Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning

The Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning in the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia is an advanced doctoral degree, which will prepare students to propose and conduct research to support the design, planning, and management of the natural, cultural, and built environment through the integration of research methods and theories, innovative technologies, design and problem-solving and research-driven solutions.

Apply to PHD


Apply to the Ph.D. Program!

Application Requirements

In order to be considered for assistantships, applicants are required to submit the following by January 1:

  • Graduate School Application Form and Fee Payment (International students click here).
  • UNOFFICIAL academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be included in your online application. Official transcripts will be required for those admitted to UGA. In addition, entering students are required to have obtained a Master’s Degree. More information.
  • Three letters of recommendation – As part of the online application, you will need to furnish accurate email address information for individuals to provide three letters of recommendation.  The link for the form will be electronically sent to your recommender while completing the online application.
  • A statement of intent – The statement is an essential component of an application to the Ph.D. program. It should clearly delineate the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in the realms of Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation, and Environmental Planning. The statement should include a brief description of the applicant’s educational and/or professional background, academic and career goals, and an explanation of how a doctorate from the College of Environment and Design (CED) can help achieve these goals. We expect candidates applying for the Ph.D. program to have a clear research focus. The statement should articulate the exact nature of the subject matter the candidate plans to investigate, demonstrate why this subject is important in relation to the relevant literature, and identify potential methods or strategies that may be used in conducting the proposed research. We also encourage applicants to identify specific CED faculty with whom their research interests align.
  • Although not required, admission interviews are recommended for all applicants within half a day’s traveling time of Athens. Interviews are strongly encouraged for all others who can arrange to travel to Athens. Interviews assist the school in evaluating applicants accurately, and applicants in selecting a school that can best meet their specific needs. Accommodations at the Georgia Center are available at a discount for prospective grad students. To arrange an interview, call 706-542-6217 or e-mail [email protected]

Applicants from foreign countries where English is not the native language are required in addition to submit TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores or the IELTS.

Send 1) test scores and 2) official transcripts from all institutions (required if admitted) to:
UGA Graduate School Admissions Office
210 South Jackson Street
Athens, Georgia 30602-4401

Matriculation in fall semester is encouraged; however, applications will be received throughout the year until spaces are filled. For mid-cycle application deadlines, refer to the Graduate School website http://grad.uga.edu/

Acceptance letter response required; a letter of acceptance from the graduate school does not guarantee your place in the Ph.D program. The applicant must indicate acceptance of the admissions offer in writing.

Scholarship Opportunities

There are a few opportunities at UGA with early deadlines that you can apply to: Click Here.

Funding from our college (College of Environment and Design -CED) – CED funding opportunities are limited and highly competitive. As CED funding is limited, we cannot commit to offering funding until you have applied. You will be considered for funding once you have been accepted into our program. We have a committee that reviews your application, and once it has been submitted, you are eligible for funding.

UGA does not waive the application fees under any hardship condition, but we do waive the GRE requirement.

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Join the College of Environment + Design and prepare to shape our world.