Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)

Location(s): Brookings Main Campus

Student presenting his research.

Program Coordinator/Contact

Guanghui Hua, Department Head
Francis Ting, Professor and 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.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy

72 Credit Plan

Core Requirements

CEE 790 - Seminar (COM) Credits: 1-2 (3 credits required)
CEE 898D - Dissertation (COM) Credits: 1-12 (36 credits required)
STAT 541 - Statistical Methods II Credits: 3
Supporting Electives Credits: 30
(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.)

*Students may apply up to 23 credits of coursework and up to 7 research credits from a previous M.S. degree to the Ph.D. requirements, subject to approval by the student’s graduate advisory committee. The 7 research credits transferred must be CEE 798 - Thesis (COM) or equivalent coursework.

Additional Admission Requirements

GRE: General scores recommended
TOEFL iBT: 4
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo: 110

Three letters of reference with one being from master’s advisor if applicable, 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 .