Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Structural Engineering
The PhD in Structural Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science focuses on analytical and experimental studies of structural behavior, using structural testing facilities that are among the largest in North America.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Structural Engineering
- DepartmentCivil and Environmental Engineering
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Structural Engineering is
Lehigh’s graduate program in structural engineering focuses on analytical and experimental studies of structural behavior. Students develop the capability to design and construct complex, large-scale structural systems.
The program uses structural testing facilities that are among the largest in North America, including a 5-million-pound universal hydraulic testing machine in Fritz Laboratory and access to ATLSS’s largest three-dimensional test bed in the U.S.
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research areas
Doctoral research in the PhD in Structural Engineering spans 6 areas published by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
- Advanced structural materials and systems
- Earthquake resistant structures
- Infrastructure hazard mitigation
- Intelligent infrastructure systems
- Simulation, measurement and evaluation of new and in-service structures
- Infrastructure reliability, maintenance, and life-cycle performance
Research facilities
Fritz Engineering Laboratory
Home to a 5-million-pound universal hydraulic testing machine.
ATLSS Research Center
Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems — the largest three-dimensional test bed in the U.S.
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
Minimum 72 credits from the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh CEE master’s; 48 with a master’s from another institution. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
A minimum of 72 credits for students entering with a bachelor’s degree; a minimum of 42 credits beyond a master’s degree earned in the same department; a minimum of 48 credits for a master’s degree from another institution.
- Coursework
The doctoral programs do not set a minimum course requirement, but most doctoral students pursue 20 to 30 credits of coursework beyond the master’s degree.
- Qualifying examination
Students planning to become candidates for the PhD take a qualifying examination.
- Dissertation and defense
A dissertation and defense presenting the results of original research.
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Structural Engineering?
The PhD in Structural Engineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/cee/graduate/structural-engineering-ms-phd
How many credits does the PhD in Structural Engineering require?
Minimum 72 credits from the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh CEE master’s; 48 with a master’s from another institution.
Do I need a master’s degree to apply to the PhD in Structural Engineering?
No. Students enter the program with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, and the credit requirement differs accordingly: minimum 72 credits from the bachelor’s; 42 beyond a Lehigh CEE master’s; 48 with a master’s from another institution.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Structural Engineering?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Structural Engineering?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Structural Engineering student?
Research areas published by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Advanced structural materials and systems; Earthquake resistant structures; Infrastructure hazard mitigation; Intelligent infrastructure systems; Simulation, measurement and evaluation of new and in-service structures; Infrastructure reliability, maintenance, and life-cycle performance.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Structural Engineering?
Students planning to become candidates for the PhD take a qualifying examination.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Structural Engineering based?
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is located in Fritz Engineering Laboratory, 13 East Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18015-3176, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Structural Engineering?
Julie DeMotte, jud200@lehigh.edu is the graduate contact for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. The department can be reached at incee@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-3530. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Graduate contact
Julie DeMotte · jud200@lehigh.edu
Address
Fritz Engineering Laboratory
13 East Packer Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3176
Phone and email
(610) 758-3530
incee@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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