Architecture (PhD)

The PhD degree program focuses on sustainable design, addressing the needs of the profession as society faces the environmental impact of its cities. It prepares students for careers at universities and other institutions engaged in research related to sustainable design, such as national research laboratories, industry research and development, public agencies, and nongovernment organizations. PhD students address research topics that encompass spatial, environmental, historical, social, political, technical, and economic factors. In addition to a rigorous understanding of building performance, aspects of sustainable community development, and broader social processes and policies, each student is expected to demonstrate an understanding of theory and research in a related focus area. Completion of the program requires demonstrated excellence through original contributions to the field. Depending on background and research goals, students can expect to complete the degree in three to six years, with four to five years being most typical. There is a minimum residency of two years of full-time graduate work at the Eugene campus.

The program supports advanced study in the following areas:

• Design and policy for sustainable cities and livable communities
• Design for climate change and adaptation
• Cultural, social, and economic sustainability
• Net-zero building and eco-district design
• Resource forecasting and simulation of place and building performance
• Energy-efficient, adaptive reuse of existing buildings
• Indoor environmental quality and occupant health
• High-performance building envelopes and green technologies
• Life-cycle building analysis design and modeling

The Ph.D. program in Architecture focuses on sustainable architecture and integrated design. The program is an advanced research degree that engages students in multidisciplinary investigations that create new knowledge in compelling and time-sensitive research topics. 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. 

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Conduct independent original research and disseminate research results to the academic and professional community.
• Demonstrate thoughtful and professional conduct and contribute research advances and service to their professional communities and societies.
• Demonstrate broad knowledge of principal texts, journal and conference publications, methods, discussions, and problems in a selected field of study within architecture.
• Identify fundamental research problems and propose innovative solutions to these problems through their research projects using a strong theoretical and/or experimental and/or computational background.
• Create and deliver effective verbal and written presentations that contribute to the understanding of the field.

Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture