Doctor of Philosophy (Civil Engineering)


Program Info

The PhD program requires candidates to undertake a number of graduate level courses, pass a qualifying examination, and then carry out research in a chosen area. The candidates are required to publish research papers in journals of international repute.

Program Objectives
  • Impart in depth knowledge and application of methodology to investigate original research problems through a systematic and focused approach
  • Enable students to produce publishable research for journals and conferences of international repute
  • Enable students to conduct independent research
Program Outcomes
  • Students will be able to exhibit specialized knowledge and ability to use appropriate research methodology in the relevant field of study
  • Students will be able to conduct systematic and focused research
  • Students will be able to publish research papers in journals and conferences of international repute
  • Students will be able to conduct and supervise independent research and can produce knowledge
PhD Coursework

PhD coursework comprises 6 courses (total 18 credit hours). A non-credit course “SS 310 Research Methodology” must also be passed; unless already passed during MS coursework.

Comprehensive Examination

The student becomes eligible to appear in the Comprehensive Examination after passing the PhD coursework with a minimum CGPA of 3.0. This exam must be passed within two years of admission, failing which the admission shall be cancelled.

Research Work

The student can start work on PhD thesis only after

  • Passing the Comprehensive Exam, AND
  • Acceptance of synopsis by the Graduate Studies Committee.
PhD Dissertation

The PhD Dissertation must contain original research work.

Plagiarism Test

The Plagiarism Test shall be conducted on the Dissertation before its submission to foreign experts.

Evaluation by TWO Foreign Experts

The PhD Dissertation shall be evaluated by at least two PhD experts from technologically/ academically advanced foreign countries.

Local Expert Evaluation

If the foreign evaluators recommend that the work is acceptable for award of PhD, then a local committee, comprising two local experts and an internal evaluator, is constituted. The thesis is sent to all three members of this committee.

Open Defence

After receiving positive comments from the local experts, the student is expected to defend his/her work before this Committee. The student will be declared successful after the local Committee approves the work.

Research Paper

Publication of at least one research paper in an HEC approved “W” or “X” category journal is a requirement for the award of PhD degree.

Offered Campuses

Chiniot-Faisalabad Islamabad Karachi Lahore Peshawar

Eligibility:

  • A degree in a relevant subject, earned from a recognized university after 18 years of relevant education AND
  • At least 70% marks (in the Annual system) or CGPA of at least 3.0 (on a scale of 4.0) AND
  • Applicant must have earned Master degree with coursework and Thesis.

Selection Criteria:

  • Admission is based on candidate’s performance in the following:
  • Minimum 60% marks and at least 50 percentile rank in NTS-Subject GAT or International GRE Subject Test AND
  • Interview (to assess research potential)