PhD in Civil Engineering
The PhD program in Civil Engineering prepares students for research careers in industry, academia, and national laboratories. Emphasis is placed on developing students' ability to conduct independent research in a new area of inquiry. Coursework and research topics are tailored to the needs of individual students in consultation with academic advisors and PhD committees.
Civil Engineering PhD students concentrate in one of the following research areas:
- Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering and Mechanics
- Transportation Engineering
Each research area features award-winning faculty and research opportunities and a high degree of exchange and collaboration with other research areas.
Benefits list
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
The Environmental and Water Resources Engineering program provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research in cutting-edge facilities, a wide range of advanced instrumentation, and mentorship from award-winning faculty.
Geotechnical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering faculty have expertise in numerical modeling, earthquake engineering, soil rheology, in-situ characterization, and full-scale field testing. The program has outstanding facilities for laboratory experimental research, field research, spatial analysis, and numerical modeling.
Structural Engineering and Mechanics
Computational resources include state-of-the-art software, multi-processor shared-access workstations, and access to the 608 processor "Cyclops" cluster. Experimental testing of large-scale structural elements, on-site instrumentation, small-component testing, and materials research are available.
Transportation Engineering
The Transportation Engineering program is on the cutting edge of multi-modal research and instruction covering such wide-ranging issues as transportation safety, intelligent transportation systems, human factors, freight movement, travel demand management, and traveler information centers.
Application information & deadlines
The PhD program in Civil Engineering has two deadlines that depend on your goals, interests, and timeline.
For Fall 2024 Admission
For Fall 2024, applications received until January 2 will be considered for admission.
For Spring 2025 Admission
Civil Engineering
From transportation and water systems to buildings and more, UMass Amherst Civil Engineering students protect natural resources and improve lives.
Environmental and Water Resources Engineering
Environmental engineers are problem-solvers whose research helps sustain our planet–from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, and everything in between.