Ph.D. in Transportation Program

Transportation professionals function in very complex environments characterized by ever-going changes in technological, regulatory, and legal frameworks. Transportation engineers plan, design, construct, operate, and improve transportation systems and infrastructure, focusing on elevating safety, mobility, and level of service associated with all modes of transportation.

This program offers a well-balanced mixture of theoretical studies and experimental research. A student must demonstrate creative thinking, self-motivation, and ability to do independent research. In their research, students are expected to deal with complex issues, effectively formulate difficult problems, devise new methodology, and achieve new and exceptional results.

Admission Requirements

Students should have adequate preparation in mathematical and other analytical techniques, and substantial knowledge of the ideas and techniques of synthesis. A thorough understanding of the social and economic factors intrinsic to the functioning and development of transport in urban areas also is necessary. It is expected that students will have earned a minimum GPA of 3.5 in a master's degree program in engineering, planning, or business administration from an accredited university. Outstanding students with baccalaureate degrees also may be accepted. All applicants must take the GRE.  All international students must also achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the paper-based exam. or a minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-score lower than 6.0 for the IELTS exam. Full-time study is preferred for doctoral studies.

Degree Requirements

Requirements consist of a minimum of 54 credits of course work beyond the bachelor's degree, including at least 12 credits of 700-level courses, passage of a qualifying examination, a minimum of 36 credits of Tran 790 Doctoral Dissertation and Tran 791 Doctoral Seminar. Independent original research must be conducted by the candidate in a specific area of transportation. Dissertation work must be of publishable quality.

Dissertation: A program committee must approve a dissertation topic and an NJIT faculty member, approved by the program, must be available to supervise the dissertation research. An oral defense of the dissertation is required after the dissertation committee accepts the written document.

Qualifying Examination: All doctoral students must pass a doctoral qualifying examination. To prepare adequately for the examination, students should take appropriate course work in transportation engineering, transportation planning, and advanced transportation systems and technologies, as well as other related subjects.

Additional qualifying examination information.

Dissertation Committee: After passing the qualifying examination, each student in consultation with the major faculty member develops a list of five faculty members who have agreed to serve on an advisory committee as follows: two or three members of the graduate faculty in the student’s major area of interest; a member of the graduate faculty in the student’s major area appointed by the department chairperson; a member of the graduate faculty of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering from another field of interest; a member of the graduate faculty from the area of the student’s minor field of interest.

Research Proposal: Doctoral students must prepare a written research proposal and make an oral presentation for approval by their dissertation committee. The proposal must be presented after formation of the committee but within six months after passing the qualifying examination. Research is expected to investigate or develop a unique contribution to science and technology.

Dissertation Defense: An oral defense of the dissertation is required after submission of the final document to the department for approval. Signatures of all members of the dissertation committee must be received for final approval to be granted.

How can I learn more?

• Attend a graduate student open house.
• Request information from our Graduate Admissions Office.
• Email Professor Steven Chien.