Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme centres on original research into the technology of buildings and the systems that make them perform. Core topics typically include building physics and hygrothermal performance, energy and environmental systems, façade engineering, materials and assemblies, computational design and simulation, digital fabrication, and building performance evaluation. Students combine advanced coursework with laboratory and field research, developing expertise in experimental methods, performance modelling, sensor and data analytics, and parametric design workflows.

Programme structure usually comprises an initial period of coursework to build research foundations, qualifying and comprehensive examinations to confirm readiness for dissertation research, a period of focused investigation under supervision, and the production and defence of an original doctoral dissertation. Many candidates also gain experience as teaching or research assistants and participate in multidisciplinary projects with engineering, sustainability and urban design colleagues.

• Typical modules and seminars: advanced building science, environmental systems, façade technology, advanced materials, computational design methods, research methods and statistics.
• Practical components: laboratory experiments, field monitoring, performance simulation, and digital fabrication workshops.
• Research outcome: doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to architectural technology, demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations and the thesis defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant master’s degree or equivalent in architecture, architectural technology, building science, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Strong applicants demonstrate a solid academic record, a clear and feasible research proposal, and prior experience in building‑related design or research.

• Required documents commonly include transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, and at least three academic or professional references.
• Applicants with professional architecture backgrounds should provide a portfolio that highlights design and technical work; applicants from engineering or science backgrounds should include evidence of technical and research accomplishments.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements; additional documentation may be requested for visa and funding purposes.
• Standardised tests such as the GRE may be optional or considered on a case‑by‑case basis depending on department policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD typically pursue careers in higher education as faculty and researchers, leading academic programmes in architecture, building science and design computation. Others join industry in research and development roles for façade engineering firms, energy and sustainability consultancies, building performance and commissioning practices, and advanced materials or construction technology companies.

Additional career paths include positions in government and non‑profit organisations focused on building codes, standards and resilience; leadership roles in construction technology startups; and specialist consulting in environmental assessment, retrofit strategies and performance simulation. Strong research credentials also open opportunities at national laboratories and private research institutes engaged in built‑environment innovation.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University provides an interdisciplinary environment that supports research at the intersection of architecture, engineering and sustainability. The university’s location offers practical advantages for studying building performance in hot‑humid and hurricane‑prone climates, informing research on resilience, materials durability and energy efficiency in challenging conditions.

Students benefit from access to fabrication and research facilities, collaborative centres and faculty with expertise in computational design, façade technology, building physics and environmental systems. FIU’s connections to regional industry, government agencies and professional networks in South Florida and Latin America create opportunities for applied research partnerships, internships and community‑focused projects.

The department typically supports doctoral candidates through teaching and research assistantships and encourages publication and conference participation to build an international research profile and professional network.