College of Engineering
Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)
College of Engineering
Civil Engineering (Ph.D.)
Lead the Future of Infrastructure, Innovation and Impact. Earn Your Ph.D. in Civil Engineering.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University prepares visionary leaders to tackle society’s most pressing infrastructure, environmental, and systems challenges through advanced research and innovation. This rigorous, research-intensive doctoral program combines advanced coursework with original dissertation work that pushes the boundaries of knowledge across key civil engineering domains — including structural engineering, environmental and water resources, geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, and construction engineering.
Students work closely with faculty mentors on research that addresses real-world problems and contributes to scientific advancement. Whether your goals include academia, high-impact research, industry leadership, or public sector innovation, the Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at NMSU equips you with the expertise to design resilient systems, optimize infrastructure performance, and influence change at local, national, and global scales.
Admission Deadlines
March 1 (fall), October 1 (spring)
- Total credits: 36
- Total dissertation credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
Graduates of NMSU’s Ph.D. in Civil Engineering pursue leadership roles in academia, research organizations, government agencies, and industry, applying advanced expertise to design resilient infrastructure, innovate sustainable solutions, lead large-scale projects, and shape policy in areas such as environmental systems, transportation networks, water resources, and structural resilience.
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at NMSU?
Choosing the Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University means joining a research-driven, student-centered environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact. The program offers:- Advanced Research Opportunities: Pursue original research in areas like infrastructure sustainability, seismic and structural analysis, environmental remediation, water management, and intelligent transportation systems — all supported by state-of-the-art labs and centers.
- Faculty Mentorship & Collaboration: Work closely with civil engineering faculty who bring deep expertise, active research portfolios, and industry engagement. Doctoral students are matched with mentors who support research development, publication, and competitive funding.
- Real-World Context & Relevance: Located in a region rich with unique engineering challenges — from water resource management in arid environments to transportation systems across diverse terrain — NMSU provides a living laboratory where your research can make a measurable difference.
- Professional Preparation: The program prepares you not only to lead research but also to influence practice, whether in academic positions, high-level consulting roles, national laboratories, federal or state agencies, or infrastructure firms. You’ll graduate with the expertise and credentials needed to advance innovation and transform communities.
Carnegie R1 Institution
The R1 designation represents the highest level of research excellence placing NMSU among the top 5% of universities nationwide.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Students complete a total of 36credit hours of graduate coursework, a minimum of 18 credit hours of dissertation work. Students may specialize in environmental, geotechnical, structural, transportation, or water resources engineering. There are two options for coursework depending on existing credentials.
- Option 1 - Ph.D. with Completed Master's Degree - If the student has both bachelor's and master's degrees in fields that are not closely related to Civil Engineering, they must complete any undergraduate and graduate coursework deficiencies identified by the faculty in their area of specialization. Beyond completion of any deficiency coursework, the following requirements must be met: Pass Qualifying Exam, 18 Graduate Electives, Pass Comprehensive Exam, and Complete and Defend Doctoral Dissertation.
- Option 2 - Direct Ph.D. with BSCE or Equivalent, but no Master's Degree - If the student has the equivalent of a BSCE degree, but no master's degree, they must fulfil the following requirements: 18 credits in Area of Specialization (beyond the bachelor's degree, 450 or higher), Pass Qualifying Exam, 18 Graduate Electives, Pass Comprehensive Exam, Complete and Defend Doctoral Dissertation.
Take classes like:
- ENVE 456 - Environmental Engineering Design
- C E 510 - Introduction to Nondestructive Testing
- C E 507 - Design of Earth Retaining Structures
- A EN 478 - Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Academic Background: A master’s degree in engineering, or a closely related field. Exceptionally qualified students may petition for direct entry from a bachelor’s degree.
Application: The application includes transcripts, three letter of recommendation, statement of purpose, and resume.
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Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.