Civil engineering degrees teach students how to design and execute building and infrastructure projects. For those looking to pursue advanced studies in civil engineering, a civil engineering PhD is a great option. We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best PhDs in Civil Engineering to provide an overview of what to expect when pursuing this degree and to help make your search for the right school easier.
Choosing a program that provides all you need for quality education can be a difficult task. Read on for all the details of each program, including the admissions process, tuition, and core material covered. We’re also showing you the best civil engineering jobs and what you can expect for a PhD in Civil Engineering salary.
What Is a PhD in Civil Engineering?
A PhD in Civil Engineering is a doctoral research degree that prepares you for a career in high-level research and civil engineering jobs. A PhD can take anywhere from four to six years to complete. A civil engineering PhD involves in-depth and rigorous coursework, which prepares students for advanced engineering practice, and a PhD thesis to conclude the program.
How to Get Into a Civil Engineering PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The requirements to get into a civil engineering PhD program include a qualifying exam, a minimum undergraduate or graduate degree GPA, and standardized test scores. Admission requirements vary by school, however, with the specifics differing from program to program.
For most programs, students will have to complete a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Some programs allow students with only undergraduate degrees to apply. Students will also have to submit letters of recommendation, a resume, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Some schools require GRE or GMAT scores to apply to their graduate program.
PhD in Civil Engineering Admission Requirements
- Official transcripts from undergraduate and graduate schools attended
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Resume
- Writing sample
Civil Engineering PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Civil Engineering?
It is very hard to get into a PhD program in civil engineering. Most schools are very selective with the applicants they admit into their PhD in Civil Engineering programs. Make sure that you meet all of the admission requirements before applying and that you have the dedication to complete a research-heavy program.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Civil Engineering: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | PhD in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University | PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering | No |
| Drexel University | PhD in Civil Engineering | No |
| George Washington University | PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering | No |
| Iowa State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering | No |
| Michigan Technological University | PhD in Civil Engineering | No |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | PhD in Civil Engineering | No |
| Rice University | PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering | No |
| Syracuse University | Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering | No |
| Pennsylvania State University | PhD in Civil Engineering | No |
Best Universities for Civil Engineering PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering
The best universities for civil engineering PhDs include Arizona State University, Rice University, Syracuse University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Drexel University. If you’re wondering where to get a PhD in Civil Engineering, our overview of the best schools below might help.
Can You Get a PhD in Civil Engineering Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Civil Engineering online. The University of South Carolina, for example, offers an online program in civil engineering. Mississippi State University offers an online PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Civil Engineering.
Best Online PhD Programs in Civil Engineering
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi State University | Online PhD in Engineering with a concentration in Civil Engineering | 5 years |
| University of South Carolina | Online PhD in Civil Engineering | N/A |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering?
It takes between four and seven years to get a PhD in Civil Engineering. A doctoral degree in engineering disciplines usually requires many semester hours to complete the intensive coursework.
In addition, students have to take a doctoral comprehensive examination, which is necessary to be admitted into candidacy for the PhD degree. Students who fail the examination will have to retake the examination. Also, students have to complete a dissertation and a defense of the dissertation.
Is a PhD in Civil Engineering Hard?
Yes, a PhD in Civil Engineering is relatively hard. Considering the volume of advanced-level courses students have to take, completing the credit requirement can be draining. In addition, writing a dissertation is difficult, even for seasoned academics.Doctoral comprehensive examinations are often tough exams, which students can either pass or fail. Most programs only allow two attempts at the exam.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering?
It costs an average of $19,792 per year to get a PhD in Civil Engineering, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This amount covers the tuition and fees for the program. The average cost of a civil engineering doctorate program at public universities is $12,410 per year, and at private institutions is $26,597, according to NCES.
How to Pay for a PhD in Civil Engineering: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Civil Engineering include teaching assistantships, graduate assistantships, research assistantships, loans, university fellowships, administrative assistantships, and tuition waivers. Students often receive full funding of their program costs through these options.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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What Is the Difference Between a Civil Engineering Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a civil engineering master’s degree and a PhD is the level of education. While both are advanced degrees, they differ in the type of coursework and research students are required to complete.
A master’s program in civil engineering focuses mainly on set courses covering a range of engineering topics, with a specialization or concentration that offers an opportunity for more focused study. On the other hand, a PhD is heavily research-focused and steered more by the student’s preferences overall, with instructors and advisors playing a largely supervisory role.
Master’s vs PhD in Civil Engineering Job Outlook
Civil engineering professors, who are typically required to have a PhD, have a job outlook of 12 percent growth in the coming years, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, urban and regional planners, with a master’s degree entry-level education requirement, have a job outlook of 7 percent growth.
Difference in Salary for Civil Engineering Master’s vs PhD
The average salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering is $98,000, according to PayScale. Some job titles requiring a PhD in Civil Engineering earn much more than that. The average salary for a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering is $75,000. Getting a doctoral degree usually leads to higher-paying positions.
Related Civil Engineering Degrees
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Civil Engineering
You should get a PhD in Civil Engineering because of better job opportunities, higher salaries, research opportunities, and specialized skills.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Civil Engineering
- Job opportunities. Earning a PhD in Civil Engineering qualifies you for more career opportunities in the field. If you want to work in academia, for example, then a doctoral-level engineering education is the right fit.
- Higher salaries. With better job opportunities often come higher salaries. Civil engineers with a doctoral degree earn, on average, higher salaries compared to those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
- Research opportunities. Doctoral programs are usually heavily research-focused. Completing a PhD program in civil engineering gives you the experience you need to pursue research-based careers and further research opportunities.
- Specialized skills. A PhD in Civil Engineering inculcates in professionals specialized skills to deal with a wide range of real-world problems. For example, students can gain expertise to work as construction managers.
Getting a PhD in Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering PhD Coursework
The coursework for civil engineering PhD students is usually elaborate, rigorous, and intensive. Some core subject areas covered in a PhD in Civil Engineering program include properties of construction materials, structural dynamics, deep foundations, soil behavior, and metal structures.
Properties of Construction Materials
This course covers the details regarding the properties of polymeric materials used in construction and infrastructural development. Students learn the physical and chemical characteristics of these materials and their relevant application in different projects.
Structural Dynamics
This course explores the mechanics of structure, structural vibrations, and foundations. Students learn how to analyze and design safe and stable construction projects. This includes how to ensure that a foundation is the right fit for a particular building project.
Deep Foundations
This subject deals with different foundation designs and their integrity. It covers mat or raft foundation design accomplished by plate theory, pile design, and continuous beam design.
Soil Behavior
Understanding soil behavior is critical to success in civil engineering. This course teaches students about soil structure, soil properties, soil formation, soil composition, clay mineralogy, and conduction phenomena.
Metal Structures
This core subject deals with the properties and behavior of metal structures used in civil engineering projects. Students learn about plate girders, compression members, block shears, and more.
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How to Get a PhD in Civil Engineering: Doctoral Program Requirements
The requirements for a PhD in Civil Engineering include completing advanced coursework, receiving research proposal approval, passing a qualifying examination, achieving candidacy, and writing and defending a thesis.
Potential Careers With a Civil Engineering Degree
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PhD in Civil Engineering Salary and Job Outlook
With a PhD in Civil Engineering, you can earn $100,000 to $150,000 a year. Many jobs requiring this degree have a good job outlook, too, with projected growth that is faster than average. So, getting a Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering can help secure a successful future.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Civil Engineering?
With a PhD in Civil Engineering, you can get a job as a civil engineer, environmental engineer, construction engineer, civil engineering professor, and architectural and engineering manager.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Professor
- Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Civil Engineer
- Construction Manager
- Environmental Engineer
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering?
The average salary for a PhD in Civil Engineering is $98,000. Many doctoral degree holders find jobs with salaries even higher than this. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best-paying jobs for civil engineers with a doctorate.
Highest-Paying Civil Engineering Jobs for PhD Grads
| Civil Engineering PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $152,350 |
| Construction Manager | $98,890 |
| Environmental Engineer | $96,820 |
| Civil Engineer | $88,050 |
| Civil Engineering Professor | $79,640 |
Best Civil Engineering Jobs with a Doctorate
The best civil engineering jobs with a doctorate include architectural and engineering managers, civil engineering professor, civil engineer, environmental engineer, and construction manager. Here are details about these jobs, including the average salary, the job outlook, the number of jobs available, and the highest-paying states.
Is a PhD in Civil Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Civil Engineering is worth it. It’s an excellent education path to gain expertise, specialization, and research experience in civil engineering. The research opportunities offered by PhD programs are valuable if you’re considering a career as an educator or a researcher.
If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any engineering major, you can set yourself up for better career opportunities with a doctoral degree. Some universities offer online programs for distance students, and on-campus programs feature a range of student activities and services that add value.
Additional Reading About Civil Engineering
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PhD in Civil Engineering FAQ
Yes, you should get a PhD in Civil Engineering if you want to gain an edge in your career or switch careers and become a teacher or researcher at a university or college. In addition to achieving your career goals, you get a chance for better pay.
Most PhD program applicants already have a Master’s Degree in Engineering or a related field. However, applicants with a bachelor’s degree can get admitted as well, given that they meet specific conditions and requirements.
Yes, you can participate in a civil engineering PhD from a school in the US as an international student. Most colleges have a separate admissions process for international applicants that includes passing an English proficiency exam.
Some of the factors to consider when choosing your PhD program and school are accreditation, flexibility, academic reputation, costs, career services, faculty, and program outcomes. Our list provides an excellent shortcut to finding some of the best PhD in Civil Engineering programs available.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
