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Innovate. Lead. Transform.
As an engineer, you know the field is evolving rapidly, with new technologies and complex challenges shaping its future. The Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering at LTU is your opportunity to lead that change. This program develops your ability to analyze, innovate, and solve the toughest problems, equipping you to make a lasting impact in academia, research, or professional practice.
Guided by LTU’s internationally respected faculty, you’ll advance your expertise in areas like structural engineering, environmental systems, and sustainable design. The program emphasizes hands-on research and collaboration, preparing you to drive innovation in a profession where advanced solutions are in high demand. With this degree, you’ll be ready to lead in one of the most dynamic and essential fields in engineering.
Students admitted to a PhD in Civil Engineering program must earn a maximum of 18 course credits (beyond the master’s degree) and a minimum of 12 course credits. The total credit count is a minimum of 60 credits beyond a master’s degree. Additionally, students must pass: (a) a PhD Qualifying Examination, (b) a Preliminary Dissertation Examination, and (c) a Dissertation Oral Examination.
The decision to complete 12-18 course credits depends on either the student, program director and/or research advisor. If required by the program director or the research advisor, student must adhere. A Qualifying Examination as described herein is administered based on coursework taken at the university and courses that have been completed or are near completion. Faculty teaching a minimum of 4 courses (12 credits) must agree to serve on student’s Qualifying Exam committee, else, either more courses must be taken or student should select different courses. The program director must approve the courses that will serve as part of the Qualifying Examination. Reasons to take more than 12 course credits are summarize as follows:
Notes: if students do not pass Qualifying Examination in their first attempt, an additional six course credits may be required to bridge to the following semester when the exam will be retaken. These additional course credits are considered extra credits and do not influence the original planned credit count for the student; meaning if the qualifying examination was originally developed assuming the student were to complete 12 course credits, the student must now complete 18 course credits and 48 dissertation credits.
Students admitted to the program are defined as PhD Applicants until they pass the PhD Qualifying Exam, at which time they are considered PhD Candidates. PhD Candidates must complete a one-year residency as part of the degree requirements, i.e., as a PhD candidate, the student must complete a minimum of one year (or equivalent) of research in the Lawrence Tech campus environment.
Course credits are subjected to the following limitations:
Descriptions of all graduate courses offered by the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering are provided on BannerWeb. Students are required to consult the program director and/or research advisor in selecting courses not offered by the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering. Students are not allowed to register for any dissertation credits until they have passed the PhD Qualifying Examination.
Lawrence Tech allows the transfer of a maximum of six credits of qualified graduate level coursework from other institutions. Transfer courses must have been taken within the past five years and passed with a B grade or better. An applicant transferring from another institution with special circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Students admitted to the PhD in Civil Engineering program may select from one of the following civil engineering specializations:
The selection decision will also depend on the student’s coursework during his or her MS in Civil Engineering program. Those who have not been adequately exposed to the selected specialization are required to enroll in additional courses to bridge the gap. Depending on the specialization selected, students are assigned to an advisor who will guide them throughout the process.
Students applying for admission to the PhD in Civil Engineering program are required to meet the following criteria:
Students with a graduate GPA lower than 3.3 may be admitted on a provisional basis. They will be evaluated for continuation upon completion of twelve credits of graduate coursework at Lawrence Technological University, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 for the first twelve credits. The program director will notify the student in writing of the outcome. If a student is not permitted to continue work toward the Ph.D., then he/she is expected to terminate his or her studies within the department.
Students with an engineering master’s degree in a field other than civil engineering who have a GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted on a provisional basis. The program director and research adviser(s) will define the prerequisite requirements.
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