PhD

PhD candidates in lab

PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Graduates of the Tufts CEE doctoral program are well positioned for careers in academia, industry, government and consulting. Students who have excellent academic backgrounds and demonstrated capability for independent study/research are encouraged to apply.

The PhD is a research oriented degree that requires in-depth knowledge of a specific topic of study and involves close collaboration with a a faculty mentor. Programs of study are highly individualized, but consist of two main components: course work and independent research.

Doctoral degrees require the fulfillment of the specific department requirements including the number of courses with grades of S (satisfactory) or at least a B-, as well as successful completion of the qualifying examination and doctoral dissertation.

Doctoral-level research leads to fascinating discoveries and novel technologies. The graduate program outcomes for the doctoral degree program are:

  • In-depth technical knowledge related to one of the Civil and Environmental Engineering subdisciplines
  • Ability to conduct independent research on a topic in Civil and Environmental Engineering
  • A scholarly contribution in the field of study with a demonstrated record of scholarship
  • Communication of results of research activity orally and in writing

PhD in Offshore Wind Energy Engineering

The Offshore Wind Energy Engineering program is offered through the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. This program provides interdisciplinary training in offshore wind engineering, transmission infrastructure, maritime studies, ocean resource characterization, and environmental permitting. 

Students in the program receive world-class training in wind policy, technical applications, and project management to prepare them for jobs in global industry, academia, and the public sector. 

Courses include the Offshore Wind Energy Engineering M.S. curriculum described below, plus five additional courses, chosen in consultation with the program advisor, in technical training, policy, economics, and management.

  • Technical Core: Four courses in structural and/or geotechnical engineering with applications to offshore wind support structures and other physical infrastructure related to the offshore wind industry
  • Energy Core: One introductory course on clean energy engineering
  • Technical Elective: Three technical electives on data science, controls and/or power systems
  • Policy, Economics, and Management Elective: Two electives in energy policy, economics, and/or management

Potential research areas include:

  • Infrastructure and transmission
  • Site characterization and permitting
  • Foundation design and monitoring