Program details
Expected duration: 4 years
Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)
The objective of the PhD program is to provide students with specialized knowledge in their chosen areas and to prepare them for careers in academia and research. The Phd must contribute to the creation of knowledge in the major field of study. Each PhD candidate must demonstrate competence to complete a significant research project and present their findings. The material must be at a level that is acceptable for publication.
The PhD program consists of coursework, original research and thesis. Normally, 12 credit hours of coursework (all at the 7000 level) are required beyond the master’s degree or its equivalent. The minimum time requirement is two calendar years of full-time study and research, of which at least one academic year must be spent on campus. For research projects conducted off-campus, the student must be geographically near to the campus and visit it regularly.
Research areas
While collaboration between different research areas, departments and faculties is encouraged, our department has been broken down into seven main areas:
- Environmental
- Geotechnical
- Structures
- Transportation
- Water Resources
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Masonry and Cementitious Materials
Admission requirements
To qualify for admission to the PhD in Civil Engineering program, you must normally have completed a master's-level degree in Engineering.
Students in a master’s program who have achieved an average GPA of 4.0 in their last 60 credit hours of undergraduate studies may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:
- Completion of a minimum of four courses (12 credits): at least nine credit hours at the 7000 level and the balance at the 3000 level or above, with a grade of A or better in each;
- Satisfactory progress in the research program;
- Written recommendation from the supervisor, the thesis advisory committee and a selection committee (appointed by the head);
- Approval by the department and Faculty of Graduate Studies.
The transfer must take place within five terms of initial registration in the master's program. Following transfer, all the requirements of the doctoral program apply, including the completion of an additional 12 credit hours at the 7000 level.
Qualification for admission to the civil engineering graduate program is contingent on first receiving tentative acceptance from an academic advisor who will accept you into their research group.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
The civil engineering PhD program accepts applications for Fall, Winter and Summer admission. Applications are submitted online and must include the following before they will be reviewed by the admissions committee:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Uploaded copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
- Statement of intent
- Supervisor support
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
To find an advisor, explore the Department of Civil Engineering's faculty and staff page and contact a faculty member whose research interests align with your own. Please note that your advisor must hold a PhD or equivalent and be a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies (typically includes academic staff holding a rank of assistant professor or above).
Please read the Faculty of Graduate Studies online application instructions before beginning your application.
Application deadlines
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Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Department of Civil Engineering
Room E1-368 Engineering & Information Technology Complex
15 Gillson St.
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5V6