Ph.D. | Doctorate in Civil Engineering Degrees in Chicago

Doctorate Degree in Civil Engineering: Overview

The field of civil engineering may be one of the most important for city development. It often focuses on areas of design and construction of structures that meet public needs. This may include canals, bridges, roads, and buildings. It usually includes the design of such structures but also the construction and maintenance of them in the long term. Those who wish to study this field may wish to pursue their Ph.D. degree in it. A PhD in Civil Engineering is an end stage degree plan. That means many who earn it may begin pursue work in the field. Some may wish to teach in the field as well.

What Type of Civil Engineering Doctorate Degree Is Your Choice?

There are often two main options in this field of study. That includes the Doctor of Engineering in Science Degree. This degree plan typically offers courses to prepare a student to work in the field. This aims to teach practical skills for use in the industry. A Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering focuses on research and education. Those who complete this program may wish to work as an educator in the field.

Many students who wish to pursue these doctoral programs must meet prerequisite education. This is generally a master’s degree in civil engineering. A Ph.D. program may require an additional 2 to 4 years of education, sometimes longer.

Some colleges and universities offering this education option may require students to apply to become a doctoral candidate during their master’s degree education. They may need to meet specific coursework in the field. They may also need to complete a set number of additional credit hours beyond what they earned in their bachelor’s degree.

Many students in graduate school for civil engineering may choose a specific area of interest. This field of study may be an area that interests the student. Some examples could include geotechnical or construction. Others may focus on transportation. Some may focus on environmental factors in the industry. Management is another potential area of focus for doctoral studies.

What Could You Study in Your Ph.D. in Civil Engineering?

As an end level degree, many doctoral programs focus on research and problem solving. This may include developing solutions for real world problems. Sometimes students work in internships to provide this type of support.

A wide range of topics may be possible in doctoral degree coursework. This may include some types of high level math. Some students may take civil engineering research as a large portion of their doctoral degree. Others may focus on applications in the industry.

Many times, the PhD in Civil Engineering requires a dissertation. This is a process of developing original research in the field. Students may need to develop research to solve a problem or develop a new solution. They then work to communicate their findings after completing months, or more, of study. This may be a part of their coursework requirement as a doctoral student and to obtain their degree. Additional qualifications and studies are possible in this field as well.

Build a bridge to your future with a Doctorate in Civil Engineering. Review Ph.D. in Civil Engineering doctorate programs on GradSchools.com the leading site for accredited colleges and universities.

Salary and Employment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS),median annual salary for Civil Engineers was $101,160 in May 2023 — those with a Ph.D. Degrees could enter the top 10% of earners with $138,690.

Additionaly, the BLS has reported that there will be an increase in job opportunities of 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, resulting in about 22,900 new openings.

GradSchools.com offers Graduate Schools with PhD in Civil Engineering & Doctorate Degrees in Chicago