At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    PhD

Program Overview

UMass Lowell's Ph.D. in Civil Engineering is designed to develop decision-making, research-oriented engineers with the ability to produce new engineering knowledge and analyze complex, cross-disciplinary issues. 

Doctoral students can choose among the following areas of concentration:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering
  • Structural Engineering

For complete program details and course descriptions, please visit the Academic Catalog.

For program-specific questions and to connect with our current students, please contact the Doctoral Graduate Coordinator.

Faculty Research

UMass Lowell's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department has an active, diverse and expanding research program in the following areas:

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Structural Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering

Funding Opportunities

UMass Lowell strives to provide financial support for all admitted Ph.D. students. This includes funding through Teaching Assistantships (TA), Research Assistantships (RA) and summer research support. Assistantships are contingent upon availability and may be subject to change.

Admissions

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. GRE scores are not required for master’s programs. Applicants to master’s programs may submit GRE scores if they wish, but doing so is optional. Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

Take the Next Step

Start your online application today!

Request More Information

Take a Virtual Tour of UMass Lowell

Launch virtual tour

Explore UMass Lowell from anywhere in the world. See the spaces where our students study, create, learn and live through a self-guided, interactive tour.

Find Graduate Resources

Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email:
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu

News

More News
  • A boy uses a screwdriver on a battery while another boy in a hoodie and a college student look on in a room.

    MakerSpace Helps Engineering Student Build a Home at UML

    Transfer student Michael Noel has found a home in the Lawrence Lin MakerSpace, where he not only builds his own future as a civil engineer but also inspires his young cousins to imagine theirs.
    Featured Story
  • A man holds a model of an entertainment center while a man and a woman look on next to a podium.

    Fire Safety Innovation Wins Engineering Prototyping Competition

    A device that makes permanently mounted window bars fire-safe by allowing residents to release them instantly in an emergency won the annual Francis College of Engineering Prototyping Competition, hosted by the Rist DifferenceMaker Institute.
    Featured Story