Civil and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical Engineering Specialization), Ph.D.

Contact Information

Ramin Motamed, Graduate Program Director
(775)784-6960
motamed@unr.edu

Department website

Graduate Handbook *

Program Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes

Doctoral students must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge in their chosen sub-discipline by completing a unique program of study which is developed in consultation with their Ph.D. advisor(s) and members of their dissertation committee. The program of study typically includes required courses and elective courses, many of which are interdisciplinary, and also includes a substantial fundamental research component related to their specific sub-discipline within civil and environmental engineering.

The research is expected to advance the current knowledge in their chosen sub-discipline. Each doctoral student also completes a minor involving coursework in a field of study outside civil and environmental engineering that is generally closely related to the area of fundamental research that is being conducted. The results of the research are presented in a Ph.D. dissertation, are typically published in one or more professional research journals, and are usually presented at one or more professional conferences.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. an ability to apply engineering research and theory to advance the art, science, and practice of the discipline
2. an ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze, interpret, apply, and disseminate the data
3. an understanding of research methodology

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed. Additionally, applicants should meet the following minimum standards:

• With an M.S. degree:
  • B.S. GPA 3.0 & M.S. GPA 3.5
  • Combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 302
  • TOEFL or equivalent score of 550
• Without an M.S. degree:
  • B.S. GPA 3.25 
  • Combined verbal and quantitative GRE scores of 302
  • TOEFL or equivalent score of 550

Applicants should also submit three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose with their application.

Applications for assistantships are due by January 15 for the fall semester and by September 1 for the spring semester.

I. Program Requirements

Specific coursework requirements vary for each specialty. Our students work closely with faculty advisors to design a course of study that meets degree requirements and prepares them to write a dissertation in their area of expertise.

There are four main requirements for the Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering.

1. Coursework requirements: You must complete core and elective coursework. Specific courses will be determined with the help of your advisory committee.
2. Qualifying exam: Within the first year of your program, you must pass a qualifying exam covering core areas within your field of specialty.
3. Comprehensive exam: Ideally, your comprehensive exam is taken as soon as possible after completing course requirements. This exam, which has both an oral and written component, is designed to test your mastery of a broad field of knowledge within civil and environmental engineering and is not restricted to coursework that you have completed. The written exam is designed by faculty within your area of specialization, and the oral exam is given by your advisory committee. Passing this exam allows you to advance to Ph.D. candidacy.
4. Dissertation: Your dissertation represents an original and independent research project that makes a contribution to scientific knowledge in your field. It should reflect both the ability to select an important problem for investigation and mastery of research techniques. Your dissertation must be successfully defended in front of your advisory committee as part of a public presentation.

II. Total Units

62 units

Ph.D. Program Progression

* Curriculum requirements in the catalog supersede the Graduate handbook.

Undergraduate Prerequisites

Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field such as biology, chemistry, math or physics. Other disciplines will be considered provided prerequisite courses in math, science and basic engineering are completed.