Overview | Degree Requirements | Sample Curriculum | PhD Handbook
Building on more than 40 years of excellence in environmental design teaching and research at the University of Oregon, the PhD in Architecture is an advanced, STEM‑designated research degree focused on sustainable architecture and integrated design.
As a home for professional education in architecture and environmental design since 1914, the program engages students in multidisciplinary, time‑sensitive research that advances knowledge and addresses the urgent challenges facing the built environment today.
Program Focus
With a dedicated emphasis on sustainability, the PhD program responds to the evolving needs of the profession as societies confront the environmental impacts of buildings and cities. Students pursue research topics that integrate spatial, environmental, historical, social, political, technical, and economic perspectives.
In addition to developing a rigorous understanding of building performance and sustainable community development, students are expected to demonstrate strong command of:
- Relevant literature and theory
- Research methods and practices
- A related disciplinary or thematic focus area
Learn more about faculty research through faculty profiles and the Guide to Research + Creative Practice.
Research Areas of Interest
The program welcomes applicants with clear research goals and strong interests in topics such as:
- Sustainable cities and livable communities (design and policy)
- Climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience
- Cultural, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability
- Net‑zero buildings and eco‑district design
- Resource forecasting and performance simulation
- Energy‑efficient and adaptive reuse of existing buildings
- Indoor environmental quality and occupant health
- High‑performance building envelopes and green technologies
- Life‑cycle assessment, design, and modeling
Community & Environment
PhD students join a collaborative community of architects, engineers, and designers committed to addressing complex environmental challenges. Through research and inquiry, students contribute to shaping healthier, more equitable, and more sustainable built environments
Career Pathways
Graduates of the PhD in Architecture are prepared for research‑focused careers in:
- Universities and academic institutions
- National research laboratories
- Industry and professional practice
- Public agencies and policy organizations
- Non‑governmental and nonprofit organizations
Students complete a rigorous program of advanced study and original research in sustainable design
Funding Opportunities
Information about graduate funding is available through:
- Category 1: Research and Investigation Requirements: 12 Credits
- Category 2: Primary (Inside) Focus Area Requirements: 16 Credits
- Category 3: Secondary (Outside) Focus Area Requirements: 26 Credits
- Other Core: 12 Credits
- Dissertation: 18 Credits
Students will select courses that are aligned with their research interests. Students may focus on sustainable building design, preservation and sustainability, sustainable communities, or other related areas. All students will be required to take the following two courses:
- ARCH 500-/600-Level Advanced Electives
These courses will be selected in consultation with the faculty advisor to provide sufficient depth in the student’s area of research. The courses are typically taken outside of architecture and are intended to develop knowledge of a second discipline that supports the student’s research.
- 500-/600-level coursework in other departments
Architecture PhD students may choose to add one of the following optional Specializations or Graduate Certificates to their degree:
- Architectural Technology (Eugene campus only)
- Housing (Eugene campus only)
- Interior Architecture (Eugene campus only)
- Historic Preservation (Portland campus only)
- Urban Architecture and Urban Design (Portland campus only)
- Ecological Design Certificate
Further details on completing these specializations and certificates are available from an academic advisor.
Year One
- ARCH 620 Research Methods in Sustainable Design – Category 1 [4 Credits]
- ARCH elective, Inside Focus Area – Category 2 [4 Credits]
- ARCH 601 Research – Other [4 Credits]
- ARCH elective, Inside Focus Area – Category 2 [4 Credits]
- ARCH elective, Inside Focus Area – Category 2 [4 Credits]
- ARCH elective, Inside Focus Area – Category 2 [4 Credits]
- ARCH 678 Advanced Research in Sustainable Design – Category 1 [4 Credits]
- ARCH 695 Advanced Dissertation Proposal Development – Category 1 [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [4 Credits]
Year Two
- ARCH 601 Research – Other [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [3 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [4 Credits]
- Elective, Outside Focus Area – Category 3 [3 Credits]
- ARCH 605 Special Problems (prospectus and comprehensive preparation) – Other [4 Credits]
- ARCH 605 Special Problems (comprehensive exams) – Other [8 Credits]
- ARCH 601 Research – Other [1 Credits]
Year Three
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- Proposal Due
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
Year Four
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
Year Five
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
Year Six
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)
- ARCH 603 Dissertation (as required)