Program Overview

Environmental Design and Planning, PhD

The Environmental Design and Planning (EDP) program prepares doctoral students with the professional and academic skills to address the challenges of creating and maintaining tomorrow's built environment. The Doctor of Philosophy degree offers the opportunity for advanced studies and research in specialized areas relating to building design, construction, and operations, providing the basis to contribute to the field from positions in either industry or academia. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to undertake advanced academic studies including independent research. While a prior related degree in the field and industry experience are not required for admission, applicants must demonstrate relevant background and capabilities to succeed at the advanced study level.

Program Details

• Graduate Program Director: Dr. Josh Iorio
• CIP code: 4.0401
• College: Engineering
• Campus(es) where program is offered: Blacksburg

Admission Requirements

• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• TOEFL IBT: 100
  • TOEFL reading sub-score: 20
  • TOEFL listening sub-score: 20
  • TOEFL speaking sub-score: 20
  • TOEFL writing sub-score: 20
• IELTS (TOEFL alternative): 7
• GRE: optional
• GMAT: optional
• Letter(s) of recommendation: 3 required

Admission Terms and Deadlines

• Admission terms: Fall, Spring
• Admission application deadlines:
  • Fall Semester: August 1
  • Spring Semester: January 5

Program Structure

• Institution code: 5859
• Minimum total credit hours required for the degree: 90
  • Total minimum credit hour requirement of graded graduate-level courses: 27
  • Total minimum credit hour requirement of Research: 30

Curriculum

Core Courses

• Methods in Construction Research (CNST 5084)

Elective Courses

• Any approved 5000 (or higher) graduate level courses in the areas of Construction, Engineering, Architecture, or other disciplines depending on the students' research area.