Ph.D. Program

There are two options for completing the Ph.D. program in Civil Engineering:

1. Post M.S. degree
2. Direct entry from the B.S. Degree*

While there are no Departmental course requirements for Ph.D. students, there are specific core course requirements for each specialty area within the CE Department. Students may also have opportunities for interdisciplinary study through approved courses taken outside of their specialty area or outside of the Civil Engineering Department. Students should talk to their faculty advisor for more information about course options.

* Applicants accepted directly into the Ph.D. program from a B.S. program have demonstrated the highest academic achievement and have experience in conducting research that aligns with the research focus of their intended specialty area.
** Beyond 18 credits of CE 9910 and 12 credits of approved coursework, the remaining 30 credits will be comprised of a combination of coursework and research credits based on the recommendations of the Graduate Advisory Committee.

Following are general timelines for students pursuing a Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering:

First Semester

• New students – attend all relevant orientation sessions

After Completing the Required Coursework

• Qualifying Exam – Talk to your advisor to find out if this is required.
• Comprehensive Exam*
• Proposal Defense*

*See the next section for more information on procedures for Comprehensive Exam and Proposal Defense.

Before Final Semester
- Familiarize yourself with graduation deadlines.

Final Semester

• Apply for graduation via iRoar. More information can be found on the Graduation Deadlines page.
• Schedule your defense with your Graduate Committee.
• Notify the Graduate School of your defense date/time/location at least 10 days before your defense.
• Order graduation regalia from the CU Bookstore.
• Notify the Graduate Student Services Manager at least 2-3 days prior to your defense. The SSM will prepare your GS7D form to send to your Graduate Committee.
• Defend your thesis. The Graduate Student Services Manager will send your signed GS7M form to the Graduate School.
• By the posted deadline, submit the completed thesis with all committee revisions to the Manuscript Review Office.
• By the posted deadline, submit the final thesis, with all formatting revisions, to the Manuscript Review Office.
• Graduation information can be found on the Graduation Ceremonies page.

All Ph.D. students are required by the Graduate School to select at least four faculty members to serve on their Graduate Advisory Committee. The purpose of the advisory committee is to approve the Plan of Study, administer the qualifying exam and final defense, and recommend the student for graduation.

The Ph.D. advisory committee is comprised of a Chair (and Co-Chair, when appropriate) and at least three members. The committee chair and at least half of the committee members (including the chair) must hold rank in the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering. In addition, at least four members of the committee must hold a Ph.D. degree.

Please review your Specialty Area handbook for information on required examinations within your area. Some areas require a Qualifying Exam. All Ph.D. students will have at least 2 examinations:

1. Proposal Defense/Comprehensive Exam – Around the mid-point of your program. Format and timeline may vary depending on Specialty Area requirements. Refer to your Specialty Area Handbook and talk with your Graduate Advisory Committee about expectations. Must not be less than 6 months before the expected graduation date.
2. Final Dissertation Defense – The oral dissertation defense – which is the culmination of your Ph.D. program – will take place during your final semester. Students who successfully pass their dissertation defense will submit their final dissertation to the Manuscript Review Office.

Required Forms Related to Ph.D. Examinations:

The Graduate School forms listed below are required of all Ph.D. students at Clemson University. The Graduate Student Services Manager (GSSM) in the Department can assist you in collecting signatures and submitting the signed forms to Graduate Enrolled Student Services. Notify the GSSM of your proposal defense/final defense date 2-3 days prior to your exam; she will prepare the forms and send them to your Graduate Advisory Committee via Adobe Sign.

GS-5D – Results of the Doctoral Comprehensive Exam and Candidacy Form - Signed by the Graduate Advisory Committee and the student.
GS – Approval of Thesis/Dissertation Research Proposal - Signed by the Graduate Advisory Committee.
GS-7D – Doctoral Dissertation Defense and Approval Form - Signed by the Graduate Advisory Committee.

The M.S. en route to the Ph.D. program allows approved students to satisfy the requirements for an M.S. degree* while also pursuing their Ph.D. degree. This may be an option for 1) Direct-entry Ph.D. students or 2) M.S. students who are interested in completing a Ph.D. Your Graduate Committee Chair can advise you on the viability of this option for you.

Approved students – it is important that you talk to the Graduate Student Services Manager at least one semester prior to your intended M.S. graduation to ensure that you are following the correct procedures for the M.S. en route to Ph.D. program.

Forms and Procedures

M.S. students:

1. Submit a Degree Change request in iRoar at least one semester prior to completing your M.S. degree.
2. Submit a GS2-14 Form prior to the GS-2 submission deadline for the semester you intend to graduate. This document will serve as your M.S. Plan of Study.

Ph.D. students:

1. Complete and submit a GS2-14 Form at the beginning of the semester in which you will receive your M.S. degree. This document will serve as your M.S. Plan of Study.

*Depending on the guidance of your advisor, the M.S. degree can follow the Thesis or Non-Thesis pathway. Before taking any steps, be familiar with the degree requirements for the M.S. pathway that you will follow.