Architecture represents one of the most visible cultural expressions of societies. The history of architecture is the history of the physical achievements of societies throughout the ages. The past and present of architecture is considered to be an indication of the future of architecture in every society. The education of architects was taken up as a priority by the government and schools of architecture were established in the major universities in the Kingdom. The Department of Architecture in the University of Dammam is one such school set up in 1975. The school started with an undergraduate program and in course of time (1988) a graduate program offering Master's degree also took root in this department.
The department now proposes to establish A PhD program in Architecture to prepare doctoral level academics and professionals in architectural studies. Students would acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct substantive and original work in a specialized area that creates a deeper and broader understanding of issues related to the built environment, including its theoretical and methodical basis. The program is expected to serve a student body from the Kingdom, the region and from the international arena. Graduates from the doctoral program are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in their area of expertise, to be aware to the needs of the academic and professional environment, and be committed to the creative application of current technologies.
The program's strength lays in the specialized and diverse knowledge and accomplishments of the committed faculty members. The program will also be able to capitalize on the commitment of the University of Dammam to interdisciplinary studies e.g. environmental health and the built environment, reflected in the breadth and quality of degree programs as well as in specific initiatives shared by these programs. This type of thorough studies will be achieved through the collaboration between researchers from various colleges, formation of supervisory teams at college and University levels and shared tutoring courses with tutors from other department and colleges. The PhD program in architecture is designed to prepare architectural academicians and professionals who will make useful contribution in the design, execution and maintenance of the built environment which is sustainable, healthy and addressing the socio-cultural characteristics of the community.
Graduation Requirements
The duration of the PhD program is 3 years (six semesters). Degree requirements consist of formal coursework of a total minimum of 12 credits, a compressive exam; a PhD thesis and a qualifying paper of publishable standard that makes a contribution to knowledge which should be submitted for publication in an acceptable journal by the department council
Program System
The program is conducted through courses and a thesis.
Credit hours
12 study units + 12 Thesis
- College
- College of Architecture and Planning
- Campus
- Dammam
- Track
- Engineering
- Level
- Postgraduate
- Degree
- PhD
- Years of study
- 3
- Credit hours
- 24
- Additional requirements
- Written Dissertation
