The thesis must result in advances in the state of the art that would merit publication in a respected, refereed technical journal in the field. Along with the thesis, a Ph.D. student is required to complete a major and a minor program of study as approved by an interdisciplinary thesis committee and successfully complete a qualifying examination. The minor program is in an area within Architecture or Engineering distinct from the major. It is expected that several subjects in the program of study would be in the student's academic department. The student must also demonstrate competence in verbal and written English and fulfill a program which assures adequate competence in mathematics.
Most students complete their Ph.D. program in three to four years.
Advanced Degrees in Related Fields Students may earn a degree in an engineering or science discipline while performing research under the direction of Building Technology faculty. These students must fulfill the course requirements of their home department. Students from Civil and Mechanical Engineering and from the Technology and Policy Program have participated in Building Technology research projects in this way. Some students wish to combine studies of building technology with training in architectural design.