Architecture, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Architecture (+Dual Ph.D.)
Contemporary. Transdisciplinary. Rethink and redefine the architectural fields.
The doctoral program in architecture is a research-based degree concentrating on a number of areas of inquiry. Hone the degree via research clusters, program focus, or dual-title options.
Program Application Deadline
The deadline for applications for AY 2025-26 is
Jan. 15, 2025.
To be assured full consideration, please review all details on program and admission requirements, and ensure that you apply by this deadline.
Earn a Ph.D. in Architecture at Penn State
Penn State’s Ph.D. in Architecture program trains individuals for independent research that will produce knowledge that is new, original, and valuable, and prepares them for independent thinking and leadership in the field. The program’s transdisciplinary nature encourages new exchanges that rethink and redefine the architectural fields. Its distinguishing quality is its broad-based research core, grounded in contemporary theory and methods.
The architecture program faculty include scholars with expertise in architectural theory, building construction and technology, cultural and environmental behavior, the design process, digital design and fabrication, housing, sustainability, landscape architecture, and urban design. Visiting scholars further enhance the program and course offerings. Doctoral candidates are encouraged to draw upon the enormous resources of other Penn State graduate programs for electives that will enrich and broaden their scholarship.
Prospective students must be prepared to articulate their area of proposed specialization and research and their intended research theme and topic. The program accepts applicants holding a post-professional master’s degree in architecture, landscape architecture, or a related field.
Questions?
Contact the Program Administrator
Research Clusters
The Ph.D. program offers concentrated inquiry, research, study and pedagogy in the following major areas of focus:
Culture, Society, Space (CSS) - Penn State Architecture
The Culture, Society, Space (CSS) research cluster examines how built spaces – from the artifact to the urban – affect those who interact with them and, conversely, how cultural, societal and disciplinary values shape the spaces we create.
Design Computing (DC) - Penn State Architecture
The Design Computing (DC) research cluster offers students critical knowledge and advanced skills in the use of digital technologies in architecture and related design fields, especially in the areas of visualization, generative systems, and fabrication.
Material Matters (MM) - Penn State Architecture
The Material Matters (MM) research cluster provides students with opportunities to delve into the interaction of materials and processes.
Sustainability (SUS) - Penn State Architecture
The Sustainability (SUS) research cluster investigates architecture’s potential to improve the quality of life for current and future societies around the globe, addressing issues of natural resource consumption, pollution prevention, and organizational dependencies.
Degree Options
In addition to the integrated research concentrations, the Ph.D. in Architecture degree can be further oriented to your scholarship and research. The Ph.D can be undertaken with a focus in Landscape Architecture, or as a dual-title Ph.D. in Architecture and Transdisciplinary Research on Environment and Society degree.
Ph.D. Students
Students currently enrolled in the Ph.D. in Architecture program.
Guides and Resources
Ph.D. Student Awards
2024
- Dima Abu-Aridah: Penn State Alumni Association Dissertation Award
- Sana Ahrar: Third Place, Graduate Exhibition
- Farzad Hashemi: Architectural Research Centers Consortium Dissertation Award
2023
- Dima Abu-Aridah: Graduate Student International Research Award
- Ali Ghazvinian: Alumni Association Dissertation Award, College of Arts and Architecture Sustainability Graduate Student Award
- Tasneem Tariq: Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award
- Rui Wang: Alumni Association Dissertation Award
- Elena Vazquez: Architectural Research Centers Consortium Dissertation Award
2022
- Sana Ahrar: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Third Place
- Özgüç Bertuğ Çapunaman: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Third Place
- Ali Ghazvinian: College of Arts and Architecture Sustainability Teaching Fellow
- Farzad Hashemi: Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award
- Jie Li: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Second Place
- Farzaneh Oghazian: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, First Place
- Nastaran Tebyanian: Journal of Digital Landscape Architecture Scientific Excellence Award
- Elena Vazquez: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, First Place
2021
- Dima Abu-Aridah: Engineering for Change Research Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Sana Ahrar: Architectural Research Centers Consortium King Student Medal
- Ali Ghazvinian: Engineering for Change Research Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Naveen Kumar Muthamanickam: Thomas and June Beaver Fund Award
- Michael Nowak: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, First Place
- Elizabeth Andrzejewski: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Third Place
2020
- Julio Diarte: Engineering for Change Research Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Eric Mainzer: Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award
- Debora Verniz: Alumni Association Dissertation Award
- Negar Ashrafi: Thomas and June Beaver Fund Award
2019
- Sohrab Rahimi: Alumni Association Dissertation Award
- Clarissa Ferreira: Architectural Rearch Centers Consortium Dissertation Award Honorable Mention
2018
- Stephen Mainzer: Architectural Research Centers Consortium Dissertation Award
- Mahyar Hadighi: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, First Place
- Irem Öz: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, Third Place
2017
- Stephen Mainzer: Alumni Association Dissertation Award
- Julio Diarte: Penn State Graduate Exhibition, First Place
2016
- Meher Bhagia: University Graduate Fellowship
2015
- Irem Öz: University Graduate Fellowship