Civil and Environmental Engineering
Doctoral Program
Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
Detailed Description
Course Catalog
The Civil and Environmental Engineering Department offers the Ph.D. degree to students interested in research and teaching. The primary focus is on the development of skills to pursue original research in careers in academia, government, or research institutions. The program of study leading to the Ph.D. consists of three elements:
(1) completion of a qualifying examination,
(2) completion of coursework and a candidacy examination,
(3) preparation of a dissertation and dissertation defense.
Students usually complete the degree within three to five years.
Coursework - Sixty credit hours beyond the M.S. degree are required (approximately 30 credits in coursework and 30 credits as dissertation credits). At least 18 credits shall be at the 600 level or higher courses. A Grade Point Average of at least B+ level (or 3.33 GPA) must be maintained in all coursework taken at Syracuse University .
Qualifying Examination - A preliminary oral examination shall be given by the candidate's advisory committee sometime during the candidate's first academic year after admission to the Ph.D. program. It shall cover materials pertaining to the candidate's proposed dissertation research and prospective coursework. The committee will evaluate the candidate's performance on this examination and will inform the individual in writing as to whether or not they consider it advisable for the candidate to continue his/her program of study.
Candidacy Examination - A written and/or oral doctoral candidacy examination is given upon completion of the student's formal coursework, preferably no later than one year before the individual expects the degree to be conferred but not later than 6 months prior to the Ph.D. dissertation examination. Individuals preparing the questions for the written portion of the candidacy examination will be determined by the advisory committee. This examination will be comprehensive in nature and the results shall be recorded in departmental records.
Dissertation and Final Examination - The dissertation is expected to represent approximately 30 credit hours of effort and must constitute a significant contribution to the fields of Civil or Environmental Engineering. Following approval by the dissertation advisor, the candidate may request a final oral examination. This examination will be conducted by a committee appointed by the Graduate School and will consist in part of members of the candidate's advisory committee.
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