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Doctor of Philosophy in Civil and Environmental Engineering

If you are seeking advanced research training in civil and environmental engineering, our program offers a rigorous, research-focused doctoral experience designed to prepare you for leadership roles in academia, industry, and government. You will engage in original research under close faculty mentorship while building deep expertise in your chosen area of concentration. The on-campus structure emphasizes direct collaboration, hands-on experimentation, and access to specialized facilities that support advanced engineering research.

Our program provides a supportive and highly engaged academic environment where you work closely with faculty throughout your doctoral journey. Through a combination of advanced coursework, independent research, and professional development, you will gain the skills necessary to address complex challenges related to infrastructure, sustainability, and environmental systems.

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Program Requirements

Your program of study in our program includes advanced coursework, required examinations, and the completion of an original doctoral dissertation. You will work with your faculty advisor and doctoral committee to develop an approved plan of study that aligns with your academic background and research focus. Coursework is selected to support your area of concentration and to prepare you for independent research.

You must successfully complete all required examinations and demonstrate readiness to advance to doctoral candidacy. Your doctoral journey culminates in the completion and defense of a dissertation that represents a significant and original contribution to the field of civil and environmental engineering.

Areas of Concentration

Doctoral students pursue advanced study and research in one of the following areas, aligned with the School’s core expertise:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering

Each concentration allows you to tailor their research to your academic interests and professional goals while contributing new knowledge to the field.

Research

As a doctoral student, you take a leading role in designing and conducting original research within your chosen area of concentration. Your work may include laboratory experimentation, field investigations, data analysis, numerical modeling, and the application of advanced computational or machine-learning techniques, preparing you to conduct independent, high-level research.

You will have access to advanced laboratories supporting research across environmental, geotechnical, structural, and water resources engineering, using modern instrumentation and technologies common to academic and professional research environments. You will work closely with faculty whose expertise spans sustainable and resilient infrastructure, materials and soil behavior, structural dynamics and monitoring, water and wastewater treatment, environmental modeling, hydro-climatology, and artificial intelligence applications. With guidance from your faculty advisor and doctoral committee, you will develop a focused research agenda and gain experience mentoring undergraduate and master’s students while presenting your work at professional conferences.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of our program are prepared for advanced careers in academia, industry, and government. You may pursue faculty and research positions, advanced engineering and consulting roles, leadership positions in public agencies, or research-focused roles in laboratories and policy organizations.

The emphasis on original research, mentorship, and professional engagement prepares you for long-term success in research-driven careers.

Contact Information

Prabir Kolay
Program Director
Engineering A 108A
1230 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-453-7843
pkolay@siu.edu

Jennifer Langin,
Graduate Advisor & Office Administrator
Engineering A-108
1230 Lincoln Dr
Carbondale, IL 62901
618-536-2368
jlangin@siu.edu 

Qualifying Examinations

After completing required coursework, you must pass the doctoral qualifying examination to advance in our program. This examination evaluates your understanding of core concepts in your concentration area and your readiness to conduct independent research. Successful completion allows you to advance to candidacy and proceed with focused dissertation research.