Ph.D. Program Information

The department offers individualized Ph.D. study in its speciaity areas. Students work with a thesis advisor and a thesis committee to develop deep expertise in a subject of mutual interest. Prospective students should reivew faculty interests and contact a faculty in your area of potential study to learn more about their current work.

Completing the Ph.D.

• DegreeDoctoral students take 45 credits beyond the M.S. degree.
• Full-time residency for 1 continuous academic year is required.
• Involvement in the teaching activities of the CAEE dept. is required.
• Completion of a major research project and publication of resultsCoursework (45 credits, including research credits) is selected on an individual basis with help from a faculty advisor.

Time
Many students take three or four years of full-time graduate study to complete the degree. Approximately one year beyond the mater’s degree students take a candidacy exam (two parts: written & oral). Ph.D. Candidates submit a proposal for dissertation research to their doctoral committee (there is an oral exam before approval of the dissertation topic)

Admission Requirements
PhD admission is based on an academic record demonstrating adequate preparation and potential for successful graduate study. This typically includes at least a B.S. from an engineering curriculum accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the equivalent from a non-U.S. institution. Submission of results from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is required. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 is usually required.

Civil Engineering

• TOEFL – 600/250 – iBT scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores
• GRE (full-time only) – Minimum score varies
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application must be submitted by January 1 to be considered for assistantships

Environmental Engineering

• TOEFL – 600/250 – iBT scores will be reviewed based on section scores and total scores
• GRE (full-time only) – Minimum score varies
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application must be submitted by January 1 to be considered for assistantships

See the regulations for detailed requirements.

 

For general graduate study information see the Graduate Admissions office. Applications for admission must be submitted through that office.

Degree Requirements
Ph.D. students are required to take a candidacy exam, proposal exam, and are required to complete a thesis and an oral defense.

Financial Support
Many students are eligible for Research or Teaching Assistant support throughout their graduate studies. Students are encouraged to discuss the possibilities with your potential advisor. Such support is generally based on a combination of prior academic record and availability of support funds from the advisor and/or department. Each case is considered individually.

Graduate Advisor: Kurt Sjoblom, kjs64@drexel.edu
Environmental Engineering Advisor: Charles N. Haas, haascn@drexel.edu

*In the event of any conflict between the information on this web page and official policies and catalogs, the official policies and catalogs take precedence.