The Ph.D. degree serves many purposes, first and foremost to prepare advanced students for careers in the civil and environmental engineering profession, to convey the skills necessary to perform cutting-edge research, and to solve complex interdisciplinary problems concerning society. Graduates go on to advanced positions in industry, government, or tenure-track faculty positions at other universities.
Civil Engineering Ph.D.
Civil Engineering Ph.D.
As a Ph.D. student in civil engineering, you’ll choose from environmental, geotechnical, structures and transportation engineering to focus your research and apply your significant expertise to ongoing and original studies in collaboration with our expert faculty in the Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment.
Careers with a Civil Engineering Doctoral Degree
Civil Engineering Ph.D. Courses & Degree Requirements
View Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
- GRE required
- Passing a written qualifying examination
- Minimum of 27 hours of course work beyond the M.S. degree, plus 33 hours of research/dissertation
- Comprehensive examination required
Admission Requirements
For admission, the student should have excellent academic records, demonstrated skills in oral and written English, and an aptitude for research. Students who are not native speakers of English must meet the university’s English proficiency requirement before starting the graduate program in Civil Engineering. GRE results, TOEFL score, transcripts from all previously attended universities, a resume, a statement of purpose, and at least three letters of recommendation must be submitted by the applicant for review by the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department Graduate Committee. A majority vote of the Graduate Committee will determine whether the applicant will be admitted or denied admission.
- Master's Degree: An M.S. in civil engineering or a closely related field is required for admission to the Ph.D. program.
- Transcripts from all previously attended universities
- GRE results
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of Recommendation: at least three letters of reference
- English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Russ College is committed to connecting our graduate students to appropriate funding sources. Like at most universities, as a potential grad student you'll be screened for funding opportunities by your department or research group when you apply for admission or in your correspondence with research faculty before application. The majority of our students find funding within their first year on campus.
More funding sources are available through the Graduate College, including fellowships, grants and other programs. For a complete listing of opportunities and associated deadlines, visit the Financial Aid area of the Graduate College.
Ohio University Graduate College Financial Support Information
Ready for the Next Step?
Contact Us
Questions? Contact the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at civil@ohio.edu.
Related Engineering Programs
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Civil Engineering M.S.The Civil Engineering resident Master of Science degree program prepares students to enter a Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering or enter professional practice in their recognized specialty.
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Online Civil Engineering M.S.This flexible, 32-credit program is designed for professionals who want to evolve their understanding of how to address globalization, sustainability and emerging engineering technologies.