Architecture (Ph.D.)
Offered by: Architecture (Faculty of Engineering)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Program Description
The Ph.D. in Architecture is a research degree with a thesis, the foundations for which are developed through a series of courses taken in the first two years of study. Each student meets regularly with the supervisor in the first year to prepare the thesis proposal (ARCH 700 Thesis Proposal.). Three Literature Review preparatory courses (ARCH 721 Literature Review 1., ARCH 722 Literature Review 2., ARCH 723 Literature Review 3.) and three (or more) complementary courses are taken in the first two years of study. All students also participate in the two Research Seminars (ARCH 711 Doctoral Proseminar 1., ARCH 712 Doctoral Proseminar 2.) to present the research framework and objectives for peer critique. By the end of the second year of studies (Ph.D.-3), the student must complete the Comprehensive Examination (ARCH 701 Comprehensive Examination.) with a formal presentation to an Advisory Committee.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Thesis
A thesis for the doctoral degree must constitute original scholarship and must be a distinct contribution to knowledge. It must show familiarity with previous work in the field and must demonstrate ability to plan and carry out research, organize results, and defend the approach and conclusions in a scholarly manner. The research presented must meet current standards of the discipline; as well, the thesis must clearly demonstrate how the research advances knowledge in the field. Finally, the thesis must be written in compliance with norms for academic and scholarly expression and for publication in the public domain.
Required Courses (15 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ARCH 700 | Thesis Proposal. | 0 |
Thesis Proposal. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Development of a research proposal and a comprehensive framework for the doctoral thesis. | ||
| ARCH 701 | Comprehensive Examination. | 0 |
Comprehensive Examination. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Presentation of a comprehensive literature review paper, covering material that is central to the student's doctoral research, with an oral defense before the Doctoral Advisory Committee. | ||
| ARCH 711 | Doctoral Proseminar 1. | 3 |
Doctoral Proseminar 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Major issues and themes in architectural research. | ||
| ARCH 712 | Doctoral Proseminar 2. | 3 |
Doctoral Proseminar 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Further exploration of major issues and themes in architectural research. | ||
| ARCH 721 | Literature Review 1. | 3 |
Literature Review 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Literature review covering the first of three fields as identified by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee. | ||
| ARCH 722 | Literature Review 2. | 3 |
Literature Review 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Literature review covering the second of three fields as identified by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee. | ||
| ARCH 723 | Literature Review 3. | 3 |
Literature Review 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Literature review covering the third of three fields as identified by the student in consultation with the supervisory committee. | ||
Complementary Courses (9 credits)
Students must take 9 credits of courses at the 600 or 700 level, selected with the approval of the School.