Program Overview

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, PhD

Program Description

The Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, PhD program offers a broad range of theoretical and experimental research programs to prepare graduate students for careers in professional practice and research. These programs are constantly evolving with the changes in society and the profession, and many are transdisciplinary in nature.

At a Glance

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

The program requires 84 approved graduate credit hours, which can include up to 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree. Additional graduate credit work may be assigned by the graduate supervisory committee, depending on the background of the candidate. The graduate credit hours must include a minimum of 12 credit hours of research and 12 credit hours of dissertation work. This degree program also requires written and oral comprehensive examinations and approval of the dissertation prospectus for the student to be eligible for doctoral candidacy.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements must be met.
• Applicants must have earned a master's degree in engineering or a closely related master's degree program from a regionally accredited institution. Exceptionally qualified students with a bachelor's degree may be admitted to the doctoral program.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • GRE scores
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • A resume
  • A personal statement
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

Tuition information can be found on the university's website, which provides details on the cost of attendance and financial aid options.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Priority deadline is January 1
• Spring: Priority deadline is July 1

Career Opportunities

Graduates in professional practice become civil engineers who typically focus on large projects such as buildings, bridges, subway systems, dams, and water supply networks. Graduates also go into research and higher education.

Specialty Areas

Students are admitted to one of the following specialty areas in engineering:

• Environmental
• Geotechnical
• Hydrosystems
• Structural
• Sustainable
• Transportation

STEM-OPT for International Students

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months, which can help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.