Dong Zhao LEED®AP
Director, Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program
dz@msu.edu
The Doctor of Philosophy in Planning, Design and Construction with a concentration in urban and regional planning in SPDC focuses on leadership in analyzing and creating our future built environment. The doctoral program offers strengths in community economic development, environment and sustainability, transportation, health, housing and real estate in a global context.
Graduates of the PhD program will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to 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.
Those enrolled in this degree develop an advanced knowledge of the history and theory of planning, analytical methods and dissertation research that exemplifies excellence and leadership in the field.
Doctoral students work with their supervisors and committee members to plan a course of study that builds on current strengths and adds expertise in core areas of urban planning.
The foundation of the degree is contained in two introductory courses and a program of study designed to provide Ph.D. candidates with the expertise needed to undertake successful and rigorous applied research.
Students pursuing the PhD define their focus in consultation with faculty, with common areas of interest, including:
The PhD Curriculum culminates in a dissertation that represents state-of-the-art analysis combined with practical applications. This is a 45-credit program that can start in fall or spring semesters.
Degree Requirements and PhD Student Handbook
Download the degree requirements and the PhD Graduate Student Handbook.
This document outlines the details for admission to our PhD programs.
Admission to the PhD program with an urban planning focus requires a prior degree in planning or a related field. We encourage students from various backgrounds and different stages in their professional careers to apply.
We take into account a number of factors, including:
Contact the PhD Program Director, for academic, research and program-related inquiries.
Director, Planning, Design and Construction Doctorate Program
dz@msu.edu
For application, admission and administrative inquiries.
Graduate Program Coordinator
kenyonj6@msu.edu
Assistant Professor, Urban & Regional Planning Program
durstnoa@msu.edu
517-353-3184
Professor, Urban & Regional Planning and Interim Director, Center for Global Change & Earth Observations
fanpeile@msu.edu
517-432-6517
Adjunct Professor, Urban & Regional Planning and Global Urban Studies Program
ekn@msu.edu
517-432-8085
Professor and Program Director, Urban & Regional Planning
kotval@msu.edu
517-353-9362
Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
kotvalze@msu.edu
517-353-5460
Professor and School Director
minghan@msu.edu
517-432-0704
Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture Program and Urban & Regional Planning Program
machemer@msu.edu
517-353-9047
Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
reesela@msu.edu
517-353-5942
Professor, Urban & Regional Planning
wilsonmm@msu.edu
517-353-9056