PhD in Environmental Design

The PhD in Environmental Design (EVDS) allows Master's degree holders with the opportunity to become a practitioner of interventionist, professional and inter‑disciplinary environmental design. The program challenges candidates to conduct quantitative and qualitative research at an advanced level, developing and demonstrating knowledge and skills in interdisciplinary teams, synthesizing related research findings and the communicating one's findings to those outside the field who will use and apply them. Collaboration with the private sector, communities, and/or government organizations is expected. The EVDS PhD program consists of a small amount of coursework, tailored to the individual's need, followed by a candidacy exam, ethics approval (if required), dissertation research and writing and, ultimately, an oral defense of the doctoral thesis. As the highest academic credential in this field, it is intended for those who are capable of carrying out original research under the guidance of a suitable faculty member and supervisory committee. Successful completion of the PhD program varies, but typically ranges from 4 to 6 years. While some financial assistance is available, students are strongly encouraged to seek funding through their own sources and other resources, as every student is responsible for their own funding strategy.

Our Students

Our PhD graduates typically assume leadership roles in academia, research institutions, government and the private sector, both in Canada and in other countries upon graduation. Successful applicants typically have excellent academic records, strong letters of reference, and a clear idea of their intended research topic. Often they have already published scholarly work. A noteable success factor at the PhD level is the correlation between the topic a student seeks to investigate and the research strengths and interests of our faculty members.

In order to supervise a PhD student, faculty members must hold an earned doctoral degree or have special permission from the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Typically, the supervisor holds an appointment in the Faculty of Environmental Design.

Applications for Fall 2012 will be accepted from December 1, 2011 until February 1, 2012.

Visit our admissions page for more details.