intensive. Some core subject areas covered in a PhD in Civil Engineering program include properties of construction materials, structural dynamics, deep foundations, soil behavior, and metal structures.

Properties of Construction Materials

This course covers the details regarding the properties of polymeric materials used in construction and infrastructural development. Students learn the physical and chemical characteristics of these materials and their relevant application in different projects.

Structural Dynamics

This course explores the mechanics of structure, structural vibrations, and foundations. Students learn how to analyze and design safe and stable construction projects. This includes how to ensure that a foundation is the right fit for a particular building project.

Deep Foundations

This subject deals with different foundation designs and their integrity. It covers mat or raft foundation design accomplished by plate theory, pile design, and continuous beam design.

Soil Behavior

Understanding soil behavior is critical to success in civil engineering. This course teaches students about soil structure, soil properties, soil formation, soil composition, clay mineralogy, and conduction phenomena.

Metal Structures

This core subject deals with the properties and behavior of metal structures used in civil engineering projects. Students learn about plate girders, compression members, block shears, and more.

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How to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements

The requirements for a PhD in Civil Engineering include completing advanced coursework, receiving research proposal approval, passing a qualifying examination, achieving candidacy, and writing and defending a thesis.

Students in a PhD in Civil Engineering program have to complete advanced coursework and meet the credit requirements before they can move on to the research project component of the degree program. Courses typically take a couple of years to complete.

The research proposal outlines the details of your anticipated research, including the benefits it will offer the civil engineering field. The proposal also includes how you will conduct your research and approximately how long it will take.

The qualifying examination is usually a comprehensive examination that tests a student’s ability to apply concepts and theories learned so far in the engineering program in real-life situations. While it’s mostly a written exam, there can also be an oral component. Students will have to pass this exam to complete the program.

Receiving candidacy means that you are eligible to be awarded a Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering. At this phase, you are no longer considered a graduate student but have advanced to become a graduate candidate. It is sometimes informally called the “ABD,” or “all but the dissertation,” phase of a PhD program. 

Finally, to earn their PhD, doctoral students will have to complete and defend a dissertation, also called a thesis, outlining their research methods and results. Your advisor and other committee members will supervise your work, guiding you along the way and helping determine when you are ready to successfully defend your thesis and be awarded your PhD.

Potential Careers With a Civil Engineering Degree

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PhD in Civil Engineering Salary and Job Outlook

With a PhD in Civil Engineering, you can earn $100,000 to $150,000 a year. Many jobs requiring this degree have a good job outlook, too, with projected growth that is faster than average. So, getting a Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering can help secure a successful future.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Civil Engineering?

With a PhD in Civil Engineering, you can get a job as a civil engineer, environmental engineer, construction engineer, civil engineering professor, and architectural and engineering manager.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Civil Engineering

• Civil Engineering Professor
• Architectural and Engineering Manager
• Civil Engineer
• Construction Manager
• Environmental Engineer

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering?

The average salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering is $98,000 . Many doctoral degree holders find jobs with salaries even higher than this. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best-paying jobs for civil engineers with a doctorate.

Highest-Paying Civil Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Civil Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate

The best civil engineering jobs with a doctorate include architectural and engineering managers, civil engineering professor, civil engineer, environmental engineer, and construction manager. Here are details about these jobs, including the average salary, the job outlook, the number of jobs available, and the highest-paying states.

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for designing plans for new building and construction projects. They prepare budgets for these projects and coordinate the activities of staff to ensure the project is made to specifications. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $152,350
• Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 197,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, New Mexico, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas

An advanced study program in civil engineering qualifies construction managers to supervise and coordinate different building and construction projects. These professionals also prepare budgets, estimate costs, schedule activities, and interpret technical information regarding the project. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $98,890
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 448,000
• Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, California

Engineers who hold a civil engineering doctorate can become environmental engineers. In this role, they prepare environmental reports and provide professional support and consultation for environmental projects.

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $96,820
• Number of Jobs: 52,300
• Highest-Paying States: Texas, California, Idaho, Tennessee, Connecticut  

Civil engineers prepare, analyze, and implement plans for building and construction projects. They confer with regulatory bodies to ensure that a project meets with the regulations and standards. Also, they perform soil testing, cost estimation, and infrastructure maintenance. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $88,050
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 309,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey

Civil engineering professors work in academia, often as faculty members of faculty at a college civil engineering program. They are also heavily involved in research in the area of civil and environmental engineering. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Washington, Alabama

Is a PhD in Civil Engineering Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Civil Engineering is worth it. It’s an excellent education path to gain expertise, specialization, and research experience in civil engineering. The research opportunities offered by PhD programs are valuable if you’re considering a career as an educator or a researcher.

If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any engineering major, you can set yourself up for better career opportunities with a doctoral degree. Some universities offer online programs for distance students, and on-campus programs feature a range of student activities and services that add value.

Additional Reading About Civil Engineering

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PhD in Civil Engineering FAQ

Yes, you should get a PhD in Civil Engineering if you want to gain an edge in your career or switch careers and become a teacher or researcher at a university or college. In addition to achieving your career goals, you get a chance for better pay.

Most PhD program applicants already have a Master’s Degree in Engineering or a related field. However, applicants with a bachelor’s degree can get admitted as well, given that they meet specific conditions and requirements.

Yes, you can participate in a civil engineering PhD from a school in the US as an international student. Most colleges have a separate admissions process for international applicants that includes passing an English proficiency exam.

Some of the factors to consider when choosing your PhD program and school are accreditation, flexibility, academic reputation, costs, career services, faculty, and program outcomes. Our list provides an excellent shortcut to finding some of the best PhD in Civil Engineering programs available.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!

Should engineers get a PhD? Depends on what you want to achieve in your career. There are ups and downs to pursuing a PhD in engineering.

To figure it out, start by asking yourself what kind of career you’re after. Your decision will be based on factors like:

• Your interests
• How much money you want to make
• The lifestyle you desire
• Your other career options

We’ll chat about these four pointers, and then dive headfirst into 11 extra tips to help you size up the pros and cons of pursuing a PhD in engineering.

Important Note: I’ll be generalizing each factor I discuss, so keep in mind that there are always exceptions. And don’t forget that some superstar engineers will fly high whether they have a PhD or not. Success can come either way!

What really interests you in engineering?

A PhD can give you a leg up when tackling groundbreaking technological challenges. Without one, you might find it tough to access such work. But if you’re into more typical engineering gigs in the industry, then a PhD won’t be worth the time and money.

Usually, people go for a PhD if they want to become a specialist or researcher, or if they have their sights set on an academic career. A PhD can provide flexibility between industry and academia, letting you explore fresh ideas and spearhead innovative projects.

Here’s my two cents on both academia and industry:

In academia

In this world, your work might not make an immediate real-world splash. It could take years or even decades for your research to be recognized and applied. So, if you’re looking to become an overnight sensation, you might want to think again.

But you know what? To a select few who are passionate about your field, your work will be a big deal. You’ll have the chance to share your unique ideas with like-minded folks and make a difference in your little corner of the world.

And never forget that every small step you take will ultimately contribute to the greater good of humanity.

In industry

Meanwhile, in the industry, your work can make an instant impact. You’ll tackle awesome projects that are directly tied to a company’s goals, making a real difference in people’s lives.

Take, for example, working on R&D for batteries. Batteries are essential for our future, and every tiny improvement can change our lives in a big way.

The downside? Your company might not give you the credit you deserve for your groundbreaking work. But don’t sweat it – there are loads of similar opportunities for PhD holders who are motivated and inventive.

All in all, whether you pick academia or industry, you’ll have plenty of chances to change the world. Just keep cranking out top-notch work, and everything else will fall into place.

How much money do you want to make?

First off, don’t pay for your PhD yourself. If you can’t get funding, it means the market doesn’t see the value in your research.

Even with funding, you might only make $20k to $40k a year, depending on your university. If you’d gone straight into the industry, you could be pocketing $150k or more each year. Then you could invest that salary in real estate, businesses, you name it.

So, if money’s your main concern, you’ll lag behind your peers who jumped straight into the industry. Because while you’re spending 3 to 5 years earning a PhD and living on ramen noodles, they’ll be making bank.

And if you’re thinking about academia after your PhD, buckle up for even more financial hurdles.

Let’s be real: a PhD is a massive investment of time and money. If dollar signs are all you see, don’t bother with a PhD.

Important Note: Engineers with PhDs who start multi-million dollar businesses are exceptions, just like college dropouts who start multi-billion dollar businesses.

PhD stipends from major U.S. universities

Check this shortlist of engineering department stipends from major universities, put together by PhD Stipends :

As you can tell, diving into a PhD in engineering might not make you rich overnight. But, hey, it does give you the chance to work on some mind-blowing research and help shape the world of tomorrow.

Important Note: Don’t forget to weigh in the cost of living when you’re checking out those PhD stipends. Higher stipends usually come with a heftier price tag on everyday life, like in the Bay Area where Stanford is nestled.

What type of lifestyle do you want?

Dreaming of a chill, easygoing life? Academia might not be your jam. You could grind away for years and never snag that elusive academic tenure. Even in the industry, you might land just an ordinary engineering gig, making your PhD feel like a waste.

The professional stress from this uncertain journey can seep into your personal life. Financial struggles might become your constant companion, impacting every corner of your life. But hey, with a PhD, you get the keys to the world’s coolest toys and can work in top-notch national labs and fancy universities.

If you’re down to embrace uncertainty into your golden years, a PhD could be worth the ride. You may trade short-term comfort for the shot at doing what sets your soul on fire in the long run.

Mind you, I use the term sacrifice lightly. If you’re head over heels for your research, nothing else will even matter.

Do you have other options in life?

If you’re still feeling the PhD vibe after all this, ask yourself:

• Do you have any other career options?
• Is there another gig that’s tugging at your heartstrings?

If you said yes to either, hold your horses! Give some serious thought to whether a PhD is really your destiny. I’ve got friends who ditched their PhD programs to start businesses, and now they’re swimming in millions!

On the flip side, I know folks who chased a PhD just to immigrate to the US for a better life. But listen, don’t just follow the crowd. Committing to a PhD is a massive deal and can change your life in a big way.

This is further highlighted by the low number of U.S. students going for a PhD in engineering each year. The data below, from ASEE , includes all engineering fields combined.

Important Note: The number of awarded engineering doctorate degrees is increasing. But the U.S. population is also increasing, and more foreign students are immigrating to the U.S. to pursue a PhD. 

11 Pointers to consider in pursuing a PhD in engineering

Now, here are 11 pointers I’ve gathered from my pals and relatives who’ve gone down the PhD-in-engineering rabbit hole:

#1 Choose a research topic with real-world oomph

Picking the perfect research topic is the key to unlocking your PhD’s potential. Focus on fields that are shining bright, like:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Renewable energy

These areas tend to reel in more funding and have a higher demand in both academia and industry. After all, you still gotta pay the bills and keep a roof over your head.

#2 A PhD hones your thinking skills, not just your specialization

In the real world, you might not use all that fancy research know-how from your PhD. Instead, you’ll rely on your shiny new way of thinking to tackle problems.

So, a PhD isn’t just about becoming the go-to person in a super-niche field. It’s also about learning how to think and tackle the tough stuff.

And, hey, you can pick up these skills outside the hallowed halls of academia too.

#3 Don’t expect a PhD to put you on a pedestal

Sure, a PhD might make some folks go “ooh” and “aah,” but at the end of the day, it’s all about delivering the goods. Your skills and passion for the job are what really count, not the alphabet soup trailing your name.

I’m all about treating everyone equally, regardless of their academic fanfare.

Of course, a PhD can give you a credibility boost when making first impressions. But remember, it’s what you do next that really matters.

#4 A PhD can open doors, but it might close some too

A PhD can help you score high-level gigs at big-shot companies with in-house research and development. But beware – it might also slam some doors shut if you’re deemed overqualified for certain roles.

Choose your career path wisely and take time to think through your future pragmatically.

#5 Dive into a PhD in a subject that ignites your passion

Being passionate about your subject is the secret sauce to staying motivated during your PhD journey. Surround yourself with amazing people who share your interests, or you’ll struggle through the tough times – and trust me, there’ll be plenty.

#6 Don’t chase a PhD for the wrong reasons

Don’t go after a PhD just because “it’s what smart people do” or because you want to add some extra letters to your name.

Let’s get real here: a PhD doesn’t magically transform you into a genius. Heck, some of the brightest minds out there never even set foot in a college classroom!

If you were a regular Joe or Jane before diving into a PhD program, chances are you’ll still be one when you’re done. But hey, you don’t need to be a mega-brainiac to tackle a PhD. If you can snag a spot in a program, you’ve definitely got what it takes to see it through.

#7 Fear not the PhD pursuit

Some folks are scared stiff of the grueling trek to PhD-land. It’s like climbing a never-ending mountain, right?

Well, anything worth chasing is gonna be tough. If it were a piece of cake, everybody and their dog would be doing it!

#8 A PhD isn’t for everyone

To nail that PhD, you need a killer work ethic and a fierce dedication to your field. That’s what’ll help you conquer those hurdles and push through the lonely stretches.

Let’s face it: the PhD life isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Just look at the small number of doctorates awarded each year in the U.S., as reported by ASEE. The data below covers all engineering fields combined:

And if you’re bold enough to take on a PhD, you’re probably an ambitious go-getter. So you’ll no doubt find some other epic challenge to sink your teeth into.

#9 Pick your program and advisor like a pro

The right program and advisor can make or break your PhD ride.

Seriously, you’ll be bending over backward for your advisor for years. They’ve got the power to make your life a living nightmare. Keep your eyes peeled for these red flags:

A bad advisor:

• Is a grade-A jerk
• Makes everything about them
• Squeezes you for free labor and grinds you down
• Fills you with guilt and doubt

A good advisor:

• Is super nice and supportive
• Turns you into a top-notch researcher
• Dishes out awesome life advice
• Hooks you up with conferences and fellowships
• Lets you visit other labs

So do your homework and pick your program and advisor with care.

#10 Weigh the impact on your loved ones

I’ve known people who juggled family life and a PhD. Sure, it was a bumpy road, but they made it work.

Keep in mind that a PhD can take ages, and your biological clock won’t wait around for you to finish.

#11 Industry jobs for PhD grads

Dreaming of a PhD to score an industry job? From what I’ve seen, here are a couple of paths for PhD graduates:

• Work in well-funded government labs, doing the research thing.
• Join big-league companies like Google, Apple, or IBM that can afford to splash cash on research.

If that doesn’t float your boat, a Master’s degree might be all you need for other engineering gigs in the industry.

Important Note: During recessions, R&D departments usually hold steady. R&D is a long-haul investment for a company, after all.

If an R&D project kicks off during a slump, it’ll wrap up just as the economy bounces back. That way, the company comes out stronger on the other side.

“Should engineers get a PhD” wrap up

Deciding to pursue a PhD is a deeply personal choice that deserves some serious soul-searching.

Don’t let peer pressure sway you. Take a good, hard look at the pros and cons, and make the call that’s right for you.

Now, I’ve met engineers who’d never trade their PhD experience for the world. But others reckon it was the worst decision they ever made.

At the end of the day, a PhD is all about the journey, not just the fancy certificate and those three little letters you get to tack onto your name.

Do you think a PhD in engineering is worthwhile? Will it be even more valuable down the road?

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Author Bio: Koosha started Engineer Calcs in 2019 to help people better understand the engineering and construction industry, and to discuss various science and engineering-related topics to make people think. He has been working in the engineering and tech industry in California for well over 15 years now and is a licensed professional electrical engineer, and also has various entrepreneurial pursuits.

Koosha has an extensive background in the design and specification of electrical systems with areas of expertise including power generation, transmission, distribution, instrumentation and controls, and water distribution and pumping as well as alternative energy (wind, solar, geothermal, and storage).

Koosha is most interested in engineering innovations, the cosmos, sports, fitness, and our history and future.

6 thoughts on “Should Engineers Get a PHD? 11 Truths!”

The most insightful comparison I’ve found on this topic so far. Thank you.

Glad you found the article helpful 🙂

Thanks for that nicely summed up article – not too long and covers the important points on everybody’s mind! 🙂

Glad you enjoyed the read 🙂

Thank you, I have just been searching for info about this subject for ages and yours is the best I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive about the source?

I tried to capture all angles of the experience, so do your best to apply the lessons to your personality and reasons for pursuing the degree.

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Ph.D. in Civil Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree is an advanced research degree for students wishing to become an expert on a specific area of Civil and Environmental Engineering and train for a career involving independent and cutting-edge research.

The Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering is a mentored opportunity to become an expert on a specific research topic. This degree is recommended for those who expect to engage in a professional career in research, teaching, or technical work of an advanced nature in civil or environmental engineering.

The Ph.D. degree program in CEE is offered in five areas of specialization:

• Construction Engineering and Management (CEM)
• Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE)
• Infrastructure Systems Engineering (ISE)
• Structural Engineering (STR)
• Transportation Engineering (TRN)

A Ph.D. degree at UVA requires successful completion of required coursework plus the three following major milestones: Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, Ph.D. Proposal Defense, Ph.D. Dissertation Defense. Additionally, Ph.D. student in CEE must serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for at least one semester. 

See below for information on the Civil Engineering Ph.D. program, or download the CEE GRADUATE HANDBOOK .

Admissions Criteria

We accept applications from candidates with degrees from all engineering and some affiliated backgrounds. In some cases, candidates who do not have engineering or similar credentials will be offered conditional admission, which will require them to take selected undergraduate coursework in addition to the coursework required for their Ph.D.

All candidates are evaluated by one or more of the CEE research subgroups. Some students are admitted directly into a specific research group with a specific advisor. Other candidates are admitted into a subgroup and are then connected with an advisor during the first year.

Most accepted Ph.D. students receive financial aid. Funding offers take the form of GRAs, GTAs and/or various fellowships. Some Ph.D. students are funded by third-party entities (e.g., their employer or government or military agencies). Funded offers include monthly stipends, tuition waiver, and health insurance.

Join our vibrant community of graduate students

Engineering School Requirements

The School of Engineering academic requirements for the Ph.D. degree and steps to graduation can be found on the  Office of Graduate Programs webpage . The School of Engineering Office of Graduate Programs  also contains helpful resources about academic planning, student life, professional development for current graduate students. More information about the School of Engineering academic rules can be found on the University Registrar's website .

Time limit : All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years after matriculation to the graduate program.

Program Requirements

The Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering at UVA requires successful completion of required coursework plus the three major milestones: Ph.D. Qualifying Exam, Ph.D. Propoal Defense, and Ph.D. Dissertation Defense. These are briefly described below and more information can be found in the  CEE Graduate Handbook .

The Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering requires relevant coursework to help students access foundational knowledge in their discipline while striking a balance between depth and breadth. A minimum of 24 credits of graduate engineering coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree is required for all the Ph.D. students in Engineering School at UVA. Students with graduate study at other institutions may apply engineering credits from that study towards their 24 hours, but all CEE Ph.D. students must complete at least six credits of coursework from CEE at UVA. Students who earn an ME or MS degree at UVA enroute to a PhD in CEE may use CEE credits from their master’s degree to meet this requirement.

Students must complete the PhD Plan of Study Form and submit it to the CEE Student Services Coordinator before the student takes their Ph.D. Qualifying Exam. The Plan of Study is for departmental use only. Students should maintain a copy for themselves to access it whenever they convene their committee and/or complete a requirement. Official tracking for Engineering School and CEE requirements is done using the academic requirements report.

A Ph.D. degree at CEE at UVA has three key milestones:

• Ph.D. Qualifying Exam:  The purpose of the Qualifying Exam is to assess the student’s research aptitude and confirm that they have the skills and knowledge base necessary to conduct original research and to make a substantive contribution in their field.
• To assess whether the student’s knowledge of their chosen area and their understanding of relevant literature is adequate to complete a Ph.D.
• To recommend coursework, approaches/techniques and other resources that would facilitate or enhance the proposed work.
• To evaluate whether or not the proposed work, if completed, would constitute an acceptable basis for a doctoral dissertation.
• Ph.D. Dissertation Defense: The Ph.D. dissertation defense is the culminating step of the Ph.D. process. The purpose of the dissertation defense is to confirm that the completed research constitutes a meaningful contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of Civil and Environmental Engineering and to demonstrate competence in the field of the dissertation research and to ensure that the written quality of the final document is adequate to highlight the value of the work. After successful completion of the dissertation defense, the candidate must submit the dissertation via Libra. For more information on LIBRA and instruction of how to upload, please visit the Dissertation Submission Checklist .

Please review the  CEE Graduate Handbook  for more information about the timing, format, and committee composition requirements for each exam. 

Graduate Teaching Experience

CEE Ph.D. students must serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for at least one semester. GTAs will enroll for three credits (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory, or S/U, basis) of CE 8001 in a section corresponding to their supervising instructor. A GTA assignment will not count toward the teaching requirement if the student does not receive an S grade.

All GTAs whose first language is one other than English are required to take the oral section of the UVELPE Test. A score of at least 55 is required for permission to begin teaching without completion of appropriate oral language training. Please refer to  CAELC website for more information about the UVELPE test as well as the testing times and registration.

CEE Seminar Series

As an essential component of the graduate program in CEE, Ph.D. students are required to enroll in CE 7001 (with zero credit hours) and attend the CEE seminars during the academic year.

CEE Seminar Series is a weekly event during the academic year that brings together CEE faculty and students to learn about new research and practices in different areas of civil and environmental engineering. Research presentations are given by Distinguished Speakers from within the university community as well as nationally and internationally recognized researchers and engineers in academia and industry. The weekly seminars also include talks and presentations from CEE graduate students as well as presentations geared towards professional development.

Research Dissemination

• Publication: Ph.D. students are expected to generate peer-reviewed publications from each technical chapter of their dissertation. Publications must be peer-reviewed, co-authored with advisor and with the student as first author. Typically, one or more first-authored peer-reviewed publications will have already been accepted by the time of the Ph.D. defense. Sufficiency of the publication record is determined by the student's Ph.D. Committee.
• Conference/Seminar Presentation: Ph.D. students are required to present their research at least once at a conference, CEE Seminar Series or other public venue approved by the student's Ph.D. Committee.

Overall Timeline

In our Ph.D. Program, the student has tremendous ownership over their own destiny and responsibility for progressing toward their graduation. Hence, the Ph.D.student has the responsibility to manage the timing of their progression. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Ph.D.student to regularly communicate with their advisor to make sure that their progression through the program is following a timeline that is suitable to and in accordance with the expectations of the Ph.D.advisor and the program.

Typically, it takes between 4 to 5 years to successfully complete all the requirements and the milestones of the Ph.D. program in CEE. Students who enter the program with a MS degree are typically able to complete required coursework and take the Ph.D. Qualifying Exam in year 1. It may take those students who enter the program with a bachelor's degree longer to complete the required coursework. The Ph.D.Qualifying Exam must be taken by the end of the second year. All students are required to successfully complete the Proposal Defense at least one year prior to the Final Dissertation Defense . However, students are highly encouraged to complete this milestone by the end of year 3 of their program.

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

• Doing a PhD in Civil Engineering

What Does a PhD in Civil Engineering Focus On?

If you wish to conduct research into something which has real impact and could directly benefit society on a daily basis, a PhD in Civil Engineering could be for you. Civil Engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, construction and operation of the built environment which shapes our lives. From designing highways and building bridges to maintaining sewer systems and assessing flood risk, the work of civil engineers is fundamental to allowing cities to work the way they do.

A PhD in Civil Engineering provides you with the opportunity to work with emerging technology and industrial partners, and engage in research that has a direct impact on society. From assessing the accuracy of engineering codes and standards to developing novel approaches to the computational modelling of flood events, each Civil Engineering research project has a real-life application. Beyond this, doctoral study in Civil Engineering could allow you to operate in interdisciplinary research, work with a university’s industry partners, gain expertise and build a foundation for your career as an industry professional.

There are many branches of Civil Engineering, and graduates who wish to pursue doctorate study will have to choose a civil engineering specialization. Examples of popular civil engineering topics include:

• Structural Engineering – A PhD in structural engineering could look at how we can manage the impact of earthquakes on skyscrapers in areas of seismic activity to contribute to the development of resilient structures. Alternatively, this could be a local investigation into a single RC beam, and how reinforcement layout affects material behaviour.
• Geotechnical Engineering – Postgraduate research programmes here could involve assessing the accuracy of ground modelling techniques in different environments, or looking at how vibrations in the ground affect soil properties.
• Hydraulic and Fluid Dynamics – Doctoral research in fluid flow could revolve around coastal engineering or instead could focus on using computational software to model water flows associated with a hydroelectric dam. Other PhD students could focus on wind engineering and involve monitoring fluid flow in small scale wind tunnels built in a laboratory.
• Sustainability – A research project in sustainability could study sustainable design or the reliability of renewable energy sources and how they can be retrofitted into existing systems. Alternatively, a sustainability PhD research degree could look at the growing population and how this may affect city planning or urban development in the near and distant future.
• Environmental Engineering – Postgraduate study in this field could look at identifying potential effects of extreme weather events associated with climate change, such as flooding, and how we can prepare for them.
• Transportation Engineering – A doctoral degree in this branch may involve understanding traffic behaviour in different population densities, or evaluating the effectiveness of public transportation networks.
• Construction Engineering and Management – A PhD in construction management could involve a review of the effectiveness of UK legislation such as CDM 2015.

Browse Civil Engineering PhD Opportunities

From text to tech: shaping the future of physics-based simulations with ai-driven generative models, coventry university postgraduate research studentships, aerodynamics and noise of next-generation distributed propulsion system, high speed photography to investigate surface wear and fatigue in railway rail and wheel steels, improved understanding of the vaiont landslide based on refined modelling using updated geological information, minimum entry requirements for a phd in civil engineering.

The minimum academic entry requirements for a Civil Engineering doctorate programme are usually either a relevant first class honours degree, or a second class honours degree (undergraduate) with a relevant Master’s degree.

It is important that the applicant has a degree in a subject directly relevant to the PhD project. Typically, a Civil Engineering degree is preferred, however, the particular field of study often dictates this, for example: A research project studying geotechnical behaviour could accept degrees in Geography, Environmental Science, and Earth Science. Similarly, a research project modelling structural properties could accept degrees in Maths , Computing, and Physics . Universities also consider applicants with international equivalent qualifications.

Relevant work experience can improve your application. It is therefore advisable for current students, who are considering PhD study to complete internships or summer placements during their graduate study.

Beyond any degree requirement, prospective students also need to provide proof of their English Language ability. Universities will expect international students to have English Language Qualifications, for example, IELTS, TOEFL (iBT) or Pearson PTE scores. The exact score requirements of these exams will vary depending on the university, however typical requirements for a doctoral candidate are stated below:

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering?

Full time Civil Engineering PhD programmes in the UK usually have a duration of 3 years, with part time programmes lasting 6 years. For a full time programme, the first year is normally a probationary year, where the PhD student is required to propose a PhD thesis in Civil Engineering. Upon acceptance, the research phase begins, which typically involves laboratory work, but due to the different civil engineering branches may involve the research students undertaking numerical modelling, programming/computation, or fieldwork. After submission of the PhD thesis, doctoral researchers are required to undergo an oral examination (Viva Voce) before being awarded their PhD degree.

During your project, your supervisor or relevant academic staff for your department may encourage you to present findings and produce papers. You are also likely to be required to attend training courses to progress your transferable skills development for your future career.

Costs and Funding

Annual tuition fees for a UK doctoral student applying to a 2021/22 PhD programme in Civil Engineering are around £4,000 to £5,000. For EU and overseas students, these tuition fees increase to around £20,000 to £24,000 per academic year. Part-time tuition fees are normally proportioned according to the research programme length.

There are many funding opportunities available for Civil Engineering PhDs. Most institutions have Centres for Doctoral Training in Civil Engineering, which offer a number of Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council ( EPSRC ) studentships to eligible applicants. These studentships and grants cover tuition fees and can provide a maintenance stipend and research travel expenses.

The British Federation of Women Graduates offers a number of scholarships to eligible female postgraduate students. There are also many scholarships for international Civil Engineering students, for example, doctoral candidates from the US can apply to scholarships such as the British Marshall Scholarship or the Fulbright student scholarships which cover the costs of studying a doctoral degree in the UK.

Postgraduate research students may also be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan overseen by the UK Government which can provide up to £25,000 for course fees and living costs associated with your research project.

PhD in Civil Engineering Salary and Career Paths

One of the main benefits of Civil Engineering is that the wide applications open up many varied career opportunities. PhD holders have problem solving skills that allow them to transfer into different industries, and it is not uncommon to see Civil Engineering doctorates working in finance, consultancy, engineering research careers and management.

Typical Civil Engineering jobs include:

• CAD Technicians
• Contractors
• Consultants
• Quantity Surveyors
• Project management

Within each of these jobs, there is a wide range of sub disciplines. For example, one contractor may work on the maintenance of wind turbines, whilst another may focus on excavations in marine environments. The typical starting salary for a graduate Civil Engineering role is around £25,000. With experience, this can increase to over £50,000. It should be noted that holding a PhD degree often allows for greater career progression and opens doors to unique and diverse opportunities, with greater levels of responsibility and innovation. Consequently, PhD applicants can expect a more lucrative salary to reflect their expertise.

Typical employers include civil engineering consultancies and contractors, gas and utility companies, government bodies (e.g. Network Rail or Highways England) and research institutes. Universities and other academic institutions are also common employers, as some doctoral students transition from their postgraduate research programme to a teaching role.

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Ph.D. in Civil Engineering

Lead the way in ideating, designing and building tomorrow’s infrastructure, or educating future engineers.

Infrastructure has reached a tipping point where aging buildings, bridges, highways, waterways and other structures urgently need technical civil engineering expertise and new ideas to solve today’s challenges. A doctoral degree from UND offers the knowledge and skills you need to elevate your civil engineering skills and knowledge for greater opportunities in private and public sectors, or education.

Why earn a Ph.D. in civil engineering?

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Civil engineers experience no shortage of exciting challenges, growth prospects and a wide range of fascinating specialties to choose from. For those pursuing academia, the opportunity to shape and mold future engineering minds will have an enormous impact on tomorrow's infrastructure designs and structures.

This UND graduate program offers the highest advanced study in civil engineering with opportunities to either choose a career path aimed at a senior-level manager or research leader position, or as an educator in higher education. You'll gain the highest level of skills and expertise related to your chosen specialty or area. Most Civil Engineering Ph.D. students are funded by GRA/GTA and provided with tuition waivers.

UND's Ph.D. in Civil Engineering

Elevate your skills with specialized training customized to meet your interests and goals.

Gain a broad-based education with a curriculum that includes traditional study, multidisciplinary exposure and high-quality research.

Work with a committed faculty team to discover the area of most interest, and explore research and opportunities.

Study at a Carnegie Doctoral Research Institution ranked #151 by the NSF. Students are an integral part of UND research.

Enhance your professional skills at 60+ free workshops offered through the UND School of Graduate Studies. Our goal is to provide you with the workforce skills and job search strategies to succeed.

Gain a competitive edge through UND's Accelerate to Industry (A2i) ™ program. This workforce readiness program provides immersive job training for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. It is one of only 30 programs nationwide.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in civil engineering?

Students gain the fullest understanding of engineering design with the advanced skills that many global companies in the public and private sector value in their search for top civil engineering talent. For those seeking a career in academia, a Ph.D. offers the ideal path to success.

UND graduates can expect a range of opportunities in many specialties such as:

• Project Management
• Construction
• Environmental
• Transportation
• Geotechnical

UND Civil Engineering alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

• Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc.
• WSB & Associates, Inc.
• Bolton & Menk, Inc.
• Burns & McDonnell, Inc.

Ph.D. in Civil Engineering Courses

CE 502. Structural Stability. 3 Credits.

Concept of stability; equilibrium and energy methods; stability of columns, beam columns, and frames; inelastic buckling; stability by slope deflection and matrix methods; use of codes for the stability design of aluminum and steel columns and frames; torsional and lateral torsional buckling of beams and beam columns. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of mechanics of materials; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and the CE graduate student blackboard site. On demand.

CE 503. Structural Dynamics. 3 Credits.

Single-degree and multi-degree of freedom systems; continuous systems; free and forced vibrations; harmonic and periodic excitations; viscous and non-viscous damping; pulse excitations; numerical methods for dynamic response; earthquake response of linear elastic buildings; structural dynamics in building codes. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of mechanics of materials and dynamics; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and the CE graduate student blackboard site. On demand.

CE 517. Transportation Asset Management. 3 Credits.

Course focused on the principles of transportation asset management with an emphasis on pavement management system (PMS). Network- and project-level pavement management processes will be discussed, but the emphasis will be on network-level. Bridge management system will also be covered. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of mechanics of materials and statistics; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and the CE graduate student blackboard site. F, even years.

CE 518. Pavement Engineering. 3 Credits.

Structural pavement design concepts for flexible and rigid pavements; traffic and environmental loading factors; material characterization; hot mix asphalt design and analysis concepts, SuperPave mix design method, stresses and strains in flexible and rigid pavements, joints and load transfer of rigid pavements, fast track concrete, and construction issues. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of soil mechanics; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and graduate student blackboard site; consent of instructor for undergraduate students. F.

CE 524. Open Channel Hydraulics. 3 Credits.

Study of advanced topics in open channel hydraulics. Computer applications. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of hydraulic engineering; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and the CE graduate student blackboard site. F.

CE 536. Environmental Chemistry. 3 Credits.

Water chemistry in unit Operation and process design for water and wastewater treatment; physical, chemical, and biological systems; plant design project, computer-assigned design analysis. Prerequisite: Background/knowledge of introductory environmental engineering; additional information is available in the CE Graduate Student Handbook on the CE Department website and the CE graduate student blackboard site. F.

Online Civil Engineering Ph.D.

best online graduate programs

best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

Flexible Online Civil Engineering Ph.D. Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family, and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls, and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Civil Engineering Ph.D. Research for Online Students

Online Civil Engineering Ph.D. candidates are expected to perform cutting edge research. You must be selected by a research faculty member to join their research group or act as advisor. You will be required to complete research work in person. The research facility could be at your own location depending on the project and thesis topic. You'll work with your faculty advisor to determine how much of the program can be completed online.

Top-Tier Civil Engineering Ph.D. Online

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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Civil Engineering PhD

At CU Denver, we offer two options within the civil engineering PhD program: the doctor of philosophy in civil engineering is a technical degree intended for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, and the doctor of philosophy in civil engineering systems is a more flexible degree intended for students with undergraduate degrees in other fields such as science, mathematics, or economics. This program is administered jointly with the University of Colorado Boulder.

Areas of Study

Students enrolled in the civil engineering PhD program may choose from five areas of study.

• Civil engineering systems
• Transportation engineering
• Hydrologic, environmental, and sustainability engineering
• Structural engineering

Degree requirements

Students must hold an earned master's degree before they can be admitted to a doctoral program in the Department of Civil Engineering; there is no direct admission from a bachelor's program to the doctoral program. However, a student enrolled in a master's program may apply for the doctoral program before the master's degree is granted, as long as the master's degree is conferred before they enroll as a doctoral student at CU Denver.

Degree components

The PhD in civil engineering systems requires the completion of at least 60 credit hours, including at least 30 dissertation research hours and at least 30 credit hours of coursework relevant to the student’s dissertation research. Nine (9) credit hours must be completed at CU Boulder.

Doctoral students may transfer up to 15 credit hours toward their required coursework, but not for dissertation hours. Students who complete their master’s degree at CU Denver or CU Boulder may transfer up to 21 credit hours. 

Students must pass a preliminary examination, complete a comprehensive exam and orally defend their dissertation before a committee of at least five faculty members: two from Boulder and three from Denver.

Civil Engineering PhD rules (pdf)

Preliminary Exam Guidelines (pdf)

Comprehensive Exam Guidelines (pdf)

Prerequisite coursework

Prerequisites  apply to this degree program and should be completed before more than 12 credit hours of doctoral coursework is completed. Current master’s students may apply to the doctoral program at any point after they begin to earn their master’s degree course work. 

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PhD in Civil Engineering

WPI’s PhD in civil engineering immerses you in rigorous studies and research, pushing you to cross boundaries even as you define an area of focus, be it construction project management, environmental engineering, highway infrastructure, structural engineering, or geotechnical engineering.

Value Proposition Description

One-on-one faculty mentoring helps assure your success as you work together to customize a program of study.  You’ll have state-of-the-art equipment at your disposal, including access to civil and engineering labs and computers labs, many of which are located within the department’s home building.

As a part of the PhD in Civil Engineering at WPI, you’ll divide your time between in-depth research and classroom study, with specialized courses such as Advanced Design of Steel Structures, Structural Design for Fire Conditions, Hazardous Waste: Containment, Treatment and Prevention, and Open Channel Hydraulics.

You’ll also pursue a minor field of study outside of civil engineering, which may be established by three courses in the area you choose. Popular areas include Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Materials.

While pursuing your PhD in Civil Engineering at WPI, you’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research exploring areas like sustainability, natural resource preservation, design, construction, architecture, and energy.

Our pioneering faculty are currently engaged in globally recognized studies on pavement engineering and highway materials, analysis and design of structural systems and smart structures, construction and sustainable building design, and physical and chemical treatment processes, to name a few.

Small class sizes, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and close interaction with faculty means you don’t get lost in the crowd here.

Our grad students work on problems with a multidisciplinary approach, so collaborations with other departments gives your work even greater potential impact.

Research at WPI solves real-world problems—from using innovative materials to provide more efficient heating and cooling in buildings to protecting water resources to designing bioinspired structural materials.

At WPI, we consider the big picture and our students leave with that valuable approach. That means you’ll see an immediate problem like wastewater treatment and will consider how the solution might have additional environmental, societal, or technological impacts.

As a graduate student in WPI’s Civil & Environmental Engineering department, you’ll work in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities both on campus and at project centers around the globe. You’ll have access to advanced instrumentation not found at other universities, including a device that can characterize novel bioinspired materials and structures and help construct advanced infrastructure systems.

Faculty Profiles

My teaching and research interests focus on water quality and the safety of drinking waters. I study water from source to tap: where do contaminants originate from, what is their fate in the environment, and how do we engineer treatment processes to protect public health? I am particularly interested in preventing the transmission of pathogens through water. In source waters, I aim to identify sources of pollution and understand the fate, transport, and survival of those pollutants in the environment.

Prof. Liu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). His research focuses on built and urban environment, occupant-building-environment interaction, and integrated design for sustainable and healthy buildings. Prof. Liu envisions his research promoting built sustainability and occupant well-being through the interface among building science, information science, public health, and social science.

Rajib Basu Mallick is currently the Ralph White Family Distinguished Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WPI. He graduated from Jadavpur University, India, in 1989 and received his master’s degree and PhD from Auburn University, USA. He also worked as a senior research associate at the National Center for Asphalt Technology, USA. Rajib’s main research interests are in the optimum utilization of natural resources and sustainable construction, specifically related to the pavement industry.

My research activities in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering are in mechanics, materials, and structures. At WPI, my favorite teaching aspect is working one-on-one with graduate and undergraduate students on research projects. I like to excite students’ curiosity toward discoveries and creative scientific advancements. In our research group, we focus on the fundamental principles that control the behavior of materials in engineering and biology at multiple scales. I am particularly interested in the bioinspired design of materials and structures.

Replacing our crumbling national infrastructure with conventional materials would be only a temporary solution to a critical problem. My research focuses on developing new, more durable materials for use in infrastructure, which will lead to a lowered maintenance burden, improved user safety, and a reduced environmental impact. Personally, the part that I like most about this subject is the chemistry.

I teach geotechnical and pavement engineering courses at WPI. My favorite teaching activities are helping students develop critical thinking skills and become independent learners and problem solvers for their future career in civil engineering.

My research and teaching activities are in the area of sustainable building design and building technology, with a special focus on the study of adaptive building enclosure systems. One of the goals of this research is to develop smart materials that can alter their thermal properties in response to changing outdoor conditions, in order to conserve energy and optimize building thermal comfort. This research entails the use of energy modeling tools, experimental investigations including synthesis of new materials, and the study of practical applications.

Harold Walker is the Schwaber Professor of Environmental Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WPI. Prior to his appointment at WPI, Professor Walker was the Founding Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering at Stony Brook University. Professor Walker also served as the co-Director of the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook and was appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo to the New York State Drinking Water Quality Council. Prior to Stony Brook, Dr.

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What Does a Civil Engineer Do?

Whether you have specific questions about the day in the life of a civil engineer or are wondering what a PhD in civil engineering salary looks like, our career outlook for civil engineering is your go-to guide. Maybe you’re contemplating if a PhD in civil engineering is worth it and aligns with your career aspirations. If you want to be a part of building a more sustainable tomorrow and dive into in-depth research, earning a doctorate degree is a step in the right direction. Do you first need to earn your master’s so you can land your dream position in the civil industry? Explore our master’s in civil engineering where you’ll participate in immersive, team-based research to solve critical problems in our society. For those interested in a practice-oriented degree that will provide fundamental leadership skills and applied teamwork, consider earning a MEng in civil engineering . Have you always wanted to learn about efficient ways to build and maintain infrastructure? A master’s in construction project management is rigorous, yet practical, immersing students in construction engineering processes, risk mitigation, and more. If you are fascinated by your surrounding environment, a master’s in environmental engineering will help elevate your knowledge in areas like treating industrial wastes, storm water quality control, and more.

Do you have a busy work schedule and need a more flexible option? We offer two niche graduate programs in environmental engineering and construction project management 100% online. If you are passionate about managing large construction projects at every stage, consider earning an online master’s in construction project management . Maybe you’re intrigued by water-quality topics, hydraulics, and resource management? Our online master’s in environmental engineering may be a good fit for your career.

Are You Ready to Begin Your Academic Path with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Does the idea of civil engineering spark you passion for improving life around the planet? If you’re interested in protecting the earth’s natural resources or improving the global infrastructure, then look into a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering . If you are more focused on how to help preserve natural resources and use the most high-tech materials for sustainable building design, WPI’s architectural engineering BS will provide you with the academic foundation and skills you need to pursue a meaningful career.

Gain Skills and Knowledge with a Certificate in Water Quality and Water Resources

Water is a critical topic, a global concern, and professionals with expertise in the field are sought after. If you’ve got a bachelor’s degree and you’re looking for additional environmental engineering knowledge that can translate immediately into your job duties, a water quality systems certificate will give you the skills and understanding you need. If you already have a master’s degree, but are looking for a deeper level of coursework, the advanced water resources certificate is going to help you become more proficient to meet the demand for professionals that are fluent in sustainable policies and practices around water.

Supplement Your Academics with a Targeted Certificate in Construction Management

If you are considering an advanced degree but are unsure of the right path or if you are looking for more expertise, a certificate program might be just what you need. Certificate programs at WPI introduce you to graduate-level work while bestowing expertise you can apply to your studies or your work. Our four-course certificate in construction project management is focused on building information modeling, cost estimating procedures, and negotiations and conflict resolution so you can manage complex construction projects more effectively. If you need flexibility, the online certificate in construction project management will help you take courses from wherever you are.

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Civil Engineering, Ph.D.

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Growing and established cities are continually meeting new infrastructure needs and maintaining older systems, such as highways, bridges, and airports. The School of Engineering's Ph.D. in Civil Engineering program produces graduates dedicated to enriching the field. Research-oriented and focused on the latest developments in the discipline, our program readies you for civil engineering research careers in the private sector. It also prepares you to teach at the university level, ensuring the most recent advancements in the field are shared with a new generation of civil engineers.

Concentrations

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will choose to concentrate in 1 of these sub-disciplines:

• structural materials and engineering
• geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering
• environmental and water resources engineering
• construction management and engineering
• highway and traffic engineering
• urban infrastructure systems

Other focus areas are possible and can be developed with the assistance of faculty advisers. All subject areas must be relevant to the degree sought, and a faculty member must be willing and able to guide your research.

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Urban Science Doctoral Track

• Admission to this program requires an MS in Civil Engineering or equivalent with a GPA of 3.5 or better (on a 0-4 scale).
• GRE scores are required for all full-time Ph.D. applicants.
• Foreign applicants must take the TOEFL examination and submit the results for consideration.

In criteria 1 and 2 above, the “equivalent" can be achieved in several ways. You may have an MS degree with a different title that covers substantially the same material. In more general terms, you must demonstrate that you have the equivalent of all undergraduate and masters-level coursework to be able to pursue doctoral-level work in the chosen major area, as well as in a minor area within the umbrella of civil engineering. Further, “equivalence” is evaluated based on the totality of your undergraduate and graduate record, not course-by-course. Thus, if you wish to pursue doctoral work in Environmental Engineering, for example, you must have the entire undergraduate and masters-level course background expected in Environmental Engineering, but you do not need to demonstrate such a background in structures.

Because admission to a Ph.D. program requires a relevant MS (or equivalent), applicants who have not yet achieved a master’s degree would normally be admitted as MS students. They are expected to earn an MS degree while completing their major and minor course requirements. In rare cases, an applicant with only a BS degree may be directly admitted into the Ph.D. program with the written approval of the department head.

Find out more about  Admission Requirements .

A maximum of 48 credits of approved graduate work may be transferred and applied to your degree requirements. They would be awarded on a course-by-course basis or by the transfer of an MS degree from another institution in satisfaction of 30 graduate credits. The latter requires a recommendation from the department’s Graduate Committee and the approval of the department head. Transfer credits must be approved by the academic adviser, the graduate coordinator, and the department head.

Every Ph.D. student upon admission is assigned an academic adviser, who is designated by the department head. Any member of the civil engineering faculty may be an academic adviser to a Ph.D. student. The first meeting should take place shortly after receiving an acceptance letter from the Admissions Office. During this first meeting the student’s Program of Study should be established. The Program of Study should include a list of the fundamental and advanced topics that will comprise the specific courses, the subject matter for the qualifying exam and possible research areas.

Program Requirements

Before becoming a candidate for the Ph.D., you must pass a qualifying examination. 

Immediately after you pass your qualifying exam, a Dissertation Committee will be formed. This panel of experts will guide your course of study and research work. You are required to submit and present a dissertation proposal. The culmination of your Ph.D. work will be the defense of the final draft of your dissertation. There are important requirements involved in the qualifying examination and dissertation processes.  One of these requirements is that your defense of the final draft of your dissertation must take place in-person at the Brooklyn Campus.

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Civil Engineering PhD

Doctoral Program

This PhD program produces graduates who are capable of conducting original research in industry or academia, as well as assuming a leadership role in their chosen employment field.

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Why Pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering

According to the 2018 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Careers in Civil Engineering are projected to grow by 11 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This doctoral program will produce graduates who have advanced technical knowledge in Civil Engineering and are vital to the interests of San Antonio, the State of Texas and the nation. As infrastructure continues to age, highly trained technical professionals will be needed to manage projects to rebuild, repair, and upgrade structures of all types to meet these demands.

Program Details

The Civil Engineering PhD program has six separate tracks:

• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources
• Building Performance
• Construction Science and Management

Research is needed in emerging areas of civil engineering such as smart structures, advanced materials, data analytics, computational mechanics, water sustainability and intelligent transportation systems to advance knowledge and address our infrastructure needs.

• Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Funding opportunities, career options, admission & application requirements.

Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application . Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.

For information about graduate student funding, click below.

UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.

Course Offerings & Schedule

The doctoral program in Civil Engineering requires that students complete a minimum of 60 semester credit hours beyond the Master’s degree. This coursework includes courses that have been designed to provide advanced instruction in areas considered to form the foundation for the discipline of civil engineering. Enrollment in the Graduate Seminar is required for a minimum of 2 semester credit hours. A minimum of 15 semester credit hours of Doctoral Research and 15 semester credit hours minimum of Doctoral Dissertation must be completed prior to graduation. Any grade lower than “B” in graduate or remedial coursework at the undergraduate level does not count toward the 60 semester credit hours. Students can apply, with the approval from the chair of their Dissertation Committee, up to 12 semester credit hours of graduate coursework to elective courses (see below), if not applied toward their Master’s degree. Students with only a baccalaureate degree are required to have a minimum of 75 semester credit hours to graduate. Additional degree requirements include both passing a written and/or oral qualifying examinations, writing a doctoral dissertation, and passing a final examination/dissertation defense.

Twenty eight semester credit hours of required elective courses must be selected by each student according to his/her selected track of study, as defined below. These need to be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee. These elective courses may be offered by departments in the College of Sciences, the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design or by other departments at UTSA.

Graduate Advisor of Record

Marcio Giacomoni, PhD

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PhD in Civil Engineering

• Updated on  
• Dec 5, 2023

Amongst the sought-after engineering branches , Civil engineering corresponds to the study of design, development as well as maintenance of physical and natural infrastructure. It encompasses everything from the development and construction of countrywide railway networks or dams for big power projects. It can also be a work to construct highways or projects of small scale. For those planning to pursue higher studies in this field and aim to explore a career in research , then a doctoral degree in civil engineering is the best one to opt for. Through this blog, we have collated a comprehensive guide on PhD in Civil Engineering, its course details, top universities, career scope and much more. 

Check Out: Civil Engineering vs Architecture

This Blog Includes:

What is a phd in civil engineering, phd programs in civil engineering, phd in civil engineering syllabus, phd in civil engineering specializations, top colleges for phd in civil engineering in india, top universities for phd in civil engineering abroad, phd in civil engineering eligibility, phd in civil engineering entrance exams, phd in civil engineering scholarships, phd in civil engineering jobs and salary.

Commonly offered as a three to five-year doctoral degree program, a PhD in Civil Engineering is a research-oriented course which explores the advanced level concepts of Civil Engineering and encourages scholars to actively take part in research projects. Further, students are needed to opt for a specialization in Civil Engineering which they will be exploring in detail through research projects. Some of the popular types of Civil Engineering specialisations offered under the doctorate course include Geotechnical Engineering , Structural Engineering , Water Resource Engineering, Environmental Engineering , etc.

There are numerous course variants available for PhD in Civil Engineering as there are several specialisations under this domain which you can choose from. Here are some of the major PhD programs in Civil Engineering offered around the world:

While the actual course offerings might vary as per your chosen specialization for a PhD in Civil Engineering, here are some of the commonly covered subjects you will come across while studying this course:

PhD in Civil Engineering Syllabus UCL PhD in Civil Engineering Syllabus University of Lincoln

Students to wish to pursue their PhD in civil engineering can choose from various specifications offered abroad and in India.

• Construction Management
• Environmental Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

There are many colleges in India that offer specializations for PhD in civil engineering. Here are a few of the top colleges in India.

• Amity University, Lucknow
• Chandigarh University (CU)
• IIT Kanpur – Indian Institute of Technology
• Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati
• Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad
• National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal
• LPU – Lovely Professional University

Numerous universities across the globe offer PhD degrees in Civil Engineering with a host of specialisations on offer. Below we have enlisted the top universities providing sought-after doctorate degrees in Civil Engineering with best research opportunities on offer:

• University College London (UCL)
• University of Lincoln
• The University of New Mexico
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Houston
• The Ohio State University
• Texas A and M University
• Budapest University of Technology and Economics
• The University of New South Wales
• University of Strathclyde

In order to apply for a PhD in Civil Engineering, there are certain prerequisites you need to keep in mind to be eligible for this course. The actual course requirements are bound to differ as per the program and university so below is a rundown of the common eligibility criteria you must know about:

• While applying for a PhD degree in Civil Engineering at a particular university, the student needs to provide details pertaining to their research project as well as the professor or scholar you wish to work with.
• The candidate must have completed a master’s degree in Civil Engineering or any of its specialisations with the minimum marks specified by their chosen university.
• In India, many universities require students to appear for entrance exams like GATE , UGC NET, AISECT, UEE, etc. to apply for PhD courses in Engineering.
• If you are planning to study this doctoral program, you need to provide GRE scores along with language proficiency scores of IELTS / TOEFL / PTE , etc.

If you are planning to pursue PhD in civil engineering, some universities require students to clear entrance exams. Some of the popular entrance exams are as follows:

Here are a few scholarships for students who wish to pursue their PhD in Civil Engineering.

• NCERT Doctoral Fellowship
• Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research
• Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowships
• PMRF- Prime Ministers Research Fellowship

PhD in civil engineering is a career-oriented course and opens many job opportunities for those who are inclined to research and related fields. The average salary of a civil engineer with a PhD is INR 2 to 9 lakh and can increase if the person is more skilled and experienced than other prospective employees.

The duration of PhD in civil engineering is 4-5 years

In India, IIT Bombay, JMI are among the top-ranked colleges while UCL and the University of Lincoln are the best for PhD in civil engineering abroad.

Yes, you can study PhD after BTech from India as well as abroad.

It depends upon your skills and knowledge. However, it ranges between 4,00,000 – 11,00,000 per annum.

Some of the popular entrance exams are NET, GATE.

Thus, we hope that this blog helped you explore the key course details of a PhD in Civil Engineering. Are you aiming to pursue your PhD in Engineering abroad? Our Leverage Edu experts are here to assist you in selecting the best course and university as per your interests and aspirations! Sign up for a free career counselling session today!

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Why I Chose a Ph.D. In Civil Engineering: An International Student’s Story

Now, more than ever before, our society has placed increasing demands on the systems and structures that connect us. As technology advances, civil and environmental engineers use their expertise to help protect human health, preserve nature's ecosystems, and improve the overall quality of human life. By designing, building, and maintaining systems of infrastructure, their work brings us together and allows societies to thrive. Their knowledge and experience help us adapt to change and improve structures to build a more safe and healthy world.

Reza Moghimi is an international Ph.D. student from Iran studying in SMU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering program. He is passionate about his program and shared with us some of his most significant accomplishments, how SMU’s program has impacted him, and the motivation behind why he chose to study civil and environmental engineering. Read on to hear Reza’s story.

Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Gholamreza “Reza” Moghimi, and I am an international Ph.D. student from Iran. In high school, I had a strong interest in mathematics and physics, so I decided to pursue an advanced education in civil engineering. After completing my undergraduate degree, I gained some research experience through a civil engineering master’s program. The natural next step in my career progression was to begin my Ph.D. program.

Why did you choose the Civil Engineering Ph.D. program at SMU? 

Southern Methodist University is one of the best schools in Texas. Since it is located in Dallas, graduate students have the opportunity to interact with prominent and influential companies. Studying at SMU also gives students opportunities to meet world leaders and significant figures.

What resources do you feel set SMU apart from other Civil Engineering Ph.D. programs?

SMU provides students with a safe, creative, and diverse educational environment in which to study. We have opportunities to interact with students from different backgrounds, learn from each other, and use those experiences in our research.

Tell me about some of the research you’ve done during your years of study. 

I’ve had opportunities to work on a variety of subjects over my years of study, for example, structural health monitoring, seismic protection, seismic control, and structural dynamics. 

I am most proud of my research on the use of inerters (which is an alternative response modification strategy for seismic control). I studied how they can be used together with hysteretic devices and compared the results with traditional response modification strategies. 

Tell us about one professor who has impacted you during your Ph.D. program.

I could not have achieved any of my academic goals without the wisdom of my advisor, Professor Nicos Makris, who introduced me to real research when I started my doctorate . His support, patience, wisdom, and friendship have made the challenging journey of graduate school a very special and enjoyable one for me. I will always be thankful for his trust in me to explore various opportunities, and for all I’ve learned from him, both personally and professionally.

What are your career dreams or plans? 

I would like to work as a faculty member in academia and SMU has given me opportunities to understand the challenges and gain the needed skills to achieve my goal.

How can prospective civil engineering Ph.D. students best prepare to thrive in their doctoral program?

Ph.D. students should be dedicated and determined about their goals. They should be organized and manage their time well to gain their desired skills. Undergraduate students should also try to interact with Ph.D. students to gain experience and perspective and to prepare for their graduate studies.

Earn your graduate degree in civil and environmental engineering at SMU!

At SMU, we offer advanced degrees in civil and environmental engineering that can be taken 100 percent online or in a hybrid model that combines in-person and online learning. This one-of-a-kind model makes them accessible and flexible to accommodate the needs of working professionals and every student’s learning preferences. Our programs bring together a diverse mix of talented students by offering personalized support, hands-on experiences, and innovative research designed to improve lives and make a difference in the world through engineering.

If you’re interested in learning more about our programs, we invite you to explore our website or request more information . 

Looking for a professor performing research in your field? Download — A Guide to Graduate Degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, to find your Ph.D. research match!  

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Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)

Doctoral candidates tailor a highly individualized Program of Study (typically 50 credit hours of courses beyond the bachelor's degree) to develop expertise in one of the following major specialization areas:

• Construction and Infrastructure Systems
• Engineering Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Water Resources
• Geosystems Engineering
• Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials
• Transportation Systems Engineering

As part of the Program of Study, candidates must complete a Minor Field of Study. To demonstrate the ability for independent research, the candidate must pass a qualifying examination, a thesis proposal, and a thesis defense.

Candidates are required to complete a doctoral thesis reporting the results of original and independent research that derives from the scientific method and demonstrates creativity and technical expertise in the principles and methods essential to modern Civil & Environmental Engineering.

UTA’s graduate engineering programs among nation’s best

Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 • Brian Lopez : contact

The University of Texas at Arlington’s graduate engineering programs were ranked among the top 100 in the nation in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, the latest sign of academic excellence at UTA.

Additionally, the civil and mechanical engineering graduate programs each improved by three spots over the previous year.

“There are many ways to determine the quality of academic programs. These rankings are a very visible piece of information for students as they consider where to pursue a graduate degree, but certainly not the only mechanism by which students and families determine quality and potential for student opportunities,” said Peter Crouch, dean of the College of Engineering. “As a Carnegie R-1 university in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, UTA provides our students unique opportunities to pursue research and careers with many of the top companies in the world.”

UTA offers 13 master’s and 9 doctoral degree programs in seven departments:

• Bioengineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer science and engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Industrial, manufacturing and systems engineering
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical and aerospace engineering

Being ranked among the best in the nation reflects the quality of the current engineering students, faculty, and staff and makes the University an attractive institution for top talent. An example of this can be seen in the recent recruitment of Hongtei Eric Tseng, a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Dr. Tseng is a member of the National Academy of Engineering with decades of experience in the automotive industry and over 100 U.S. patents, about a third of which are implemented in Ford vehicles.

He is the first faculty member hired under UTA’s Recruiting Innovative Scholars for Excellence (RISE) initiative, which represents a substantial investment in the future of UTA. Through RISE, the University seeks to recruit more than 100 new tenure-system faculty. Hiring at this scale often takes up to 15 years; UTA aims to achieve its faculty hiring goals by 2026. The $60 million effort is funded in part through the support of the UT System’s Regents Research Excellence program.

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Engineering graduate programs improve rankings

In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools compilation, The Ohio State University College of Engineering’s graduate program ranked 27th overall, once again first in Ohio and moving up to 13th among public universities.

CEGE's civil engineering graduate program ranked 27th overall, rising two spots since last year's ratings. The environmental engineering graduate program rose five spots and was ranked 29th overall.

The department's faculty continue to conduct innovative research in collaboration with our outstanding cohort of graduate students.

Recently, Associate Professor Andre Carrel and his PhD student, Harsh Shah, developed insights into how teleworking and online shopping impact people's sustainable travel choices .

Carrel presented his research and moderated a discussion at a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Household Travel Survey (NHTS). Conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA, part of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation), the NHTS is a key nationwide survey of Americans' travel behavior and transportation choices. 

Assistant Professor Jordan Clark and his PhD student, Saba Zakeri Shahvari, identified new, low-energy approaches to condition air with dessicants . 

The research team developed a multi-stage dehumidification system using a wheel drying agents that take advantage of the unique behavior of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) sorbents. They found this new approach could improve the energy regeneration efficiency by up to to 20% and overall effectiveness of up to 40% in dehumidification systems.

Professor Linda Weavers , with graduate students Josh Fuchs and Megan Jamison,  developed new standards for drinking water treatment design by focusing on the intersection of various, stakeholder roles in that process.

The research team has one design standard for low pressure membrane filtration currently under review by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for inclusion in their Plan Approval Process for installation of new technologies at a water plant. A second design standard, for ozone treatment, is currently being finalized for Ohio Environmental Protection Agency review to be used for future Plan Approval. 

For the U.S. News rankings of graduate programs , 220 engineering schools that grant doctoral degrees were surveyed.

As of autumn semester 2023, 1,776 engineering graduate students were pursuing one of 13 advanced degrees at Ohio State. Ninety (90) of those graduate students were enrolled in the Civil Engineering Graduate Studies Program (CEGSP)

While overall engineering graduate school rankings are derived from a combination of nine quantitative and qualitative indicators, the publication’s engineering specialty rankings are based solely on peer assessments by department heads in each area. Assessment surveys and statistical data were collected in fall 2023 and early 2024.

“As Ohio’s flagship engineering program, and among the best in the Midwest, we embrace the responsibility to prepare exceptionally talented engineers for careers in a multitude of industries as well as academia,” said Dean Ayanna Howard. “Our continuous improvement in overall and specialty rankings is a nod to the commitment of our extraordinary faculty and staff. We are all invested in our students’ success.”

In last September’s U.S. News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges issue, Ohio State’s undergraduate engineering program again ranked first in Ohio and rose 25th overall and 14th among public universities nationwide.

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Civil engineering: Building and maintaining infrastructure.

Is a Ph.D. in transportation engineering worth it?

I am an international student planning to pursue an MS in Civil Engineering specialized in Transportation (Fall '22). As I was reaching out to professors, one of them offered me a position in his research team if I changed my degree preference from an MS to a PhD. He has also mentioned that after I get there, I could change it to an MS if I want.

I have heard that getting a PhD is beneficial only if you want a career in academia. Is it true for this field as well? What would be some other career options that require, or give me an added advantage because of a PhD?

Also, is changing your PhD to an MS midway an easy process? I'm not quite sure how all that works as well, so if anyone could please help me, I'd really appreciate that.

Duke Engineering Continues Climbing US News and World Report Rankings

Duke Engineering now boasts two top 10 programs, with Environmental Engineering joining Biomedical Engineering, which leads all departments with its #2 ranking

Duke Engineering is home to two top 10 graduate school programs for the first time, as ranked by the U.S. News and World Report . In its newly released list, Duke’s Biomedical Engineering Department rose to #2 in the nation, while its Environmental Engineering program rose to #9. Both rankings are the highest in either program’s history.

All told, all of Duke Engineering’s programs rank among the top 30 in their fields. Duke Engineering overall ranked #23 for its graduate programs, again placing within the top 25, which it has since 2020.

“We can all be very proud of Duke Engineering’s impressive rise in program rankings—credit goes to the creativity, ingenuity and passion of the amazing community of scholars that call Pratt home,” said Jerome P. Lynch , the Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering. “The rankings also reflect our unyielding commitment to boldly solving pressing societal problems through our education and research excellence.”

These rankings reflect our unyielding commitment to boldly solving pressing societal problems through our education and research excellence. Jerome Lynch Vinik Dean of the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University Twitter/X Logo LinkedIn Logo Google Logo

As one of the oldest biomedical engineering departments in the country, the department has long been a leader in the field. Boasting more than 50 faculty members and $39 million in research funding, its historical strengths lie in biomaterials, biomedical imaging and tissue engineering. With new faculty joining the department bringing expertise in machine learning, AI and computational medicine, Duke BME is poised to further expand its pioneering leadership in the field.

On the educational side, Duke’s Biomedical Engineering Department has prioritized practical, hands-on experience through programs like Design Health and Design Fellows , where students work with clinicians, stakeholders and community partners to transform their research and ideas into marketable prototypes.

Duke’s Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering program’s rise into the top 10 can be attributed to several factors, most notably the launch of the Precision Microbiome Engineering Research Center . Called PreMiEr for short and funded by $26 million from the National Science Foundation, the center aims to develop diagnostic tools and engineering approaches that promote building designs for preventing the colonization of harmful bacteria, fungi or viruses while encouraging beneficial microorganisms.

Along with Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke Engineering has also recently launched the Design Climate program , which connects teams of students with industry and community partners to get hands-on experience while solving real-world problems linked to mitigating and adapting to climate change. Duke Engineering also recently launched a Master of Climate and Sustainability Engineering program , which builds expertise beyond traditional engineering subject matter to prepare professionals who are ready to implement nimble solutions for a rapidly changing landscape.

Duke’s Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs retained their positions among the top 20 with their peers. Having moved into record-high positions last year, the continued recognition is a reflection of Duke Engineering’s growing footprint in the realms of quantum computing, artificial intelligence, full-stack hardware design and cybersecurity.

Continuing its march toward the top 20 was the Mechanical Engineering program, which rose two places to #23, it’s highest ranking ever. Long recognized for its leadership in aerospace-based computational mechanics and dynamics, the program also now boasts a growing reputation in autonomous systems, robotics and biomechanics.

Some of the biggest movements within Duke Engineering’s programs, meanwhile, came from the Civil Engineering and Materials Engineering programs, which each jumped four places to #27 and #26, respectively. With the continuing shift of civil engineering research trends toward adapting to climate change , Duke Engineering has made major investments and hired new faculty in areas such as carbon sequestration, hydrodynamics and water quality, and smart-city technologies. The materials engineering program, headlined by the Duke Materials Initiative , has continued adding to its known expertise in computational materials, soft matter and materials for green energy technologies.

The Duke Engineering Difference

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