Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Civil Engineering
The Ph.D. degree in civil engineering is focused on research. Study and research programs for the Ph.D. degree are individually planned to fit the interests and background of the student. A comprehensive research project resulting in an original contribution to the field which is documented by a thesis is required. Institute requirements for the Ph.D. degree are described in the section on degree requirements. A minimum of three academic years in residence as a graduate student are required by the Institute, and two or more additional years are usually needed for preparation of the thesis.
Tution & Application Fees
| Year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 |
| Tuition Fees | $56364 | $56364 | $56364 | $56364 |
| Books and supply | $1400 | $1400 | $1400 | $1400 |
| Total Fees | $57764 | $57764 | $57764 | $57764 |
Examinations
| Exam Type | Exam Name | Score | Out of Score | Exam Level |
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To be recommended for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in civil engineering, the student must, in addition to meeting the general Institute requirements, do the following:
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Obtain the agreement of a professorial faculty member to serve as his or her academic and research adviser before the end of the third term of graduate residence at Caltech. In consultation with the adviser, the student must form a Ph.D. thesis advisory committee before the end of the fourth term. This committee shall consist of at least three members of the Caltech professorial faculty, with at least two members from the faculty in mechanical and civil engineering.
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Pass both subject and research components of the oral candidacy examination before the end of the eighth term of graduate academic residence at Caltech. If the student has chosen a subject minor, an examination on the subject of that program may be included at the request of the discipline offering the subject minor.
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Complete a minimum of 195 units of courses numbered 101 or above, that meet the required PhD program listed below. All units must be taken for grades and passed with a grade of at least a C, except for courses offered only on a pass/fail basis. The course work towards the Ph.D. degree in civil engineering is typically completed within the first three years of residency at Caltech.