Joint UNU-CCNY PhD Program in Civil Engineering

Offered at The City College of New York in collaboration with the United Nations University- Institute for Water, Environment and Health. 

Link to the application form

About the Program 

The is a joint doctoral program offered by The City College of New York (CCNY) and the United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU–INWEH). It integrates advanced civil engineering research with global sustainability priorities, emphasizing environmental modeling, decision making, and policy-relevant research.

Designed for doctoral students seeking global research exposure, the program allows students to pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering at CCNY while earning graduate credentials from UNU through the UNU Hub on Remote Sensing and Sustainable Innovations for Resilient Urban Systems (R-SIRUS).

It aligns with the missions of CCNY and UNU by expanding interdisciplinary education, strengthening global research collaboration, and preparing scholars to address complex environmental and infrastructure challenges worldwide.

Why Choose this Program?
 
UN-University Research Collaboration
Pursue a PhD in Civil Engineering at CCNY while earning a Doctoral Diploma in Environmental Modeling and Decision Making from UNU INWEH and CCNY, gaining internationally recognized academic credentials from both institutions.
 
Interdisciplinary & Applied Research
Engage in interdisciplinary research spanning environmental modeling, sustainability, urban resilience, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and policy-relevant decision making.
 
Global Research Exposure
Interact with UN and international experts and collaborate across global research networks focused on real-world environmental challenges.
 
Enhanced Career Prospects
Strengthen academic and professional trajectories through internationally recognized credentials, applied research experience, and engagement with UN sustainability initiatives.
 
Program Structure & Requirements

Degree Framework

The program follows CCNY’s existing PhD in Civil Engineering requirements while incorporating specialized coursework and research aligned with global sustainability and UN priorities. See detailed list of requirements here.

Coursework Requirements

  • Completion of required foundational and advanced coursework as defined by CCNY’s PhD in Civil Engineering
  • Three additional interdisciplinary courses (9 credits) focusing on policy, remote sensing and geospatial data science.

Research & Dissertation

  • Doctoral research aligned with one or more of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Dissertation topics may address areas such as: (- Climate adaptation and mitigation, – Water resource management and hydrology, – Disaster risk reduction and resilience, – Sustainable urban development, – Environmental policy and infrastructure sustainability)
  • Dissertation committees include faculty from CCNY and at least one UNU or UN-affiliated expert, strengthening international relevance and impact.

Internship Experience

All students complete a 10-12-week internship (in-person or remote) through a UNU- or UN-related organization, providing hands-on experience applying research to global challenges.

Degree and Credentials Awarded

  • A PhD in Civil Engineering from CCNY 
  • A Doctoral Diploma in Environmental Modeling and Decision Making from UNU-INWEH and CCNY

Admissions Requirements

  • Be admitted to the PhD in Civil Engineering program at CCNY
  • Demonstrate research alignment with sustainability, environmental modeling, or decision-making themes