Supervisors
Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.
Program overview
This program is intended for students wanting to expand their professional or design-related backgrounds with advanced, interdisciplinary, practice-based research and study.
Blurring traditional disciplinary definitions, students undertake their research in one or more areas included in environmental design. Thesis documents may incorporate detailed design interventions, policy frameworks, neighbourhood guidelines, code research or combinations of these and other results. Students will work with faculty comprised of eminent design researchers and professionals, recognized internationally for their work. Students will develop knowledge and skills as individuals and in teams, synthesize related research findings, and communicate these findings for real-world application.
Completing this program
- Core Course: Conceptual Bases of Environmental Design.
- Field Work and Research: Off-campus fieldwork and research may count towards the fulfillment of the full-time study and research requirement.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
- Additional Courses: May include topics such as design thinking, urban infrastructure, urban design, urban systems, special topics and others.
- Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Outcomes
Academia, government/civil service, municipalities, engineering, energy resources, natural resources, environmental management, planning, urban design, research institutions, private sector.
A PhD in environmental design is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Courses
Two core courses and two electives
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Four years full time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, but is not required prior to the start of the program
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
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Seeking StudentsLandscape Architecture -
Accepting InquiriesConservation in prairie agroecosystems, Landscape connectivity and spatial genetics, Pollinator status, Urban informatics -
Accepting InquiriesEnergy efficent/ energy producing buildings and neighborhoods -
Accepting InquiriesSocial Implications of Technology, Privacy and Security, Smart Communities, Technocreepiness, Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare, Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting Inquiriesarchitectural history, history of architecture, urban history, urban studies, environmental design theory -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting Inquiries -
Accepting Inquirieshousing policy and housing market performance, planning sustainable communities
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
A master’s degree.
Work samples
At least one example of the applicant’s previous academic or professional writing, such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, design project or consulting report. At least one example of the applicant’s previous academic or professional work, such as a written essay, published research paper, major academic paper, thesis, or consulting report.
Documents
- A research proposal that describes the nature of the thesis research the applicant expects to undertake
- A funding plan that demonstrates that financial resources are available for the entire program of study
- CV; portfolio (optional)
Reference letters
Three
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1:
- Canadians and permanent residents: Feb. 1 application deadline
- International students: Feb. 1 application deadline
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
Professional Faculties Building, Room 2182
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
403.220.7131
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