Program Overview
The PhD program in Civil Engineering at the University of South Carolina prepares students for advanced research in civil and environmental engineering. Graduates are equipped for careers in academia, consulting, and industry, where they apply their expertise to solve technical and societal problems.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering at the University of South Carolina is designed to prepare graduates for advanced research in the fields of civil and environmental engineering. The program aims to equip students with a deep understanding of advanced civil and environmental engineering principles and their application to solve technical and societal problems. Students will learn to execute research plans, generate, analyze, and communicate original research findings.
Teaching:
- The program features a dedicated faculty who provide personalized attention to students in smaller class sizes.
- Students collaborate with faculty members on independent studies leading to a dissertation and related peer-reviewed publications.
- A seminar in civil and environmental engineering is part of the curriculum.
- Several courses are offered through APOGEE, the university's distance education platform.
Careers:
- Potential Careers:
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Consulting Civil Engineer
- Civil Engineering Professor
- Transportation Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Workplace Settings:
- Education
- Consulting Firms
- National Laboratories
- Non-Profit Organizations
- State and Federal Agencies
Other:
- The program is accredited by SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), which ensures quality education and increases the chances of qualifying for corporate tuition reimbursement.
- Students have access to numerous funded research projects through specialized laboratories and facilities across campus.
- The program offers cross-disciplinary courses, allowing students to leverage the breadth and depth of offerings across the university.
- The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal skills, including:
- Organizational Skills
- Project Management
- Research
- Decision-making Expertise
- Leadership
- Communication
- The professors provide a strong support system for students, offering one-on-one advising, job recommendations, and access to scholarships and research positions.
