PHD

Requirements for the
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

Students pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Civil Engineering are accepted into one of the six major program areas within the Department:

There are no formal course requirements for students pursuing a graduate degree in Civil Engineering, however, each program area has individual degree requirements.  Students should consult with their faculty advisor for more information on the core courses for their area.  Following are the Graduate School requirements for Ph.D. students:

Ph.D. students without an M.S. Degree
  • Minimum of 60 credits beyond the Bachelor of Science degree;
  • A minimum of 18 credits dissertation research (CE 9910);
  • The remaining 42 credits divided between coursework and dissertation hours based on the recommendation of the advisory committee, with a minimum of 12 credits of coursework.
Ph.D. students with an M.S. Degree
  • Minimum of 30 credits beyond the M.S. degree;
  • A minimum of 18 credits dissertation research (CE 9910);
  • A minimum of 12 credits of coursework.
Graduate Advisory Committee and Plan of Study

Ph.D. students are required to select an advisory committee consisting of an advisor and at least three committee members.  Consult with the CE Graduate Student Handbook  and the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Handbook  for more information about the makeup of the committee.  Students are expected to submit their official Committee Selection and Plan of Study (accessed in iRoar) to the Graduate School before their research proposal defense/comprehensive exam.  The Plan of Study includes all courses that will be used to satisfy the requirements of the degree.  An approved Committee Selection and Plan of Study must be on file with Graduate Enrolled Student Services before a student will be allowed to apply for graduation.

Proposal Defense/Comprehensive Exam and Admission to Candidacy

The comprehensive exam* and research proposal defense typically occurs upon the completion of required coursework.   Per Graduate School policy, the comprehensive exam must take place no more than five years and no less than six months before the date of graduation. Students are allowed two attempts to pass the comprehensive exam – after the second failed attempt, the student will be declared ineligible to enter into candidacy for a doctoral degree at Clemson University. There is no Departmental format for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam – the administration of the exam varies based on the expectations of the committee.

The Graduate Committee Selection and Plan of Study must be on file with Graduate Enrolled Student Services before taking the comprehensive exam.  Students will be admitted to Ph.D candidacy upon the completion of the exam, and at the recommendation of the Graduate Advisory Committee.

*Structural Engineering graduate students are also required to take a qualifying exam. See faculty advisor for more information.

Final Dissertation Defense

During the final semester, PhD candidates will submit their dissertation to the Graduate Advisory Committee, and will present an oral defense of their research. See the website of the Manuscript Review Office for details on formatting, deadlines, submission, etc.

Checklist for Completing the Doctor of Philosophy Degree

It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of and complete all CE Departmental and Graduate School requirements for the Ph.D. degree.  Students graduating should refer to the deadlines listed on the Graduate School website.  Following are general checklists for students pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil  Engineering:

  1. Selection of major advisor and research topic;
  2. Submission of GS2a – Committee Selection (end of first year);
  3. Submission of GS2b – Plan of Study (end of first year);
  4. Comprehensive exam and proposal defense*;
  5. Submit signed GS5D form – Results of Doctoral Comprehensive Exam and Candidacy to Graduate Enrolled Student Services (provide a signed copy to Kristi Baker);
  6. Apply for graduation via iRoar at the beginning of the final semester;
  7. Consult with advisory committee to schedule the dissertation defense date;
  8. Notify Graduate School of defense date at least ten days prior to the defense;
  9. Final defense of dissertation;
  10. Submit signed GS7D – Final Exam and Thesis Approval Form to Graduate Enrolled Student Services in 104-D Sikes Hall (provide a copy of signed form to Kristi Baker);
  11. Submit completed thesis with all committee-recommended revisions to the Manuscript Review Office;
  12. Make any required formatting revisions and resubmit thesis to the Manuscript Review.

*Structural Engineering graduate students are also required to take a qualifying exam. Students should see their faculty advisor for more information.