PhD in Civil Engineering (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition rates are subject to change and vary based on residency status and course load.; applications for the Jan 2027 intake are open until Oct 1, 2026.

Students conduct independent research under faculty supervision in areas aligned with their interests. They complete coursework tailored to their chosen research focus within civil engineering. The programme emphasizes original contributions to knowledge through dissertation work. Students engage in laboratory experiments, field studies, and computational modeling relevant to their research topics.

Focus areas include Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Construction Engineering.

The programme requires a total of 90 credits beyond the bachelor's degree. Coursework accounts for approximately 30 credits, with the remaining 60 credits dedicated to dissertation research and writing.

Graduates pursue academic faculty positions, research roles in industry, and leadership positions in engineering consulting and public agencies.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Submission of GRE scores, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose is mandatory.

The programme totals about 90 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, typically completed in five to six years. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 58% of applicants.

UMass Amherst serves more than 31,000 students on a residential campus in Amherst, Massachusetts. Students live in residential communities, take part in campus activities, and use facilities including the Student Union and Campus Center, Recreation Center, and dining commons. Amherst offers creative culture, local food, and access to the natural setting of the Pioneer Valley. The university’s alumni community extends worldwide, with more than 307,000 alumni.

Academic options include 114 undergraduate degree programs, 84 master's programs, and 51 doctoral programs. Fields range from accounting, engineering, public health, and literature to Afro-American studies, animal science, anthropology, and applied plant and soil sciences. The university’s academic profile includes food science and technology, agricultural sciences, artificial intelligence, business, and public research. Research activity includes work with industry partners, active patents, and projects addressing health, agriculture, climate, and technology.

UMass Amherst has a long-running connection to agricultural education through the Stockbridge School of Agriculture’s arboriculture and community forest management program, established in 1893. International learning is available through more than 300 study abroad programs in 56 countries across six continents. The Office of Global Affairs provides advising, application assistance, financial guidance, and health and safety information for students going abroad. Campus landmarks include the W. E. B. Du Bois Library and Old Chapel.