American University of Beirut

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (PHD)

​​​​​​General information 

The PhD programs offered by the CEE department train graduate students to address and solve current problems in civil and environmental engineering. PhD students are trained to be future educators and proficient researchers geared to assume leadership roles in their profession. 

The objectives of the PhD program are to: 

  • Cultivate expertise in concentration areas of civil and environmental engineering. 
  • Develop research skills necessary for the formulation and solution of challenging problems. 
  • Acquire teaching expertise through assistance in class lectures and laboratory sessions. 


Admission requirements 

To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, a candidate must: 

  • Hold a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering or a related discipline from AUB or another recognized institution of higher learning (for admission in the regular track), or a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related discipline (for admission in the accelerated track). A minimum cumulative course average of 85 over 100, or its equivalent, is required for admission. 
  • Submit a complete application including a statement of interest, transcripts of academic record from all institutions attended after high school, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation. 
  • Provide scores for the general exam part of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). 
  • Must show proficiency in the English language in case English is not the native language (refer to the catalogue section on English Language Proficiency Requirement).
  • Complete an interview either in person or by phone (for non-AUB students). 

The application to the doctoral program will follow the deadlines set by the Office of Admissions at AUB. Admission decisions for the PhD program are made upon the recommendations of the CEE department and the MSFEA Graduate Studies Committee, with the approval of the AUB Board of Graduate Studies. 

The PhD program in EWRE focuses on the following courses and research topics:

  • Water and wastewater treatment systems
  • Solid and industrial waste treatment/management
  • Air quality management and air pollution control
  • Environmental and water resources management and planning
  • Water quality modeling
  • GIS and IT applications for environmental and water resources management 
  • Watershed modeling and management
  • Hydrologic systems analysis
  • Hydraulic systems analysis
  • Environmental biotechnology and bioremediation ​


Regular PhD Program Requirements 

The regular PhD program requires a minimum of 24 credit hours of course work beyond the master’s degree and 24 credit hours of thesis work. The course work consists of 

  • a minimum of 12 credits in the area of concentration, 
  • 6 credits in a related area, and 
  • 6 credits in an area other than the candidate’s field of research, which can be taken inside or outside the department. 


Accelerated PhD Program Requirements 

The accelerated PhD program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree and 42 credit hours of thesis work. The course work consists of 

  • a minimum of 21 credits in the area of concentration, 
  • 9 credits in a related area, and 
  • 6 credits in an area other than the candidate’s field of research, which can be taken inside or outside the department. 


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