Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
As a student in the Civil Engineering (PhD Thesis) program, you'll get the chance to collaborate with some of the most creative and innovative researchers in Canada. The program is ideal for students seeking to do original research as they grow their skills by specializing in a sub-discipline of civil engineering. These currently include Biomechanics, Bituminous Materials, Geotechnical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Structures and Solid Mechanics, Transportation Engineering, Water Resources, Energy and Environment (Interdisciplinary), and Environmental Engineering (Interdisciplinary). Students get to complete an in-depth, original research project related to their chosen sub-discipline, and write a corresponding thesis.
Completing this program
- Courses: Topics may include bituminous materials, theory of transport demand modelling, bilogical processes for wastewater treatment and more.
- Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
- Professional Development Seminars: Students take two professional development seminars on communication styles, presentation skills and more.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Specializations
- Avalanche Mechanics (not available)
- Biomechanics
- Bituminous Materials
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Structures & Solid Mechanics
- Transportation Engineering
- Water Resources
- Environmental Engineering (Interdisciplinary)
- Engineering, Energy and Environment (Interdisciplinary)
- Project Management
Outcomes
Civil Engineer in public/private sectors, consulting industry, Management, or scientist.
A PhD in civil engineering is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Courses
Two courses minimum; two professional development seminars
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Three to four years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
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Accepting InquiriesBiomechanics of aneurysms, Image-based analysis of soft tissues, Computational simulation of cardiovascular mechanics, Novel grafts for skin repair, Mechanical tests and constitutive models of soft biological tissues -
Accepting InquiriesOrthopaedic Bioengineering and Tissue Engineering -
Seeking StudentsDevelopment of Innovative Structural Systems for Bridges and Other Structures, Structural Health Monitoring of Bridges and Other Structures, Application of Advanced Composite Materials in Bridges and Other Structures, Design and Analysis for Serviceability and Sustainability of Concrete Structures, Computational Modelling of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Structures., Dynamic and Seismic Performance of Bridges., Computer-aided Analysis and Design of Structures., Temperature Effects on Concrete Structures. -
Accepting InquiriesGeomechanics of gas hydrates -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting InquiriesStructural mechanics -
Seeking StudentsLife cycle assessment of new technologies; Sustainable infrastructure
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
An MSc or equivalent from a recognized institution.
Work samples
None
Documents
- C.V. or Resume
- Research Proposal
Reference letters
Two
Test scores
None
Safety Training
Students may be required to complete safety training in order to access labs.
English language proficiency (ELP)
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt) score of 86 with no section less than 20 (Internet-based).
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 with no section less than 6.0 (Academic version).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 60.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of B+ in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents - apply by March 1 | submit all supporting documents by March 30
- International students - apply by March 1 | submit all supporting documents by March 30
For admission on January 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents- apply by July 1 | submit all supporting documents by July 30
- International students - apply by March 1; apply by July 1 | submit all supporting documents by July 30
For admission on May 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents- apply by Nov. 1 | submit all supporting documents by Nov. 30
- International students - apply by Nov. 1 | submit all supporting documents by Nov. 30
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Department of Civil Engineering
Schulich School of Engineering
ENE 231, 2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.4816
Schulich School of Engineering
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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