Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Science

The Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Regional Science is based on a solid core curriculum and providing expertise in areas of specialization that apply to planning, design, and/or land development problems of community, regional, national, or international habitat systems. In educating professionals for research, education, and scholarship in the fields of planning, landscape architecture, and land development, the program provides expertise in the research process and its application to planning, design, and/or land development issues.

The program accepts students interested in studying in one of its five concentration areas: transportation, sustainability, hazards management, healthy communities, and community development and housing.

Urban and Regional Sciences students participate in four research centers in the School of Architecture, including the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Centerthe Center for Housing and Urban Developmentthe Center for Health Systems and Design, and the Center for Heritage Conservation. These centers continue to unite the students and faculty in active research communities. The next generation of researchers, in their respective fields, is being introduced to current researchers throughout the world in related areas.

Work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is designed to give candidates thorough and comprehensive knowledge of their professional field and training in methods of research. The final basis for granting the degree shall be the candidate’s grasp of the subject matter of a broad field of study and a demonstrated ability to do independent research. In addition, the candidate must have acquired the ability to express thoughts clearly and forcefully in both oral and written communication. The degree is not granted solely for the completion of coursework, residence, and technical requirements, although these must be met.

Steps to Fulfill a Doctoral Program