civil engineering phd salary

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Best Doctorates in Civil Engineering: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

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.

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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
• 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

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.

Arizona State University takes the second spot worldwide when it comes to global impact , out of 1,406 universities ranked, according to Times Higher Education ’ s Impact Rankings. Its graduate school has more than 450 programs, with 91 percent of its graduates getting jobs within 90 days of graduation.

PhD in Civil, Environmental, and Sustainable Engineering

The coursework in the civil, environmental, and sustainable engineering PhD program at Arizona State University prepares students for a lifelong career in civil engineering research and practice. Concentration areas in the program include environmental, sustainable, structural, transportation, geotechnical, and hydrosystems engineering. 

PhD in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Overview

• Program Length: N/A
• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $13,814/academic year (in state); $26,298/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities : Arizona State University and CONACYT Doctoral Fellowships for Mexican Students, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, GPSA Graduate Research Support Program, Gastwirth Graduate Student Loan Fellowship Program, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists, Completion Fellowship, Graduate College Enrichment Fellowship, Graduate College University Grant, Teaching Assistant/Associate, Research Assistant/Associate, Graduate Services Assistant, Graduate Intern

PhD in Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA of 3.20 in a master’s degree or in the last 60 hours of an undergraduate degree
• Official transcripts
• Personal statement

Carnegie Mellon University , founded in 1900, ranks number four on the list of the 2023 Best Engineering Schools by US News & World Report. It has over 1,300 faculty members spread across six colleges and several graduate programs.

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The civil and environmental engineering doctoral program has three major focus areas in environmental engineering, sustainability and sciences, advanced infrastructure sciences, and mechanics, materials, and computing. Students will be matched with a PhD thesis supervisor whose research goals align with theirs. 

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 3 years (with MS degree), 4 years (with BS degree)
• Tuition and Fees: $46,400/academic year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Assistantships, PhD fellowships, GEM Fellowship program

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering Admission Requirements

• University or college transcripts 
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Essay questions
• GRE scores (currently waived) 

Drexel University focuses on experiential education, giving students all they need to become excellent researchers and educators. The university, founded in 1891, continues to excel on different fronts with its massive list of programs and cooperative education. 

PhD in Civil Engineering

This program equips graduate students with the skills and technical expertise needed for the plan, design, construction, and maintenance of different scales of infrastructure. Program concentrations include architectural engineering, structural engineering, hydraulic engineering, sustainable engineering, hydrology/water resources, geotechnical engineering, and geosynthetic engineering. 

PhD in Civil Engineering Overview

• Program Length: Approximately 4-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 77% (university acceptance rate)
• Tuition: $1,342/credit hour
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching, research, and graduate assistantships 
• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores (waived for 2022 PhD applicants)
• 2 letters of recommendation

George Washington University was chartered in 1821 and currently has 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers graduate programs in the academic departments of education and human development, political management, arts and design, business, engineering and applied sciences, international affairs, and law. 

The program features research areas in environmental engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, mechanics and materials engineering, and water resources engineering. Students who hold a master’s degree have to complete a minimum of 30 credits, which includes a minimum of 12 credits in dissertation research, to earn the doctorate.

• Tuition and Fees: $1,995/credit
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, teaching assistantships
• 3.4 GPA from graduate programs or 3.3 GPA from undergraduate programs
• Published research or conference papers
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• 3 recommendations
• Transcripts from previous colleges and universities
• 400-to-600-word statement of purpose

Iowa State University held its first class in 1869. It now has a current student enrollment of 30,708. The university values learning communities, and with over 800 student organizations, you get a chance to learn in an environment where you feel valued and heard. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering 

The Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering requires a minimum of 72 credits, which includes dissertation research. Concentration areas include civil engineering materials, construction engineering and management, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and intelligent infrastructure engineering. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering Overview

• Program Length: 5-6 years
• Tuition and Fees: $11,404/academic year (in state); $26,948/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate assistantships

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college
• Transcripts from previous universities
• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• GRE or GMAT may be required by specific programs 

A public research university founded in 1885, Michigan Technological University (MTU) currently boasts over 125 degree programs. Its graduate school has existed for over 125 years and has 70 degree options, including master’s and doctoral degrees.

The civil engineering PhD program at Michigan Technological University has a minimum 30-credit requirement in coursework with at least six credits in thesis research. Students can choose concentration areas in geotechnical, structural, water resources, infrastructure, and transportation. 

• Program Length: 3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 3-7% in recent years
• Tuition: $25,517/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and administrative assistantships 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Prerequisite course
• Statement of purpose

Missouri University of Science and Technology, founded in 1870, has a commitment to integrating research, education, and application to raise global leaders in various fields. The STEM-focused university has more than 7,200 students enrolled in over 100 degree programs.

PhD in Civil Engineering 

This program allows students to gain engineering expertise and advanced research skills in eight concentration areas that include architectural engineering, construction materials, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering. The school’s college of engineering has a PhD student-to-faculty ratio of less than three-to-one.  

• Tuition and Fees: $7,840/20 credit hours (in state); $22,170/20 credit hours (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellowship, graduate research assistants, graduate assistants, graduate teaching assistants, Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship Program, external funding
• Master of Science in Engineering with minimum GPA of 3.0
• Partnership with a PhD advisor from the faculty

Rice University opened its doors as Rice Institute in 1912 to 77 students. Today, the university offers several undergraduate, graduate, and online programs to its student population of over 7,000. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of six-to-one. 

This doctoral program has two sub-tracks in Civil Engineering (CE) and Environmental Engineering and Sciences (EES). Graduate students can choose to pursue a doctoral degree in either of these, with the coursework for both revolving around structural mechanics and FEM, earthquake engineering, structural dynamic systems, applied mathematics, and probabilistic mechanics.

• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Tuition: $54,100/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Graduate fellowships, National Science Foundation fellowships, NASA fellowships, the Ford Foundation fellowship, Fulbright Foundation fellowships
• GRE scores (waived for 2022 admissions)
• Application and fee

Syracuse University , with over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs, ranks as a top destination for international students. It currently has a student population of 22,000 enrolled across its different colleges and schools. 

Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

This program is designed for engineering graduates who want to pursue a career in engineering research and teaching. Students can choose to concentrate on environmental engineering, construction engineering and management, structural engineering, or geotechnical engineering. To complete the PhD, students have to meet a GPA of 3.333 throughout the program.

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• Program Length: 3-5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 69% (university acceptance rate)
• Tuition and Fees: $33,358/year
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Research assistantships, graduate assistantships, university fellowships
• Master of Science from an accredited school
• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Proven potential for research work
• An average of B+ grade in MS courses
• Departmental approval
• Satisfactory scores on graduate entrance exams

Pennsylvania State University , founded in 1855, has more than 750,000 alumni, which demonstrates its rich history and long-term commitment to educating professionals across several fields. Its academic options include undergraduate, graduate, professional, and online degrees. 

Graduate students in this program learn about core and advanced subjects and research findings on modern civil engineering principles and methods. Students can choose from specializations in structural engineering, water resources engineering, water transportation engineering, and geotechnical and materials engineering. 

• Tuition and Fees : $9,481/9-credit semester (in state); $15,574/9-credit semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching and research assistantships, fellowships, trainingships, scholarships, loans, employment, The Summer Tuition Assistant Program
• GPA of 3.0 

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

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.

Students in a PhD in Civil Engineering program have to complete advanced coursework and meet the credit requirements before they can move on to the research project component of the degree program. Courses typically take a couple of years to complete.

The research proposal outlines the details of your anticipated research, including the benefits it will offer the civil engineering field. The proposal also includes how you will conduct your research and approximately how long it will take.

The qualifying examination is usually a comprehensive examination that tests a student’s ability to apply concepts and theories learned so far in the engineering program in real-life situations. While it’s mostly a written exam, there can also be an oral component. Students will have to pass this exam to complete the program.

Receiving candidacy means that you are eligible to be awarded a Doctoral Degree in Civil Engineering. At this phase, you are no longer considered a graduate student but have advanced to become a graduate candidate. It is sometimes informally called the “ABD,” or “all but the dissertation,” phase of a PhD program. 

Finally, to earn their PhD, doctoral students will have to complete and defend a dissertation, also called a thesis, outlining their research methods and results. Your advisor and other committee members will supervise your work, guiding you along the way and helping determine when you are ready to successfully defend your thesis and be awarded your PhD.

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

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.

Architectural and engineering managers are responsible for designing plans for new building and construction projects. They prepare budgets for these projects and coordinate the activities of staff to ensure the project is made to specifications. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $152,350
• Job Outlook: 4% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 197,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, New Mexico, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas

An advanced study program in civil engineering qualifies construction managers to supervise and coordinate different building and construction projects. These professionals also prepare budgets, estimate costs, schedule activities, and interpret technical information regarding the project. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $98,890
• Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 448,000
• Highest-Paying States: Alaska, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, California

Engineers who hold a civil engineering doctorate can become environmental engineers. In this role, they prepare environmental reports and provide professional support and consultation for environmental projects.

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $96,820
• Number of Jobs: 52,300
• Highest-Paying States: Texas, California, Idaho, Tennessee, Connecticut  

Civil engineers prepare, analyze, and implement plans for building and construction projects. They confer with regulatory bodies to ensure that a project meets with the regulations and standards. Also, they perform soil testing, cost estimation, and infrastructure maintenance. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $88,050
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 309,800
• Highest-Paying States: California, Alaska, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey

Civil engineering professors work in academia, often as faculty members of faculty at a college civil engineering program. They are also heavily involved in research in the area of civil and environmental engineering. 

• Salary with a Civil Engineering PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Washington, Alabama

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.

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Civil Engineer Salary

Overall Score 4.9 / 10

• # 4 in Best Engineering Jobs
• # 25 in Best STEM Jobs
• # 84 in 100 Best Jobs

How Much Does a Civil Engineer Make?

Salary outlook, best-paying cities for civil engineers, the 5 best-paying cities for civil engineers, best-paying states for civil engineers.

The states and districts that pay Civil Engineers the highest mean salary are Rhode Island ($119,260), Louisiana ($113,540), California ($113,290), Alaska ($108,970), and Colorado ($103,730).

Average Civil Engineer Pay vs. Other Best Jobs

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Salaries for Civil Engineer V with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Civil Engineer V with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is $159,444 - $170,249 . Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Graduate Civil Engineer Salary in Texas

How much does a Graduate Civil Engineer make in Texas? The average Graduate Civil Engineer salary in Texas is $134,012 as of March 26, 2024, but the range typically falls between $119,030 and $152,614 . Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

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What is a fair salary? How should you approach salary negotiation? Below, are the average salaries for engineering students, by major and degree level.  Download the  Evaluating Salary and Job Offers Handout  for advice and resources.  All salaries posted are in USD.

Engineering Co-op/Intern Salaries for 2022-2023

Bs hourly wages, ms hourly wages, phd hourly wages, engineering post-graduation salaries for 2022-2023.

Please note that due to a low number of responses from Master's and PhD level students, we've also included the national averages as reported by the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE) Summer 2023 Survey for those degree programs.

CLICK ON EACH MAJOR BELOW TO SEE A LIST OF EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE HIRED UMD GRADS IN PAST YEARS. *The majority of Professional Masters Programs salaries reflect individuals who already have full-time industry experience.

BS Entry-level Salaries

Ms entry-level salaries, phd entry-level salaries, websites for additional salary information.

• Salary.com  -  provides reports and calculators by profession and location .
• Bureau of Labor Statistics   - Wage  Data by Area and Occupation
• Glassdoor - includes user-reported information on salaries, interviews, and company reviews. Create a free account with your .edu email address. Note that negotiation information is included under Interviews, not Salaries. If you're new to Glassdoor, you can watch a brief video tutorial about Getting the Most Out of Glassdoor .

Course Catalog

Civil engineering, phd.

for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, consistently ranked as having one of the best graduate programs in the country, offers graduate work leading to master's and doctoral degrees. These are in a variety of specialized areas through departmental programs which are described on this page.

Opportunity exists for specializing in computational science and engineering via the Computational Science & Engineering optional graduate concentration.

Department Research Areas of study and research pursued by our world-renowned faculty are focused in the following ten specializations:

More information about these specialized areas may be found at the department's research website .

Through the research centers based in the department, CEE students participate in a wide range of groundbreaking research projects with immediate relevance to real-world engineering applications. For more information, see the department's research centers website .

CEE at Illinois is one of the nation’s best-equipped programs, with a broad range of facilities for civil and environmental engineering education and research. For more information, see the department's research facilities website .

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy, primarily a research degree, requires from three to four years of graduate study beyond the master's degree.  The major area of specialization encompasses courses and research that are closely related, but the courses need not be offered by a single major department. Candidates must demonstrate a capacity for independent research by preparing an original thesis on a topic within the major field of study, must meet the qualifying requirements or examination in the area of specialization, and must pass both preliminary and final examinations.

For additional details and requirements refer to the department's  Graduate Handbook  and the  Graduate College Handbook .  Qualifying Exam information can be found here.

Entering with an approved Master's Degree:  

Other requirements, entering with an approved baccalaureate degree:.

• Ability to identify and utilize advanced mathematical, computational, design and/or experimental skills to solve complex problems in civil and environmental engineering
• Demonstrate technical knowledge and depth in at least one or more CEE subject areas and breadth of knowledge in at least one additional area.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively (written, oral presentation, and other media)  technical ideas, design concepts, or research results.
• Understanding of the student’s professional and scientific ethical responsibilities;
• Propose, plan, and execute original research idea that target current or future societal challenges related to civil and environmental engineering.
• Demonstrate skills to teach technical subjects in CEE at the university level

Admission Requirements The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering accepts applications for admission to the graduate program for both fall and spring semesters.

Admission to the Graduate College with full status in civil engineering is granted to graduates of accredited institutions whose requirements for the master's degree are substantially equivalent to those of the University of Illinois, provided the applicant's preparation is appropriate for advanced study in his or her chosen major field and his or her cumulative grade point average is at least 3.00 (A = 4.00). The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is currently optional. However, it is strongly recommended that the GRE test be submitted to help faculty with admission and funding decisions for all PhD applicants. If GRE scores are submitted, CEE does not have minimum scores for admission. GRE scores are only valid for five years prior to the proposed term of entry. For additional information, see the departmental Web site .

All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit TOEFL or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores as evidence of English proficiency. Minimum admission requirements are set by the Graduate College.

Financial Aid Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships and research and teaching assistantships. Starting in Fall 2020, Grainger Engineering PhD students in their first five years of enrollment who meet the minimum eligibility requirements are guaranteed a funded appointment for fall and spring that includes a full tuition waiver, a partial fee waiver, and a stipend.

All applicants, regardless of US citizenship, whose native language is not English and who wish to be considered for teaching assistantships must demonstrate spoken English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score of 50 or 24 on the speaking subsection of the TOEFL iBT or 8 on the speaking subsection of the IELTS. For students who are unable to take the iBT or IELTS, a minimum score of 4CP is required on the EPI test , offered on campus. All new teaching assistants are required to participate in the Graduate  Academy for College Teaching conducted prior to the start of the semester.

Grainger College of Engineering Grainger College of Engineering website

Admissions Graduate Contact:  Joan Christian Departmental Admissions & Requirements Graduate College Admissions & Requirements

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2023-2024 Catalog (PDF)

A copy of the full 2023-2024 catalog.