Ph. D. in Architecture

The Department of Architecture recognizes the unique opportunities of the Ph.D. program within the structure of the University and the College. The Ph.D. program's mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge about architecture, an approach that is in keeping with the traditional concept of teaching, research, and service in a land-grant University. To realize this goal, the faculty have made a commitment to building on their diverse experiences and backgrounds and to work together to establish a climate in which scholarship and creativity can flourish. The Department endeavors to nurture and expand the synergistic relationships among the faculty, the various academic curricula, the resources of the College, University, and the Profession.

Within this academic climate there is clear recognition of the relative importance of goals at all levels of academic activity. These include a broad educational experience and opportunity in the baccalaureate curriculum, professional competence and focused exploration in the professional master's degree, and the rigorous search for knowledge in the Ph.D. program. The doctoral program in architecture focuses primarily on expanding knowledge and research capacity of the highest order in the currently offered areas of emphasis and exploration topics. The doctoral curriculum responds to the needs of students who wish to pursue careers in research, teaching, and other specialized roles in the design professions.

Finally, the department maintains and promotes an enthusiasm about architecture, which is transmitted to its students, members of the college and university community, the profession, and to society at large.

The doctoral program is the embodiment of the mission of developing and disseminating knowledge in that, more than any other degree program in the college, it emphasizes the creation of new knowledge through research and prepares students to share the results of this research. Although students typically have a background in Environmental Design (E.D.) or Architecture, other backgrounds may also be appropriate. There are six common traces leading to the Ph.D. program.

The program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy enables students of exceptional ability to undertake advanced study and original research in one of the emphasis areas or exploration topics. Students entering this program must complete 64 credit hours beyond a master's degree, including an original research dissertation. Students without a previous graduate degree may matriculate in a 96 credit hour program.

The doctoral program in architecture at Texas A&M University began in the late 1960s, and has been administered by the Department of Architecture in its present form since 1985. Originally, the primary focus of the program was to expand knowledge and research capacity in the technological and building science areas. Although its earlier emphasis was technically-oriented, the program has been expanded to allow students to focus their studies within a broad range of emphasis areas and exploration topics formally identified by the department. Applicants are invited to inquire about topics outside of these emphasis areas, providing they can identify a core of available faculty and support resources, and submit a clearly defined plan of study.

The program typically has 35 students in residence each year (an additional 5 to 10 are not in residence). Although student course work is usually taken in residence at Texas A&M University, some course work may be taken at another university when approved.

Students have come from all over the United States, as well as countries such as Algeria, Australia, China, Colombia, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey and Uruguay. Approximately 60% of the Doctor of Philosophy program participants are international students.

Graduates from the Ph.D. program have accepted positions of responsibility throughout the world in many different disciplines. The majority of our alumni have assumed such positions as consultants, university faculty, and researchers, while others have started their own practices or are working for government agencies.

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