First, if you haev MS in Civil, it’s not difficult to get a job in engineering consulting companies. Many big companies do sponsor your H-visa, too. I am in civil, related to water and environmental. It was not hard to get a job. I guess it will be similar to geotech area. This area is different from other engineering discipline such as computer or electrical engineering. Civil jobs require good conversation and writing skills. After Ph.D. it’s not easy to get a job. Not many positions are open to Ph.Ds. If you want to go for research position in the future, you’ll need Ph.D., otherwise, it’s better not.

I disagree with kk. I haven’t seen any Ph.D guys who doesn’t have job and doing nothing yet. Ph.D holders that I have seen so far got a relatively superior position and benefit compared to MS degree holder.
It might be difficult to get a job as a Ph.D if he/she doesn’t have any previous experiences but, it is not happen to only Ph.D holder but also MS holder. I believe that once you get through Ph.D, then you will have a better chance for your future career. You’d better prepare the FE and PE to get industry jobs easily.

I agree with KK and guess. I also work in water and waste water engineer. I was a Ph.d student because I already had Master degree and 3yrs company experiences from Korea. But I changed my mind that I want to get more experiences in USA. I have seen Ph.d guys who doesn’t have job. Friend of mine works same company with me. He is a Ph.d student(he got Master degree) but he got a job as Master degree. Usually, company dosen’t want over qualificated person but preper someone who has experiences. I would recommend to prepare the FE and PE. Good luck!

KK, Guess, and Jakie, I really appreciate your good comments.
I guess the comment of a Chinese Ph.D. student is true about MS in Civil Eng.. Thank you again.