Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD
Program Code: G-CEE-PHD
Degree Designation: Doctor of Philosophy
Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering Department
Website: cee.duke.edu/academics/phd/
Program Summary
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Duke University offers programs of study and research leading to the MS and PhD degree in civil and environmental engineering. The goal of the CEE program is to develop engineers who are capable of guiding the world toward a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future. Research and teaching activities focus on three signature areas:
Theoretical, Computational, & Applied Mechanics, advancing mathematics and computing for applications in geomechanics, materials, hydrology, and fluid dynamics
Environmental Health Engineering, motivated by needs to protect human health through monitoring, predicting and managing our natural resources and the built environment
Systems, Risk & Decision, deepening fundamental engineering expertise required for risk assessment, hazard mitigation, and the design of resilient systems
Research efforts within the department focus on complex natural and built systems. With collaborators around the globe, we apply engineering methods to find solutions to significant challenges—aiming for a healthier and resilient world. Duke CEE researchers advance and protect the durability of infrastructure systems and natural resources, develop cutting-edge models to transform the engineering design process, and explore solutions that address human impacts on the environment and health.
Academic Requirements
Duke CEE’s graduate program offers a customized, flexible educational experience tailored to meet the needs of each student’s chosen focus area. Students begin their program with a blend of introductory and specialized coursework. As they advance, the emphasis shifts from coursework to the development of essential leadership and research skills.
30 course credits (15 credits from core courses as required by the CEE Graduate Study Track and 15 course credits related to the student’s area of research)
Participation in the department’s Graduate Colloquium and Seminar Series
Preliminary Exam during Year 2
Research Proposal Defense Exam in Year 3 or 4
Complete Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training
Complete two semesters of course teaching assistant experience
Complete and defend doctoral dissertation
Students entering the CEE PhD program with a Masters degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering or another relevant field may transfer up to 12 relevant course credits. Approval is required from the Preliminary Exam Committee and the Director of Graduate Studies.