Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Ocean Engineering

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree is designed to develop the student’s capability to perform research or high-level design in civil, environmental, or ocean engineering. Admission to the doctoral program is made through the departmental graduate admissions committee, based on review of the applicant’s scholastic record. One’s master’s level academic performance must reflect your capability to pursue advanced studies and perform independent research.

Eighty-four credits of graduate work in an approved program of study beyond the bachelor’s degree are required for completion of the doctoral program. Up to 30 credits obtained in a master’s program can be included in this program. Of the remaining 54 credits, 15 to 30 credit hours of course work, as well as 30 to 45 credit hours of dissertation work, are required. Within two years from the time of admission, a student must take a qualifying examination that tests his/her basic knowledge and ability to critically analyze the research literature. Upon satisfactory performance in the qualifying examination, and completion of the required course work, (s)he must take an oral preliminary examination. This examination is primarily intended to evaluate the student’s aptitude for advanced research and examine his/her understanding of the subjects associated specifically with the dissertation topics. Upon satisfactory completion of the preliminary examination and all course work, a student will become a doctoral candidate and start his/her dissertation research. Doctoral research work must be based on an original investigation and the results must make a significant, state-of-the-art contribution to the field, and must be worthy of publication in current professional literature. At the completion of the research, a student must defend his/her thesis in a public presentation.