Civil Engineering (Water) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Engineering 7

Engineering 7 (E7) Building on Waterloo's East Campus.

If you’re driven by curiosity and a desire to solve challenging, complex problems, then join the thriving research community at Waterloo Engineering a top destination for future research leaders. 

With the PhD in Civil Engineering Collaborative Water program, you’ll undertake independent and unique research, generating knowledge and finding real-world ways to apply it in your field, while discovering innovative ways to tackle global water challenges. This collaborative approach provides access to more than 140 faculty members involved in water research across Waterloo's campus, encouraging you to push the boundaries of your research.  

Along with developing expertise in your area of research (environmental & water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, structures, mechanics & construction engineering or transportation engineering), two interdisciplinary courses will capture both theoretical and practical components, including in-class lectures, fieldwork, interdisciplinary group work, and individual research seminars. 

Upon completion of your degree, you’ll be prepared to critically analyze and present new information in your field of research and will be ready for a career in academia, the public sector, or private industry.

Research areas and degree options

  • Environmental and Water Resource Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Structures, Mechanics and Construction Engineering
  • Transportation Engineering

Program overview

Department/School: Civil and Environmental Engineering
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis

Application deadlines

  • February 1 (for admission in September)*
  • June 1 (for admission in January of the following year)*
  • October 1 (for admission in May of the following year)*

*NOTE: If the posted application deadline has passed, domestic applicants and international applicants with minimal visa processing times are encouraged to contact civegrad@uwaterloo.ca for alternate deadline information.

Danyka Barnes

I have always been interested in tackling one of the world's wicked problems. I chose UWaterloo for my graduate degree because it is a water research hub and promotes interdisciplinary work, crucial for tackling water issues. Few institutions can give students this real-world experience, and I consider myself incredibly lucky to have this type of training.

Danyka Byrnes, Civil Engineering (Water), PhD

Admission requirements

  • A Master's degree, an 80% average in coursework and evidence of ability to pursue independent research.

Degree requirements

Application materials

  • Resume

  • Supplementary information form (SIF)
    • The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enrol and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
    • If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
  • Transcript(s)

  • References
    • Three references are required; at least two from academic sources 
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
    • TOEFL 80 (writing 22, speaking 20, reading 20, listening 18), IELTS 6.5 (writing 6.0, speaking 6.0)

Tuition and fees