In 1988, the Ph. D. Program in the College of Design, Construction and Planning was approved and nine doctoral students began taking courses in the college and across the university. In 1991, the first four students completed their course work, wrote a dissertation, passed the oral defense and graduated. To date, 100+ students have been admitted to the expanding doctoral program and 44 have graduated. Among those who have obtained their doctorate, most are currently university teachers; many conduct research, manage and consult in private industry, and some practice architecture and planning.

In the beginning, the objectives of the doctoral program were 1) to broaden the scope of architectural research in Florida and enable the state to manage better its problems of growth, design and construction; 2) to offer the degree to potential and current faculty of architecture, building construction and urban planning, and; 3) to serve professionals in architecture and related disciplines by providing educational opportunities. Currently, students study to understand and solve regional problems but additionally to manage world problems through exploration, research and action. Doctoral students come to the College of Design, Construction and Planning from across the globe--Africa, Asia, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East and the United States. This talented and diverse student population challenges us to expand the scope of academic study and research from Florida to the far reaches of the globe.

Today, our vision is to prepare individuals who can creatively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to conduct substantive, innovative, and original research with a specialized research focus. Areas for concentrated research within this unique interdisciplinary program of study include Architecture, Building Construction, Historic Preservation, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Urban and Regional Planning. This advanced degree is appropriate for those seeking careers in teaching, in industry, and in government as leaders in interdisciplinary design, planning, and construction teams aiming to make a better future for local and global communities alike.

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