Ph.D. in Civil Engineering

By Brandon Mario D`Souza

Updated February 13, 2023
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Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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A Ph.D. in civil engineering is a comprehensive program that studies the development, design, and maintenance of natural and physical infrastructure. This doctoral degree is research-oriented, and it explores advanced-level concepts in the field of civil engineering. By doing a doctorate in civil engineering, scholars are encouraged to participate actively in research projects. After graduating from the program, students can take up several roles like building control surveyor, building services engineer, etc., or enter academia and industry in teaching or managerial positions. The employment outlook for civil engineers is 7% as fast as average, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read on to discover all about the Ph.D. in civil engineering program.

Best Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Programs

A Ph.D. degree increases a student’s knowledge, research work, and career options. Finding a Ph.D. in civil engineering degree online could be difficult for students because of weighing factors like the availability of labs and resources, the infrastructure of the college, the quality of faculty, accreditation statuses, availability of internships or field experiences, research facilities, etc. Based on these and other critical components, the teams at Find Best Degrees have combed through several universities and narrowed down the best Ph.D. programs in civil engineering in the United States. Here is the list: *

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to Expect from Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Programs

Areas of Specialization in Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering Programs

Why should I do a Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering?

Free Courses for Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering Students

How to get into the Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering Program?

Phd in Engineering No
GRE Programs

How Long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering?

The average time to finish a Ph.D. in civil engineering program is between 5 and 7 years, but it can also be completed in 4 years, while others could take up to 6 years. When selecting a civil engineering Ph.D. program, students will have to evaluate how much time they want to spend on their coursework or dissertation, which will directly influence the duration of the Ph.D. Here is a quick overview of the duration of a civil engineering Ph.D. program:

  • Minimum time required for a full-time Ph.D. in civil engineering: about 4 years.
  • Maximum time required for a Ph.D. in civil engineering: up to 7 years.
  • Typical duration to complete a Ph.D. in civil engineering: between 5 to 7 years.

Accelerated Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering Programs

Accreditations for Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering Programs

How to Pay for a Ph.D. in Civil
Engineering Program?

Fully-Funded Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Programs

FAQs Related to the Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering Program

How to do a Ph.D. in civil engineering?

Can you get a Ph.D. in civil engineering online?

What courses are there in a civil engineering Ph.D.?

How long does a Ph.D. in civil engineering take?

Is a Ph.D. in civil engineering worth it?

What is the Ph.D. in civil engineering salary?

Can I do a Ph.D. in civil engineering without a master’s degree?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after a Ph.D.
in Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering Ph.D. programs represent the field’s extensive scope, including designing, building, and upgrading society’s infrastructure. Doctorate holders will be prepared for positions in consulting businesses, civil and construction-related industries, academic institutions, and local, county, state, and federal government agencies. While many take up civil engineering research careers in the private sector, it is not uncommon for some to teach at the university level. Here are some roles graduates frequently take up that serve as good indicators of what one can expect after completing their Ph.D. in civil engineering program:

OccupationJob DescriptionSkills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)
Civil EngineersCivil engineers are responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the infrastructure of various projects and systems. They supervise and direct building projects of all sizes and scopes.Problem-solving skills, writing skills, decision-making skills, organizational skills, speaking skills, math skills, leadership skills$88,0507% (as fast as average)
Top ExecutivesHigh-level executives create and implement strategies and procedures to ensure that an organization’s goals are realized. They manage and direct a firm’s financial and budgetary activities and coordinate and direct various activities of businesses and organizations.Communication skills, problem-solving skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills, time-management skills$98,9808% (as fast as average)
Postsecondary TeachersTeachers or professors at the postsecondary level instruct students in varied academic disciplines beyond the high school level. In addition, they may research, write scholarly articles and books, create courses and assignments, and supervise graduate teaching or research assistants.Speaking skills, writing skills, interpersonal skills, critical-thinking skills, resourcefulness$79,64012% (much faster than average)
Construction ManagersConstruction managers plan, coordinate, budget, and monitor construction projects from start to end. They manage and supervise a wide range of projects, including the construction of residential, commercial, industrial, and public facilities and highways and bridges.Technical skills, analytical skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, business skills, leadership skills$98,8908% as fast as average
Urban and Regional PlannersUrban and regional planners analyze community needs and propose short- and long-term solutions to help cities and areas improve and regenerate. They design land use plans and programs that aid in the formation of communities, the expansion of population, and the revitalization of physical facilities.Decision-making skills, analytical skills, leadership skills, communication skills$78,5004% (as fast as average)

Certifications and Licensing for Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering Students

Additional Resources for Ph.D. in
Civil Engineering Students

Author Bio:

Brandon Mario D’Souza

Brandon is a registered social worker with Social Work England. He obtained his master’s in social work (personnel management & industrial relations) and used it in fields such as water treatment, construction, software, and education. Then he transitioned to the health and social care sector with an M.Sc. in health psychology. Brandon loves to write, cook, and play musical instruments (piano, guitar, melodica, ukulele, and kazoo) and enjoys the calmness and serenity of nature.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.