Program Overview
The University of Kansas's Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture program fosters research and analytical skills, advanced knowledge, and communication abilities. It emphasizes ethical considerations in architecture, focusing on developing understanding to inform the creation of humane and sustainable built environments. The program offers concentrations in various areas of architectural inquiry and culminates in a dissertation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture program at the University of Kansas aims to educate students to become more valuable to society through academic, business, and government organizations that require greater artistic, scientific, and investigative skills. The program provides opportunities for candidates to develop and deepen their education in three key areas:
- Enhancing research and analytical skills: This involves rigorous methods of inquiry and synthesis.
- Acquiring advanced knowledge: This is achieved through comprehensive scholarly investigations and distinguished documentation in specific areas of inquiry.
- Developing communication skills: Students learn to communicate their knowledge clearly and eloquently. The program fosters a climate conducive to scholarship and creativity, emphasizing the ethical question of how architecture can enhance the quality of life on this planet. The program's research focus is on developing understanding that may inform the critical delivery processes by which humane architecture is created. This includes areas such as:
- Progressive models of practice embracing evidence-based design and design-build practices
- Affordable housing with sensitive aesthetics
- Material investigations for more affordable and sustainable building practices
- Rigorous evaluations of built artifacts to inform better design practice
- Translation of empirical findings of person-place interaction research into design guidelines
- Critical perspectives on human settlement patterns
Outline:
The Ph.D. in Architecture program is a 49-credit-hour curriculum divided into three parts: foundation, concentrations, and advanced study.
Foundation:
- ARCH 930 - Doctoral Seminar I (1 credit hour)
- ARCH 931 - Theories of Architectural Inquiry (3 credit hours)
- ARCH 951 - Methods of Inquiry in Architectural Research (3 credit hours)
- Research Skills (3 credit hours)
- ARCH 958 - Research Practicum Preparation (1 credit hour)
- Advanced Methods (3 credit hours)
- Major Course (3 credit hours)
- Minor Course (3 credit hours)
Concentrations:
- Students develop major and minor curricula (minimum 12 and 9 credit hours, respectively) in consultation with their major professor.
Advanced Study:
- Students become candidates upon passing the comprehensive examination.
- The advanced studies portion of the curriculum focuses on the dissertation.
- A minimum of 9 dissertation credit hours (ARCH 999) is required for the degree.
Sample Plan of Study:
Year 1:
- Fall: ARCH 930 (1), ARCH 931 (3), ARCH 951 (3), Research Skills (3) = 10 hours
- Spring: ARCH 958 (1), Advanced Methods (3), Major Course (3), Minor Course (3) = 10 hours
Year 2:
- Fall: ARCH 930 (1), Major Courses (6), Minor Course (3) = 10 hours
- Spring: ARCH 959 (4), Major Course (3), Minor Course (3) = 10 hours
Year 3:
- Fall: ARCH 999 (Dissertation) (1-9) = 1-9 hours
- Dissertation continues beyond the fall semester
Total Hours:
41-49
Assessment:
- Comprehensive examination: Required for candidacy.
- Dissertation: The final requirement for the degree.
Teaching:
- Faculty: The program emphasizes faculty expertise and specialization, ensuring that student research interests align with faculty guidance.
Other:
- The program emphasizes ethical considerations in architectural inquiry and practice, focusing on improving the human condition through thoughtful built form.
- Admission to the program requires a demonstrated ability to think critically, understand and apply analytical concepts, and conduct innovative and original research.
- Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose outlining their research interests and career goals.
- The application deadline is January 15th.
