Doctor of Philosophy in Design and Planning

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Design and Planning is a Faculty-wide program under the general supervision of the Faculty of Architecture Doctoral Studies Committee, currently chaired by Dr. Lisa Landrum. The Ph.D. in Design and Planning is for students wishing to make a significant contribution to knowledge in design and planning fields. The program is intended for students intending to pursue independent investigation, original research and creative scholarship. Applicants must demonstrate research capability through prior degree(s), publications, presentations and a record of appropriate experience in professional practice, teaching or other pertinent activities. The Ph.D. in Design and Planning program requires 12-credits of course work, a Candidacy Examination, a Thesis Proposal, and a written Thesis, which must be publicly defended in an oral examination. Candidates are expected to demonstrate mastery of their field and to make an original contribution to their discipline. The Ph.D. option consists of coursework and a substantial research component.
Expected Duration - 4 years.

To qualify for admission to the Design and Planning PhD program, you must have a minimum of:

A Master's degree in Architecture, City Planning, Environmental Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture or a related field from a recognized institution

with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or equivalent in the last two years of full-time university study (60 credit hours);

Evidence of appropriate research capability (a Master's thesis or practicum and/or peer-reviewed publications or presentations)

A record of appropriate experience in professional practice, post-secondary teaching and/or other pertinent accomplishments and activities

A satisfactory English language proficiency test score, if applicable. IETLS and TOEFL are preferred, but other Faculty of Graduate studies accepted tests will be accepted. Test scores must meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) minimum requirements except for the following tests, which require higher scores than the FGS minimum:

IELTS: A minimum score of 7.0; Writing score: 6.5

TOEFL (iBT): A minimum score of 94, Writing: 22

Support from a faculty member who has agreed to serve as your advisor