Civil and Environmental Engineering

Study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is offered in two areas: environmental engineering and water resources; and materials, mechanics, and structures. When a student enters the department, an adviser is assigned from the appropriate program, in the student’s area of interest.

Courses:

The plan of study for the first year is arranged by the student, in consultation with the adviser and the department’s director of graduate studies. A typical plan consists of eight courses, one being CEE 509, which is a required research course. Near the end of the first year, a student who wishes to continue as a Ph.D. candidate declares this intention to the department. The mathematics/computational methods requirement is meant to provide a strong foundational education. The requirement may be fulfilled by courses in calculus, probability, statistics and numerical methods. The courses are normally at the 500-level, but upon approval, an upper class undergraduate course may be used.

Mathematical/Computational methods requirement courses are subject to the approval of the student's program. Students should consult with the departmental director of graduate studies or their program director if they have questions regarding the appropriateness of a particular course.

General Exam:

Students are expected to complete the general examination successfully within the first two years of their Ph.D. studies. Students are not normally readmitted to a third year (fifth term) of graduate study unless they have successfully completed the general examination. In no case are students admitted to a fourth year (seventh term) of graduate study unless they have passed the general examination. The specific requirements for the examination are different in the two programs, and students should consult with the department for details about the examination requirements.

Qualifying for the M.A.:

The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that these requirements have been met.

Teaching:

Teaching experience is considered to be a significant part of the graduate education. It is recommended that Ph.D. candidates assist with course instruction for at least one term.

Post-Generals Requirement(s):

Yearly Meetings with Research Committee

Upon completion of the general examination, the student must have a research committee consisting of the adviser and two or more additional members in place. The research committee meets with the candidate at least once per year to supervise his or her research.

Dissertation and FPO:

Upon completion and acceptance of the dissertation by the department, the candidate is admitted to the final public oral examination, in which the dissertation is presented and defended by the candidate.

The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the final public oral examination sustained.

• Application Fee: $90
• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• GRE : General test
• Applicants are required to select a subplan when applying.

For Ph.D. candidates, tuition and fees during a student’s regular period of enrollment are provided in full from a student’s graduate student financial support, in the form of tuition support from fellowships, assistantships, or external sources.

The annual stipend amount provided to Ph.D. candidates during their regular enrollment is intended to support a single graduate student based on estimated costs. Master’s students or students with spouses and/or dependents may require additional resources to support their living expenses