2026-2027 Course Catalog
Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/faa/architecture-phd/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/graduate/
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
This program offers advanced training for those students whose goal is a career of research and scholarship in academia, industry, or government. Four areas of focus are offered: History and Theory, Environment and Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Urbanism. The program is administered jointly with the Department of Landscape Architecture.
Admission
The admission grade point average for full standing in the Graduate College and the school must be at least 3.0 (A = 4.0). For applicants who meet the other requirements but have an admission GPA under 3.0, admission with limited standing may be permitted if evidence of exceptional qualification is presented.
The application process is highly selective. Potential applicants are encouraged to correspond with the chair of the Ph.D. program and or with prospective advisors. Applicants are selected for admission on the basis of academic performance and relevant experience. Application material is evaluated by the Ph.D. Committee and members of the faculty as necessary. Recommendations for admission are based upon an appraisal of prior academic work determined from official transcripts, the statement of research objectives, three letters of recommendation, and relevant professional work experience.
To apply go to the Graduate College online application. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required for all PhD applicants.
Please review the English proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
Graduate Teaching Experience
While teaching is not required by the Graduate College, it is an important part of the graduate experience in this program.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for graduate students in architecture is available in the form of fellowships and assistantships (teaching, research, and graduate or resource). Qualified candidates are considered for financial support upon application and in subsequent years of study.
Degree Requirements
The requirements may vary slightly according to students' area of focus. Please consult thePhD Handbook for more explicit details.
Students are required to defend their dissertation; Policies on format of the doctoral examination can be found in the Graduate College Handbook.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
For additional details and requirements refer to the department's program page and the Graduate College Handbook.
96-hour program for students entering with a Baccalaureate degree.
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | All students are required to enroll in the PhD colloquium during the fall of their first year of course work. | | | | ARCH 589 | PhD Colloquium (twice) | 2 | | Research Methods | | 4 | | Elective Coursework in Major Field | | 26 | | Language Requirement: Required for all students in the History/Theory option and for some Social and Cultural Factors students | | | | Elective Coursework | | 32 | | ARCH 599 | Thesis Research | 32 | | Total Hours | | 96 |
64 Hour program for students admitted with an approved MS/MA required to complete Stages II, and III.
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | All students are required to enroll in the PhD colloquium during the fall of their first year of course work. | | | | ARCH 589 | PhD Colloquium (twice) | 2 | | Research Methods (Unless Previously Approved) | | 4 | | | | | | Language Requirement: Required for all students in the History/Theory option and for some Social and Cultural Factors students | | | | Elective Coursework | | 26 | | ARCH 599 | Thesis Research | 32 | | Total Hours | | 64 |
80-96 Hour program for students admitted with maximum 16 hours approved from a prior M.ARCH
Course List
| Code | Title | Hours |
| --- | --- | --- | | All students are required to enroll in the PhD colloquium during the fall of their first year of course work. | | | | ARCH 589 | PhD Colloquium (twice) | 2 | | Research Methods | | 4 | | Elective Coursework in Major Field | | 10-26 | | Language Requirement: Required for all students in the History/Theory option and for some Social and Cultural Factors students | | | | Elective Coursework | | 32 | | ARCH 599 | Thesis Research | 32 | | Total Hours | | 80-96 |
Other Requirements
Grad Other Degree Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall (not including 599): | 24 |
| Professional Degree Required for Admission to PhD? | No |
| Qualifying Exam Required | No |
| Preliminary Exam Required | Yes |
| Final Exam/Dissertation Defense Required | Yes |
| Dissertation Deposit Required | Yes |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
| Language and statistics course requirements vary by focus area. To develop proficiency, students may be required to take more than one course. Specific requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis by the Chair of the Ph.D. Committee in consultation with the student’s advisor. |
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
Theory & Knowledge
- Students will understand the major theoretical approaches in their architectural subdiscipline, and the assumptions inflected on research situated within any one approach.
- Students will develop mastery of the knowledge in a major architectural subdiscipline and substantial comprehension of knowledge in a minor field outside of architecture.
- Students can identify and describe key theories, concepts, and issues associated with the major theoretical approaches in their architectural subdiscipline.
- Students can combine theoretical approaches to explain phenomena they intend to study.
- Students can select the theoretical approach that is most applicable to a phenomenon and explain why they have selected that perspective.
Research
- Students will be able to identify, interpret, and synthesize research and describe the gaps in research conducted by other scholars in a particular area of focus.
- Students will comprehend the primary quantitative and qualitative research methods employed in systematic study of the built environment.
- Students will be versed in research ethics pertinent to their architectural subdiscipline.
- Students will be able to design and carry out a major original research project that contributes new knowledge to the discipline.
- Students will be able to articulate to scholars outside the field the value of including architectural perspectives in interdisciplinary research.
Dissemination of Scholarship
- Students will understand the value and obligation for scholars to engage in all aspects of the peer-review process.
- Students informally share their work-in-progress with peers.
- Student can engage peer-review conference and journal venues where they disseminate their research.
Professional Development
- Students explore academic and professional post-graduation possibilities for applying their expertise in productive employment.
- Students understand the different types of academic institutions and the expectations of faculty and staff in these different institution settings.
- Students can design and deliver a lecture.
- Students can identify and describe different methods of academic instruction and explain their differential goals.
for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture
School of Architecture
Director of the School: Francisco Javier Rodríguez-Suárez\ Associate Director for Curricular and Academic Programs: Emelie Mies\ 117 Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, 611 Taft Drive, Champaign, IL 61820\ (217) 333-7720\ arch-grad@illinois.edu
College of Fine & Applied Arts
College of Fine & Applied Arts
School of Architecture
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