DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE with Programs in Architecture and Interior Architecture SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND ALLIED ARTS UNIVERSITY OF OREGON Eugene and Portland APPLICATION PACKET for the DOCTORAL PROGRAM IN ARCHITECTURE 2014-2015 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION GRADUATE PROGRAMS PROGRAM ADMISSION GOALS ADMISSION CRITERIA AND CONSIDERATIONS APPLICATION PROCESS SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Mailing address: GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE 1206 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON EUGENE, OR 97403-1206 (541) 346-3656 (541) 346-3626 fax Contact: Helga Wood, Admissions Advisor Email: archadms@uoregon.edu Website: http://architecture.uoregon.edu
I. INTRODUCTION Building upon more than forty years of excellence in environmental design teaching and research, the new PhD program at the University of Oregon s Department of Architecture, home to professional education in architecture and related environmental design fields since 1914, focuses on sustainable design. The program offers an advanced research degree that will engage students in multidisciplinary investigations creating new knowledge in compelling and time sensitive research topics. With this exclusive focus, the program addresses the needs of the profession as society faces the environmental impact of buildings and urban areas. Students will address research topics that typically encompass an array of spatial, environmental, historical, social, political, technical, and economic factors. In addition to the rigorous understanding of building performance, aspects of sustainable community development, and broader social processes and policies, each student will also be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the literature, theory, and research in a related focus area. Applicants to the PhD program are expected to have professional experience in architectural practice and a keen interest in developing research expertise that will prepare them for careers at universities and other entities engaged in research related to sustainable design such as national research laboratories, industries, public agencies, and non-government organizations. II. The Program The PhD program in Architecture is governed by the regulations of the University Graduate School and administered by the Department PhD Program Committee. The normal program of studies for the PhD consists of a minimum of 66 credits, including at least 50 graduate-level credits in the Department of Architecture. Specific degree requirements include: a minimum of two years in residence in Eugene completion of three terms of courses in research methodology completion of two courses in design theory and history of sustainable design completion of two focus areas (one within and one outside the Department) completion of a written qualifying examination, followed by an oral qualifying examination completion of a dissertation Core PhD faculty include: G.Z. Brown, Architecture; Erin Cunningham, Ph.D., Interior Architecture; Howard Davis, Architecture, Director of Graduate Studies; Ihab Elzeyadi, Ph.D., Architecture; Mark Gillem, Ph.D., Architecture, Landscape Architecture; Kingston Heath, Ph.D., Historic Preservation; Alison Kwok, Ph.D., Architecture, Director of the PhD Program; Hajo Neis, Ph.D., Architecture; Kevin Nute, Ph.D., Architecture, James Tice, Architecture. Prospective students interested in applying to the PhD program are encouraged to contact prospective advisors to discuss research interests. DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE PROGRAMS The chart below outlines the entry degrees required for the post-professional degree programs. Post-Professional Degrees Program & Location Duration Entry Degree Requirements M.Arch. M.S. (Eugene 4-6 terms M.Arch. or B.Arch. (5 yrs) or Portland) M.I.Arch. M.S. (Eugene) 4-6 terms M.I.Arch. or B.I.Arch. (5 yrs) Ph.D. (Eugene or Portland, 4-6 years M.Arch. or equivalent with first two years in Eugene) Professional Degrees Program & Location Duration Entry Degree Requirements M.Arch. TRACK II (Eugene or Portland) 6 terms B.A. or B.S., Architecture M.I.Arch. TRACK II (Eugene) 6 terms B.A. or B.S., Interior Architecture M.Arch. TRACK I (Eugene) 10 terms B.A. or B.S. in any major M.I.Arch. TRACK I (Eugene) 10 terms B.A. or B.S. in any major
III. ADMISSION GOALS PhD students will join a community of inquiring designers who are committed to solving multi-faceted problems and furthering knowledge through researching issues and processes that give form to the environment. We seek candidates with keen interests, career goals, and a clear capacity for research who are interested in topics that may include: net-zero buildings and eco-districts design design for climate change and adaptation energy-efficient, adaptive re-use of existing buildings resource forecasting and simulation of place performance high-performance envelopes and green technologies sustainable cities and livable communities design and policy cultural, social and economic sustainability indoor environmental quality and occupants health life cycle analysis design and modeling IV. ADMISSION CRITERIA Academic and Research Capability It is expected that all applicants have excelled in their previous academic work and creative accomplishment. The three areas weighed specifically by the reviewers are: (1) promise of productive scholarship; (2) strength of academic record; and (3) breadth of general knowledge. The research ideas and topic of interest will be evaluated from the Statement of Intent and Portfolio submissions for critical issues writing skills, organization, research methodology, and critical thinking. Professional Experience Applicants must demonstrate capability with systematic analysis, value-based decision making, and ability to conduct research. They must exhibit substantial skill with the creative process, visual language tools, and the design of buildings and proximate environments. Potential Program Contribution The department seeks individuals whose interests and capabilities will provide a significant contribution to the education of others. These contributions may be evidenced by previous experience, involvements and commitments and accomplishments. Value is placed on a student body that is culturally and geographically diverse. The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. V. ELIGIBILITY Eligible applicants must have earned an M.Arch. degree; a post-professional degree in architecture; or professional degree in architecture and a master s degree in a related field. VI. APPLICATION PROCESS Applications are due by December 2. Finalists will be invited to a departmental interview in mid-february during which the candidate will give a presentation and participate in studios and classes. Notification of acceptance is generally by March 15 with intent to enroll and deposit ($500) due by April 15th. There are two separate applications to complete: the University of Oregon Graduate and Departmental application (online), and the Graduate Fellowship application. TO APPLY To access the application, log on to https://gradweb.uoregon. edu/online_app/application/guidelines1.asp, and select Architecture - Ph.D.. A $50.00 non-refundable fee is collected by the Office of Admission. Please note: Once you submit this payment you can no longer access your application! Please retain your login credentials (username and password) in a safe place for future reference. Read the instructions in the section below. You may want to prepare documents in advance of going online. VII. APPLICATION CONTENT There are five sections to the online application: 1. PERSONAL INFORMATION 2. ACADEMIC HISTORY 3. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION 4. DEPARTMENTAL APPLICATION 5. PAYMENT Please note that payment completes your application and you will no longer be able to add once your have submitted. VII. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants are responsible for the following submissions: 1. STATEMENT OF INTENT (1500 words maximum, PDF file, maximum 10 megabytes) The statement of intent should iclude the following: Part I (250 words): Goals. A statement describing your general academic and career goals, the field(s) in which you would like to study, and why you wish to attend the University of Oregon. You may want to refer to specific classes, faculty, or research projects that interest you. Your ideas should be clear, specific, and persuasive. Part II (1250 words): Research Proposal Describe your area of specialization with a specific research proposal for your dissertation. It is expected that your ideas will evolve when you are here, but the committee will use this proposal to assess your ability to conceptualize a research plan.
Your proposal should succinctly describe a research question, articulate why it is important to the field of architecture, demonstrate an understanding of the relevant literature and gaps in current knowledge, and identify several research methods that can be applied to the problem. You should also identify a prospective major advisor from the Department of Architecture and/or other faculty with whom you would like to work. We strongly recommend that applicants contact the faculty member(s) whom they are most interested in working with, well in advance of submitting their application. The department must establish prior to admission, a sufficient goodness-of-fit between the scholarly goals and aspirations of a student, and the interests and availability of at least one faculty member who will serve as the applicant s provisional major advisor. Faculty research profiles may be found on the department website. 2. PORTFOLIO: CREATIVE AND SCHOLARLY WORK The portfolio (25 pages max) should be prepared to upload as a PDF, maximum 10 megabytes. It should be clearly organized, easy to understand, and representative of the applicant s care with visual materials. Include a contact page with the applicant s name, mailing address, telephone, and email address. Creative work should show design projects and you should cite your contribution in collaborative work. The portfolio should include representative examples of your professional work completed since obtaining your professional degree and describe the major issues explored in the projects and design criteria developed in response to these issues. Include at least one writing example which should clearly demonstrate critical thinking, research, and writing abilities. 3. THREE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Three letters of recommendation are required; four may be used. Two of the three recommendation letters are required from academic referees. Complete the Letters of Recommendation section online. An automated email will be sent to each referee with instructions on how to respond once you Submit. You may return and add a fourth referee, if desired as long as you have not submitted your application. However, you may not change referee information once an email has been sent. You may provide recommenders with the ability to respond prior to submitting your finished application by completing the recommender s page. 4. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS Two copies of official transcripts for all post secondary high school educational institutions attended (whether or not a degree was earned). If a degree was earned, the transcript must show this. Foreign transcripts require official English translation. Upload PDF copies and send official copies to both the: The Office of Admissions, 1217 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1217 USA and Graduate Admissions, Department of Architecture, 1206 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1206 5. GRE - GRADUATE RECORD EXAM All applicants must submit GRE scores. Official GRE test scores are self-reported online and official reports sent to the Graduate Admissions PhD Program, Department of Architecture, 1206 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1206, using the Institution Code #4846 and the Department Code #4401. GRE scores are valid for 5 years. There is no minimum required score. 6. TOEFL - TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE Applicants from non-english speaking countries must submit official TOEFL scores to the Department and self-report the scores online. Minimum scores for admission to all programs of the department are a composite score of 575 (paper based), or 90 (Internet based). Applicants may submit scores for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam for which the minimum score is 7 on a 9 point scale. Students are not admitted in architecture courses until they have achieved the minimum competency in English. 7. VITAE Prepare a Vitae (or Resume) to upload (PDF) that documents your education, professional work, teaching experience, work history, awards, scholarship, publications, relevant volunteer/ public service activities. Clear attributions are required for all collaborative activities. 8. GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS GTF Fellowships will be offered to accepted applicants. Self-supporting PhD students (i.e., those who pay their own tuition) may be offered Graduate Fellowships upon review of GTF application, since this is considered a valuable part of the educational process. GTF applications will be given to candidates after candidates have accepted admission to the University of Oregon. VIII. INTERVIEWS As part of the admissions process, finalists for admission will be invited to a departmental interview during which the candidate will give a public presentation, participate in studio reviews and classes, and meet with the PhD Committee and Department administration. Interviews will take place in mid- February. The Department of Architecture will cover transportation and lodging. IX. FUNDING Incoming doctoral students are guaranteed two years of tuition and fee waivers, a stipend and health insurance through Graduate Teaching and Research Fellowships contingent upon successful progress and performance in the program with the possibility of applying for additional support in the general
pool of applicants. These appointments, which include a tuition waiver and monthly stipend ranging from 0.2 to.49 FTE employment, are provided through the department, university and individual faculty research grants and contracts. The result of this strategy has several benefits: it provides valuable skills in teaching and research as part of the student s program of study; it introduces students to the expected norm for faculty loads at research universities; collaboration with faculty will assist the department in curricular innovation and research development. Typical Graduate Fellowship assignments will include: teaching one term in a lower division studio, teaching one term of specialized instruction in a large lecture or seminar related to the program of study, and one term for research, working with a faculty advisor. available online at http://uocatalog.uoregon.edu. XI. TYPICAL COURSE OF STUDY The chart below shows the expected time lines and sequence for fulfilling the minimum course of study requirements. Students may take additional courses or credits as desired, or as needed to meet fulltime status requirements. The exact sequence of courses taken will depend on the program of study of each student and course availability. The minimum residency requirement is two years, until the student has advanced to candidacy. The University is set up on the quarter system with 10 week academic terms. During the summer term, students may seek employment, take courses, or work with faculty on their projects. Candidates are encouraged to seek financial opportunities through the PhD Committee, the Department of Architecture, the University of Oregon Graduate School, and the University of Oregon Financial Aid Office. Students are strongly encouraged to seek extramural funding from external agencies in the topical area of their study, particularly for the summer term and study beyond the four years of support. IX. UNIVERSITY CATALOG The University of Oregon Catalog provides complete information about all academic programs including degrees, majors, courses, and descriptions and the faculty. The catalog is now PHD PROGRAM CURRICULUM OUTLINE Fall Quarter Winter Quarter Spring Quarter Y1 Arch 620 Research Methods (4) Arch 633 History and Theory of Sustainable Design (4) Arch 601 Research (4) Y2 Statistical Methods (4) Electives (8) PROSPECTUS ABSTRACT Arch 617 Design and Planning Theory (4) Arch 601 Research (4) Electives (4) Electives (8) Arch 602 (4) PROSPECTUS DUE Arch 678 Advanced Research Methods in Sustainable Design (4) Arch 695 Research Proposal Development (4) Electives (4) Arch 605 Comprehensive Exams (5) Arch 608 Colloquium (1) ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY Y3 Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required Y4 Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required Y5 Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required Arch 603 Dissertation as required