Program Overview

---

The Ph.D. in Civil Engineering

The Ph.D. in Civil Engineering is a research-driven program that allows students to gain knowledge and real-world experience in applying it. The program is designed to develop leaders in the field of civil engineering, with a focus on innovative, independent thinking.

Program Overview

The program is offered with six areas of specialization, including:

• Construction Management
• Environmental Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering

Students work closely with a faculty mentor to map out their own course of study, aligned with their career goals and interests.

Advanced Research Opportunities and Facilities

The program provides hands-on experience, with access to high-tech laboratories, including:

• Wind and Hurricane Impacts Research Laboratory (WHIRL)
• Computer-aided design (CAD) laboratory
• Surveying materials
• Hydraulics laboratory
• Geomaterials lab

Students also collaborate with numerous organizations, including:

• National Science Foundation
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Florida Department of Transportation
• Johns River Water Management District
• Florida Department of Community Affairs
• Florida Sea Grant
• Florida Department of Emergency Management

Career Opportunities

The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in engineering consulting companies, universities, and government organizations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% employment growth for civil engineers between 2014 and 2024, due to aging infrastructure. Graduates can work in government or private sectors, designing and overseeing the construction of roads, buildings, and bridges.

Faculty and Research

The faculty consists of experienced professionals with a rich and varied background, including professional consulting and military experience. They work closely with students, mentoring their mastery of the curriculum and collaborating on research projects. Research topics include wind and seismic engineering, risk modeling, hydraulic engineering, and transportation to geotechnical engineering, waste water management, and environmental engineering.

Program Details

The program is designed to develop graduates with advanced skills in mathematics, mechanics, materials, project management, leadership, and ethics. Students conduct extensive research, gaining real-world experience in and outside of the classroom. The program's location on the Space Coast provides an abundance of internship and employment opportunities, with over 5,000 high-tech corporations and government and military organizations nearby.

Conclusion

The Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at Florida Tech is a research-driven program that develops leaders in the field of civil engineering. With a focus on innovative, independent thinking, the program provides hands-on experience, access to high-tech laboratories, and collaboration with numerous organizations. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in engineering consulting companies, universities, and government organizations, with a strong potential for employment growth in the field.