The United States offers many PhD programs in architecture and each of them provides unique specializations. This Abroadin blog post compiles a comprehensive list of distinguished PhD programs to help you find the perfect fit for your academic and professional aspirations according to your needs. Explore your options and take the next step toward architectural excellence in the US!
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Yale School of Architecture, PhD Programs in Architecture
Since its founding as a department in 1916, the Yale School of Architecture has produced some of the world’s leading architects, including Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Maya Lin, and Eero Saarinen.
This major is not an accredited professional degree program; for professional accreditation, students should refer to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) requirements.
Although the program’s DesignIntelligence ten-year median ranking placed it 3rd, the Yale School of Architecture opted out of the annual DesignIntelligence ranking system as of August 2022.
The College of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma offers specialized research and creative programs in planning, design, and construction.
Ranked #48 on College Factual’s Best Schools for Architecture & Related Services list and #1 in Oklahoma, the PhD programs in architecture stands out for its excellence.
The college offers advanced degrees like the Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Architectural Studies, and PhD Programs in Architecture in the US.
Architecture in UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design
The College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley offers a PhD in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, integrating aspects of landscape design with architecture.
This unique program teaches students to design indoor and outdoor spaces that harmonize ecologically and aesthetically with their surroundings, emphasizing sustainability and innovative design solutions.
As the top-ranked public university for architecture in the US, UC Berkeley is renowned for its design excellence, sustainability, and collaborative culture.
With a competitive 14% admissions rate, the College of Environmental Design, alongside the Haas School of Business, attracts top talent.
UNL College of Architecture in University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) offers a comprehensive educational and research foundation through its diverse programs in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and community and regional planning.
UNL’s College of Architecture is committed to multi-disciplinary education, with offerings not only within the college but also across the campus and beyond.
Whether aspiring to innovate in design, lead in planning, or advance architectural engineering, PhD students are guided towards making impactful contributions to the built environment.
Georgia Tech School of Architecture, PhD Programs in Architecture
The Georgia Tech School of Architecture is dedicated to training students for research careers in both academic settings and private firms.
Situated in the heart of Atlanta within a Tier 1 research institution, the Georgia Tech School of Architecture seamlessly integrates research and technology, providing PhD students with a cutting-edge education.
Recognized globally for its excellence, the Georgia Tech School of Architecture was ranked #23 in the world for architecture in the 2021 QS World Rankings, and it stands as the #6 architecture school among universities in the US.
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The Texas A&M University School of Architecture offers both full-time and part-time study options, catering to a diverse range of student needs.
This pathway ensures that graduates meet the requirements for professional practice and enhances their career prospects. Salary ranges for graduates are favorable, reflecting the strong demand for Texas A&M architecture alumni in the industry.
UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SARUP) is renowned for fostering an excellent community of scholars, practitioners, activists, and educators.
Recognized as a Center of Excellence within the University of Wisconsin System, SARUP offers a well-regarded architecture program that provides a robust educational foundation for its students.
Cornell University’s Department of Architecture is home to one of the oldest and most esteemed architecture programs in the United States. This department offers a rigorous education that has shaped the field of architecture for over a century.
The program is designed to cater to a range of academic backgrounds, welcoming students with undergraduate degrees in fields such as architecture, archaeology, history, art history, or anthropology.
School of Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati
The School of Architecture and Interior Design at the University of Cincinnati is renowned for its focus on acquiring critical skills essential for architectural production.
The University of Cincinnati’s architecture program stands out for its industry-leading curriculum, which ensures that students not only learn about architectural concepts but also apply them in real-world settings.
School of Architecture at the University of Florida
The University of Florida School of Architecture is distinguished by its exceptional academic standing, having been ranked number one in College Factual’s 2018 Best General Architecture Colleges for the Money list.
The School of Architecture offers an interdisciplinary program that integrates design, construction, and planning, preparing students for both advanced studies and professional practice.
The Illinois School of Architecture, PhD Programs in Architecture
The Illinois School of Architecture provides advanced training for careers in academia, industry, or government, building on a long tradition of excellence.
As the second oldest architecture program in the country, the Illinois School of Architecture is consistently ranked among the top 20 architecture programs nationally.
In the 2018 QS World University Rankings, the school was placed #39 globally and #6 in the U.S. among public universities for the study of architecture and the built environment.
Studying at the Illinois School of Architecture offers international students access to a top-tier education in a state known for its diverse and affordable higher education opportunities.
ARCH Home of Architecture at the University of Washington
ARCH Home of Architecture at the University of Washington is dedicated to advancing research in the built environment.
Students begin with a solid grounding in general education before moving on to specialized courses in architectural design, theory, building technology, and materials.
Admission to the Architectural Design major at UW is competitive due to its capacity constraints. Students must submit an additional application after enrolling at the university, making the admissions process selective.
This rigorous entry requirement reflects the program’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards and producing graduates who are prepared for successful careers in the field of architecture.
UCLA Architecture and Urban Design at the University of California, Los Angeles, offers advanced degrees that prepare students for leadership roles in the fields of architecture and urban design.
The program features a range of graduate-level opportunities, including both Master of Arts (MA) and PhD Programs in architecture degrees.
Students engage in rigorous research, explore innovative design methodologies, and address complex urban challenges through a combination of coursework, seminars, and project-based learning.
The University of Virginia School of Architecture is dedicated to training the next generation of professors, museum professionals, and leaders in the digital humanities.
The undergraduate architecture programs at UVA are framed by an innovative curriculum that emphasizes the diverse ways in which design shapes and invents the world around us.
Over the past decade, it has been ranked as the first or second public PhD Programs in architecture three times and among the top five public programs consistently.
Drexel University focuses on the design, construction, and operation of the built environment, offering comprehensive programs in architectural studies and interior architecture.
The PhD Programs in architecture at Drexel Engineering puts the students at the cutting edge of building design and research. After graduation, the may be qualified for jobs in top-notch firms and institutions.
The Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) School of Architecture advances interpretive, contextual, and projective perspectives on the built environment and spatial design.
Recognized as one of the top architecture programs in the nation, CMU is ranked #10 among the Best Colleges for Architecture in America.
Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania
The Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on the historical, theoretical, and technological development of architecture.
The PhD Programs in architecture within the College of Arts and Sciences at UPenn provides a diverse range of courses that explore architecture, landscapes, and urbanism.
UPenn is consistently ranked among the top architecture schools in the United States, securing the #5 spot out of 74 schools by College Factual and ranking #1 in Pennsylvania.
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The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) at Columbia University is a leader in architectural education with a focus on architecture, urbanism, preservation, and real estate development.
Established in 1881, GSAPP has pioneered advanced education in these fields, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the built environment and its impact on society.
Columbia GSAPP is consistently recognized for its excellence, having been ranked #2 among the Top Architecture Graduate Programs five times over the past decade by Design Intelligence.
MIT Architecture in Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The MIT Department of Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers one of the best PhD programs in architecture in the United States.
The department is organized into five discipline groups: Architecture and Urbanism; Building Technology; Computation; History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture and Art (HTC); and the Art, Culture, and Technology Program (ACT).
MIT Architecture offers two PhD Programs in architecture, providing students with a deep and broad education in the fields of architecture, art, and design.
Boston Architectural College, PhD Programs in Architecture
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