PhD in Civil Engineering (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are subject to change and are reviewed annually. Detailed cost information is available in the Graduate Costs & Aid section..

This programme focuses on advanced research in civil engineering with an emphasis on producing new knowledge and solving complex, interdisciplinary problems. Students engage in independent research within defined specializations and contribute original findings to the field. The programme supports doctoral candidates through assistantships and research opportunities. It is designed for those aiming to lead in academic, industrial, or governmental research roles.

Focus areas include Environmental Engineering, Geoenvironmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Structural Engineering.

The programme requires a total of 90 credits beyond the bachelor's degree, distributed across coursework, research, and dissertation work. Students complete required courses, pass qualifying exams, and defend a dissertation based on original research.

Graduates pursue careers as university faculty, research scientists, and senior engineers in government agencies and private industry.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in engineering or a related field with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The GRE is required for doctoral applicants. Two letters of recommendation are needed for master's applicants, three for doctoral applicants. Official transcripts are required upon acceptance.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. On-campus, full-time or part-time, typically taking 4 to 6 years to complete. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 85% of applicants.

For more than 125 years, students at UMass Lowell have pursued their purpose in the classroom and beyond. Today, the university is a Research 1 public institution with more than 200 degree programs and a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its programs are experience-based and taught by internationally recognized faculty. Research extends across areas including sustainable practices, engineering, advanced manufacturing, physical therapy, and electrical and computer engineering.

Located in Lowell, Massachusetts, the university gives students a setting connected to projects and opportunities across the state. Engineering students have taken part in co-ops and internships with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, helping build and maintain transportation infrastructure. A program in advanced manufacturing has helped workers apply new skills to workplace challenges while creating pathways for further education and career development. Physical therapy students have benefited from scholarship support connected to university fundraising.

International students can expect a university community that includes global academic collaboration. UMass Lowell's Global Entrepreneurship Exchange brought together 23 students from four countries to help commercialize technology developed by a faculty researcher. The university also offers 14 Division I athletic teams and awards financial aid annually. Its public-university model combines research activity, applied programs, and opportunities to connect classroom learning with professional experience.