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Civil Engineering, Ph.D.

College of Engineering and Computing

Our Ph.D. program prepares graduates to meet growing demands for advanced research within the areas of civil and environmental engineering.

As a doctoral student, you will develop a deep understanding of advanced civil and environmental engineering. Learn how to apply that understanding to solve a variety of technical and societal problems. You will also learn how to execute a research plan that generates, analyzes and communicates original results.

Program Highlights

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    SACS Accreditation

    Receive a quality education, and increase your chances of qualifying for corporate tuition reimbursement.

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    Funded Research

    Be a part of numerous funded projects through our specialized laboratories and facilities across campus.

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    A Dedicated Faculty

    Receive the attention you desire from our recognized faculty and through our smaller class sizes.

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    Cross-Disciplinary Courses

    Expand your education through flexible course plans that leverage the breadth and depth of offerings across campus.

What You’ll Study

Some of the more popular courses in this program include collaborating with faculty members on independent studies that lead toward a dissertation and related peer-reviewed publications, as well as a seminar in civil and environmental engineering. Several courses are routinely offered through APOGEE, our distance education platform.

Building Skills

Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.

  • Organizational Skills

    Planning, prioritizing and managing tasks and resources to achieve specific objectives

    Project Management

    Organizing and overseeing tasks to achieve specific goals

    Research

    Gathering and analyzing information to increase knowledge or solve problems

  • Decision-making Expertise

    Applying critical thinking and analytical skills to make informed and effective decisions

    Leadership

    Inspiring and guiding others to achieve common goals and reach their full potential

    Communication

    Exchanging information and ideas through speaking, writing or other means of expression

Using your degree

Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.

Potential Careers

  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Consulting Civil Engineer
  • Civil Engineering Professor
  • Transportation Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer

Workplace Settings

  • Education
  • Consulting Firms
  • National Laboratories
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • State and Federal Agencies

The professors provide a wonderful support system for all students with one-on-one advising, outside opportunities such as job recommendations, and available scholarships and research positions.

Lee Proper
Portrait of Lee Proper

Is USC Right For You?

There are many reasons we could be your ideal university. There's the award-winning academics, the globally modeled student life, and abundance of study abroad and experiential learning options. Take a closer look at what USC could mean for you.

Degree content is provided for informational purposes only. The Academic Bulletin is the source of record for all degree information.
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