Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture and Design Research (SMARTlab Practice Based)

The architectural discipline is in constant flux, requiring the ongoing development of new modes of design research. The PhD in Architecture & Design Research is focused on anticipating and shaping the future of practice. Our mission is to create new avenues of investigation, expand knowledge bases, solve time-sensitive, contemporary issues across architectural disciplines and yield new insights into the past, present and future of the field. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research are important elements of this program, which builds on the wide-ranging expertise of faculty within the College of Architecture & the Built Environment and across Jefferson, a National Doctorial Research University.
In this program you will choose a focus area and conduct original research on timely, discipline-specific topics. Youll shape a research question and pursue transdisciplinary inquiry, drawing upon the broad array of professional expertise available throughout the University. The final dissertation phase is an individualized, self-driven process, through which you will make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in a specific focus area.
Choose your focus area from a wide array of topics supported by the diverse expertise and research agenda of faculty who study areas including sustainable architecture, high performance buildings, urban design, smart cities, geospatial technologies, historic preservation, public interest design and design for health, sustainable development, real estate development and innovative construction. Through your research you will reach beyond the primary field, collaborating with other disciplines relevant to your topic, including engineering, business and health sciences, in consultation with an academic advisor.
The Architecture & Design Research, SMARTlab Practice-Based PhD concentration is offered in collaboration with SMARTlab. Students work together live and online, with contributors from around the world, to co-create and debate the nature of practice-based research.

Transcripts: Applicants are required to submit an official transcript for their highest earned degree.
For programs with prerequisite coursework, official transcripts from the institution(s) where the coursework was taken are required.
For programs with advanced standing (Master of Architecture, the Master of Science in Interior Architecture, and the Master of Urban Design), official transcripts from all institutions are required in order to be considered for advanced standing.
Personal Statement: Submit a personal statement that describes your interest in pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture & Design Research and your future research agenda that describes your broad focus area/concentration.
Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of reference that provide insight into your academic and/or professional competence. References from college or university faculty members or professional sources are accepted. You may request recommendations through your MyJefferson account.
R'sum: A current professional r'sum is required.
Degree Prerequisite: Applicants are required to hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent upon evaluation of international transcripts prior to the start of the program.
GPA Requirement: A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is recommended.

TOEFL IBT & IBT Home Edition: 80 (no sub-score below 20)
TOEFL Essentials: 8.5 (no sub-score below 8)
IELTS: 6.5 (no sub-score below 6)