Phd in Civil Engineering

A master’s degree has long been considered sufficient education for a practicing civil engineer. However, as technology advances, solutions become more complex, and the demand for an educated workforce grows, engineering doctorates are increasingly desired by employers, universities, and research facilities.

Why LTU?

• You will participate in and lead pioneering applied research projects that offer exceptional hands-on experience such as projects funded by the National Science Foundation and state transportation departments.
• As a national resource for the research, development, and testing of carbon fiber composites and other materials related to infrastructure and defense, LTU’s Nabil Grace Center for Innovative Materials Research (CIMR) is where much civil engineering research is conducted.
• The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has designated LTU’s Department of Civil Engineering as a Center of Excellence for Sustainable Infrastructure and Structural Testing for its ongoing research to improve the structural integrity and longevity of concrete bridges.
• Whether you want to test the strength of structures, study settlement mechanics of bioreactor landfills, develop environmentally sound stormwater management techniques, or initiate your own project, the PhD in Civil Engineering program at Lawrence Tech can provide you with an individually focused research experience.
• Lawrence Tech’s dedicated faculty, who have rich professional, research, and publications backgrounds, will guide and mentor you throughout the process. The advanced testing facilities, intimate private university atmosphere, and low student-to-faculty ratio can help prepare you to build an exciting civil engineering career.

Meet the Faculty

Dr. Nishantha Bandara

Associate Professor

Dr. Bandara’s specialization is in Transportation Engineering with an emphasis in pavement evaluation, analysis and design, pavement management, highway safety and highway materials. His research interests include highway construction quality measurement, pavement condition monitoring, pavement analysis/ design and highway infrastructure related safety improvements. Dr. Bandara is an active member of TRB Committee AHD65 "Winter Maintenance" and a former member of AFD80 “Strength and Deformation Characteristics of Pavement Sections”.