civil engineering phd online

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.

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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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Online Doctor of Engineering

Dr. Timothy Jacobs  serves as the program's department head, and Dr. Chuck Wolf  serves as the program's academic advisor.

Program Information

The Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) Program prepares our students to work at the highest levels of the engineering profession. This program emphasizes solving problems that arise in using technologies beneficial to mankind. However, those problems and their solutions frequently affect society in nontechnical ways. Therefore, technological advances implemented through business and industry require direction by persons possessing both high technical competence and professional understanding of the social, political and institutional factors involved. Graduates of the D.Eng. Programs are uniquely qualified to fulfill that important role.

The program prepares individuals for professional engineering careers in business, industry and the public sector. It is not intended as a research degree nor as preparation for a faculty position at a research university. That is the province of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree. The D.Eng. program emphasizes engineering practice, public service and the development of leadership potential, not basic research.

D.Eng. graduates are prepared to move quickly into positions of responsibility and authority. Therefore, students are required to take courses in business and communications, supplemented by elective graduate courses. With this background, professional activities can and often do encompass both technical and nontechnical fields.

Positions of leadership call for interaction between technology and society; communication is required not only with other engineers but with other professionals, laymen and workers. The ability to think and express oneself clearly is essential. These needs are considered in the admission requirements and in the internship.

Admission Requirements

Individuals possessing a minimum of an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering or the equivalent may apply for program admission. Those persons applying with only a bachelor's degree must have a grade point average of at least 3.0/4.0. Individuals applying with a master's degree in engineering must have a grade point average of at least 3.25 for their overall graduate studies. Since the D.Eng. is a practice-oriented, professional degree, at least five years of fulltime engineering-related practice is an important factor considered for program admission. 

 Please note additional remote engineering fees are added each semester. 

How to apply

• Program Specialist IV, Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
• Interim Graduate Advisor, Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering
• Office: ETB 1041K
• Phone: 979-845-0528
• Email: [email protected]

• myState on Mississippi State University
• Directory on Mississippi State University

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with a concentration in Civil Engineering

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The Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis option) and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Major areas of study include structures, geotechnical, water resources, transportation, construction materials and environmental engineering.

An advanced degree in civil and environmental engineering can lead to career advancements for civil engineers, design engineers or civil/structural engineers.

Do you like to work outdoors as well as indoors? Do you excel at subjects like science and mathematics? Do you have a passion for building things or for taking things apart and putting them back together? Civil engineers are responsible for maintaining, repairing and upgrading infrastructure, so they are involved with engineering projects in a unique and ongoing way even after construction is complete. A graduate degree is for those who want to learn more and provide leadership in their workplace.

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

What are some potential careers?

Program structure.

Mississippi State University’s Bagley College of Engineering offers programs of study leading to a Doctoral degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with specializations in the following areas:

• Construction Engineering and Management
• Construction Materials Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering
• For students with an acceptable M.S. degree, a minimum of 24 hours of coursework approved by their committee and a minimum of 20 hours of research (CE 9000) are required.
• 12 hours in CE courses, nine of which are at the Full Graduate level
• 12 hours at the Full Graduate level
• 15 hours in Engineering.

* The student needs to submit a seperate application and be admitted for dual enrollment in the M.S. program at least one semester before earning the M.S. degree.

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the Online Civil Engineering program should apply as an Unclassified student.

Applications for the degree programs are reviewed three times a year. The application deadlines for those semesters are as follows:

• Fall Semester – March 15
• Spring Semester – September 15
• Summer Semester – January 15

Applications for the off-campus M.S. degree program may be considered for review up to two months after these deadlines upon request by the applicant. Admission requires that the applicant be accepted by a faculty member in their sub‐discipline area who is willing to serve as their major professor. Applicants are encouraged contact appropriate faculty after completion of the application.

Note - These deadlines differ from university published deadlines and are specific to the CEE department to provide timely feedback on application status and appropriate resource allocation.

An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Civil Engineering program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application, nevertheless, may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

To meet admission requirements, submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended

Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog . Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at [email protected] .

• ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

Admission Options

Domestic/international classified admissions, domestic unclassified admissions, international unclassified admissions, direct admit doctor of philosophy, readmission, provisional admissions, transfer credit.

• Submit online application . You will choose Civil Engineering as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
• Statement of Purpose
• You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students
• One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
• Electronic transcripts should be sent to: [email protected] Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
• Paper Transcripts Address (USPS): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School P.O. Box G Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.): Mississippi State University The Office of the Graduate School 175 President Circle 116 Allen Hall Mississippi State, MS 39762
• Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students. Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
• Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Only NINE (9) hours of course work taken as an "Unclassified Student" can be applied toward a degree program. All Unclassified students should submit a classified application once they have reached the maximum of nine hours. Full admission into the Civil Engineering online program will be based upon successful completion of all classified admissions requirements.

If you are applying unclassified, select "Graduate School - Unclassified" as the college.

• Submit online application
• Pay $60 non-refundable application processing fee

PLEASE NOTE In general, students who are not admitted into a degree program are not eligible for student financial aid funds. For more information please visit Student Financial Aid to see if you will be eligible or not while taking courses as an Unclassified graduate student.

• TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
• One copy of academic records showing degree(s) (in native language along with translated copies if appropriate)
• Must obtain application approval from the Dean of the Graduate School
• Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.

Three cases exist for direct admit students. An option exists to obtain a Ph.D. without obtaining a master’s degree with less requirements, but to obtain master’s and Ph.D. degrees under direct admit status has the same cumulative requirements as if the degrees were obtained separately.

• 51 Hours Course Work
• 20 hours dissertation (CE 9000)
• 42 Hours Course Work
• 6 hours thesis (CE 8000)
• 42 hours coursework

A student who has not fully met the requirements stipulated by the University and the department for admission to graduate study may be granted admission as a degree-seeking graduate student with provisional status. Such student must have as his/her initial objective advancement to regular status. A provisional student must receive a 3.00 GPA on the first nine hours of graduate level courses on the program of study taken at Mississippi State University (transfer hours or unclassified graduate hours will not apply) in order to achieve regular status. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student will be dismissed from graduate study.

Once enrolled in graduate study, a student who fails to meet the continuous enrollment requirement must complete an Application for Readmission to register for classes. Continuous enrollment is defined as enrollment in two of three semester terms (Fall, Spring, or Summer) with Fall enrollment required. Students who have not been enrolled for a period of three years or longer and are in good academic standing, are eligible to reapply to through the Lapsed Student Program. Readmission is not guaranteed and must be approved by the Department Head, Academic Dean, and Dean of the Graduate School. Interested students or academic departments should contact the Graduate School for more information.

Students may transfer up to twelve (12) hours of graduate level credits from regionally accredited institutions. The decision to grant transfer credit is made by the advisor and the student’s graduate committee. If you wish to transfer credits, contact your advisor. You will need to provide an official transcript showing the courses you wish to transfer.

Academic Advising

While you may request a current faculty member to be your major advisor, typically the major advisor is assigned at the time of admission. This assignment will be based on your area of study, research interests, and any financial support that may be offered. This person will work with you on submission of required documents, establishing a graduate committee, and your completion of all degree requirements.

The major advisor must be a full-time faculty member in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Members of the committee must be members of the graduate faculty at Mississippi State University. The majority of the graduate committee must be full-time graduate faculty at Mississippi State University.

John J. Ramirez-Avila.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator

Dr. Benjamin S. Magbanua

Accessing online courses, accessing course videos.

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.

View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.

If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions regarding the recording or format of our lecture capture, please contact:

IT Support & Staff Bagley College of Engineering Mississippi State University [email protected] 662.325.7794

Contact Information

Mindy Wolfe

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

• General Program Questions
• Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

• Current Student Inquires
• Academic & Support Services Assistance

Tamra Swann

Engineering

• Distance Education Coordinator

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Civil & Environmental Engineering PhD

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Berkeley is a place of intellectual vitality. This vitality is evident in its creative and forward-looking curricula and classroom teaching, its attentive academic mentoring, and the innovative research conducted by students and faculty.

CEE focuses on developing future leaders for the engineering profession, for academia, and for applying engineering methods in the broader societal context. CEE conducts cutting-edge research, defining what constitutes the evolving domain of civil and environmental engineering.

We offer both Master's (the Master of Science and the Master of Engineering ) and Doctoral degree programs. We support seven programs of study for the MS and the PhD, each of which has its own prerequisites for admission and degree requirements. CEE offers two programs of study for the MEng. CEE also offers three concurrent degree programs and two certificate programs.

Master of Engineering (MEng)

This professional degree emphasizes solving technical, sociological, environmental, and economic problems involved in the design, construction, and operation of engineering structures, processes, and equipment. Studies include courses in the engineering sciences necessary to the engineering interpretation of the latest scientific developments. Courses in design, operation, humanities, and economics provide a basis for the analysis and solution of problems in professional engineering.

Students in this degree program select either a concentration in Systems (Civil Systems) or Transportation Engineering (see above descriptions). There are options for either full-time or part-time enrollment.

CEEs MEng program is offered in conjunction with the Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership .

Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

These degrees emphasize the application of the natural sciences to the analysis and solution of engineering problems. Advanced courses in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and the life sciences are normally included in a program that incorporates the engineering systems approach for analysis of problems.

Students in these degree programs select one of the following seven concentrations:

1. Construction Systems: Construction is a large, vital, and exciting field now disrupted by deep technology like AI, robotics, embedded sensors and nano-materials. The industry is reshaping itself for example by increased use of modular and off-site production with radically new supply chains, virtualization and development of digital twins, and innovative management thinking such as Lean Construction.This program will educate you to lead tomorrows automation of the construction industry.

You will learn to leverage these disruptions to realize the next generation of adaptable, resilient, sustainable smart buildings and infrastructure. We teach construction systems as a computational and management science, integrating technology with applications for example to realize state-of-the-art structural and geotechnical designs, to launch you as a technologist, entrepreneur, researcher, academic, or management professional geared to drive construction industry transformation.

Our curriculum includes:

Construction viewed as a socio-technical system including its data science, optimization, and simulation aspects,

Construction viewed as a project-based production system including its organizational, financial, planning, control, legal, and contractual aspects,

Integration with structural and geotechnical design,

Technology including the use of robots, cloud computing, machine learning, sensing, scanning, and information modeling such as BIM and VDC,

Large-scale systems thinking including societal-scale mobility, energy flows, and urban forms,

The freedom to take courses in other disciplines.

Our graduates find a wide range of employment opportunities in private industry and in the public sector, for example in tech companies, consulting, design, building, transportation, and industrial construction firms, as well as in public- and private owner organizations, both domestically as well as internationally.

As we are located in the San Francisco Bay Area the center of major local, national, and international construction activity our Program is strongly interlinked with industry. Our class projects and research leverage the ability to go observe as well as study specific local and international projects. We draw on examples from residential-, commercial building-, industrial-, and heavy/civil construction throughout our curriculum. We also invite industry practitioners to present guest lectures describing industry challenges and solutions.

2. Energy, Civil Infrastructure and Climate: Energy, climate, and infrastructure systems are closely tied together, and these connections manifest in many forms. Our society cannot function without energy and infrastructure systems. Energy systems with the lowest possible greenhouse gas footprint are a key to mitigating climate change. Civil infrastructure systems are a backbone of society, and they are also major users of energy that needs to be reduced for a more sustainable development.

The objective of the Energy, Civil Infrastructure and Climate (ECIC) Program is to educate a cadre of professionals who will be able to analyze from engineering, environmental, economic, and management perspectives complex problems such as energy efficiency of buildings, environmentally informed design of transportation systems, embodied energy of construction materials, electricity from renewable sources, and biofuels, and address such overarching societal problems as mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation of infrastructure to a changing climate. ECIC also promotes research at the intersection of energy, infrastructure and climate science.

3. Engineering and Project Management: The Engineering and Project Management (E&PM) Program educates professionals to become leaders in managing projects and companies in Architecture-Engineering-Construction (AEC) and in other industries. E&PM graduates find a wide range of employment opportunities in private industry and in the public sector, for example in engineering consulting-, building-, transportation-, and industrial construction firms, as well as in public- and private owner organizations, both domestically as well as internationally.

As infrastructure systems become more complex, tomorrow's industry leaders must add innovative management thinking to a solid foundation in design and construction. The E&PM Program is uniquely specialized in teaching and researching such new management concepts as Lean Construction, Cost and Schedule Forensics, and Sustainability Engineering. Our teaching and research emphasizes new concepts, technologies, developments, and techniques applicable to both domestic and international project and corporate management. The Program emphasizes the interrelationships of all life-cycle components: planning, design,manufacturing, construction, operation, maintenance, and re-purposing/decommissioning.

As we are located in the San Francisco Bay Area-the center of major local, national, and international project management and construction activity-our Program is strongly interlinked with industry. Our class projects and research leverage the ability to go observe as well as study specific local and international projects. We draw on examples from commercial building-, industrial-, and heavy/civil construction throughout our curriculum. We also invite industry practitioners to present guest lectures describing industry challenges and solutions.

4. Environmental Engineering: Management of environmental resources to protect human health and the systems that support life is one of the biggest challenges facing modern society. In recognition of the interdisciplinary nature of these challenges, Berkeley's Environmental Engineering Program provides you with the education needed to address current and future environmental issues. Graduate coursework and research is focused in three Areas of Emphasis :

• Air Quality Engineering (AQE)
• Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydrology (EFMH)
• Water Quality Engineering (WQE)

You are encouraged to develop a broad set of problem-solving skills through courses and research in related fields such as:

• Berkeley Atmospheric Sciences Center
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
• Energy & Resources Group
• Environmental Science, Policy & Management
• Integrative Biology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Plant & Microbial Biology
• School of Public Health

5. GeoSystems : The GeoSystems Program encompasses a broad area of teaching and research in geotechnical and geological engineering, environmental geotechnics, and applied geophysics. The focus is on the evaluation of engineering properties of geologic materials and on providing engineering solutions for dealing with geologic environment and processes, and natural hazards.

To this end we pursue studies of the mechanical behavior of soil and rock masses, laboratory and field characterization of material properties, development and application of geophysical techniques for site and subsurface characterization, development of advanced analysis methods, and evaluation of static and dynamic (seismic) performance of soil deposits, earth structures, and underground space.

The GeoSystems graduate program has a long tradition of excellence and its graduates are leaders in the industry and academia. The strength and breadth of Berkeley's GeoSystems is enhanced by close ties with faculty in other areas of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences. Close interaction of the faculty with consulting companies and practitioners also provides opportunity for exposure to the state-of-the-art practice through invited lectures and site visits to ongoing engineering projects in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Due to the broad interdisciplinary nature of the field we welcome students with a wide range of backgrounds in Engineering and Earth Sciences.

6. Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials: CEE's Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials (SEMM) Program has an international reputation for excellence. Many of the fundamental developments underlying the state-of-the-art in structural engineering, mechanics, and materials were pioneered by SEMM faculty and students. This tradition of excellence continues today through vigorous programs of basic and applied research, and careful attention to instruction.

The active involvement of SEMM faculty in the forefront of research projects and in the solution of challenging real world engineering problems results in an instructional program that is up-to-date and relevant. SEMM offers excellent opportunities for study and research leading to advanced degrees in the areas of structural analysis and design, mechanics of structures and solids, and materials in structures and construction.

The curriculum provides a strong basis for advanced professional practice, research, or teaching. Programs of study can be tailored easily to fit individual needs and interests, whether broad-based and multidisciplinary, or narrowly focused and highly technical. Graduates from the SEMM Program have gone on to become world leaders in private practice, government service, education, and research.

7. Systems (Civil Systems): The focus of the Systems Engineering Program (Systems) is understanding complex large-scale systems and developing tools for their design and operation. Such systems encompass built elements in the broad sense (infrastructures transportation, structures, etc.), societal systems (social networks, populations enterprises), and natural systems (land water, air). These systems are at the core of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the 21st Century.

The understanding of how such systems work requires knowledge about the constitutive laws that govern them, such as traffic flow, fluid mechanics, structural mechanics, and smart networks. It also requires an understanding of the theoretical paradigms that are used to model, control and optimize such systems. These include the theories of computation, control theory, optimization, behavioral economics, sensor networks, statistics, and signal processing.

In response to these challenges, the Systems Program provides courses that cover both field knowledge and technical/theoretical tools. This is reflected in the curriculum. We offer masters and doctoral degree programs providing the key skills, e.g., technological, mathematical, or social scientific, as well as the knowledge for a broad range of engineering domains. Our graduates lead the next generation of research, start-ups, industrial corporations, and public-sector organizations.

8. Transportation Engineering: Graduate study in transportation at the University of California, Berkeley prepares you for a professional, teaching, and research career. Emphasis is on the acquisition of advanced knowledge concerning planning, design, operations, maintenance, rehabilitation, performance, and evaluation of transportation systems, including their economic and public policy aspects. The program stresses development of analytic, problem-solving, design, and management skills suitable for public and private sector professional work.

Transportation Engineering faculty with diverse backgrounds and research interests, including emeriti professors, teach transportation courses. In addition, faculty from City and Regional Planning , Economics , Industrial Engineering and Operations Research , Business Administration , Political Science , and other departments offer courses related to transportation.

Students also have the opportunity to work and interact with research staff at the Institute of Transportation Studies .

Students in the PhD program have the option of pursuing a designated emphasis (DE) to supplement their study.

Concurrent Degrees

The concurrent degree program is a formal arrangement of two existing, but separate, master's degree programs, which result in the students earning two masters degrees. CEE offers the following concurrent degree programs:

• Program in Structural Engineering and Architecture (MArch/MS)
• Program in Transportation Engineering and City and Regional Planning (MCP/MS)
• Any CEE graduate program and Public Policy (MPP/MS)

For further information regarding these programs, please see the department's website .

Certificates

Certificate in Engineering and Business for Sustainability: The Engineering and Business for Sustainability (EBS) Certificate Program trains UC Berkeley graduate students to understand the complexity and urgency of their role in engineering, business, and environmental management, and to work across boundaries to achieve sustainable solutions to pressing societal problems. This program allows students to tap into multidisciplinary educational resources from the College of Engineering , Haas School of Business , Energy and Resources Group , Goldman School of Public Policy , College of Natural Resources , and the School of Public Health , to learn how to have a lasting beneficial impact on the global environment. This program is open to all Berkeley graduate students who meet the EBS Certificate course requirements. For further information regarding this program, see the department's website .

Certificate in Intelligent Transportation Systems: Jointly sponsored by CEE, the Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering, this program is designed to assist students in studying ITS in a systematic and focused way. Faculty advisers help students design a personalized study program to meet their goals. For more information regarding this program, see the department's website .

Designated Emphasis

Berkeley Ph.D. students are eligible to pursue a Designated Emphasis as part of their doctoral studies. Common Designated Emphases for CEE doctoral students include:

• Computational and Data Science and Engineering
• Global Metropolitan Studies
• Development Engineering

A designated emphasis is a specialization, such as a new method of inquiry or an important field of application, which is relevant to two or more existing doctoral degree programs. You are required to complete the academic work in the area of specialization and all the requirements of the doctoral program. You must be admitted to the DE before taking the qualifying examination. A complete list of Designated Emphases is here .

Contact Info

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At a Glance

Department(s)

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 17, 2024

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

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.

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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 .

PhD Program

Main navigation, phd program in cee.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree is offered under the general regulations of the University as set forth in the Stanford Bulletin. 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.

A PhD at Stanford requires a minimum of 90 units of graduate study beyond the Masters degree. PhD students who arrive at Stanford with a Masters degree that did not provide adequate background in their area of specialization may be required take additional units beyond this minimum as part of their PhD studies. Students who are directly admitted to the PhD without a Masters degree are required to take a total of 135 units of graduate study. The department requires CEE PhD students arriving without a Masters degree to take sufficient coursework each quarter, until the GQE is completed, to satisfy the requirements for a CEE Masters degree by the end of their 6th non-summer quarter of PhD studies. Once the GQE is completed, steady progress towards the MS is no longer required. PhD candidates should develop individually tailored study plans and expected-progress timetables in consultation with their thesis advisors. 

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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.

Abu Dhabi Global Fellow Program

Urban Science Doctoral Track

Admission requirements.

• 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 .

Transfer Credits

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

Qualifying Examinations and Dissertation

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

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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Civil Engineering Master's Program Online

Apply advanced methods of design and use data-driven analysis to find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our built environment. From buildings and bridges to ports and harbors, master it all with an online Master’s in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins, ranked #7 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Study BIM Applications In Civil Engineering, the Design of Ocean Structures and so much more.

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Civil Engineering Program Overview

Civil Engineering ranked #7 for Civil Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report

Civil engineering is the world’s oldest engineering discipline. Yet increasing public demands on structures and systems and changes in society’s economic and environmental attitudes mean that today’s civil engineer needs to constantly adapt in order to keep up.

Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals top-ranked, online Master’s in Civil Engineering program provides graduate instruction in the fields of structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, ocean and coastal engineering, and preservation engineering. No matter your industry, you’ll master the topics and industry developments you need to be at the top of your field.

Designed specifically for working professionals, this part-time, online civil engineering master’s features practice-oriented courses in small classes taught by industry experts. These experts and educators create engaging learning opportunities and provide personalized attention. Students can narrow their studies in a variety of focus areas and choose to pursue an independent study under the guidance of an instructor for even more specialized education.

As a student, you will gain a firm understanding of how to:

• Apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to a variety of civil engineering situations.
• Identify, formulate, and solve complex problems in civil engineering.
• Use the techniques, skills, and modern tools necessary for engineering practice.

Master’s Focus Areas

A focus area can be selected but is not required. Your focus area will not appear on your diploma but will provide a tailored education for students looking to specialize in a specific field. 

• Geotechnical Engineering : Study how to apply engineering theory and practice to the environment. Explore topics like ground improvement methods, hydrogeology, and more.
• Ocean and Coastal Engineering : Study how to apply engineering theory and practice to ocean and coastal systems. Explore topics like natural disaster risk modeling, fluid dynamics, and more.
• Structural Engineering : Study how to apply engineering theory and practice to building and physical structures. Explore topics like bridge design and evaluation, preservation engineering, and more.

FOCUS AREA REQUIREMENTS 

We offer two program options for Civil Engineering: a graduate Civil Engineering Certificate. or a Master of Civil Engineering.

Civil Engineering Courses

Explore course requirements, prerequisites, focus areas, and electives related to civil engineering. All courses are taught by leading subject-matter experts who use and develop the technologies and theories they teach every day. For exact dates, times, locations, fees, and instructors, please refer to the course schedule published each term. Civil engineering online courses, in-person courses, and hybrid courses are available.

Program Contacts

Rachel sangree.

Anne Zylinski

“ Convenience was key. It’s hard going to school and working full time. I liked how many online classes were offered, I could work them around my schedule.  ”

Tuition and Fees

Did you know that 78 percent of our enrolled students’ tuition is covered by employer contribution programs? Find out more about the cost of tuition for prerequisite and program courses and the Dean’s Fellowship.

Why Hopkins?

An online civil engineering master’s from the Education for Professionals program at Johns Hopkins University opens the doors for the next phase of your career. Take your first step today.

Career-Advancing Knowledge - Coursework incorporates industry-specific knowledge that you can use from day one. As a graduate, you will be prepared to advance your career, cross over into other engineering fields, take on leadership roles, and increase your income-earning potential.

Leaders in Online Education for 18+ Years - Civil engineering online courses taught by the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals faculty have nearly two decades of experience behind them. Our experience can make your experience smooth, rewarding, and impactful. Learn More

Build a Better Network - Through the civil engineering program, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with accomplished scientists and engineers in a variety of fields to broaden the possibilities of what you can achieve. Learn More

“ I really enjoyed my time in the EP program. It was flexible, I was always able to find a course I could take, and most importantly, I was able to finish my degree while moving from Baltimore to Denver without interruption. I felt that for the most part, the courses were well structured to accommodate working professionals. I rarely felt as if I was in over my head. I feel that this was a great career and professional move and I would recommend it to anyone seeking to further their technical education. ”

Civil Engineering FAQs

How many years is your civil engineering master’s degree.

Once accepted, you have five years to complete your civil engineering master’s degree. If taking a semester off is necessary for your work or personal life, our online program lets you do so. Flexibility is key to all Engineering for Professional programs. 

How much do civil engineers make with a master’s degree?

On average, our Engineering for Professionals civil engineering master’s alumni make upwards of $120,000 after completing their degrees. 

I don't have an engineering background, can I still apply to this program?

Yes, applicants without a degree in Civil Engineering may be accepted to the program provided they demonstrate successful completion of the program’s prerequisites

I work full-time, how will the program accommodate my busy schedule?

The Engineering for Professionals program was designed with working professionals in mind. Therefore, we offer both synchronous and asynchronous courses to accommodate your busy schedule.

Academic Calendar

Find out when registration opens, classes start, transcript deadlines and more. Applications are accepted year-round, so you can apply any time.

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Best Online PhDs in Engineering

Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Timelines, Programs and Resources for Engineering Students

Students can earn an online PhD in engineering in specializations that range from the philosophy of systems and engineering management to aeronautics engineering. The term “engineering” applies to mathematical, scientific, social and practical knowledge as it is used to innovate and improve upon existing machines, tools, computers, systems and processes, resulting in many specializations that PhD candidates can pursue in online programs. Discover some of the academic and career opportunities that await engineering students pursuing online doctoral degrees below.

• Best Online PhD in Engineering Degrees
• Search Online Engineering PhD’s
• Timeline: Online Engineering PhD
• Principals Learned with a PhD in Engineering
• Careers with a PhD Degree in Engineering

Additional Resources

Best online phd’s in engineering.

To help refine the search for an engineering doctoral program, prospective students can compare current online PhD degree programs by sorting factors like tuition cost, graduation rates and student-to-teacher ratios using this ranking data chart.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

• Campus + Online
• In-State $9,426
• Out-of-state $28,147
• Retention Rate 84%
• Acceptance Rate 81%
• Students Enrolled 33,426
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 26%
• Accreditation Yes

Columbia University in the City of New York

• In-State $57,763
• Out-of-state $57,763
• Retention Rate 99%
• Acceptance Rate 5%
• Students Enrolled 31,456
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 6%

Michigan Technological University

• In-State $16,834
• Out-of-state $36,688
• Acceptance Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 7,027
• Percent Online Enrollment 9%

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

• In-State $17,416
• Out-of-state $34,480
• Retention Rate 88%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 91,427
• Percent Online Enrollment 50%

Texas A&M University-College Station

• In-State $7,941
• Out-of-state $34,190
• Retention Rate 93%
• Acceptance Rate 58%
• Students Enrolled 68,726
• Percent Online Enrollment 14%

Texas Tech University

• In-State $6,744
• Out-of-state $16,704
• Retention Rate 87%
• Acceptance Rate 69%
• Students Enrolled 38,742
• Percent Online Enrollment 52%

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

• In-State $11,332
• Out-of-state $28,522
• Acceptance Rate 79%
• Students Enrolled 29,460
• Percent Online Enrollment 36%

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• In-State $8,568
• Out-of-state $20,400
• Retention Rate 83%
• Students Enrolled 22,080
• Percent Online Enrollment 59%

University of Alabama in Huntsville

• In-State $9,730
• Out-of-state $22,126
• Acceptance Rate 83%
• Students Enrolled 9,988
• Percent Online Enrollment 33%

University of South Carolina-Columbia

• In-State $12,288
• Out-of-state $33,528
• Retention Rate 89%
• Students Enrolled 35,364
• Percent Online Enrollment 32%

Top Online Programs

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

The Online PhD in Engineering Timeline

Online PhD programs in engineering often offer a variety of specializations, and while some programs can be completed in three years, others can take up to six. Regardless of the timeline, the work students put into these PhD programs is usually intensely focused and in-depth. It can be important for students to consider how much time they want to commit to earning an online PhD when choosing an engineering program. See an example of what to expect during the application process and a sample four-year track timeline below.

Application Process

Because online engineering PhD programs typically cover a wide range of course material, students should investigate particular areas of interest and faculty members they want to work with when deciding where to apply. They may need to demonstrate both their interest and their previous knowledge to be admitted into an online PhD in engineering program.

Bachelor’s Degree and Official Transcripts

Applicants are often required to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering or a related area, through an accredited institution. Programs may ask to see official transcripts from all higher learning institutions that an applicant attended and may have minimum GPA requirements.

Previous Experience and Demonstrated Competence in Chosen Area

Applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in a hands-on engineering field like mechanical or hardware engineering may need to provide proof that they have experience in their field. Previous experience is usually submitted in a résumé, but may be required in a larger essay or in a program’s application.

Statement of Purpose

Online engineering programs may ask an applicant to write a statement of purpose that addresses why a student chose a particular program and elaborates on their ability to do advanced research; demonstrates their knowledge, passion, experience and skill; and notes an intended area of study.

Personal Statement

In addition to a résumé and a statement of purpose, programs may ask for a personal statement which may explore an applicant’s history and life experience and address what an applicant would like to get out of pursing an online PhD in engineering.

Individual programs may require applicants to demonstrate minimum scores in the math and verbal areas of the GRE from exams taken within a certain number of years.

Year 1 Milestones

Students may enter online PhD programs with a clear idea of which engineering department they will work in. However, the first year in an online PhD in engineering program is generally spent learning about each possible area of study and often serves to deepen research skills and technical experience.

Core Requirement Courses

Online engineering doctoral degree programs typically have a core series of classes that introduce students to basic engineering concepts like modeling technologies, common systems management principles and the economics of engineering.

Exploring Facility Possibilities

Though students in online PhD programs often do not learn in on-site labs, some programs offer facilities via satellite for distance learning students. Students interested in practical aspects of engineering, such as mechanical or computer engineering, may need to find places to gain tangible experience.

Selecting an Area of Specialization

Students generally will need to decide to pursue a narrowed course of engineering study by the end of their first year. Common specializations may include the theories and ethics of engineering; management and engineering; or civil, mechanical or computer engineering.

Years 2 and 3 Milestones

Students may spend a lot of time investigating their chosen field before finding an area that suits them. Some online PhD in engineering programs allow as many as six years before a student must propose a dissertation topic, and students can often spend that time building up their experiences and knowledge before completing their degree.

Specializing Further

Students who may not have begun their engineering program knowing exactly what they wanted to study will usually narrow their focus in their second year, choosing specific aspects of their chosen engineering specialization to explore more in-depth.

Refinement of Research Practices

Throughout an online engineering PhD program, students will typically design projects and conduct research within their fields, refine their approaches and execution techniques, and accept feedback from advanced faculty.

Approach Faculty Advisors

Students may choose online engineering doctoral programs based on possible areas of specialization and the faculty who work in these areas. As they work toward an original project for their dissertation, students may need to select an engineering faculty advisor in their field and begin discussions about this final academic work.

Qualifying Exam

A qualifying examination is usually delivered by engineering faculty members familiar with a student’s chosen field of study. It may include an oral component in addition to a written test. The exam is meant to determine each student’s ability to apply general concepts and methods in their chosen field. Students may also have to complete a research proposal exam before beginning work on their engineering dissertation.

Year 4 Milestones

The final year of an online PhD in engineering student’s degree is often spent working on their dissertation. All core class requirements and electives are usually completed by this time, allowing students time to focus on this final project.

Dissertation Preparation

Dissertations will likely address an aspect of engineering that could be improved upon or altered in some way. This project is generally an example of how a student will contribute to their engineering field.

Scheduling Final Exam and Dissertation Defense

Online PhD in engineering programs may ask for certain scheduling applications or dissertation draft submissions before a student attempts to earn their engineering degree. These application and submission deadlines may be as many as three months out.

Graduation Requirements

Online engineering PhD students who have completed all of their coursework to their instructors’ satisfaction will often be well-prepared to deliver their final dissertation and defend their expertise to a panel of fellow experts. Tests throughout online doctoral engineering programs may help to ensure that any student who makes it to this stage is academically committed to expanding knowledge in their chosen field.

Dissertation

An engineering dissertation often needs to follow professional formatting guidelines. Students should be sure if they are working with sensitive or confidential information not to include those aspects in their dissertation as these documents are often considered public.

An oral exam often requires a student to justify the methods and conclusions of their dissertation and to explain how their work relates and contributes to the existing body of knowledge in their engineering specialty.

Core Principles and Skills Learned in an Online Engineering PhD Program

Phd in engineering, refined research techniques.

Students generally enter online engineering PhD programs with basic knowledge in their area of specialty. These advanced academic programs often teach students how to research and explore current knowledge on an even deeper level.

Application of Principles

Online engineering PhD program graduates typically teach students general concepts and methods, and while students learn how to practice these techniques, they may also develop the ability to apply these principles to their own specialized areas and any other areas of their field they may encounter.

Continuing Education

Engineering is a field that is often adapting and changing with new technologies. As this field advances, PhD program graduates typically have the research abilities and connections within both professional and academic fields to keep up with these changes.

Learn More About Engineering Degrees

After your degree: what to do with a phd in engineering.

Online engineering doctoral graduates may seek out the highly specialized jobs that fall within their refined scope of learning. They may also choose to use the broader researching and knowledge-application skills they usually learn in PhD programs to find work in other elite fields.

Engineering Professor

A PhD student may head back into the classroom as an Engineering Professor after graduation, teaching general and specialization coursework on everything from basic engineering principles to physical laws, mechanical development, instrumentation, process and services. Specializations may include chemical, civil, electrical, mechanical, mineral or petroleum engineering. Educators will typically have the time and resources to double as researchers in their selected field.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 13% Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $95,060

Computer Hardware Engineer

Technology professionals typically need to be prepared to continually evolve, adapt and improve existing tech. Computer hardware engineers often keep themselves current on computer engineering trends and new technology as they design, develop and test computer components. They also may ensure that computer pieces like processors and routers work together as systems and may work to advance computer technology.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 3% Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $111,7300

Computer and Information Research Scientist

The federal government employs the highest amount of computer and information research scientists, but professionals in this field may work for businesses, in medicine, in science, or in other fields. They are often in charge of coming up with creative uses for current computing technology and inventing, designing and creating new approaches to computing as well.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 11 percent Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $110,620

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Computer and information systems managers are often also called IT managers or IT project managers. They typically plan, coordinate and direct all computer-related activities in an organization or business. Professionals in this field may help individual companies achieve their information technology goals by implementing the appropriate computer systems. They may also be required to manage their resources as well as their employees.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 15% Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $131,600

Below is a list of free online resources for current and post-graduate online engineering PhD students that offer educational, career and networking opportunities

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

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Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering

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Civil Engineering Doctoral Students Citizenship

Civil engineering doctoral students age, fall 2022 podcast: life of a phd student, student & alumni profiles.

Ghena Alhanaee

Preetham Manjunatha

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Ghena Alhanaee PhD in Civil Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself I am from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where I grew up and spent my formative years all the way to completing my bachelor’s degree at The Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi (now renamed Khalifa University). I was always interested in physics and math and after some exploring, found myself intrigued by mechanical engineering which ended up being my maopr for my undergraduate studies. Throughout my studies, I grew more and more interested in the energy sector and had the opportunity to pursue a master’s in energy resources engineering at Stanford University.

What attracted you to choose USC for your graduate studies? I then decided I wanted to continue working on and pursuing research in the energy and environment field, with a specific focus on my hometown and the surrounding region (the Persian Gulf). At the time, UAE had just announced they were constructing 4 nuclear reactors to diversify their energy sector. This would be the first time any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries would enter the nuclear sector, and this really shaped my decision on what I wanted to focus on for my PhD research. I ended up finding an opportunity to work on research focused on my interests at the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at USC, which brought me to Los Angeles.

Tell us about your interests outside the classroom.

Outside of the classroom, I love taking advantage of the beautiful Californian weather, spending time outdoors, going on hikes, and enjoying the sunshine.

Tell us about some exciting and unforgettable incidents from your two years at USC.

I am now starting my sixth year at USC (hopefully my last!) and have had the opportunity of meeting people from all sorts of backgrounds and countries and cultures. I have really enjoyed connecting with people from all walks of life and different corners of the world, that I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to do.

Is there something that may surprise people about you? Something that might surprise people about me is that I am an avid traveler. Whenever there is a vacation or even a long weekend, you will probably see me in a new city, new state or even a new country.

What are your future plans after completing your Phd? After completing my degree, I am open to possibilities and opportunities and will see what comes my way (after taking a long much-needed vacation).

What innovations/discoveries do you hope to see (or be a part of!) in the next ten years?  I hope to see and be part of finding more sustainable ways to provide energy and protect the environment. I think we can definitely do better.

Audie Lee PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Think you are the best” my advisor, Dr. Qiming Wang, said. Delivering my screening exam presentation, I shrank and choke before committee members. Everyone could readily figure out I was frozen solid. After it ended, my advisor kindly explained me in detail why I should be or, at least, try to look confident when presenting my idea (basically, no one buys yours when you don’t look like buying yours), and the best way to do so is to think I am the best. At that time, I could understand why he had sometimes told me “Audie, you are smart” or “you are doing great” in the lab – an aha moment. He had been planting seeds of confidence in me for about two years (gosh, I was too dull to figure it out early). Well, in fact, this advice itself is one that everyone can give out easily. But that advice from him reflects his long observation and thoughtfulness towards me – the best piece of advice.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

  If my future children say ‘I wanna become a grown-up like my dad,’ that must be the greatest accomplishment ever in my life.

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

Some Nintendo Switch game cartridges – I don’t have Nintendo Switch and have no plan to get one lol Doesn’t this make you laugh already? Well, just thinking “Someday I’m gonna play it so hard” makes me feel better when I get stressed. I didn’t purchase just a bunch of game cartridges, instead, I bought a collection of (well-sugarcoated) mood shifters.

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

My research fields include mechanics, wave propagation, metamaterials, and some novel structures. Does it sound like civil engineering topics? Most people usually think that civil engineering is all about soils, rocks, construction, earthquakes, and water. Right, but not ‘all.’ Surprisingly, due to many efforts for interdisciplinary research, the intersection area between research fields has been emerging wide – and that’s where something new is likely to come about. I mix civil engineering, mechanical engineering, materials engineering, and physics all together to bridge novel ideas with reality. Becoming an explorer looking for a treasure chest full of groundbreaking ideas, doesn’t it excite you?

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

Paleontology. Trojans love Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones, right? Forget that Dr. Jones is actually an archeologist. Harrison Ford in Jurassic Park, that’s what I want to be in my second life. Hmm, Han Solo in Jurassic Park is also not a bad idea.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

Support from USC. USC always tries its best to offer students an optimal environment for research. Especially, I have been more than just satisfied with the assistantship that USC provides. With all concerns about money-related issues excluded, I can only focus on my research during my Ph.D. career. I profoundly appreciate USC and proud alumni for their financial support.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

Griffith Observatory: While many tourists perceive it as just one of the popular places in L.A., it comes to me as something like home where I can freely visit and blow away all the stress with the cool breeze, looking at the grid of the city.

El Taurino: It’s one of the best Mexican restaurants in L.A. Luckily, it’s right next to USC. Just go try burritos there. Further words are a waste of ink.

UCLA Rose Bowl: Watching Trojans vs. Bruins football match at Rose Bowl is the best thing you can do in L.A. – Trojans never lose.

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

In early 2020, a tragedy visited my family, and I was withering away like barley plants during the Dust Bowl period. But my Ph.D. colleagues and USC staffs picked me up from the dust swamp. Their support was the rope of hope I could hold on to get out of that depression. It was the spirit of ‘Together We Fight On.’ This memory will never fade away.

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

Nothing. My life has been boring, especially during the COVID-19 period.

What are your plans after graduation?

Pursuing postdoctoral researcher position and faculty position.

Hometown (city, country):

Busan, South Korea

Personal Website (if any):

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ audielee/

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Qiming Wang

Preetham Manjunatha PhD in Civil engineering

It was given by my mother, "Whatever difficult scenario arises in your life, you should not lose your inner self".

Gaining a small amount of knowledge that lasts forever and pursuing a Ph.D. and two master's degrees at the same time.

I bought a dozen of shirts that I purchased the next day after purchasing a single shirt from a French company, Celio.

The interest in doing research and problem-solving. Also, an immense love of mathematical aspects of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a structural analysis method, and structural dynamics.

The places which I liked most are Yosemite, Griffith observatory, and Venice beach.

I have several memories, to name some: the first memory was when the Master's thesis committee mentioned that the thesis was the best one they have seen. The second was mentoring master's students from Viterbi CS and EE departments. Third, was when pursuing my first master's degree, the visits to USC, Traditions with friends during the weekends.

That I am a good cook (my friends say that all the time). I love to cook food, I made my first recipes (lentil stew/curry and deep-fried chicken kabab) when I was 10 years old.

City is Mysore, and the country is India.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ pmanjunatha/

Professor Sami F. Masri.

School Finder

The most affordable online engineering ph.d. programs.

At Nonprofitcolleges.com, we’ve created our Students Before Profits Award to promote nonprofit colleges and universities offering online degree programs that put students before profits and education as the bottom line. For our online doctorates in engineering award winners, we gathered together the best online phd in engineering programs offered from accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities, and we have ranked the programs according to their affordability. 

The Best Online PhD Engineering Programs

Professionals with advanced knowledge in various technical fields are in increasing and unprecedented demand as the technological landscape continues to change rapidly. Online doctoral engineering programs will equip individuals with a terminal-level engineering degree to fill high-level positions in various industries. Graduates will be qualified to develop original research to drive the field forward in decades to come. 

Though this ranking is primarily concerned with the affordability of the best online engineering Ph.D. programs, the schools here have also consistently been ranked to have the best online engineering programs by major national publications. Therefore, we believe they deserve to be considered among the best online doctor of engineering online programs and research-based degree programs available.

You may also like: Best PhD in Engineering Management Online: Students Before Profits

Methodology for Ranking the Best Online PhD Engineering Programs

Each of the Ph.D. in engineering programs listed below is ordered from the highest to the lowest score based on the program’s affordability. The rates shown are the in-state graduate tuition fees gathered from the NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) College Navigator tool. Rates for each Ph.D. program can vary depending on your location, and the online version of a Ph.D. in engineering can (and often does) have a different cost. In addition, financial aid, grants, or scholarships can change the overall tuition fees. With that in mind, engineering students should consider each of these excellent schools and programs individually before making a final decision.

Best Engineering Ph.D. Programs Online

#1. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

ONLINE PHD IN INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEERING

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has one of the best online phd engineering programs in the country. Established as a public research institution in 1969, there were 13,878 undergraduate students enrolled in the school in the fall of 2020. 

The campus occupies more than 100 city blocks and has a total size of 437 acres. UAB’s 100-square-block campus is located in the heart of Alabama’s largest city, allowing a wide variety of students to take advantage of research opportunities, internships, and resume-building work experiences. The campus contains 11 schools, a prestigious medical center, and a sizeable graduate school. 

The university offers 140 academic programs in 12 academic divisions. A total of more than 23,000 faculty and staff, as well as 53,000 jobs at UAB and in the health system, make UAB the state’s largest employer. The school’s athletic teams join NCAA Division 1 as the Blazers. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online phd in Interdisciplinary Engineering . Through this program, engineering students can develop their understanding of various generalized engineering topics. This program is designed to be completed either full-time or part-time. A portion of this program can be completed online, while some components require students to visit the UAB campus. Students can expect to complete this degree in about four years. The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Alabama at Birmingham with accreditation for this online phd in engineering program.

Tuition: $8,100

#2. MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

STARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI

ONLINE PHD IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

Mississippi State University was founded in 1878 and is located in Starkville, approximately 170 miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee. Its campus is situated in a rural setting on 4,200 acres. MSU offers more than 160 degree options, including graduate degrees. 

Many of its traditions remain a part of the school’s culture. At the beginning of each school year, the Drill pep rally and the athletic season kicks off the school year with students rattling cowbells and cheering with Bully, the live bulldog mascot. Members of the Southeastern Conference in NCAA Division I, the Mississippi Bulldogs, compete in about 15 sports. MSU students can participate in the campus community by joining more than 300 campus clubs, pledge with more than 30 fraternities and sororities, or run for office in the student government. The bestselling author John Grisham, who studied accounting at MSU, is among the university’s notable alumni.

Mississippi State University offers its Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering degree entirely online. Using the same curriculum as the on-campus version of the course, this online phd in Electrical and Computer Engineering will instill all the same computer science and engineering skills and competencies in students without requiring visits to the Mississippi State University campus. This distance learning Ph.D. in engineering degree is designed to be completed in about four years. 

The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided this public research university with accreditation for the Ph.D. in engineering. This is one of the best distance learning engineering Ph.D. programs in the country, and students who earn this online phd in engineering will have gained the skills needed for a high-level computer or electrical engineering career.

Tuition: $8,800

Score: 97.5

#3. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS

ONLINE DOCTOR OF ENGINEERING

Texas A&M University is a public land grant research institution founded in 1876 in College Station, Texas. It was the first public university in Texas and is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. Texas A&M’s student body is the largest in the United States, with an enrollment of 5568 (fall 2020). The main campus spans over 5,500 acres, and there are more than 130 degree programs offered by 17 colleges and 21 research institutes at the university. 

The school offers many unique programs, including the only veterinary school in the state. Additionally, Texas A&M has a campus in Qatar, which enrolls about 500 students. There are more than 1,000 clubs and organizations at the university, including almost 60 fraternities and sororities. Some notable alumni of Texas A&M include US Representatives Joe Barton and Louie Gohmert, beauty pageant winners Kandace Krueger and Melissa McConnell, Miss USA and Miss Louisiana, respectively.

Texas A&M University offers a fully online Doctor of Engineering that is identical to the Ph.D. program offered on-campus. Texas A&M University makes no mention of the delivery format of this program on a students’ diploma or transcript. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program, one of the best online engineering Ph.D. programs available. 

Texas A&M University has received accreditation for this online phd in engineering degree from the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges. Those who complete this degree will have the research experience needed for a career in engineering. 

Tuition: $9,820

#4. COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

FORT COLLINS, COLORADO

ONLINE DOCTOR OF SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Colorado State University is a public institution located in Fort Collins, Colorado. It was founded in 1870 and is the flagship university of the Colorado State University System. As of fall 2020, there were 25,186 undergraduate students enrolled at the school. The campus is 4,773 acres and is less than an hour’s drive from Denver. 

CSU offers over 150 degrees through its eight colleges, including graduate business, engineering, and education programs. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is also acclaimed for its veterinary medicine programs. In addition, CSU is considered one of the nation’s leading research universities. 

Over 350 campus organizations are available to students, including about 35 fraternities and sororities. In addition, more than 15 varsity sports teams at CSU compete in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference. Notable alumni include the cowboy poet Baxter Black and the American racecar driver Jim Malloy.

Students at Colorado State University can enroll in the online Doctor of Systems Engineering degree program and complete their coursework entirely online. It’s one of the best online phd engineering degrees available, requiring a total of 72 credits to earn the degree. Students in this program will become experts in how different engineering systems interact. 

Colorado State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Higher Learning Commission. Courses in this program include foundations of systems engineering, engineering risk analysis, intellectual property & invention systems, and many others. The online ph.d programs at CSU are specifically designed for working professionals.

Tuition: $10,520

Score: 92.5

#5. UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA

ONLINE PHD IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING AND MECHANICS

The University of Alabama is a public institution established in 1831. This suburban campus has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,670 (fall 2020), a campus size of 1,143 acres, and a suburban setting. The Tuscaloosa campus, the flagship campus of the University of Alabama system, is called “The Capstone.” 

UA students can get involved in more than 500 student organizations. The school’s Greek system includes more than 11,500 students in 70 fraternities and sororities. The Alabama Crimson Tide sports teams, cheered on by an elephant mascot named Big Al, are notorious in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. In addition, there are both men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball programs. UA is approximately 60 miles from Birmingham.

Those interested in studying aerospace online will be interested in this online phd program in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics . One of the most affordable online engineering Ph.D. programs available, this program allows students to learn all the skills needed for expertise in the field of aerospace engineering entirely online. A total of 72 credit hours are required to complete this program of study.  The online ph.d programs at the University of Alabama are specifically designed for working professionals.

The Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges has provided the University of Alabama with accreditation for this degree program. This Ph.D. engineering online program is designed with working professionals in mind and has a large amount of flexibility to accommodate outside scheduling needs.

Tuition: $10,780

#6. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA

GRAND FORKS, NORTH DAKOTA

ONLINE PH.D. IN PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

The University of North Dakota was established in 1883 as a public institution. The campus, which encompasses 521 acres, is just a few miles from the Minnesota border in the city of Grand Forks. At UND, students can choose from over 200 academic programs, including graduate programs in law, business, engineering, and education. The School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University also offers a highly regarded program in rural medicine. 

Student clubs and student government provide more than 200 opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom. In addition, the school’s varsity sports teams compete in various conferences of the NCAA Division I and welcome students to join intramural teams or try out for varsity teams. Chuck Klosterman, the author of “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto,” and Sally Smith, the CEO of Buffalo Wild Wings, are notable UND alumni.

This online Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering is primarily delivered online, although students must visit the University campus for two days each semester. Students in this Ph.D. online engineering degree program will study:

• geomechanics
• seismic analysis
• many other areas of petroleum engineering research

A total of 90 credit hours are needed to complete this degree, and you can expect to finish this Ph.D. program in just four years. It’s one of the top online engineering Ph.D. programs in North Dakota. Courses in this program include:

• data mining in petroleum engineering
• natural gas engineering
• reservoir geophysics
• practical seismic processing

The online ph.d programs at UND are specifically designed for working professionals.

Tuition: $11,060

Score: 87.5

#7. ROWAN UNIVERSITY

GLASSBORO, NEW JERSEY

ONLINE PH.D. IN ENGINEERING

Rowan University was established in 1923 and is a public research university. The suburban campus is 196 acres and sits in Glassboro, New Jersey. RU has an undergraduate enrollment of 15,963 students (fall 2020) and comprises 14 schools and colleges. 

There are 85 bachelor’s degrees, 46 master’s degrees, six doctoral degrees, and two professional degrees offered by the university. Rowan University participates in Division III of the NCAA, and its sports teams have had moderate success on a national level. Students can play in their choice of 18 different sports. On the campus, RU offers more than 100 organizations and clubs, along with more than 30 Greek organizations. Notable alumni include: Miss New Jersey USA 2006, Jessica Boyington, and professional wrestler Nick Comoroto. The university is approximately 20 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Those who plan to study engineering at RU can enroll in this online Ph.D. in Engineering program. Students can choose from several concentrations including:

• biomedical engineering
• electrical & computer engineering
• engineering education
• chemical engineering
• civil & environmental engineering
• materials science & engineering
• mechanical engineering

While these graduate degree programs are available primarily online, students must complete some program components in person.  The online ph.d programs at Rowan are specifically designed for working professionals.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has provided Rowan University with accreditation for this degree.

Tuition: $12,879

#8. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

ONLINE PH.D. IN NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Founded in 1801 is the University of South Carolina, a public research institution in Columbia, South Carolina. Currently, the university enrolls 27,270 undergraduates (fall 2020), and its campus size is 444 acres. SU’s school sports teams compete in the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference. 

In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees, the University of South Carolina offers online PhD programs through its law school, medical school, college of education, and engineering school. In addition, several research centers are located on the campus, which is the flagship of the University of South Carolina system. 

The school’s Robert Burns and Scottish literature collections are the largest outside Scotland, and they have the world’s most extensive Ernest Hemingway collection. The members of Hootie and the Blowfish formed the band at USC while they were students. US Senator Lindsey Graham and XM Radio founder Gary Parsons are among USC’s notable alumni. 

Graduate students wishing to study engineering at the University of South Carolina can enroll in the school’s online Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering . Through this distance learning Ph.D. engineering program, the University of South Carolina will provide students with all the knowledge and training needed for a career in nuclear engineering. It is thought to be one of the best online nuclear engineering Ph.D. programs in South Carolina. Courses in this program include:

• nuclear cycles
• radiation shielding
• reactor systems

Students in this online PhD program are also allowed to earn a specialization in:

• nuclear fuels and structural materials
• thermal hydraulics
• advanced modeling and simulation

The online ph.d programs at USC are specifically designed for working professionals. This top online engineering doctoral program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.

Tuition: $13,737

Score: 82.5

#9. MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

HOUGHTON, MICHIGAN

ONLINE PH.D. IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Michigan Technological University is a public research institution in Houghton, Michigan, founded in 1885. The college has 5,642 undergraduate students (fall 2020) in a rural setting on a 925-acre campus located on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Lake Superior. MTU is approximately 100 miles from Wisconsin. 

With more than 120 undergraduate majors at Michigan Tech, as well as many degrees for graduate students, including those in business and engineering, students have plenty of options to choose from. The university allows students to conduct research closely with their professors and participate in undergraduate expos to share what they have learned. Additionally, students can participate in more than 200 organizations, Greek life, or intramural sports. In addition to the Michigan Tech Huskies men’s hockey team, students can participate in various other clubs and teams competing in Division II. Former NFL players Joe Berger and Bob Lurtsema are both MTU alumni.

The online phd in Mechanical Engineering degree is one of the best online engineering programs in the country and is ideal for students who want to advance their careers in mechanical engineering without interrupting their current careers. This is a nationally recognized, research-intensive, mechanical engineering program that stands out among online engineering doctoral programs. This mechanical engineering program has also been highly ranked by US News & World Report, and a full 80 percent of the school’s Ph.D. graduates find job placement in the industry. MTU’s online ph.d is designed for working professionals.

Students can choose a mechanical engineering focus from among over 20 areas of study. Courses in this online PhD program may include:

• autonomous systems
• intelligent systems
• alternative fuels & renewable energy
• operations research

Michigan Technological University has received accreditation for this mechanical engineering program from the Higher Learning Commission. The school’s remote mechanical engineering program is specifically designed for working professionals.

Tuition: $21,744

#10. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

ONLINE DOCTORATE OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Established in 1754, Columbia University is a private research institute in New York City. It ranks fifth among the United States higher education institutions regarding age and is the oldest higher education institution in New York. It is an Ivy League school with 6,170 undergraduate students (as of fall 2020). The urban campus is spread over 36 acres and has three undergraduate schools. The university’s College of Dental Medicine and its graduate Journalism School are among the most well-known divisions of the school. 

Students can participate in many student activities at Columbia, including 28 Greek chapters. Additionally, the school is a member institution of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in Division I FCS, with 29 varsity teams. Former President Barack Obama and John Jay, the founder and first Supreme Court chief justice, are among the distinguished alumni. The university also administers the Pulitzer Prizes.

Among the degrees offered remotely, the school offers an online Doctorate of Mechanical Engineering . Students in this Ph.D. systems engineering online program will study courses related to mechanical engineering. Some of these may include:

• aerodynamics
• fluid mechanics
• energy systems

The Ph.D. in engineering program requires a total of 60 credits to complete. 

The Middle States Commission of Higher Education has provided Columbia University with accreditation for this program of study. This online engineering Ph.D. is an excellent option for students looking for the most flexible online engineering doctoral program.

Tuition: $49,024

More Information About Engineering PhDs

A Doctor of Engineering degree is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest degree you can acquire in the field. As an engineering Ph.D., you will be prepared to work in government, industry, research, academia, and more. Pursuing a Doctor of Engineering degree program typically requires focused coursework in a specific engineering specialty, a written dissertation or thesis, and a great deal of original research. In addition, a Ph.D. in engineering offers students the opportunity to build on their practical skills and theoretical knowledge, allowing them to make significant contributions to the engineering field and to technology development.

There are many types graduate degree programs and engineering degrees one can pursue, and the more you advance in the field, the more specialized in engineering science they become. Students can look for online engineering Ph.D. programs in biomedical engineering, computer engineering, petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering and mechanics, and so many others.

What Are the Different Types of Engineering Ph.D.s?

Traditional engineering degrees such as electrical, civil, and mechanical are the most common, but there are dozens of other types of engineering as well. Some of the online programs include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering 
• Aerospace Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering

Environmental Engineering

• Structural Engineering 

Civil Engineering

• Architectural Engineering 
• Computer Engineering 
• Electrical Engineering  
• Electronics Engineering 
• Robotics Engineering 
• Microelectronic Engineering
• Chemical Engineering 
• Materials Science Engineering 
• Paper Engineering
• Sustainability Design 

Engineering Management

• MBA in Engineering 
• Industrial Engineering 
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering 
• Geological Engineering 
• Nuclear Engineering 
• Marine Engineering 
• Engineering Physics
• Photonics Engineering 
• Nanotechnology Engineering
• Mining Engineering 
• Ceramics Engineering 
• Metallurgical Engineering 
• Geomatics Engineering 
• Project Management Engineering
• Software Engineering

Online Ph.D. Programs

If you’re already working in the field, pursuing an online phd in engineering can be an excellent option. This is especially true for students who want to study software engineering, which is an ideal discipline to pursue remotely. But software engineering is not the only option for an online PhD in engineering. There are many such programs for students to learn, including electrical engineering, computer engineering, and more.

With online phd programs, there is no need to leave your job to complete your studies. That’s because online engineering Ph.D. programs are highly flexible and you can often complete the required coursework on your own schedule. These programs still support student research, offer

Online engineering programs are available in many different formats, including asynchronous, synchronous, and hybrid.

With online phd in engineering synchronous programs, you will need to log in for classes and lectures at specific times. Although you can still complete synchronous courses for engineering programs online, this learning method is the least flexible. While coursework is completed online, you’ll still need to arrange your schedule around your studies.

Asynchronous coursework means that you set your own schedule and can work on your assignments whenever it’s convenient for you, making this the most flexible type of online engineering Ph.D. program.

A hybrid Ph.D. in engineering program can be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes. Alternatively, some hybrid programs allow you to complete a portion of the coursework online, but students are expected to be on campus for specific projects.  Additionally, some hybrid programs are available in an online and Saturday format.

No matter what type of program you choose, whether it’s civil and environmental engineering, aerospace engineering and mechanics, electrical engineering, or one of a multitude of other online engineering doctoral programs, you’ll typically learn from the same esteemed faculty members that teach the on-campus Ph.D. in engineering. Plus, your degree will not specify the learning format you chose. So if you’re colleague on campus receives an electrical and computer engineering degree, you can be sure yours will be identical.

One thing you’ll need to keep in mind with online doctor of engineering programs is that some components of your phd program may require on-campus participation. For example, you may need to visit campus for required research seminars or to show your original research in person. You should speak with your own enrollment counselor to ensure you’ll be able to attend.

What Can You Do With an Engineering Ph.D.?

The sky’s the limit for graduates of Ph.D. in engineering programs, primarily because by the time they complete their engineering doctorate online, they have had years of practical and theoretical education. As a result, some Ph.D. in engineering graduates choose to work in academia, becoming college professors at large research universities. Others use their knowledge to work in critical positions in government or industry, while some apply their online engineering phd programs to entrepreneurial endeavors. As a result, engineering Ph.D.’s have done everything from creating lifesaving technology to developing award-winning communication platforms. 

Top Careers for Engineering Ph.D.’s

There are endless career opportunities for those who graduate from online phd programs: Constructing skyscrapers, manufacturing aircraft, developing software, creating robots, and more. Those who pursue a Ph.D. in engineering have even more options. Below are some of the most popular (and highest-paying) careers for students who complete online engineering phd programs.

Engineering management is one of the highest-paid roles in the engineering field, with a base salary of $118,896 a year. In this role, engineers serve in a supervisory position within a company, overseeing teams, implementing projects, and helping to guide design decisions. Not surprisingly, those who understand the latest engineering management concepts excel in this sector. The more responsibility you have in this role, the higher the pay will be, and it is not uncommon for engineering managers to make upwards of $160,000 annually.

Related: BEST PHD IN ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT ONLINE: STUDENTS BEFORE PROFITS

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers have extensive knowledge of chemical properties and materials science and may work in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and other industries. They are typically involved in product development and research, creating new products or improving upon current ones. While chemical engineers usually earn an average of $119,000 a year, chemical engineering Ph.D.’s can earn up to $155,000. Online engineering phd programs in chemical engineering are widely available.

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers design and create the equipment used for oil extraction. They are expected to learn new and innovative ways to extract this natural resource and to create machines that do it efficiently. On average, petroleum engineers make around $100,852 annually. However, a petroleum engineer with a Ph.D. may earn up to $175,000 or more, depending on the role. There are many schools with online engineering phd programs in petroleum engineering.

See Also: TOP 10 MOST AFFORDABLE PETROLEUM ENGINEERING SCHOOLS

Civil engineering is probably the most well-known engineering type, and according to U.S. News & World Report, it’s the number-one engineering job one can have. Civil engineers do everything from building bridges and skyscrapers to maintaining airports and railways. In short, they are responsible for the infrastructure of our nation. Civil engineers are rarely unemployed, and those in senior positions make up to $130,000 a year. Students will find plenty of online engineering phd programs in civil engineering to choose from.

Related: BEST CIVIL ENGINEERING DEGREE ONLINE: STUDENTS BEFORE PROFITS AWARD

Our world relies on the expertise of environmental engineers now more than ever as they develop solutions to the serious environmental challenges we face. From resource regulation to managing pollution and water quality, experts in civil and environmental engineering use their knowledge to create a better world for generations to come. Environmental engineers typically earn between $52,000 and $100,000. However, those with a Ph.D. in the field can earn up to $113,000. There are many such environmental online engineering phd programs.

See Also: TOP CAREERS FOR CIVIL ENGINEERS

An Overview of Systems Engineering

Another top career choice for those pursuing a Ph.D. in Engineering is Systems Engineering. But what exactly is systems engineering?

NASA’s Systems Engineering Handbook defines systems engineering as “a methodical, multi-disciplinary approach for the design, realization, technical management, operations, and retirement of a system.” What is the system in systems engineering? It can be anything, really. A system can be mechanical, electrical, chemical, and even biological. 

Traditionally, engineers choose specific fields they are interested in. For example, chemical engineers work with chemicals. Aeronautical engineers work with air and spacecraft. Robotics engineers work in robotics. Computer engineers work in computer science, and so forth. But systems engineering is even more involved. It can encompass one or more engineering disciplines and go beyond the actual attributes of one role or job description. Moreover, systems engineering involves the entire system needed to produce an end result. 

With systems engineering, you see projects through from beginning to end. And a “system” can consist of all the tangible and intangible things needed to produce a particular result, including:

• Humans and personnel
• Products and services
• Data and information
• Processes, methods, and procedures
• Buildings, facilities, and property
• Water, minerals, land, or any other natural element

Incidentally, the system can be one or a combination of any of the above.

Systems Engineering Is Multi-Faceted

Systems engineering crosses many different engineering disciplines to create something. But systems engineering is also transdisciplinary. It uses methods and systems from many fields to look at the big picture. Often, systems engineers are called upon to solve complex and seemingly unsolvable problems. 

Systems engineers understand that resolutions dont always come about using the same systems and methods you’ve always used. Instead, they know how to combine them to create something new. For example, they may combine computer science with electrical engineering to create new and complex systems that benefit humanity. And In many cases, the end result will be innovative and revolutionary—something that has never been done before. 

Do You Need a Ph.D. To Have a Role in Systems Engineering

You could say a systems engineer wears many hats at any given time. And the amount of effort that goes into breaking into systems engineering is enormous. This role is closely related to engineering management .

It’s easy to see how you need a lot of experience and education to establish a career in systems engineering. At the very least, systems engineering requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or another engineering discipline. But an undergraduate degree in systems engineering will only open doors to entry-level positions. Typically, those who want to get into higher-paying jobs in systems engineering need a graduate degree. And studying the more complex theories in systems engineering may require a Ph.D. 

How Hard Is It To Work in Systems Engineering

As a systems engineer, you’ll typically have naturally high levels of intelligence. You will also need to have curiosity and a desire to learn new concepts and solve complex problems. Academically rigorous, it is by no means “easy” to become a systems engineer. Your ability to break into this field depends partly on the intelligence you were born with. But systems engineering is also something one can learn with determination and discipline.

Working daily in systems engineering can be a stressful job. Such individuals are working with complex systems day in and day out. This is primarily because it falls on you to solve big problems, which can be quite mentally taxing. As a result, individuals best suited to systems engineering have skills like:

• An analytical mind
• Patience and perseverance
• Ability to see both the big and small pictures
• Strong organizational abilities
• A well-rounded background of education and experience in engineering
• Leadership and teamwork 
• Communication 
• The ability to stay calm and relaxed under pressure

Where Can You Work in Systems Engineering?

Systems engineers are employed in every major industry you can think of. Systems engineering lets you work on problem-solving and building systems within any field that interests you, including

• Manufacturing
• Industrial Engineering Firms
• Technology and Technology Development Firms
• Transportation
• Government Agencies
• Private Companies

Are There Ph.D. Programs Specifically for Systems Engineering?

The fourth school on our list, Colorado State University, offers an online systems engineering program. It’s a remote Ph.D. in engineering program specifically for students pursuing a systems engineering degree at the doctoral level. This systems engineering program requires 72 credit hours. However, for students who already have a master’s engineering degree, there is an alternate 42-credit program. These graduate students will need to have earned 30 credits already.

At some other colleges, you may earn online PhD engineering degrees by building your own Ph.D. in engineering program through concentrations. Candidates should speak with a faculty advisor or research advisor to see if the school provides coursework relevant to a systems engineering program.

How Much Can You Make in Systems Engineering?

According to Payscale , the average salary in systems engineering is $81,332 annually. However, this figure varies depending on your location, experience level, and discipline. Those who are experienced in systems engineering can make anywhere from $78,000 to $178,000 or more. So if this career interests you, it may be worth it to pursue your systems engineering degree.

Closing Thoughts: Is It Worth It To Pursue an Online Doctorate in Engineering?

Generally speaking, those who hold graduate degrees in any field have the opportunity to earn more than students with just an undergraduate degree. For example, according to Payscale , those with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering earn a base salary of $72,000 a year, while those with a doctoral degree make an average of $95,000. Here’s another example: Those with a B.S. in electrical and computer engineering can expect a base salary of $96,000, but with a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering that figure goes up to $133,000 .

See also: BEST ONLINE BS ENGINEERING: STUDENTS BEFORE PROFITS AWARD

Of course, there are pros and cons to earning a terminal degree in engineering. For example, whether you pursue aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, an engineering management program, biomedical engineering, or an interdisciplinary engineering degree, the time it takes to complete online engineering doctoral programs is anywhere from four to seven years. Plus, continuing your education can be costly. However, there are also many advantages to pursuing your doctoral degree:

Higher Salary: An engineering Ph.D. online typically leads to much better than average pay. As discussed above, the difference in earnings between those with a bachelor’s and those with a doctoral degree is well over $20,000 a year.

Funding: Students pursuing online graduate programs in engineering are often eligible for funding from businesses or the government, especially when there is a specific project underway.

Grants and Scholarships: Students pursuing distance learning Ph.D. engineering programs may be eligible for grants and scholarships, especially women and minorities. 

Lower Cost: Online phd in Engineering programs usually have a lower per-credit cost than undergraduate programs.

Ultimately, you’ll need to decide if the time and money it takes to earn your Ph.D. are worth it for you in the long run. But with online engineering Ph.D. programs, it is more convenient than ever before to earn an advanced degree while simultaneously working in the field you enjoy. 

• Best Online Civil Engineering Degrees
• Best PhD in Engineering Management Online
• Top Civil Engineering Careers

This concludes our article on the top online PhD engineering degrees.

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Civil Engineering (PhD)

Program at a glance.

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Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Develop novel solutions to society’s challenges at a national, state or local level with a research-oriented Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from UCF. The program reflects the very broad nature of the field, which encompasses the design, construction, operation, management and enhancement of the infrastructure of society. Conduct research in our world-class facilities under the guidance of professors who are working on federal-, state- and industry-funded projects. Explore the areas of civil engineering that are of interest to you, including structural analysis and design, geotechnical engineering and foundations, transportation planning and operations, traffic engineering, construction engineering, water resources engineering and smart cities.

You can apply for the program with a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree and plan for a career with consulting firms, academia or federal, state or local government agencies.

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The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering prepares graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, and government by providing specialized training in disciplines relevant to the design, construction, and enhancement of society’s infrastructure. The PhD in Civil Engineering is a research-oriented degree intended for students with a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline. The program requires specialized course work combined with intensive research. Students must choose a specialization for their research and studies from Geotechnical Engineering, Structural Engineering, Transportation Systems Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Smart Cities, or Construction Engineering and Management.

The PhD in Civil Engineering degree offers the following gateways into the program:

• a BS in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline. Students with less related degrees can still be admitted but they may have to take articulation courses (discussed later). These students may obtain a MS degree in Civil Engineering along-the-way to their PhD. The requirements for the along-the-way MS are the same as they are for any student in the specific MS degree program, including a thesis defense, or for non-thesis students the non-thesis portfolio/exam (varies with each master's program/track). Students must choose which degree they want, i.e. MSCE, MS - Geotechnical and Structures Track, MS - Transportation, MS - Smart Cities, and MS - Water Resources. Then they must determine if they want to do a thesis or instead choose the non-thesis option. These decisions should be based on a consensus between the student and their academic advisor.
• Students with an MS degree in Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline (e.g. Engineering or STEM), are advised to apply for the Post-Master's Track for the PhD. However, they can apply to this program, and if so, they must transfer their master's courses on a course-by-course basis according to current College of Graduate Studies policy.

The Civil Engineering PhD requires completion of 72 credit hours, of which 42 credit hours minimum must be formal coursework, exclusive of directed research (XXX 6918), thesis (XXX 6971), doctoral research (XXX 7919), and independent study (XXX 6908), and 15 credit hours minimum of dissertation research (XXX 7980). No more than 15 credit hours combined of thesis (XXX 6971), doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or independent study (XXX 6908) may be taken toward fulfilling the degree program of study coursework requirements. In addition, the maximum number of credit hours for thesis is 6 hours, for doctoral research is 15 hours, and for independent study is 3 hours. Directed research (XXX 6918) cannot be used in doctoral programs.

Total Credit Hours Required: 72 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree; 42 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree

Program Prerequisites

Master's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related discipline.

Degree Requirements

Degree details.

• Degree Details The Doctor of Philosophy degree in this field requires successful completion of a minimum of 72 credit hours at the graduate level and the successful defense of a PhD dissertation. Specifically, the Civil Engineering PhD requires: (1) 42 credit hours minimum must be formal coursework, exclusive of directed research (XXX 6918), thesis (xxx 6971), doctoral research (XXX 7919), and independent study (XXX 6908). (2) 15 credit hours minimum must be dissertation research (XXX 7980). (3) No more than 15 credit hours combined of thesis (XXX 6971), doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or independent study (XXX 6908) may be taken toward fulfilling the degree program of study coursework requirements. (4) Successful completion of the PhD Qualifying Examination. (5) Successful completion of the Candidacy Examination. (6) Successful completion of defense of the doctoral dissertation.

Required Courses

• Based upon the student’s chosen specialization, complete 12 credit hours from one of the following options:
• CEG5405 - Seepage in Soils (3)
• CEG6065 - Soil Dynamics (3)
• CEG6115 - Foundation Engineering (3)
• CEG6515 - Retaining Structures and Slope Stability (3)
• CEG6610 - Smart Underground Structures: Tunnels and Shafts (3)
• CGN5506 - Advanced Pavement and Civil Engineering Materials (3)
• TTE5835 - Pavement Engineering (3)
• CEG6317 - Advanced Geotechnical Engineering (3)
• CES5144 - Matrix Methods for Structural Analysis (3)
• CES5325 - Bridge Engineering (3)
• CES5606 - Advanced Steel Structures (3)
• CES5706 - Advanced Reinforced Concrete (3)
• CES5821 - Masonry and Timber Design (3)
• CES6010 - Structural Reliability (3)
• CES6116 - Finite Element Structural Analysis (3)
• CES6209 - Dynamics of Structures (3)
• CES6220 - Wind and Earthquake Engineering (3)
• CES6230 - Advanced Structural Mechanics (3)
• CES6527 - Nonlinear Structural Analysis (3)
• CES6715 - Prestressed Concrete Structures (3)
• CES6876 - Smart City Built Infrastructure (3)
• CGN5617 - Infrastructure Systems Optimization and Identification (3)
• CGN6655 - Regional Planning, Design, and Development (3)
• ESI5219 - Engineering Statistics (3)
• STA5206 - Statistical Analysis (3)
• TTE5204 - Traffic Engineering (3)
• TTE5805 - Geometric Design of Transportation Systems (3)
• TTE6205 - Highway Capacity (3)
• TTE6256 - Traffic Operations (3)
• TTE6270 - Intelligent Transportation Systems (3)
• TTE6275 - Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (3)
• TTE6315 - Traffic Safety Analysis (3)
• TTE6526 - Planning and Design of Airports (3)
• TTE6625 - Mass Transportation Systems (3)
• TTE6667 - Discrete Choice Modeling in Transportation (3)
• TTE6668 - Transportation Networks (3)
• CGN6342 - Modeling Human Behavior with Emerging Data (3)
• TTE6608 - Algorithms and Models for Smart Cities (3)
• CGN5340 - Internet of Things: Applications in Smart Cities (3)
• CGN6343 - Cyber-Physical Systems and Smart Cities (3)
• TTE5532 - Policy Aspects of Smart City Transportation (3)
• CWR5125 - Groundwater Hydrology (3)
• CWR5205 - Hydraulic Engineering (3)
• CWR5634 - Water Resources in a Changing Environment (3)
• CWR5999 - Coastal Systems Analysis (3)
• CWR6007 - Ecohydraulics (3)
• CWR6102 - Advanced Hydrology (3)
• CWR6126 - Groundwater Modeling (3)
• CWR6235 - Open Channel Hydraulics (3)
• CWR6236 - River Engineering and Sediment Transport (3)
• CWR6606 - Stochastic River Network Hydro-Geomorphology (3)
• CWR6660 - Water Policy, Planning and Governance (3)
• CCE5006 - Infrastructure Systems Management (3)
• CCE5205 - Decision Support for Infrastructure Projects (3)
• CCE5220 - Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (3)
• CCE6036 - Advanced Construction Planning and Control (3)
• CCE6045 - Cost Analysis of Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (3)
• CCE6211 - Design and Monitoring of Construction Processes (3)
• CCE6817 - Dynamics of Sustainable Systems (3)
• STA5703 - Data Mining Methodology I (3)
• TTE6533 - Mobility in Smart Cities: Technologies and Application Areas (3)
• TTE5531 - Active Mobility and Technologies: Synergy and Challenges (3)
• ENV6533 - Smart Water and Wastewater Management (3)
• ENV6128 - Smart Air Quality Monitoring and Air Pollution Control (3)

Elective Courses

• Earn at least 30 credits from the following types of courses: Earn at least 30 credits from XXX 5000- or XXX 6000-level elective courses approved by the student's adviser. The electives can be from Engineering and Computer Science courses, where XXX is EAS, EEE, EEL, COP, CEN, CIS, COT, CDA, CNT, CAP, EGM, ESI, BME, EML, EIN, CGN, CWR, TTE, CEG, CES, CCE, ENV, EES, EMA, or OSE; or from course prefixes outside the College, where XXX can be CHM, CHS, PHY, PHZ, GIS, ANG, POS, SYA, CCJ, BCH, BSC, HMG, HSC, MAA, MAD, MAP, MAS, MAT, MCB, MTG, PAD, PCB, STA, or ZOO.

Doctoral Research/Independent Study Hours

• Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: Doctoral Research (XXX 7919) - 15 credit hours maximum (more than 15 research credit hours can be taken, but only a maximum of 15 credit hours will be counted toward the program of study). Independent Study (XXX 6908) - 3 credit hours maximum

Dissertation

• Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: XXX 7980 (where XXX can be CGN, CCE, CEG, CES, CWR, or TTE; 15 credit hours)

Examinations

• The student must pass three examinations.

Qualifying Examination

• The first is the PhD Qualifying Examination in one of the departmental disciplines. This written examination must be taken within the first year of admission into the PhD program. It may be attempted no more than twice.

Candidacy Examination

• The student must pass a Candidacy Examination, normally taken near the end of the course work. It consists of a written and oral presentation of a research proposal, and may include additional written or oral questioning by the committee. A copy of the written examination will be kept as part of the student's official record.

Admission to Candidacy

• The following are required to be admitted to candidacy and enroll in dissertation hours. Evidence that items have been completed must be received by the College of Graduate Studies on the Friday before the first day of classes for those who wish to enroll in dissertation hours in that semester: • Submittal of an approved program of study (during the first 9 hours of coursework at UCF). • Completion of all but 6 hours or less of course work, except for dissertation hours. • The dissertation advisory committee is formed, consisting of approved graduate faculty and graduate faculty scholars. • Successful completion of the candidacy examination.

Dissertation Defense Examination

• • The Dissertation Defense Examination is an oral examination taken as defense of the written dissertation. The College of Engineering and Computer Science requires that all dissertation defense announcements be approved by the student's adviser and posted on the college's website and on the College of Graduate Studies Events Calendar at least two weeks before the defense date.

Grand Total Credits: 72

Application requirements, financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

• Elective courses must be approved by the student’s faculty adviser and the graduate director.
• Students that have no MS degree should complete the core courses for the MS degree in the respective focus area.
• Doctoral Research (XXX 7919) - 15 credit hours maximum (more than 15 research credit hours can be taken, but only a maximum of 15 credit hours will be counted toward the program of study).
• Thesis (XXX 6971) - 6 credit hours maximum
• Independent Study (XXX 6908) - 3 credit hours maximum
• No more than 15 credit hours combined of thesis (XXX 6971), doctoral research (XXX 7919) and/or independent study (XXX 6908) may be taken toward fulfilling the degree program of study coursework requirements
• Directed Research (XXX 6918) is not permitted in a PhD program of study.

Equipment Fee

Students in the Civil Engineering PhD program pay a $16 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $8 per semester.

Independent Learning

The Independent Learning Requirement is met by successful completion of the student's candidacy and dissertation defense examinations.

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Top 201-230 in the world for engineering – civil & structural.

(QS World University Rankings 2023)

Key Course Details

Course Overview

The PhD Civil Engineering - Distance Learning is subject to the same University regulations as the standard PhD programme, except that all meetings with the academic supervisors and other relevant Swansea University staff members can be held online. The student is welcome, but not required to visit Swansea University in-person, unless if told otherwise if/when some presence is required on campus.

Start dates: PhD/MPhil - 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July.

Swansea University has been at the forefront of international research in the area of civil and computational engineering.

Internationally renowned engineers at Swansea pioneered the development of numerical techniques, such as the finite element method, and associated procedures that have enabled the solution of many complex engineering problems.

The has excellent computing facilities, including a state-of-the-art multi-processor supercomputer with virtual reality facilities and high-speed networking.

Recent PhD theses supervised in the area of Civil Engineering:

• Finite Element Simulation of Damage Assessment of Concrete Bridges subject to Seismic Loading
• Numerical Modelling and Optimisation of new RHS Column-to-I Beam Connections
• Cohesive Discrete Element Modelling and Industrial Applications
• Characterisation of Porous Media using the Lattice Boltzmann Method
• Compressible computational fluid dynamics for fluid structure interaction simulation

Entry Requirements

Qualifications MPhil:  Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

PhD:  Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline. See -  Country-specific Information for European Applicants 2019  and  Country-specific Information for International Applicants 2019 .

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each comp.) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found  here .

We welcome applications by prospective students from around the world and look for evidence of previous study that is equivalent to the entry requirements stated above. The Postgraduate Admissions Office are happy to advise you on whether your qualifications are suitable for entry to the course you would like to study. Please email  [email protected]  for further information.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirement

Non UK/EU applicants are required to obtain ATAS clearance for this programme of study. Successful applicants are sent ATAS application details by the University PGR Admissions team. Further details on the ATAS scheme can be found at on the government Academic Technology Approval Scheme webpage .

Reference Requirement

As standard, two references are required before we can progress applications to the College/School research programme Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Applications received without two references attached are placed on hold, pending receipt of the outstanding reference(s). Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference(s) may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee(s) to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference(s) or alternatively, hold submission of application until references are sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference(s) after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee(s), requesting a reference(s) on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to [email protected] .

How you are Supervised

Your supervisor will:

• Help you develop your research plan in the early stages of your PhD
• Advise on research aims and objectives and suggest relevant training or skills courses
• Provide direction in terms of relevant literature and sources
• Give guidance on gathering, recording and analysing data
• Supervise your written work, providing constructive criticism and ensuring you keep to deadlines
• Support and advise you when it comes to presenting papers at conferences, publishing your work and attending your viva (the final oral examination of your thesis)

Welsh Provision

Tuition fees.

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Once you have identified a topic area within which you would like to work, we recommend that you submit a research proposal and discuss this with an Admissions Tutor for the subject area before making an application. You can email [email protected]  to express your interest in a PhD or MPhil Civil Engineering.

Apply online and track your application status for the PhD or MPhil Civil Engineering at  www.swansea.ac.uk/applyonline

If you're an international student, find out more about applying for the PhD or MPhil Civil Engineering  www.swan.ac.uk/international/students/apply

Suggested Application Timings

In order to allow sufficient time for consideration of your application by an academic, for potential offer conditions to be met and travel / relocation, we recommend that applications are made before the dates outlined below. Please note that applications can still be submitted outside of the suggested dates below but there is the potential that your application/potential offer may need to be moved to the next appropriate intake window.

October Enrolment

UK Applicants – 15th August

EU/International applicants – 15th July

January Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th November

EU/International applicants – 15th October

April Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th February

EU/International applicants – 15th January

July Enrolment

UK applicants – 15th May

EU/International applicants – 15th April

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

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PhD Program

Our PhD program in Civil and Systems Engineering aims to inspire the leaders of tomorrow to take on the challenge of creating and sustaining the built environment that underpins our society. Focal research areas in the department include structural engineering, structural mechanics, probabilistic methods, hazards management, and systems engineering.

The small size of the department fosters a collegial, close-knit relationship between the students, staff, and faculty, while our partnerships with the Departments of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Applied Mathematics & Statistics, Environmental Health and Engineering, Emergency Medicine, Public Health, and other John Hopkins groups provide a wide range of opportunities that surpasses those of much larger programs.

Students graduate from the program with a sense of the responsibility that the civil engineering profession accepts for applying the principles of engineering sciences for the betterment of the built environment and society. Its graduates have an appreciation of professional ethics and the value of service to their profession and society through participation in technical activities, and in community, state and national organizations.

Both undergraduates and masters students are encouraged to apply to the PhD program in Civil and Systems Engineering. Once you’ve been accepted to the program, you can pursue an area of interest in Systems , Structures , Mechanics of Materials . You don’t need a civil engineering degree to apply, students from all technical backgrounds are welcome.

All PhD students are fully funded with tuition, stipend, and benefits (including healthcare) for the entire duration of the program!

Program Requirements and Timeline

Get information on how to successfully pursue your doctorate degree.

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Doctoral Degree

The doctor of philosophy degree.

The Ph.D. degree is for those students who have a major interest in developing deep knowledge of and performing independent, extensive research in their area of specialization, conducted in close collaboration with faculty. Students may apply directly to the Ph.D. program whether or not they have already obtained an MS degree, and many students start at UC Davis on the MS pathway and later transition to the Ph.D. program. Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive, and requires the support of a faculty member. If you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree, it is recommended that you contact faculty members who have research interests that align with yours.

View all PhD requirements here

Normative Time to Degree: 5.3 years

Measured from the time a student begins graduate study, with no prior graduate experience, the normative time to degree is approximately 5.3 years.

PhD Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) must meet the University of California minimum GPA requirement for admission (3.0 Undergraduate Cumulative GPA). Other requirements for admission include:

• A Bachelor’s degree ( or equivalent ) from an accredited institution;
• Three letters of recommendation;
• Official Transcripts with translation, if needed;
• TOEFL or IELTS: English proficiency examination for international applicants who have not studied at an institution where the language of instruction was in English. International applicants must meet minimum score requirement in the Graduate Studies Policy on the Implementation of Admission Requirements and Exceptions.
• The GRE is NOT required or accepted as part of our admissions 

While not formally required, applicants are strongly encouraged to communicate with potential research advisors (major professors) prior to admission to the program. It is essential that prospective students contact faculty in the CEE Program whose laboratories are conducting research in areas of CEE that the student wishes to pursue, in order to introduce themselves and inquire about faculty willingness to accept a new student in this degree program. This process of communicating with potential major professors should begin in the Fall and prior to the relevant applications deadline. Applicants should take the initiative to inquire about future research directions of laboratories, exchange research ideas with potential major professors, and make every effort to identify viable possibilities. While formal acceptance into a research group cannot occur prior to admission, contacts should be sufficiently developed such that at least tentative identification of a research advisor can be made as soon after the time of admission as possible.

The priority deadline, fellowship deadline, general deadline, and space available deadline are all posted online, and updated each year  on our page here . Applicants are encouraged to aim for the priority deadline. Admissions decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. 

Application Fee Wavier and Fellowships

PhD Applicants are especially encouraged to review the Graduate Preparation programs Fee Waiver and the COE Equity Program Fee Wavier Programs.  CEE also offers Fee Fellowships to students from the CSU and UC Systems . 

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Civil Engineering—MS, PhD

The world's infrastructure needs you. At Michigan Technological University, you'll address the needs of our society by combining theory, practice, creativity, and hard work. We are committed to providing an intellectual environment that empowers students to make significant contributions to both the field of civil engineering and society as a whole. Are you ready?

Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students. Explore our Online Master's and Doctoral Program .

Program Overview

With a four-to-one graduate student-to-faculty ratio, students in the master's or doctorate in civil engineering program can tailor their academic plan within six areas of emphasis:

• construction engineering and management
• geotechnical engineering
• structural engineering
• transportation engineering
• civil engineering materials
• water resources engineering

Delivery Options

• Online: MS, PhD
• Accelerated: MS
• On-Campus: MS, PhD

Civil Engineering Program Details

Choose a specific degree option or delivery type to learn more about the civil engineering program at Michigan Tech. For international students, Civil Engineering is a designated STEM program.

On-Campus Programs

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

This option requires a report describing the results of an independent study project. The scope of the research topic should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in twelve months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits. 

Of the minimum total of 30 credits, at least 24 must be earned in coursework other than the project:

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

Bachelor's + 1 Year = Master's Degree

Our accelerated master's degree program is a faster, easier way for Michigan Tech students to earn a master's degree. Up to nine approved credits from your bachelor's degree can be applied towards your accelerated master's degree. Consult your graduate program director for your individualized plan. If you're thinking about pursuing a master's following your bachelor's this option may be the right choice for you. 

Additional Accelerated Master's Program Details

Online Programs

Our online civil engineering MS and PhD degrees focus on structural engineering. Apply advanced structural engineering theory, structural analysis, and material dynamics. Visit our program website for more details about our curriculum.

See Online Civil Engineering MS and PhD

For Michigan Tech students with a Bachelor's degree, fast-track your career or speed progress toward advanced studies through an online Accelerated Master's Program . The program allows you to earn both a Bachelor' and Master's in as few as five years.

This online Accelerated Master’s program allows you to count up to 6 approved credits towards both degrees. It is designed for highly motivated students who wish to enter a mid-level position in their careers after graduation or pursue doctoral studies. Set yourself up for success in an increasingly demanding job market with an online Accelerated Master’s from Michigan Tech.

Additional Program Information

Want to learn more about civil engineering at Michigan Tech? Visit the department for more information:

• Additional Program Details
• Program Faculty Listing
• Recent Publications
• Labs and Equipment

Graduate Director

Graduate assistant.

Angela Keranen

Sample Areas of Interest

Select areas of interest to help customize your civil engineering MS and PhD. Sample areas include:

• Geotechnical
• Infrastructure
• Water Resources

View full listing for this program

Application Process and Admissions Requirements

Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using a holistic approach. Fill out our free graduate application online to apply to any of our programs. Official transcripts and scores are not required for the initial application, although you will need to upload them later.

Applying to Graduate School is free  (no application fees) and  fast (no official transcripts or test scores are needed to start). The application process involves three easy steps. International applicants are required to pay a non-refundable $10 processing fee per application.

See Admissions Steps

Michigan Tech offers several admissions options in order to meet the educational needs of students from a variety of backgrounds. Students should review the options available to them and apply for the program that will best help them achieve their personal educational goals.

See Admissions Options

To be considered for admission to the Graduate School as a degree- or certificate-seeking student, you need to:

• have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution, and
• be prepared for advanced study in your chosen field, as demonstrated by your previous degree and your scholastic record.

See additional application requirements , including required materials:

• Student Statements
• Official Transcripts

Program Specific

• 2 Letters of Recommendation (not required for online students)
• Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• GRE not required
• No Additional Documents Accepted

International Students

• TOEFL: Recommended Score of at least 100 iBT
• IELTS: Recommended Overall Band Score of at least 7.0

Michigan Tech requires a minimum 79 overall TOEFL or 6.5 overall IELTS score.

Admissions Decisions

Made on a rolling basis.

Recommended Deadlines

Fall Semester: January 15 (for full financial consideration) Spring Semester: September 15 Summer Semester: February 15

International Students must apply and be accepted into a degree-granting program in order to earn a graduate certificate. A non-refundable $10 processing fee per application is required.

See International Applicants

Our Accelerated Master's Program is available for current Michigan Tech students. Explore our

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or greater
• No GRE required
• Completed course plan

Eligible Undergraduate Majors

• All majors upon program approval

The CEGE Accelerated MS Course Plan form is required for students pursuing an accelerated MS degree from the department of civil, environmental, and geospatial engineering.

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Accredited by HLC

Michigan Tech has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1928. Our Graduate School offers over 125 certificates, master's, and PhD programs to provide our students and the world with what tomorrow needs.

Who You'll Work With

Michigan Tech has a tradition of excellence in civil engineering education, blending theory, practice, creativity, and hard work. You'll join an intellectual environment where students and faculty make the next breakthrough together.

Where You'll Work

We maintain eight start-of-the-art facilities for research, including world-class petrography laboratories for characterizing materials. Other laboratories support structural testing, concrete mixing and testing, asphalt testing, binder characterization, hydrodynamic and scour studies, complex data visualization, and rail transportation planning. Benedict Laboratory, the largest lab on campus, is one of a select few university labs that can test and evaluate ultra-high performance concrete.

Faculty Spotlight

Yousef Darestani Assistant Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

"Developing long-term, sustainable, and equitable green solutions to enhance the resiliency of coastal communities."

My research focuses on risk and resilience analysis and enhancement of infrastructures systems against weather related hazards. We leverage machine learning techniques to efficiently account for uncertainty in the hazards and complexities in system response to estimate vulnerabilities in coastal infrastructure systems such electric power and transportation systems.

Program Faculty

Civil Engineering Graduate Student Travel and Professional Development Scholarships - Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering - Purdue University

Civil Engineering Graduate Student Travel and Professional Development Scholarships

The Lyles School of Civil Engineering has various funds available to provide support for graduate students in the School to travel. There are two primary categories: 1) Travel to conferences; 2) Professional Development activities.

For group 1) Travel to conferences, preference will be given to students presenting at a podium or poster session during the conference, but all students attending are encouraged to apply.

For group 2) Professional development. These professional or academic activities should contribute to the student’s education and training. These activities don’t need to be required or directly associated with the students’ thesis. Examples include attendance to workshops, training or networking activities. No funds may be requested in support of activities directly related to or in support of the student’s research or coursework.

For both awards, we will also consider group applications. Formal Civil Engineering student groups/associations (recognized through SAO) can request funds for travel to conferences, professional development activities or group/association events (where the group is hosting an event).  Maximum award for a group award would be $2000 based on expenses.

Benefits and Goals

• Scholarship for up to $750 toward one travel/professional development activity
• Network with potential collaborators, sponsors, and employers
• Strengthen professional skills, engage in activities that broaden your life experience
• Share your experiences with fellow graduate students

Requirements

• You must be a Lyles School of Civil Engineering graduate student.
• You must be in good academic standing (have at least a 3.0 GPA).
• You must be appropriately registered in the semester the award will be processed.
• The recipient must submit a brief report of activities during the conference to the CE Graduate Office within one month of the completions of the scholarship event. Attendance at the CE Scholarship and Awards Banquet is required along with submission of a thank-you note to the donor.

How to Apply

• The applicant’s transcripts
• The applicant’s curriculum vitae. (1 page)
• The name and type of conference/event (regional, national, workshop, etc.) to be attended.
• The date and place of the conference/event.
• The expected benefits that the participation to the conference/event will yield to the student's research and/or professional development; the title of sessions to be attended.
• If presenting, the title of the project to be presented and the proposed presentation (paper, poster, etc.) and the time allotted for the presentation.
• A cost estimate for attending the conference/event (1 page). There is an expectation that the advisor/student will also be contributing to the travel cost. This Scholarship is not meant to fully fund the travel costs.
• A letter of endorsement from the student’s major professor describing (a) why the student deserves the funding support, (b) funding sources for the student, and (c) other relevant information (1 page).
• Submit electronically to [email protected] with appropriate subject line for which category you are apply to “Conference Travel Scholarship Request” or “Professional Development Scholarship Request”

Eligible Expenses

• Conference registration, travel, and meals

Uncovered Expenses

• Professional association memberships

Restrictions

• Travel/Professional Development scholarships will be awarded until funds are exhausted – we anticipate having $30,000 available per calendar year, roughly split between Travel and Professional Development activities.
• No more than two students from any one advisor’s group will receive travel/professional development scholarships in a calendar year.
• Students are eligible for a Travel/Professional Development Scholarship every three years
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Applications will be accepted until the Travel/Professional Development Scholarship funding has been exhausted for the year.

Reimbursement

• Various accounts are used to fund the travel scholarships. Some may be awarded as a scholarship through Purdue’s Scholarship and Award system. Others may require business office forms to be completed to receive travel expense reimbursement.

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PhD Civil Engineering / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

Other combinations of qualifications and research or work experience may also be considered. Please contact the admissions team to check.

Full entry requirements

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

• The name of this programme
• Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
• Your proposed supervisor’s name
• If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
• A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
• Details of your previous university level study
• Names and contact details of your two referees.

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Programme options

Programme description

Research in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering covers six broad research themes ; aerospace engineering, innovative manufacturing, modelling and simulation, nuclear engineering, resilient systems, and structures in extreme environments.

Our postgraduate research programmes in Civil Engineering offer the opportunity to study in a multi-disciplinary team alongside leading academics in the field. Drawing on our expertise in structural engineering, geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, hydraulic and fluid dynamics, material behaviour, computational modelling and dynamics of structures, we deliver world leading and industry relevant research and solutions.

Your research will be supported by state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities. We have strong links with industry and excellent employability in a diverse sector of civil engineering.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

Visit our 'Events and Opportunities' page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £4,786; Band B £7,000; Band C £10,000; Band D £14,500; Band E £24,500 International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £28,000; Band B £30,000; Band C £35,500; Band D £43,000; Band E £57,000
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): Band A £2393; Band B £3,500; Band C £5,000; Band D £7,250; Band E 12,250

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

The School of Engineering creates a world of possibilities for students pursuing skills and understanding. Through dynamic research and teaching we develop engineering solutions that make a difference to society in an ethical and sustainable way.  Science-based engineering is at the heart of what we do, and through collaboration we support the engineers and scientists of tomorrow to become technically strong, analytically innovative and creative. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

• Civil Engineering

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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