Civil Engineering PhD

Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.0801
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2015

About the Program

Students in the Civil Engineering PhD program gain technical expertise and research skills in specialized areas of civil engineering including one or more of the following sub-disciplines: structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. Through this foundation, students develop a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of the principles that govern the planning, analysis, design, construction, and operation of civil infrastructure systems. Graduates of the program possess advanced analytical, computational, and design skills and can identify, frame, and solve complex engineering problems. Graduates also develop professional judgment, ethical awareness, and a systems-based perspective necessary for responsible engineering practice.

The Civil Engineering PhD program emphasizes research through an independent dissertation. Research is supported through core coursework and elective course instruction.

Graduates of the PhD program are well prepared for professional careers in academia, consulting, industry, governmental agencies, and other public-sector organizations involved in infrastructure planning, design, construction, and operations. For students pursuing professional licensure, the curriculum supports preparation for licensure examinations and continued professional development consistent with industry expectations.

Drexel’s signature experiential learning model is applied in the PhD in Civil Engineering through applied research, experiential learning, and close engagement with industry. Students gain exposure to practice-informed instruction, real-world projects, and professional networks that connect academic learning with important engineering challenges. This integration of advanced technical education with experiential learning prepares graduates to transition effectively into professional roles and to contribute meaningfully to the development of safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure systems.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering

Admission Requirements

PhD admission is based on an academic record demonstrating adequate preparation and potential for successful graduate study. This typically includes a BS from an engineering curriculum accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Submission of results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is optional. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is usually required. Graduates who do not have a bachelor's degree in either Civil, Architectural or Environmental Engineering may be required to take preparatory undergraduate courses.

The application package should include:

• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts as applicable
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals who can evaluate the applicant’s promise as a graduate student
• GRE scores (optional)
• A written statement of career and educational goals

For more information, visit the School of Engineering Graduate Admissions webpage.

Degree Requirements

Post Master of Science Degree

¹

Number of required research credits may be reduced based on the number of Elective credits required.

Post Bachelor of Science Degree

¹

Minimum required research credits vary by concentration and may be reduced by number of Elective credits.

Geotechnical Concentration

Structural Concentration

Water Reseources Concentration

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in civil engineering principles related to structures, geotechnical engineering, or water resources.
• Apply advanced mathematics, mechanics, and computational methods to analyze and design civil infrastructure systems.
• Identify, formulate, and solve complex civil engineering problems while accounting for uncertainty, risk, and system performance.
• Design infrastructure solutions that consider technical, environmental, economic, and societal constraints.
• Conduct independent research that applies advanced analysis, modeling, and/or experimentation to civil engineering problems.