Degree Requirements | Required Courses | Sample Curriculum Outline | PhD Handbook

Degree Overview

Building upon more than 40 years of excellence in environmental design teaching and research at the UO, the PhD program in architecture focuses on sustainable architecture and integrated design. Home to professional education in architecture and related environmental design fields since 1914, the program is an advanced research degree that engages students in multidisciplinary investigations that create new knowledge in compelling and time-sensitive research topics.

With this exclusive focus, the program addresses the needs of the profession as society faces the environmental impact of buildings and cities. Students examine research topics that typically encompass an array of spatial, environmental, historical, social, political, technical, and economic factors. In addition to the rigorous understanding of building performance, aspects of sustainable community development, and broader social processes and policies, each student is also expected to demonstrate an understanding of the literature, theory, and research in a related focus area. Learn more about what our faculty members are researching by reading their profiles or browsing the Guide to Research + Creative Practice.

The PhD program prepares students for careers at universities, and at other entities engaged in research related to sustainable design such as national research laboratories, industries, public agencies, and non-government organizations. Students admitted to this program will carry out a program of advanced study and research in sustainable design.

The PhD in Architecture is a STEM-designated degree.

PhD students join a community of inquiring architects, engineers, and designers who are committed to solving multifaceted problems and furthering knowledge by researching issues and processes that give form to the environment. We seek candidates with keen interests, career goals, and a clear capacity for research that are interested in topics that may include:

• sustainable cities and livable communities design and policy
• design for climate change and adaptation
• cultural, social and economic sustainability
• net-zero buildings and eco-districts design
• resource forecasting and simulation of place and building performance
• energy-efficient, adaptive re-use of existing buildings
• indoor environmental quality and occupants’ health
• high-performance envelopes and green technologies
• life-cycle analysis design and modeling

Graduate funding information can be found on the SAE Graduate Funding website and the SAE Graduate Employee (GE) website.

Degree Requirements (84 Credits)

• Research and Investigation: 12 credits
• Primary (Inside) Focus Area: 16 credits
• Secondary (Outside) Focus Area: 26 credits
• Other Core: 12 credits
• Dissertation: 18 credits

The usual program for the PhD consists of a minimum of 66 credits, including at least 50 graduate-level credits in the Department of Architecture, through a four- to six-year course of study. The PhD program in architecture is governed by the regulations of the University of Oregon Graduate School and administered by the Department of Architecture’s PhD program committee. Specific degree requirements include:

• the first year of study needs to be at the Eugene campus
• a minimum of two years in residence
• completion of three terms of courses in research methodology
• completion of two courses in research methods
• completion of two focus areas (one within and one outside the Department)
• completion of a written qualifying examination, followed by an oral qualifying examination
• completion of a dissertation

For additional reference, see the PhD Handbook.

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Required Courses

Category 1:  Research and Investigation Requirements (minimum 12 credits)

Category 2:  Primary (Inside) Focus Area Requirements (minimum 16 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:

Category 3:  Secondary (Outside) Focus Area Requirements (minimum 26 credits)

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

Other Core:  12 credits

Category 1 and 2 courses, e.g. ARCH 601 Research, ARCH 603 Dissertation, ARCH 605 Special Problems. 

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
• Technical Teaching Certificate

Further details on completing these specializations and certificates are available with the departmental academic advisor.