The University of Wyoming is actively recruiting 1 to 2 motivated PhD students to join the Rojas Research Group in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management — and this opportunity comes with full funding. Whether you are aiming for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 entry, this is your chance to earn a doctoral degree at a Carnegie R1 research university in the United States, with your tuition and living expenses covered through a research assistantship. If civil engineering, construction, infrastructure, or related fields are your passion — keep reading, because this guide covers everything you need to know.
📋 Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| University | University of Wyoming (UWYO) |
| Department | Civil & Architectural Engineering and Construction Management (CAECM) |
| Country | United States 🇺🇸 |
| City | Laramie, Wyoming |
| Research Group | Rojas Research Group |
| Degree Level | PhD in Civil Engineering |
| Positions Available | 1–2 PhD Students |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (Research Assistantship) |
| Entry | Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 |
| Application Deadline for Assistantships | March 1 (Fall) / October 15 (Spring) |
| Open To | Domestic & International Students |
| Official Link | UWYO Civil Engineering Graduate Programs |
🎓 University and Department Overview
The University of Wyoming (UWYO) holds a prestigious Carnegie R1 classification — the highest research activity designation in the United States, placing it alongside the country’s top research universities. It is Wyoming’s only four-year public university and has built an exceptional reputation for engineering, environmental science, and energy research.
The Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management (CAECM) is a dynamic, ABET-accredited department covering civil engineering, architectural engineering, construction management, and land surveying. The department has earned its reputation through faculty-led research in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation, water resources, environmental engineering, and construction management.
What makes this particular opening unique is that it is within the Rojas Research Group — a focused, faculty-led research team actively recruiting for specific funded positions. This means you won’t just be admitted to a general programme and left to figure things out. You’ll be joining a structured research team with a defined supervisor, clear research direction, and the financial support to see your PhD through from day one.
With 1 to 2 seats available for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, the competition will be focused — meaning qualified applicants have a genuine shot at securing one of these spots.
🎓 Benefits and Funding
Here is what a funded PhD position at the University of Wyoming typically includes:
- ✅ Full tuition waiver — your PhD tuition is covered for the duration of your assistantship
- ✅ Monthly stipend through a Teaching Assistantship (TA) or Research Assistantship (RA) — typical UWYO PhD engineering stipends range from approximately $18,000–$24,000 per year (verify current amount with the supervisor/department)
- ✅ Health insurance benefits — graduate assistants at UWYO are generally eligible for subsidised health coverage (verify on official site)
- ✅ Access to state-of-the-art research facilities — including the Low-Carbon Energy and Environmental Sustainability (LCEES) lab and other departmental research infrastructure
- ✅ Professional development through seminars, conferences, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- ✅ Career-ready training for academia, government, or private industry
To put this in context: a fully funded PhD in civil engineering at a US R1 university is an investment worth $80,000–$120,000 over 3–5 years — covering tuition costs that international students would otherwise pay out of pocket, plus a living stipend for the full duration.
The cost of living in Laramie, Wyoming is significantly lower than in major US cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Your stipend goes considerably further here — making this an even more attractive package than an equivalent stipend at a coastal institution.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the PhD programme and the funded research assistantship, you will generally need to meet the following requirements:
- 📌 A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architectural Engineering, or a closely related field
- 📌 A Master’s degree is beneficial but not always required for PhD admission (verify with the Rojas Research Group directly)
- 📌 GRE scores required — minimum combined score of 298 (institution code: 4855, department code: 1102)
- 📌 Strong academic record — competitive GPA in undergraduate and/or graduate studies
- 📌 Research experience or demonstrated interest in research relevant to the Rojas Research Group’s focus areas
- 📌 Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- 📌 Statement of Purpose outlining your research interests and career goals
For International Students — English Language Requirements:
- TOEFL minimum: 550 paper-based / 76 internet-based
- IELTS minimum: 6.0
- Institution code for TOEFL: 4855 | Department code: 1102
Note for international students: The GRE requirement is firm — the department states that exceptions are not granted. Begin preparing early if your scores are not yet ready.
🎓 Who Should Apply (And Who Should Not)
✅ Apply if you…
- Have a strong background in civil engineering, construction management, architectural engineering, or a closely related field
- Are genuinely excited about research — not just coursework
- Have GRE scores at or above the 298 minimum (or are prepared to take the test before deadlines)
- Want to live and study in a close-knit university community in the American West
- Are motivated to contribute to meaningful infrastructure, sustainability, or construction-related research
- Are an international student with TOEFL 76+ or IELTS 6.0+ (or are eligible for an exemption)
❌ Don’t apply if you…
- Are looking purely for coursework-based study without a research focus
- Cannot meet the GRE requirement or are hoping for a waiver (not available)
- Have a degree in a completely unrelated field with no engineering background
- Are not able to commit to the full 3–5 year PhD duration
- Are unwilling to relocate to Laramie, Wyoming
🎓 Available Research Areas and Fields
The CAECM department at UWYO covers a broad and impressive range of research areas. The Rojas Research Group sits within this department — and while the specific research focus of Rojas’s group should be confirmed directly by contacting the supervisor, the broader departmental research areas include:
Civil Engineering Research Themes:
- Structural Engineering — safety, sustainability, seismic performance
- Geotechnical Engineering — soil mechanics, foundations, natural hazards
- Transportation Engineering — traffic systems, pavement, autonomous vehicles
- Water Resources — hydrology, water quality, water management
- Environmental Engineering — water treatment, pollution control, sustainability
Construction Management Research Themes:
- Advanced scheduling and risk management
- Data analytics and AI for project performance
- Robotics and drones in construction
- Sustainable and resilient building practices
- Construction education and interdisciplinary collaboration
Architectural Engineering Research Themes:
- Energy-efficient building design
- Urban-scale energy modelling
- Building Information Modelling (BIM)
- Smart system integration
The department’s research spans both fundamental engineering science and applied real-world challenges — meaning wherever your interest lies within civil and construction fields, there is likely a fit.
🎓 Required Documents
Your complete application package for the UWYO graduate programme must include:
- Completed Graduate Admissions Application (submitted online)
- Statement of Purpose — explaining your research interests, experience, and why you want to join UWYO
- GRE Scores — minimum 298 combined (send directly from testing agency, institution code 4855, department code 1102)
- Three Letters of Recommendation (academic references preferred)
- Official Academic Transcripts from all universities attended
- $50 non-refundable application fee
For International Applicants, additionally:
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (send directly from testing agency)
- Confidential Financial Statement
💡 Important: For the initial departmental review, you upload documents directly to the application portal. Official hard copies are only required after the department recommends you for admission.
🎓 Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is exactly how to apply for this PhD opportunity:
- Contact Dr. Rojas / the Rojas Research Group directly before submitting your formal application — introduce yourself, attach your CV, and express your interest in the funded positions (this step is strongly recommended and can make or break your application)
- Prepare your documents — GRE scores, transcripts, statement of purpose, reference contacts
- Submit your online application at UWYO Graduate Admissions
- Pay the $50 application fee (non-waivable)
- Send GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores directly from ETS/testing agency using institution code 4855
- Ensure all three recommendation letters are submitted through the portal
- Watch your email — if recommended by the department, you will be asked to send official transcripts and scores to the Office of Admissions
- Apply before the deadline — March 1 for Fall 2026, October 15 for Spring 2027
💡 Pro Tip: Reaching out to the Rojas Research Group BEFORE submitting your formal application is not just recommended — for funded positions like this, it is practically essential. Faculty supervisors typically select their PhD students through direct interaction first. Email them a short, focused message with your CV and a paragraph on why their research interests you specifically.
🎓 Important Dates and Deadlines
| Entry Term | Assistantship Application Deadline |
| Fall 2026 | March 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | October 15, 2026 |
⚠️ Applications submitted after these deadlines can still be considered for admission and possible research support — but will not be considered for teaching assistantships or department-administered fellowships. Apply on time to maximise your funding options.
📌 Bookmark this page and check back for updates — deadlines and position availability can change.
🎓 Why Apply — Why University of Wyoming, Why Laramie
Let’s talk about the bigger picture — because this opportunity is more than just a degree.
The University of Wyoming is the only R1 research university in the entire state, which means it receives significant state and federal investment in research infrastructure. For PhD students, this translates into well-funded labs, strong faculty mentorship, and a genuine community feel — very different from being one of hundreds of grad students lost in a giant research university system.
Laramie, Wyoming sits at 7,200 feet elevation in the Rocky Mountain foothills — making it one of the most scenic university towns in the United States. The quality of life here is exceptional: low crime, affordable housing, stunning outdoor recreation (skiing, hiking, rock climbing, national parks nearby), and a tight-knit academic community where faculty actually know their students by name.
Career-wise, a PhD in Civil Engineering from a Carnegie R1 US institution opens doors across the globe. Graduates go on to careers in academia, federal agencies like the US Army Corps of Engineers, top engineering consultancies, infrastructure companies, and international organisations focused on sustainable development and climate resilience.
The Rojas Research Group specifically positions you at the cutting edge of its sub-field — with the backing of an accredited, internationally recognised department, and the professional network that comes with it.
🎓 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is this PhD position fully funded for international students? A: Yes — when awarded a Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship, your tuition is waived and you receive a monthly stipend. International students are eligible to apply and be considered for these funded positions. However, you must meet the English language requirements (TOEFL 76+ iBT or IELTS 6.0+) and GRE minimum score of 298.
Q: Is the GRE waivable? A: No. The department explicitly states that GRE score exceptions are not granted. A minimum combined score of 298 is required. Plan ahead and register for the GRE early.
Q: When is the deadline to apply for Fall 2026? A: The deadline for full consideration of financial assistantships for Fall 2026 is March 1, 2026. For Spring 2027 entry, the deadline is October 15, 2026.
Q: Should I contact the supervisor before applying? A: Absolutely yes. For funded PhD positions, faculty supervisors are heavily involved in selecting their students. Emailing the Rojas Research Group with your CV and a brief statement of interest before submitting your formal application is strongly recommended and can significantly increase your chances.
Q: How long does a PhD at UWYO typically take? A: The PhD in Civil Engineering typically takes 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on your research progress, prior background, and dissertation scope.
Q: Is a Master’s degree required to apply for the PhD? A: UWYO does not always require a Master’s degree for PhD admission — strong Bachelor’s degree candidates may be considered. However, having a Master’s degree in a related field strengthens your application considerably. Confirm the specific requirements with the Rojas Research Group directly.
🎓 Official Source and Contact Information
- Department Homepage: UWYO Civil & Architectural Engineering and Construction Management
- Graduate Programs Page: UWYO CAECM Graduate Programs
- Apply Online: UWYO Graduate Admissions Application
- Department Email: cae.info@uwyo.edu
- Department Phone: (307) 766-2390
- Department Address: Engineering Building, Room 3074, 1000 E. University Ave, Laramie, WY 82071
(Contact the Rojas Research Group directly — details available through the department — for information specific to the funded PhD positions)
🎓 Complete Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
| University | University of Wyoming (UWYO) |
| Classification | Carnegie R1 Research University |
| Department | Civil & Architectural Engineering and Construction Management |
| Country | United States 🇺🇸 |
| City | Laramie, Wyoming |
| Research Group | Rojas Research Group |
| Positions | 1–2 Funded PhD Students |
| Degree | PhD in Civil Engineering |
| Funding | Full Tuition Waiver + Monthly Stipend (RA/TA) |
| Entry Terms | Fall 2026 or Spring 2027 |
| Fall Deadline | March 1, 2026 |
| Spring Deadline | October 15, 2026 |
| GRE Required | Yes — minimum 298 combined |
| TOEFL/IELTS | TOEFL 76 iBT / IELTS 6.0 (international students) |
| Application Fee | $50 USD (non-waivable) |
| Apply | UWYO Graduate Admissions |
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