GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The degree will be conferred when the following conditions are met:

1. Completion of the 60- credit curriculum.
2. Recommendation of the Doctoral Project faculty advisor and committee.
3. Certification provided by the Department Chair, College Dean, and University Graduate School that all degree requirements have been met.
4. Grade Point Average (GPA) ≥ 3.0.
5. No grade below a “B-” will be accepted for graduation in all courses.

CURRICULUM

Taken as part of Master of Architecture Degree: 15 Credits

 

Fall Semester (12 Credits) 

ARC 6229 Theories of the Digital, 3 Credits 

ARC 6906 Independent Study, 3 Credits 

ARC 7980 Doctoral Project, 3 Credits 

ARC 7981 Advanced Research Methods, 3 Credits

 

Spring Semester (12 Credits) 

ARC 6184 Advanced Studies in Technology, 3 Credits 

ARC 6204 Architectural Philosophy, 3 Credits 

ARC 7980 Doctoral Project, 3 Credits 

ARC 6761 Miami Urban Studies, 3 Credits

 

Semester 3 (9 Credits)

ARC 7980 Doctoral Project, 9 Credits

 

Semester 4 (12 Credits)

ARC 7980 Doctoral Project, 9 Credits

ARC 7982 Doctoral Defense, 3 Credits

 

Total credits: 60 Credits

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

In the first year of this program candidates will take four required courses, two of which are STEM related. Theories of the Digital, provides candidates with a theoretical framework to understand and appraise the impact of the digital not only on architectural design and fabrication, but also on urban life in general. A particular emphasis is placed on Artificial Intelligence. Advanced Studies in Technology, focuses on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, robotic fabrication, sensing, and advanced visualization tools (virtual and augmented reality).

Also included in the first year is a course on Research Methods, where candidates learn about a range of important research and writing skills, including qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, writing articles and book proposals and preparing research grant applications. Another course, Miami Urban Studies, addresses broader cultural and environmental issues, related to Southern Florida. The course examines the region’s unique ecology of the Everglades and coral rich marine life, its social, political and economic diversity and pressing issues related to global warming and sea-level rise. The program also provides candidates the flexibility to pursue their topic of interest with a faculty expert in one Independent Study and two Doctoral Project courses during their first year.

The second year of the program is devoted to the doctoral project that each degree candidate is required to complete. The program culminates with the submission of the doctoral project. Each candidate is also encouraged to publish two scholarly articles each year. These may be based on their course submissions.

ARC 6184 Advances Studies in Technology (3). This course explores the role of emerging technologies including robotics, digital fabrication, sensing, and advanced visualization tools for innovation in design and architectural production.

ARC 6204 Architectural Philosophy (3). This course explores how ideas from contemporary continental philosophy and other related fields might inform a discourse about architecture and urbanism. Prerequisite: ARC 6229

ARC 6229 Theories of the Digital (3). This course explores theories of the digital. The aim is to develop a theoretical framework to understand the impact of the digital on architectural design, fabrication and urban life.

ARC 6761 Miami Urban Studies (3). Studies concerning the social, political, economic and environmental of Urbanism in Southern Florida in general and Miami in particular.

ARC 6906 Independent Study (1-6). Coursework on a particular aspect of Architecture under the direction of faculty in an individual study format. Prerequisite: Program approval.

ARC 7980 Doctoral Project (3-9). Coursework under the direction of faculty for the completion of the Doctoral Project by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Design.

ARC 7981 Advanced Research Methods (3). Advanced methods of data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation used in architectural research.

ARC 7982 Doctoral Defense (3). The formal defense of the Doctoral Project.

Per semester: https://onestop.fiu.edu/finances/estimate-your-costs/graduate-tuition-fees/
Per credit: http://finance.fiu.edu/controller/UG_Calculator.htm

For YouTube video recordings of previous classes, click here.

For Bilibili video recordings of previous classes, click here.

For a YouTube video recording of presentations by DDes candidates, click here.

For a Bilibili video recording of presentations by DDes candidates, click here.

NSF Fellowship for Doctor of Design at FIU 

Interdisciplinary Environmental Research 

Florida International University (FIU) School of Architecture is seeking applicants for the Doctor of Design Program. The accepted applicants will receive an NSF fellowship from the Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST). This Program supports interdisciplinary research at the intersection of technology and built and natural environments. With a focus on sustainability, resilience, and mitigation, the supported technology-driven research areas include robotics fabrication, big-data analytics, spatial computing, artificial intelligence, media design, game design, and interactive learning environments.  

DOCTOR of DESIGN PROGRAM 

The FIU Doctor of Design (DDes) is a 2-year post-professional degree that provides specialized credentials for advancing in architecture and related fields. Please visit the program’s website for further information: carta.fiu.edu/architecture/academics/degrees/doctor-of-design/For more information on CREST, please check the list of faculty mentors on the program website CRESTCAChE.fiu.edu. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH 

This appointment will leverage the FIU School of Architecture and FIU Institute of Environment‘s resources to accommodate the research requirements of the selected candidate. Within the School of Architecture, this will include access to the Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab and Immersive Media for Environmental Explorations Lab. 

FUNDING: 

This position covers tuition and offers a standard 12-month doctoral stipend for the two-year duration of the FIU DDes Program. The appointments will begin in the 2023 Fall Semester (August 21, 2023) and continue until the end of the 2024-2025 academic year. See FIU’s Academic Calendar for more details. 

REQUIREMENTS: 

• The candidate must be present in Miami and on campus throughout the program 
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident 
• A graduate degree (such as an M.A., MArch, MS) in Architecture or related fields 
• Excellent command of the English Language 

ABOUT FIU: 

FIU is a Carnegie-engaged public research university, classified as R1 highest research activity, and offers more than 180 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. FIU is the largest majority-minority R.I. institution in the U.S., with a student population of over 50,000. FIU is a vibrant, student-centered public research university, ideally located in Miami, committed to learning, research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity. CREST is part of the Institute of Environment environment.fiu.edu, an FIU Preeminent Program. 

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

To be considered, the candidates must email the following required documentation as an attached PDF, with the subject line “DDES-CREST Fellowship Application,” to this position’s advisors, Assistant Prof. Biayna Bogosian bbogosia@fiu.eduand Prof. Shahin Vassigh svassigh@fiu.edu, by Jan.1, 2023, 11:59 pm EST. 

• A cover letter that explains your aspirations for following an interdisciplinary Doctor of Design and your relevant academic and professional background 

• Academic CV 
• One writing sample 
• 10-page portfolio including relevant research 
• Name and contact information of three references 
• A copy of the transcript from the latest degree