Architecture and Design Research

The Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research at Virginia Tech is a comprehensive doctoral program dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in architectural practice, design processes, and research methodologies. This program is designed for individuals who aspire to become leading scholars, researchers, and educators in the fields of architecture, design, and related disciplines. Students in this program have the opportunity to engage in rigorous research activities that explore contemporary challenges in built environments, sustainability, digital design, human-computer interaction, urbanism, and cultural contexts. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating theoretical foundations with practical applications to develop new insights and design solutions.

Participants work closely with faculty members who are prominent experts and thought leaders in architecture and design research. The program fosters critical thinking, creativity, and scholarly independence, encouraging students to pursue innovative projects that contribute to academic knowledge and societal well-being. Virginia Tech’s state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and extensive technological resources provide a dynamic environment for experimentation and investigation. In addition to coursework, doctoral candidates undertake comprehensive qualifying exams, develop a significant dissertation proposal, and conduct original research that culminates in a dissertation embodying significant scholarly contribution.

The program also emphasizes the importance of engaging with global architectural issues, integrating sustainable practices, and leveraging emerging digital technologies. Ph.D. students are encouraged to participate in conferences, publish their research, and collaborate across disciplines and institutions. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and private sector organizations dedicated to the development of innovative architectural and design solutions. Virginia Tech’s Architecture and Design Research Ph.D. offers a challenging and enriching academic environment that prepares students to become influential leaders in shaping the future of architecture and design both nationally and internationally.

he faculty are seeking to admit a highly selective group of students who have master’s degrees in closely allied fields, such as Architecture, Environmental Design, Building Science, Landscape Architecture, Architecture History and Theory, Interior Design, and Industrial Design. In addition to the application requirements of the Virginia Tech Graduate School and those pertaining to all graduate programs within the School of Architecture + Design, applicants to the Ph.D. degree in Architecture and Design Research must submit a portfolio and a 2,500 word statement of research focus.

Degree Requirements for the Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research:

• The Graduate School requires each Ph.D. student to complete 90 semester hours of graduate study and dissertation.
• All students, regardless of area of specialization, are required to complete a sequence of specific Architecture and Design Seminars. A two-semester sequence seminar will focus primarily on epistemology and the nature of discipline and practice of architecture, viewed in the context of architecture and the allied fields. Students will also enroll in a continuing seminar course required every semester of residence. In these seminars, Ph.D. students, the School faculty involved with the graduate program, and possible guests present their own research for critical review and feedback. The Ph.D. students in the Architecture track must also pass a test of reading ability in a foreign language related to their selected topics (native languages and English do not fulfill this requirement).
• In addition, all students must complete a special Research Methods course organized by area of specialization. At the approval of the student’s advisory committee the course may be also taken in the other area of specialization or outside of the school.

The degree in architecture or a related field is not absolutely required, applicants must demonstrate relevant background and experience, as well as capabilities for undertaking advanced academic study.

In order for an application to be considered, the following items must be submitted:

• A completed graduate application (on-line strongly recommended), including payment of a nonrefundable application fee.

• Up-to-date transcripts of undergraduate and graduate records. Copies of your official transcripts should be uploaded into the on-line application. Please do not mail your official transcripts to us until you have received an offer of admission from Virginia Tech. Please note that non-legible scans will not be accepted. Make sure your scanned documents are legible before uploading, as non-legible documents will result in processing delays. Make sure your scanned copy is of your official transcript. A grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 scale) for the last 60 semester credit hours, or equivalent, is required. An applicant whose previous academic performance is deemed slightly deficient (grade point average of 2.75 to 2.99) or whose transcripts are not current may be admitted as a “Provisional” student, as described in the University Graduate Catalog.

• Three letters of recommendation from teachers, professionals or other people knowledgeable about the applicant’s work. Letters of recommendation that are not submitted on-line should be sent directly to the Graduate Architecture Program office.

• A Résumé and a Statement of Intent briefly describing the applicant’s background, personal interests, motivation for the study of architecture, and, if applicable, proposed area of research focus. In lieu of the brief Statement of Intent, PhD applicants must submit a 2,500-word statement of research focus.

• The Graduate School requires official test scores from the TOEFL for all International applicants. The minimum TOEFL score for the The School of Architecture + Design is 233 computer based, 577 paper based and 90 for Internet based. We will also accept the IELTS score of 7.0. The School of Architecture + Design requires official GRE scores for applicants for the M.Arch.3, Comprehensive Professional Studies program, the Master of Science in Architecture program, the Ph.D. program and all international applicants. GRE scores are recommended for all other applicants.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The School of Architecture + Design offers:

• scholarships, both merit- and need-based (to qualify for a need-based scholarship, a student’s FAFSA results must show an unmet financial need at the time of the award);
• internship opportunities;
• the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP);
• graduate assistantships and tuition remission scholarships;
• student employment opportunities, including wage employment and employment through the Federal Work-Study Program.

The Architecture and Design Research program at Virginia Tech offers an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the built environment. This program is designed to engage students in advanced research methodologies, focusing on the complex relationships between architecture, design, and societal issues. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including sustainable design, urbanism, digital fabrication, and the cultural impacts of architecture. The curriculum incorporates both theoretical and practical components, encouraging students to develop critical thinking skills alongside hands-on technical expertise. Through collaboration with faculty members who are leaders in their fields, students can pursue specialized research projects that contribute to advancements in architecture and design studies. Virginia Tech's facilities support this blend of disciplines, offering state-of-the-art labs, digital studios, and workshops equipped for innovative experimentation. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research institutions, design practices, and policy-making, where they can apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. Emphasizing sustainability, technological innovation, and social responsibility, the Architecture and Design Research program seeks to produce scholars and practitioners capable of shaping the future of the built environment in meaningful ways. The program also fosters an active academic community, organizing seminars, conferences, and collaborative projects that facilitate knowledge exchange and professional development. Graduates can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of design principles integrated with cutting-edge research techniques, enabling them to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to the advancement of architecture and design fields on both local and global scales.