PhD Civil Engineering at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

Our Ph.D. program prepares graduates to meet growing demands for advanced research within the areas of civil and environmental engineering. As a doctoral student, you will develop a deep understanding of advanced civil and environmental engineering.

Faculty: Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing | Department: Civil and Environmental Engineering | Duration: 12 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will study

Some of the more popular courses in this program include collaborating with faculty members on independent studies that lead toward a dissertation and related peer-reviewed publications, as well as a seminar in civil and environmental engineering. Several courses are routinely offered through APOGEE, our distance education platform.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Geotechnical Engineer, Structural Engineer, Consulting Civil Engineer, Civil Engineering Professor, Transportation Engineer, Environmental Engineer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Students should have the equivalent of an M.E. or M.S. degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering field. Exceptional students may be eligible to enter directly the Ph.D. degree program with a B.S. degree in civil engineering or closely related engineering field. Applicants must generally exceed the minimum grade point average and test score requirements listed for the M.S. degree program. Outstanding students with non-engineering baccalaureate degrees may qualify for admission to the Ph.D. degree program, with the understanding that they must complete specified deficiency/prerequisite courses.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific and listed per programme on the Degree Programs and Application Requirements pages.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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