University of Michigan

Program Information

Degree Offered

Master of Science, Ph.D.

Program Description:

The Doctoral Program in Architecture was one of only four such programs in the United States when it was established in 1969. Since that time, its major goal has been to contribute to the development of a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge base of architecture.

This is accomplished through the education of scholars who conduct significant research, thereby making important contributions to the development of the field of architecture. The Program has granted over 190 architecture doctoral degrees, more than any institution in the country.

The program's strength lies in the experience and scholarship of its permanent and affiliated faculty, and their interdisciplinary interests. One of the distinct advantages for this program is the context for interdisciplinary studies represented at the University, both in terms of the breadth and quality of degree programs and interdisciplinary initiatives. Students, who are typically graduates from professional architecture programs, but may also come from fields outside of architecture, work within a particular field of specialization represented by a faculty advisor, but also tailor their course of study according to their specific interests by means of contacts with other units and the selection of a minor advisor from one of these units.

Students in the doctoral program in Architecture are competitive with their peers within UM and other institutions, winning prestigious fellowships from UM, including those offered by Rackham Graduate School and the Institute for Humanities, and from outside agencies, including the Fulbright, American Academy in Rome, Social Science Research Council, and others. Graduates of this program are prepared to occupy a broad array of professional roles. Although most of our graduates take teaching positions in four-year Colleges and research Universities, a number return to professional design practice, occupy positions in research institutions or complete post-doctoral training.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Financial Aid Offered: No

Format: Campus

Classification: Doctoral/Research Universities - Extensive

Institution Sector: Public

Locale: Midsize City

Size & Settings: 20,000 and above