The PhD in Architecture and Design Research at Thomas Jefferson University is designed for aspiring scholars and practitioners seeking to push the boundaries of architectural and design inquiry. You will engage with complex challenges at the intersection of real-world application and scholarly investigation, developing well-defined models of research within accepted academic communities. This program is ideal for those aiming to contribute original research, exploring interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary methods to address timely issues in architecture and design. You will graduate with the expertise to shape the future of practice and advance knowledge in this dynamic field.
This full-time, on-campus PhD program is structured over four years, requiring residency for the first two years. You will complete 36 credits of core and elective coursework, alongside 12 credits dedicated to research and writing, culminating in a written dissertation of original research. Throughout your studies, you will navigate multiple research methodologies, potentially engage in directed research seminars, and form committees to guide your preliminary exams and dissertation proposal. You will graduate prepared for academic careers or advanced research roles, equipped with a deep understanding of architectural and design research methodologies and a significant scholarly contribution.