The Department of Landscape Architecture in the School of Architecture & Environment at the University of Oregon is a national leader in design education. The discipline of landscape architecture is growing from a mostly professional field to one that supports scholarship and research, thus changing its role and mission in the academic community and in society. As a result of this growth, a doctoral degree is rapidly becoming preferred for university faculty and professional positions in the field.
The doctoral program in Landscape Architecture offers opportunities for advanced study and scholarship across a range of spatial scales and cultural contexts. Students in the program pursue diverse topics related to their interests and to clusters of faculty expertise. Current clusters include:
- critical history, theory, and practice
- ecology, infrastructure, and social justice
- productive landscapes
The degree is intended primarily for students seeking careers in teaching, scholarship, and leadership in landscape design and planning in universities, practice, policy, and consultancy. Depending on their background and research goals, students can expect to complete the degree in four to six years, including required course work, qualifying exams, and their dissertation. Graduates of our doctoral program regularly find academic employment in institutions and organizations around the world.
For each incoming doctoral student, the department will provide a minimum of two academic years of graduate fellowship, which include tuition and fee waivers, a stipend, and health insurance. Funding typically continues through the fourth year, contingent upon satisfactory progress. Students may also teach and participate in ongoing research.
In addition to the standard doctoral funding noted in the previous paragraph, the department can offer one Lokey Graduate Science Award ($6000) to an exceptional incoming doctoral student who is beginning their studies in the 2022-23 academic year and whose research interests overlap with one or more National Science Foundation research areas (Biological Sciences, Computer and Information Science and Engineering, Education and Human Resources, Engineering, Environmental Research and Education, Geosciences, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, or Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences). This award only applies to the 2022-23 academic year and is payable to the student at the beginning of the fall term.
Prerequisites
Prospective students must have either:
- a completed professional degree in landscape architecture or architecture (BLA, MLA, BArch, or MArch) or
- hold a master's degree (e.g., MA or MS) in a related and/or relevant field and show clear evidence of academic experience and goals suitably aligned with landscape architecture
A record of demonstrated research is an important admission criterion for all applicants. In particular, a clear capacity for and commitment to research will be strongly considered in admissions.
For more details, please read the PhD program handbook.
Application at a Glance
You apply for admission through your program. This program has two separate applications, the University of Oregon application and a department application. Detailed instructions are available on the program’s website.
Application Available: September 15, for the following academic year
Application Deadline: January 4. Late applications may be accepted on a space-available basis through May 1.
Departmental Application Fee: $35 USD
Application Decision: Decision letters are usually emailed by the end of March or shortly thereafter.
Fall 2023 Applicants: Professor Parr and Professor Russel welcome applications for doctoral study related to their research interests and under their supervision for Fall 2023 entry. All other faculty are not welcoming applications at this time.
The following are required for your application:
- Official Transcripts
- English Language Proficiency Requirement
- Financial Verification for International Applicants
Program-Specific Application Requirements:
- GRE (UO Institution Code: 4846)
- Higher TOEFL/IELTS than UO minimums
- Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Portfolio
- Resume
- Writing Sample
Final Deadline - September 15