Program Name

Doctor of Philosophy Program in Environmental Engineering (Ph.D. Environmental Engineering)

About the Department

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Thailand, evolved alongside the establishment of the university and its Faculty of Engineering in 1967, which was created to support regional development in southern Thailand. In its early years, civil engineering was one of the core disciplines, focusing on essential infrastructure such as transportation systems, buildings, and water resource management to meet the needs of the region. Throughout the 1970s to 1990s, the civil engineering program expanded into key subfields including structural, geotechnical, transportation, and hydraulic engineering. In response to growing environmental challenges, PSU formally established the Environmental Engineering program in 1997, marking a significant milestone in broadening its academic and research scope. This program was later developed into full undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, addressing issues such as water and wastewater treatment, solid waste management, air pollution control, and environmental sustainability. The integration of civil and environmental engineering into a single department reflects the interdisciplinary approach required to tackle modern engineering problems, where infrastructure development must be balanced with environmental protection. Today, the department plays a vital role in education, research, and regional collaboration, producing skilled engineers and contributing to areas such as flood management, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. With strong partnerships across government, industry, and international institutions, the department continues to advance innovative solutions tailored to the environmental and infrastructural challenges of southern Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region

Vision

To be a leading doctoral program in environmental engineering that produces ethical scholars and innovators contributing to sustainable development and global transformation in alignment with BCG and SDGs.

Mission

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Environmental Engineering adopts an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) approach, emphasizing the development of a curriculum and learning processes that align with the educational philosophy of Prince of Songkla University. The program focuses on active learning strategies that promote student engagement through diverse activities and practical experiences. In particular, it integrates Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Research-Based Learning, and Lifelong Learning to enable learners to continuously develop their professional competencies through Continuous Professional Development (CPD). The program is guided by the royal philosophy of His Royal Highness Prince Mahidol of Songkla: “The benefit of mankind is the first priority,” which serves as a fundamental principle in its educational management. Based on this philosophy, the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Environmental Engineering aims to produce highly competent and ethical environmental engineering professionals and scholars who are dedicated to the benefit of humanity. Graduates are expected to generate new knowledge and innovations that contribute to sustainable national development and respond effectively to global transformations, in alignment with the Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model and the core principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Program Educational Objective

The Doctor of Philosophy Program in Environmental Engineering aims to produce professionals and academics in the field of environmental engineering who are both highly skilled and ethical, serving the benefit of humanity. The program focuses on generating knowledge and innovation for the sustainable development of the country while keeping pace with global changes within the framework of the green economy and the core principles of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and climate change. The curriculum integrates modern disciplines through research in environmental engineering technologies, covering aspects such as water supply engineering, wastewater, air, solid waste, and hazardous waste management, as well as planning and management to support sustainable development, the bioeconomy, circular economy, and green economy (BCG).

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

• PLO1: Integrate knowledge in environmental engineering to solve environmental problems aligned with the Bioeconomy, Circular Economy, and Green Economy.
• PLO2: Generate new knowledge or innovations in environmental engineering through research processes promoting carbon neutrality and aligned with the Bioeconomy, Circular Economy, and Green Economy.
• PLO3: Utilize information technology for continuous academic inquiry and learning.
• PLO4: Demonstrate effective leadership, followership, and teamwork.
• PLO5: Communicate academically in English accurately and effectively at an international level.
• PLO6: Exhibit ethical conduct in academic and professional environmental engineering practices.

Study Plans

Research base for Plan 1.1 (48 credits) and Plan 1.2 (72 credits)

Thesis topics

1. Smart Water Systems and Advanced Water Treatment Technologies
   • AI-driven water management, digital water systems
   • Membrane technology, resource recovery, water reuse, digestion technology
   • Climate-resilient water infrastructure
2. Air Quality, Climate Change, and Carbon Management
   • Air pollution monitoring and modeling (IoT, satellite data)
   • Greenhouse gas mitigation and carbon neutrality
   • Climate adaptation and resilience strategies
3. Sustainable Waste Management and Circular Bioeconomy
   • Waste-to-resource technologies (waste valorization)
   • Circular economy and industrial symbiosis
   • Plastic upcycling and bio-based materials
4. Environmental Systems, Risk Assessment, and Sustainability Science
   • Environmental modeling and decision-support systems
   • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and environmental footprint
   • Policy, governance, and sustainable development (SDGs)
5. Emerging Technologies and Interdisciplinary Environmental Innovation
   • AI, IoT, and data science in environmental engineering
   • Nature-based solutions and ecosystem engineering
   • Nexus approach (Water–Energy–Food–Climate)

Student Admissions

Plan 1.1

1. Graduated with Master's degree in Environmental Engineering or an equivalent field, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.50
2. English proficiency requirements score as the requirement of the Office of the Higher Education Commission.
3. Published work in national or international journals.
4. Other qualifications must comply with the 2020 Graduate Studies Regulations of Prince of Songkla University.

Plan 1.2

1. Graduated with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with excellent academic performance in Environmental Engineering or a related field.
2. English proficiency requirements score as the requirement of the Office of the Higher Education Commission.
3. Published work in national or international journals.
4. Must have research experience.
5. Other qualifications must comply with the 2020 Graduate Studies Regulations of Prince of Songkla University.

Graduation Criteria

• Pass Qualifying Examination (QE)
• Successfully complete Final Oral Defense (Open Examination)
• Demonstrate originality and in-depth knowledge of the dissertation

Fee and Scholarship

• 30,000 THB (Thai Student)
• 60,000 THB (International Student)

Financial supports are available for both Thai and International students. Please contact the program chair for more details.

Program Accreditation

AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network Quality Assurance)

Contact Person

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Watsa Khongnakorn (Program Chair)

Tel: 074-287122 Email: watsa.k@psu.ac.th