DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
Villanova’s College of Engineering offers a distinctive PhD program leading to a Doctorate of Philosophy.
Congruent with the University’s mission, the doctoral program emphasizes excellence, innovation and integrity in research, scholarship and education. Its purpose is to educate highly qualified engineering scholars for academia, industry and government.
Doctoral candidates wishing to concentrate their studies in Civil Engineering will take courses and pursue research projects reflecting the specialties of the department’s highly distinguished and nationally recognized faculty, including:
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Resources and Environmental Engineering
Research and Facilities
The College of Engineering has an active research environment with projects sponsored by industry partners, governmental agencies and foundations.
Explore:
Professional Development
The College is unique in its professional development program for doctoral students, which reflects Villanova’s commitment to high quality teaching and close attention to the student, as well as development of the whole person. Based on your area of professional interest, two tracks are available: Academic Scholars and Industry Scholars. Each offers the option to pursue a corresponding certificate.
In addition, Villanova’s Career Center recognizes and supports the unique career needs of graduate students as you pursue new academic and career goals. Tailored advising and guidance are available as well as online resources that use the latest technology to network, polish your resume, job search, prepare for an interview and more.
STUDENT PERSPECTIVE
''From the very first day, I learned valuable lessons from my professors and classmates about commitment and dedication as part of the PhD process. Also, as an international student, I was truly blessed to be surrounded by the Villanova community. They always made me feel at home."
Sergio Yanez
Professor, University of Santiago, Chile
Concentration: Civil Engineering
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
STEPHANIE WALKUP
Title: Assistant Teaching Professor, Villanova University
PhD Concentration: Civil Engineering
Research Focus: Long term deflections of reinforced concrete beams subject to sustained loads
MICHAEL PLUIMER
Title: Owner, Crossroad Engineering Services and Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota-Duluth
PhD Concentration: Civil Engineering
Research Focus: Sustainable transportation systems
KAITLIN VACCA, PE, LEED AP
Title: Director of Project Delivery, OptiRTC, Inc.
PhD Concentration: Water Resources Engineering
Research Focus: Mesocosm study on the fate and transport of soluble reactive phosphorus (stormwater quality)