York University's Civil Engineering PhD is a thesis-based doctoral program addressing sustainable, resilient infrastructure, with specialization available in Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, GeoEnvironmental and Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, and Transportation Engineering. Research and teaching in the program focus on sustainable development through recycled and renewable construction materials, landscape rehabilitation, and the use of marginal-quality land such as closed municipal landfills and degrading permafrost, alongside the design of infrastructure able to withstand extreme weather and the retrofitting of existing structures. Students complete comprehensive examinations, a research proposal, and a dissertation. The program is housed in an emerging department focused on sustainable and resilient infrastructure and is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis, with Fall and Winter entry points. It suits students seeking research or professional careers in civil engineering, a field the program notes ranks among the top graduate degrees for job security and earning power.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a minimum B average, along with bachelor's and master's degree transcripts. Applicants submit a completed application form, a cover letter outlining their professional goals and motivation for graduate study, a curriculum vitae, and two confidential letters of recommendation. International applicants must also provide proof of English language proficiency: York's Faculty of Graduate Studies standard is IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT 88 (or 4.5 on the revised scale for tests taken from January 2026), Duolingo English Test 120, PTE Academic 60, or CAEL with an overall score of 60 and no component below 60. The program admits for both Fall and Winter entry, full-time or part-time, with deadlines of January 15 for Fall and June 15 for Winter.
