PhD in Architecture

The Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture is for those who wish to make significant scholarly contributions to the discipline, discourse, and research of architecture. The Program trains individuals for productive academic careers in the teaching of architecture as well as with educational institutions, research centers, cultural and governmental organizations, and professional practices engaged in research that seek to benefit from advanced scholarship and creative research.  

 
YEAR 1      
Fall ARCH 8110 Architectural Theory and Techniques* 1
  Elective I 1
  Elective II 1
  Elective III 1
 
Spring ARCH 8120 Architectural Research Methods 1
ARCH 8130 Qualifying Research 1
  Elective IV 1
  Elective V 1
Qualifying Exam is taken at the End of the 1st year.
 
YEAR 2
Fall ARCH 8510 Field Bibliography 1
ARCH 8520 Dissertation Proposal 1
  Elective VI 1
  Elective VII 1
 
Spring   Elective VIII 1
  Elective IX 1
  Elective X 1
  Elective XI 1
       
YEAR 3      
Fall   Elective XII 1
  Elective XIII 1
  Elective XIV 1
  Elective XV 1
Candidacy Exam is taken after completion of course work
 
Spring ARCH 9950 Dissertation 0
 
  Total Course Units: 20


*The name of this course will be updated in syllabi for Fall 2024

Curriculum overview

  1. required and elective courses, 
  2. required examinations, and 
  3. written texts that conclude course work, examinations and which are used to present a student’s research work and acquired writing skills.

Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of 20 course units, pass a Qualifying examination, a Candidacy examination, two Language examinations, complete two Teaching Fellow requirements, and complete and defend a Dissertation.  

During the first year of course work, all Ph.D. students are required to enroll in the following courses: 

  • ARCH 8110: Architectural Theory and Techniques is a course that explores the current state of architectural scholarship, with an emphasis on primary materials in architectural theory and history, and technology.  
  • ARCH 8120: Architectural Research Methods explores research methods across historical, technological, and design discourse as they relate to advanced projects in the field. 
  • ARCH 8130: Qualifying Research is a ‘designated elective’ whereby the student pursues a graduate course, or Independent Study in ARCH or across the university, that relates to or expands on their specific subject matter. The course that will ‘count’ for 8130 is chosen in consultation with the Chair of the Graduate Group or the student’s advisor, if already chosen.

During the second year of course work, students are required to take the following courses: 

  • ARCH 8510: Field Bibliography consists of an Independent Study course with a chosen faculty member of the Graduate Group (the student’s advisor, future committee member, or approved faculty member), focused on the preparation of the student’s Field Bibliography in the context of the Candidacy Exam.
  • ARCH 8520: Dissertation Proposal consists of an Independent Study course with a chosen faculty member of the Graduate Group (the student’s advisor, future committee member, or approved faculty member), focused on the completion of the student’s Dissertation Proposal, in preparation for the Candidacy Exam.

Franca Trubiano   
Associate Professor of Architecture
Chair, Graduate Group in Architecture
trubiano@design.upenn.edu