Ph.D. in Architecture
The Ph.D. in Architecture at Texas A&M University provides students with the tools and resources necessary to advance the field academically, professionally, culturally, and commercially. In this program, you’ll create, develop, and disseminate new knowledge relevant to architecture and related areas of focus.
You will work individually and collaboratively with graduate faculty members as they guide your doctoral research. They will share their professional and scholarly expertise as you generate new knowledge.
About the Program
The doctoral program in architecture was established in the late 1960s with a focus on technical research. Today, our students identify and improve existing bodies of scholarly and professional knowledge across a broad range of topics.
In this program, you’ll learn to:
- Identify critical problems and current and emerging opportunities confronting the discipline of architecture
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies at the highest levels of scholarly, humanistic, and scientific rigor
- Generate original and lasting contributions to the bodies of historical, theoretical, critical, and practical knowledge in architecture, related disciplines and sub‐disciplines
- Share your doctoral research in peer‐reviewed conference papers, journal articles, book chapters, monographs, research posters, and public lectures
Areas of Emphasis
- Healthcare Design
- Design Computation
- Building Information Modeling
- History and Theory
- Heritage Conservation
- Energy Efficiency
- Lighting
- Sustainability
- Digital Fabrication
- Building Construction and Processes
- Advanced Visual Communications
- Human-Computer Interaction (with Visualization Department Co-Chair)
- Construction Management (with Construction Science Department Co-Chair)
Careers
The Ph.D. in Architecture prepares graduates for careers in academia, industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and independent and institutionally supported research.
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in Architecture requires a minimum of 64 credit hours beyond the master’s degree. Our required courses provide students a solid foundation in historical knowledge and theoretical discourse. Our elective coursework is flexible so you can tailor your studies to your interests.
Required Courses
- ARCH 669: Foundations of Research (3 credits)
- ARCH 681: Graduate Seminar (2 semesters, fall and spring — 1 credit per semester)
- ARCH 690: Research Ideologies for Architecture (3 credits)
- CARC 698: Writing for Publications (3 credits)
- One approved graduate-level architectural history course (3 credits)
- One approved graduate-level architectural theory course (3 credits)
Elective Courses Specific to Your Area of Research
- Courses to support research inquiry (to be determined by committee chair/mentor)
- Courses to support research interpretation (to be determined by committee chair/mentor)
The graduate catalog connects to an extensive listing of graduate courses with ARCH designations addressing a wide range of topics in the built environment.
FAQ about the Ph.D. program
Do you offer the program online?
Yes, although most of our students complete the program in residence.
How long will this program take to complete?
The expected time for completing the Ph.D. in Architecture is five years, though some students may require a longer period to complete the required and elective coursework, conduct research, analyze data, and write the dissertation.
Who will be part of my advisory committee?
This committee is composed of a chair and at least two additional graduate faculty members. The chair and one of the members must be architecture faculty. The third member must be from outside the architecture faculty. Committee chairs assist in finding graduate faculty members to join the committee.
What are the steps I will take to earn my Ph.D.?
Once enrolled in our doctoral program, you will:
- Complete 64 hours of coursework, including courses that support your area of research
- Complete your preliminary examination, both written and oral
- Defend your dissertation proposal
- Advance to being a Ph.D. candidate (ABD)
- Research, write and complete your dissertation
- Defend your dissertation
How to Apply
Admission to our Ph.D. in Architecture program is offered to students with a master’s degree in architecture or a related field.
More about application requirements Apply
FAQ about the admission process
How many students are admitted each year?
We admit 10 to 13 students per year from a pool of 70 to 100 applicants.
How does the admission process work?
Submit your application at Texas A&M GradCas along with a non-refundable application fee. The fee may be waived only in exceptional cases for low-income applicants and McNair Scholars.
Your application should include the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended
- 3 letters of recommendation (academic references preferred)
- Statement of intent essay
- Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
Learn more about the Ph.D. in Architecture application requirements.
What kinds of financial aid does the program offer?
Though a number of teaching and research assistantships, as well as competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships may be available for Ph.D. students, no guarantee of funding can be provided. All students entering the Ph.D. program should plan to be fully self-supporting through third-party sponsors, outside fellowships, outside scholarships, personal funds and/or student loans. Non-U.S. students must provide verification of financial status.
Who can I go to for questions?
All inquiries regarding coursework, graduate faculty, and research focus for the Ph.D. in Architecture should be directed to Stephen Caffey, Associate Department Head for M.S. and Ph.D. Programs, at stephencaffey@tamu.edu.
All inquiries regarding application or admission to the Master of Architecture program should be directed to march@arch.tamu.edu.
Centered on research
At Texas A&M, you’ll have access to active research communities housed in centers and institutes across the university. These research hubs unite students and faculty, introducing the next generation of researchers to researchers around the world.