Program Eligibility | How to Apply
Applicants to the PhD in Architecture program must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a master’s degree in architecture from an accredited program, or
- Hold an accredited professional degree in architecture and a master’s degree in a related field
- In lieu of a professional architecture degree, applicants may submit:
- A current architectural license and
- Evidence of design practice
- Note: A master’s degree in a related field is still required in this scenario
Preparation Resources
- Review the PhD Handbook before submitting your application
- Review doctoral student profiles to better understand the program’s focus and strengths
- Please do not contact faculty advisors during the application process
- Before admission, the department will evaluate whether there is a sufficient match between:
- Your scholarly goals and research interests, and
- Faculty expertise, interests, and availability to serve as a major advisor.
- Application Available: September 15
- Application Deadline: December 2
- Online Departmental Interviews: February
- Some applicants may be invited to participate in an online departmental interview
- Application Decision: Decision letters are usually emailed by the end of March or shortly thereafter.
Note: If the application deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is the following business day.
- Submit your application following the UO Division of Graduate Studies application submission procedures:
- Domestic Applicants – Application fee $70
- International Applicants - Application fee $90
- The Division of Graduate Studies offers limited graduate application fee waivers for applicants who meet specific criteria, as outlined on the Division of Graduate Studies' application fee waiver page.
- UO Transcript Requirement
- Non-native English speakers need to meet the UO Division of Graduate Studies' language proficiency requirements.
- Once admitted to the program, all incoming students will be required to pay a deposit.
- Portfolio
- Writing Sample
- CV or Resume
- Transcripts
- Eligible applicants must have earned an MArch degree, a post-professional degree in architecture, or a professional degree in architecture and a master’s degree in a related field.
- Three (3) Recommendations
- Application Questions
Summary of Goals and Intent
Describe your general academic and career goals, the field(s) in which you would like to study, and why you wish to attend the University of Oregon, and the issues that are important to your proposed area of research. You may want to refer to specific classes, faculty, or research projects that interest you. Your ideas should be clear, specific, and persuasive.
Research Statement of Intent
Describe your intended area of specialization with a specific research proposal for your dissertation. Your proposal should succinctly describe a research question, articulate why it is important to the field of architecture, demonstrate an understanding of the relevant literature and gaps in current knowledge, and identify several research methods that can be applied to the problem and potential outcomes. It is expected that your ideas will evolve when you are here, but the committee will use this proposal to assess your ability to conceptualize and articulate a research plan and your preparedness to pursue these ideas.
For questions about the program or for more information, please contact our SAE Student Ambassadors at archrecruiter@uoregon.edu or at 541-346-1740.
- Graduate Employee (GE) Positions
- Some admitted PhD students may be offered Department of Architecture GE positions
- Graduate Employees: English Language Policy for Non-Native English Speakers
- Non-native English speakers in teaching roles must demonstrate spoken English proficiency through:
- The SPEAK Test, or
- The speaking component of the TOEFL iBT or IELTS
- Non-native English speakers in teaching roles must demonstrate spoken English proficiency through: