My PhD research will focus on the development of an innovative method for soil evaluation in geotechnical design. Understanding soil behavior is a critical issue facing the engineering community as more and more projects, particularly those that involve deep excavation, require designs which allow for deep enough foundations to accommodate future construction below grade. This research will investigate the parameters of using vibration as a means to evaluate soil properties up to depths of 65 meters. In this project, I will develop a method by which vibrations can be applied directly to the soil column being evaluated and then use that information to determine its structural characteristics. This method has many advantages over current methods including increased accuracy, decreased cost and time requirements, and better resolution at deeper levels than those currently possible with other approaches.

The main objective of my research is to develop an innovative method for soil evaluation in geotechnical design. To achieve this goal, I will first present existing methods used to evaluate soil properties and discuss their limitations in terms of accuracy or depth limits; then I will describe my approach including its advantages over existing methods; finally I will discuss how this method can be used in future projects involving deep excavations

Read on to find out more tips on how to draft a convincingly unique SOP for your PhD application.

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personal statement examples for civil engineering graduate school

Civil engineering builds the world. Protecting the public and environmental health, as well as improving existing infrastructures that have been neglected are all within the domain of the civil engineer. They achieve their goals by designing, planning, maintaining, constructing, and operating infrastructures. Structures that make modern life possible and comfortable such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems are all planned, design, and overseen by civil engineers. Civil engineers are not only concerned about building they also factor in maintenance and longevity in their designs. All the structures that they make should be satisfactory for the public in terms of comfort.

Civil engineers who work for government agencies practice across multiple specializations: environmental engineering; structural engineering; transportation engineering; water resources engineering; geotechnical engineering; construction management; surveying; economics/finance; planning/policy analysis

Specializations in Civil Engineering

Construction engineers

Construction engineers mainly concern themselves with construction projects, ensuring that these are scheduled and built in accordance with plans and specifications.

This specialization is responsible for the design and safety of temporary structures used during construction. Budgetary, time-management, and communications aspects of a project are also overseen by them.

Geotechnical engineers

Making sure that foundations for built objects ranging from streets and buildings to runways and dams are solid is the specialization of geotechnical engineers.

The structures built by civil engineers, such as buildings and tunnels are assessed by geotechnical engineers in terms of how it interacts with the earth (including soil and rock). Geotechnical engineers also design and plan for slopes, retaining walls, and tunnels.

Structural engineers

Structural engineers ensure the strength and durability of major projects, such as buildings, bridges, or dams.

Transportation engineers

The planning, designing, operation, and maintenance of everyday systems, such as streets and highways, are the concern of transportation engineers. Transportation engineers also plan larger projects, which include, ship ports, mass transit systems, airports, and harbors.

Educational Requirements to Becoming a Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers work alongside architects, technologists, and other industry professionals. Engineers may have to alternate between working in an office and working on-site. the minimum requirement for most civil engineering jobs is A bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. engineers often need to earn professional engineer licensure.

Core Courses

Chemistry, physics, and advanced mathematics courses are generally the basic courses in a civil engineering program. Computer-aided design (CAD) is also part of the core requirements. Important subjects such as engineering statistics develop student’s computational skills. Fundamental engineering principles and concepts are some of the pre-major courses.

Major Requirements

In civil engineering, students complete core course requirements before delving into advanced topics, such as thermodynamics and structural analysis. The assessment of the structural integrity of materials is part of the completion of a design project. CAD programs are used to test these designs.

The completion of laboratory courses in which they analyze substances ranging from soil to concrete is required in most programs. These types of courses are geared towards helping students identify the basic properties of materials, as well as potential problems from using them.

5 Top Universities that Offer Civil Engineering Program and Their Admission Criteria

1. Princeton University

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers programs of graduate study and research in the following two areas: mechanics, materials, and structures; and environmental engineering and water resources. The department offers three degree programs of study: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.), and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.). Students must be admitted to one of these three degree programs.

The Ph.D. program is designed for students who wish to pursue research careers in academia or industry. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, mechanics and materials science with an emphasis on structural mechanics, materials behavior and materials synthesis. The MSE program is designed for students who wish to pursue careers in industry as professional engineers or managers who are responsible for technical problems that involve analytical or numerical solutions by computer simulation or analysis. The curriculum emphasizes courses that provide an understanding of computational methods for solving problems related to fluid dynamics, mass transfer processes, heat transfer phenomena and structural mechanics. The M Eng program provides an opportunity for students seeking careers as professional engineers who will be responsible for the design or operation of civil/environmental engineering systems such as buildings, highways and bridges; water supply systems; waste disposal

Admission Requirements

Program requirements may include coursework, proficiency in a foreign language(s), and exercises or preliminary exams.

for more information: Princeton University

2. Columbia University in the City of New York

The Ph.D. and EngScD degrees offered by the Department of Engineering Science focus on the study of engineering, with a particular emphasis on the practical application of rigorous scientific principles to the solution of real-world problems.

Two doctoral degrees are offered within the department: the doctor of engineering science, administered by The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the doctor of philosophy, administered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. A student must obtain the master’s degree (MS) before enrolling as a candidate for either the Ph.D. or EngScD degree. Doctoral candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework during their studies.

Admission Requirements

• Official transcript copies from every post-secondary institution attended
• Three recommendation letters
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores*
• Personal statement
• Resumé or Curriculum Vitae

for more information: Columbia University in the City of New York

3. Stanford University- Structural Engineering and Geomechanics Program

The Structural Engineering and Geomechanics Program offers research opportunities and courses in a broad range of areas related to structural analysis and design, geomechanics, risk management and construction of civil engineering facilities.

Admission Requirements : Application form, statement of purpose, answers to the additional questions, curriculum vitae (resume), transcript and GPA, GRE scores, three letters, TOEFL if applicable.

for more information: Stanford University 

4. Duke University- Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering

Duke’s Master of Engineering (MEng) in Civil Engineering is career-focused degree option that will deepen your understanding of technology and help you develop the business leadership and management expertise you need to succeed in your career.

Admission Requirements

• a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science from an accredited institution (transcripts required, including an estimated GPA and a grade scale)
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Three recommendations
• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or equivalent: official results required
• English Language Testing (TOEFL or IELTS): official results required (international applicants only)
• An interview

for more information: Duke University

5. John Hopkins- Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.)

The [program name] program develops a sound understanding of the scientific principles upon which engineering research and practice are based. Different aspects of learning are integrated through classroom, laboratory instruction, and independent study experiences. Graduates of the program possess critical thinking skills, the ability for both independent and team problem-solving, and a sense of the excitement of engineering creativity and design.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad base of knowledge in math, science, engineering fundamentals and liberal arts so they can be successful in their chosen careers after graduation. Students will take courses in calculus/mathematics, physics/materials science as well as economics/social studies. They will also take courses in chemistry/biotechnology; environmental science; computer programming; introduction to engineering; humanities; communications; business law/ethics; mechanical engineering design; civil engineering design; electrical engineering design; project management/construction management; ethics & professional responsibility (1 credit); humanities electives (2 credits); physical education activity course (0 credit); general education electives (8 credits).

There are two tracks available: structural track or electrical track. The structural track consists of: structural design of buildings & bridges (4 credits), mechanical systems

Admission Requirements

• unofficial transcripts from your school(s) student account or Registrar’s office.
• email addresses from recommenders
• statement of purpose
• Applicants are required to request recent GRE scores from ETS and submit them to Johns Hopkins before the application deadline.
• Prepare any supplemental material required by your department.

for more information: John Hopkins

PhD engineering statement of purpose

The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important prerequisites in applying for a program. In this essay, the admission committee will get an idea on how you think and how you respond meaningfully and logically to questions. Make yourself stand out in your personal statement.

Each applicant must submit this essay answering some guide questions. To make a strong and last impression, students need to tell a compelling story.

In the context of grad school admissions, the narrative needs to show how you’ve progressed so far, how grad school fits into the next chapter of their life, what you’ll bring to their chosen institution and even their ambitions for a wider contribution to the world.

The point is to differentiate yourself from other candidates when applying. There are a few things you should include in a statement of purpose.

• Introduction and Statement of Goals
• Career Progression
• Student’s Intentions
• How you plan to achieve your goal

A Sample Statement of Purpose for a Master’s in Civil Engineering Program

Below is sample statement of purpose which you can use as a reference to draft your own version. It is not recommended to copy paste this. This is just a sample

My desire and the motivation behind graduation in civil engineering can be undoubtedly related to the idea of giving something to society. I worked hard to get into the college of my choice and the day I got admitted into the ______ College, it gave a further boost to my desire to learn more about the subject. The labs, the field work and the testing machines all got me interested a lot.

After getting my place secured in one of the toughest courses Engineering has to offer, I focused on what I was going to do next. In reality, CE appeared to be a lot more different than what I had previously imagined. It was more competitive, demanding and challenging. My sole aim was to gather in-depth knowledge and understand the basics of the subject. The role of my professors is perhaps the biggest in helping me understand all the concepts of the subjects. They were ready to help whenever I needed it.

When I completed two years of my Graduate program, I had the fair knowledge of the subject and where it might lead me in the future. The scope and area of application of civil engineering are probably more than any other subject today. It requires a great deal of patience, attention to detail and perseverance. My college helped me to develop all those qualities through hard work and constant evaluation. The Internship program in the third year of my Graduate program also gave a very good idea of the workings and the code in which work is done at an actual construction site. The kind of exposure I received through the internship got e further interested in the research aspect of civil engineering.

Now, at this point in my career, I am certain that a Master’s program would help me in the further application of the knowledge and skill that I have attained during the course of my Graduation, which is why I am applying for your esteemed college. The research facilities of your college paired up with the unparalleled faculty members is the icing on the cake for my Master’s degree.

I am confident that I will rise up to the standards set by your University for an ideal student. I believe that our future can be made better by working towards it and your colleagues would be an ideal place for me to enhance my skills and increase my knowledge.