Admission to doctoral studies in planning
The College of Architecture Doctoral Program typically receives from four to six or more applications for each person admitted. When we review applications we are looking for both evidence of exceptional ability on the part of the applicant and a good fit with the Program’s offerings. Background in your area of specialization and a good indication of the ability to write well in English are important. There are many highly qualified applicants who go on to successful careers but who may not be suited for Georgia Tech because we lack faculty and research to support their interests. Please get as much information as you can about the program and about the faculty members you might work with. All students enter the program in the Fall semester.
To apply. The application checklist provides details on materials required for consideration of admittance. Your statement of goals is an important element of the application. We DO NOT expect applicants to have identified a dissertation topic; this will happen over the first couple of years of residency, as you study an area in depth. But we do look for applicants who show a thoughtful interest in research that goes beyond professional competence, may have prepared themselves for their area of study, and have identified how Georgia Tech specifically fits this interest.
Prerequisites. Students admitted to the College of Architecture Doctoral Program in City and Regional Planning normally will have completed the requirements for the Master of Urban and Regional Planning or a related Master’s degree program. In addition, students admitted to the program may be required to have additional preparation appropriate to their field of study.
Test scores. The program looks for GRE scores of 600 or better on each of the general tests, unless a student’s record documents substantial professional or scholarly achievement as evidence of exceptional ability. For non-native speakers of English, minimum TOEFL score required for acceptance by Georgia Institute of Technology is 550; however, the program typically does not accept a student with a score lower than 600.
Deadline. Applications for admission are due by January 15. The program will consider applications after the January 15 deadline if vacancies remain in the entering class.
After you apply. Many potentially qualified students are not considered because their applications are incomplete or vague. As the application deadline nears please check with Ms. Mercedes Saghini (mercedes.saghini@arch.gatech.edu) to verify that all materials have been received and are complete.