There are two major tracks within the Architecture and Design Research degree, each of which has topical areas. The requirements for the tracks vary slightly, but both provide significant flexibility for each student to develop a plan of study consistent with his or her academic goals. The two tracks are Architecture and Design Research.
Design Research Track
The Design Research track includes advanced study on Building Science, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture. The Landscape Architecture Track includes concentrations in: Design Learning and Professional Paradigms; Regenerative/Ecological Design, Planning and Technology; and Concepts of Community and Place.
The Design Research track is currently located in Blacksburg, VA at the Virginia Tech Main Campus. In this location students have the best resources to develop their topics in design research given that the faculty of the School of Architecture Design have established collaborative relationships with other university centers and institutions.
The Graduate School requires each Ph.D. student to complete 90 semester hours of graduate study and dissertation.
All students, regardless of area of specialization, are required to complete a sequence of specific Architecture and Design Seminars. A two-semester sequence seminar will focus primarily on epistemology and the nature of discipline and practice of architecture, viewed in the context of architecture and the allied fields. Students will also enroll in a continuing seminar course required every semester of residence. In these seminars, Ph.D. students, the School faculty involved with the graduate program, and possible guests present their own research for critical review and feedback. The Ph.D. students in the Architecture track must also pass a test of reading ability in a foreign language related to their selected topics (native languages and English do not fulfill this requirement).
In addition, all students must complete a special Research Methods course organized by area of specialization. At the approval of the student's advisory committee the course may be also taken in the other area of specialization or outside of the school.
September 2025
Virginia Tech
925 Prices Fork Road,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
September 2025
National Capital Region - Alexandria Campus
1001 Prince Street,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
The faculty are seeking to admit a highly selective group of students who have master's degrees in closely allied fields, such as Architecture, Environmental Design, Building Science, Landscape Architecture, Architecture History and Theory, Interior Design, and Industrial Design.
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Testing Requirements:
TOEFL Paper 600.0
Computer 250.0
iBT 100.0
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required for admission.
Application Deadlines: Fall: Jan 15.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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