Civil and Mineral Engineering: Civil Engineering PhD

Doctor of Philosophy

Program Description

The PhD program is designed for outstanding individuals interested in a rewarding career in fundamental or applied research. This program involves advanced courses and an intensive research program culminating in a thesis.

Applicants may enter the PhD program via one of three routes: 1) following completion of an MASc degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or chemistry; 2) transfer from the University of Toronto MASc program; 3) direct entry following completion of a bachelor’s degree.

 

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Civil Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A completed undergraduate degree equivalent to a four-year University of Toronto program with a minimum final-year grade point average (GPA) of B+ (3.3 out of 4.0 or 78%). Required grades must be achieved in each of the final two years of undergraduate study. Competitive admission averages are typically near or above 80% (A–).

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

  • Applicants must satisfy the department of the ability to undertake advanced research.

  • Admission directly from a bachelor's degree is permitted in exceptional cases.

  • If a student transfers from a master's degree program to a PhD program, courses taken during the master's program may be applied to the PhD program.

Program Requirements

  • Students with an MASc degree (or equivalent in the same area of study) must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses).

  • Students with an MEng degree must complete a minimum of 4.5 FCEs (nine half courses). Up to 3.0 FCEs (six graduate half courses) may be used from the MEng program towards the PhD course requirements.

  • Students enrolled in the MASc degree program who transfer to the PhD program must complete a total of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (nine half courses).

  • For direct-entry students, more FCEs may be required depending on the student's background preparation. It is normally expected that at least one of the half courses will be taken outside of the student's principal area of research.

  • Comprehensive examination after completing most of the coursework and preferably within one year after first enrolment in the PhD program. This examination consists of a four- to five-day take-home written examination, followed approximately a week later by an oral examination. The examination is administered by a Comprehensive Examination Committee created and supervised by the department's Graduate Studies Committee.

  • Residence. Students normally must spend at least two academic years of their program on campus on a full-time basis.

  • The academic program must be approved by the department's Graduate Studies Committee during the student's first session.

  • Students must participate in the non-credit seminar course JDE1000H Ethics in Research during their first or second session of registration.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Civil Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

4 years full-time; 5 years transfer-from-master's; 5 years direct-entry

Time Limit

6 years full-time; 7 years transfer-from-master's; 7 years direct-entry

 

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Civil Engineering's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • A completed undergraduate degree equivalent to a four-year University of Toronto program with a minimum final-year grade point average (GPA) of B+ (3.3 out of 4.0 or 78%). Required grades must be achieved in each of the final two years of undergraduate study. Competitive admission averages are typically near or above 80% (A–).

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English must demonstrate proficiency in English. See General Regulations section 4.3 for requirements.

  • Applicants must satisfy the department of the ability to undertake advanced research.

  • In addition, applicants must demonstrate that they are actively engaged in professional activities related to their proposed program of study.

Program Requirements

  • Students with an MASc degree (or equivalent in the same area of study) must complete a minimum of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (four half courses).

  • Students with an MEng degree must complete a minimum of 4.5 FCEs (nine half courses). Up to 3.0 FCEs (six graduate half courses) may be used from the MEng program towards the PhD course requirements.

  • Students enrolled in the MASc degree program who transfer to the PhD program must complete a total of 4.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) (nine half courses).

  • For direct-entry students, more FCEs may be required depending on the student's background preparation. It is normally expected that at least one of the half courses will be taken outside of the student's principal area of research.

  • Comprehensive examination after completing most of the coursework and preferably within one year after first enrolment in the PhD program. This examination consists of a four- to five-day take-home written examination, followed approximately a week later by an oral examination. The examination is administered by a Comprehensive Examination Committee created and supervised by the department's Graduate Studies Committee.

  • Residence. Students normally must spend at least two academic years of their program on campus on a full-time basis.

  • Students must participate in the non-credit seminar course JDE1000H Ethics in Research during their first or second session of registration.

  • Students have the option of completing an emphasis in Sustainable Energy as part of their degree program. Please see details in the Civil Engineering MASc, MEng, PhD Emphases section.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years