Civil and Environmental Engineering Ph.D.

This is a research-oriented degree focused on the development of new knowledge in the student’s chosen area of study. It includes the preparation of a dissertation that carefully documents the original contribution of the student’s research. The Ph.D. program consists of a total of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. This includes a maximum of 30 credit hours for the dissertation and a minimum of 42 course credit hours.  If the student holds a master’s degree, 24 course credit hours can be applied towards the 42 course credit hours requirement. In addition to the examination processes required of all Rensselaer doctoral students, civil engineering and environmental engineering students working toward this degree must pass a qualifying examination during the student’s second semester if a student has an M.S. degree counting as a degree requirement or at the end of the student’s fourth semester if the student does not have an M.S. degree counting as a degree requirement.

Environmental engineering students must also take a candidacy examination within two semesters after passing the preliminary examination. This is an oral examination based on a thesis proposal submitted by the student at least two weeks prior to the examination. The student’s thesis committee will administer the candidacy examination.  Environmental engineering candidates are required to submit a draft of a journal article prior to graduation.