The Ph.D. in Structural Engineering
Whether you’re headed for teaching, research or industry, advanced degrees advance careers. Here are four important reasons why a Ph.D. in structural engineering from Lehigh can go a long way toward advancing yours.
#1: Research relevant to our times
Few issues command attention these days like investment in the 21st century infrastructure. Across the U.S. and around the world, economic and national security depends on the preservation and protection of bridges, buildings, and transportation systems. Lehigh engineers are meeting these global challenges with smart, sustainable solutions capable of surviving earthquakes, withstanding explosions, and communicating structural damage in real time.
These are just a few of the original research projects taking place in Lehigh’s structural labs. What will your passion contribute to our efforts?
#2: Funding that paves your way
The department of civil and environmental engineering (CEE) offers a variety of financial support packages to students making good progress toward their degree.
Research assistantships receive funding from a specific project to subsidize the work of a graduate student.
Teaching assistantships are funded by the CEE department to support the educational mission of Lehigh University.
Fellowships are awards made by the CEE department to recognize high achievement and academic promise.
In general, CEE support packages include graduate tuition and a 9- or 12-month stipend.
#3: Faculty reputations that span the globe
If you’re up for a challenge, you’ve come to the right place. Students the world over come to Lehigh to study with a faculty that’s famous for advancing the discipline of structural engineering.
“Why Lehigh? The faculty and research facilities are second to none, and students frequently have an opportunity to collaborate with universities and engineering firms from around the world. The diversity of faculty research allows students to pursue a topic that is of particular interest to them.”
–Wesley Keller
B.S., Physics, Washington & Lee University
M.S.C.E., Virginia Tech
Ph.D. in structural engineering candidate, expected graduation 2011
#4: Facilities few schools can match
Industry and government have long brought big research questions to Lehigh, seeking innovative answers in the university’s exceptionally equipped laboratories. The Center for Advanced Technology for Large Structural Systems (ATLSS) is a national Engineering Research Center focused on cutting-edge research for the civil and marine infrastructure. Here, researchers can observe the expected (and unexpected) implications of analytical studies under actual or simulated conditions. Researchers, designers and builders also study prototypes of new designs, research models, and structures that have deteriorated from use.
The historic structure that is Fritz Lab occupies a venerable place in the story of modern structural engineering. Originally built in 1909, new construction in 1955 added two high-bay testing areas to the research facility, one of which houses the 5-million-pound testing machine. The lab is active daily, testing structural members and components for industry and research. A walk through the lab every day exposes Lehigh students to structural failures of all kinds, simply by observing the tests occurring there.
The American Society of Civil Engineers declared Fritz Lab a national historic civil engineering landmark in 1991.
How to apply to the program
For detailed information on admission to graduate study through the P. C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science (PCREAS), consult pp. 55 – 60 of the University Course Catalog.
Click here to access an online application. Send transcripts and supplemental materials to:
Prisca Vidanage, Graduate Coordinator
Lehigh University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
13 E. Packer Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18015-3176
For general information about the CEE graduate program and current course descriptions, consult pp. 176-180 of the University Course Catalog. For specific questions, call Prisca at (610) 758-3530 or e-mail her at pmv1@lehigh.edu.
