Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student presenting his research.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Nadim Wehbe, Department Head
Guanghui Hua, Professor/Graduate Coordinator
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Crothers Engineering Hall 310, Box 2219
605-688-5427

Program Information

The program is designed to provide breadth and depth within the civil engineering main sub-disciplines including structural, environmental, transportation, geotechnical, hydraulic, and water resources engineering. The department’s graduate faculty members conduct research in the fields of bridge engineering, earthquake engineering, traffic operations and safety, transportation infrastructure, breaking waves and river hydraulics, fate and transport of contaminants, water/wastewater treatment processes and biological filtration, and soil stability and deep foundations.

Students seeking a Ph.D. degree in civil engineering will be conducting research in their area of interest under the mentorship of highly qualified and dedicated faculty. Research and teaching assistantships will be offered to qualified students. Students will also be expected to engage in scholarly activities through publishing of peer-reviewed journal papers and dissemination of research results at national conferences.

Course Delivery Format

The majority of the courses will be taught on campus in a classroom setting. Some courses will be offered through the “Access Grid” system in collaboration with other regental institutions in the state of South Dakota.

Program Educational Objectives

The Ph.D. program’s educational objectives are to prepare graduates to:

Generate and disseminate new discovery in civil engineering disciplines.
Develop resilient civil engineering infrastructure to withstand man-made and natural hazards.
Advance sustainable civil engineering systems to serve the needs of future generations and preserve natural resources.

Student Learning Outcomes

Apply knowledge: Apply knowledge and skills to develop new ideas, knowledge, and applications in civil and environmental engineering.
Make contributions: Make a contribution to the state-of-the-art in the graduate’s specialized area of research through development and completion of a research project that culminates in a doctoral dissertation.
Communication: Communicate effectively with one’s peers, students, and public at large by written, oral, and visual means.
Evaluate literature: Evaluate relevant literature and existing engineering knowledge.
Ethics: Exhibit ethical and scientific conduct of research.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

60 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

CEE 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-2 (3 credits required)
CEE 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (36 credits required)
Supporting Electives Credits: 15
(Elective courses will be chosen by the Advisor in consultation with the student and approved by the Graduate Advisory Committee as part of the Plan of Study.)

Required Emphasis

Select from the following emphasis areas. Credits: 6

Environmental Emphasis

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: General scores required
TOEFL: 90-91 Internet-based
TOEFL Essentials: 9.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 115

Three letters of reference with one being from master’s advisor, a letter of research interest and intent, transcripts, and a resume.

General Requirements

Graduate students must consult with their advisor before registering for graduate coursework. For additional information, refer to the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Requirements .