School of Planning, Design and Construction

The Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design and Construction with a concentration in construction management will enable SPDC students to meet future challenges. The doctoral program is designed to focus on scholarly research, and combine the technical and managerial aspects of construction projects. This program is designed to provide the depth and breadth in the managerial, technological, economic and environmental aspects of construction. The aim of this degree is to prepare students to become globally engaged citizen-leaders and scholars in the built environment.

Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct scholarly research and understand the effects of plans, regulations, design, materials, project management techniques and construction systems on the economic, environmental and social concerns of stakeholders and society.

What Diverse Specializations Are Offered?

• Sustainable and Energy Efficient Design and Construction.
• Integrative Project Delivery Practices and Methods.
• Building Information Modeling and Other Computer Applications.
• Construction Management Information Systems.
• Lean Construction.
• International Project Management.
• Construction Safety and Economics.
• Estimating, Scheduling and Project Controls.
• Construction Contracts and Legal Aspects.
• Domicology.
• Construction Education

Why Should You Apply?

• High-quality education and unique experiences to prepare you for both academic and industry careers in construction management.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge research with established faculty members that are recognized scholars in their fields.
• Accelerated professional advancement.

Who Can Apply?

Preferred backgrounds include:

• Construction management.
• Architecture.
• Engineering.
• Design.
• Urban planning.
• Business management.
• Real estate.

What are Admission Requirements?

• Possess a master’s degree from a related field.
• Possess a cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Provide GRE scores. Admission requires a minimum combined score of 301 on verbal and quantitative sections, with an analytical writing score of no less than 4.0.
• Submit TOEFL scores if you are an international applicant:
  • Computer-Based: 235 with no sub-scores below 19.
  • Internet-Based: 90 with no sub-scores below 19 for reading, listening and speaking; and no writing sub-score below 22.
  • Paper-Based: 575 with no sub-scores below 52.

Admission to the doctoral program is rolling. For priority consideration, applications should be received by:

• February 15 for fall semester admission.
• August 15 for spring semester admission.

Prospective PhD students are encouraged to reach out to our construction management faculty members to champion their applications.

Degree Requirements and PhD Student Handbook

Download the degree requirements and the PhD Student Handbook (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017).

How to Start the Application Process

Contact Ming-Han Li, interim doctorate program director for academic, research and program-related inquiries.

Graduate Secretary

For application, admission and administrative inquiries.