Doctor of Philosophy

Rutgers School of Engineering’s research-driven doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering is ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The program focuses on original contributions in five specialized concentrations –construction engineering and management; geotechnical engineering; structural engineering; transportation and infrastructure engineering; and water resources and environmental engineering – and prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry and engineering firms, and the public sector.

Applied Learning

Doctoral students are expected to be capable of top-quality independent work and research. All candidates are required to complete and defend a final dissertation research project. CEE doctoral candidates additionally benefit from the close research ties and connections with industry and government leaders that result from Rutgers’ proximity to the transportation authorities (highway, port, transit, etc.) environmental protection agencies, and consulting and construction firms of New Jersey, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

Curriculum Highlights

The doctoral degree is essential for those planning careers in research and/or academia. Dedicated to the development and education of future leaders in the growing field of civil and environmental engineering, our distinguished faculty provide students with the up-to-the-minute information and advanced technical skills required for career success. We offer:

  • A two-phase program:
    • Students pursue courses in specialty areas and complete a qualifying examination
    • Students primarily pursue research, culminating in the presentation of results in a dissertation
  • Specialized areas of study in:
    • Construction Engineering and Management
    • Geotechnical Engineering
    • Structural Engineering
    • Transportation and Infrastructure Engineering
    • Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering Geophysics Certificate and Transportation Studies Certificate Programs
    • Available to matriculated doctoral candidates

Doctoral Degree Requirements

  • 72 credit credits– at least 48 credits of coursework, which may include MS degree coursework course credits and at least 24 credits of thesis research
    • At least six credits in the areas of mathematics, numerical methods, and statistics are required
  • Written and oral qualifying exams
  • Dissertation proposal and defense

Learning Goals

Course Offerings

Academics and Research

  • Students enjoy many opportunities for research under the guidance of faculty members who are leaders in the fields of structural, construction, transportation, environmental, and geotechnical engineering
  • State-of-the-art labs provide opportunities for cutting-edge research in promoting sustainability and resilience in civil and environmental system
  • Students and faculty work directly with Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), the center affiliated with CEE Department that has a long history of being one of the USDOT University Transportation Centers
  • CEE offers exceptional research opportunities in: infrastructure evaluation and monitoring; intelligent transportation system; geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering; construction materials; pavement engineering; rail engineering; bridge engineering; construction management; water resources management; air pollution monitoring and control; sensing and data engineering; and environmental engineering.
  • Research from our CEE programs results in high profile publications in leading journals; patented technologies; and extensive funding support from state, national, and international research sponsors, as well as from industry partners

Why Rutgers CEE?

  • Our innovative courses and programs are designed to train academic and industry leaders.
  • Our collaborative, interdisciplinary academic community is committed to transformative education and research that is ethically responsible and sustainable.
  • Our active student community is engaged in cutting-edge research.
  • Our accomplished faculty includes recognized experts in their fields, who span departments and schools within Rutgers.
  • Our doctoral program is robust and flexible: master students can continue PhD studies seamlessly

For application deadlines and more information, visit: https://gradstudy.rutgers.edu/