University of Kansas

What you'll study

This doctoral programme emphasises original research that addresses complex socio-ecological and spatial problems. You will undertake advanced coursework in theory, history and methods before moving into sustained, supervised dissertation research. Typical study components include:

• Research methods and theory: qualitative and quantitative methods, design research methods, spatial analysis, and critical theory related to landscape and planning.
• Seminars and advanced topics: seminars on landscape theory, urbanism and regional planning, environmental justice, ecological design, and land-use policy.
• Elective and cross-disciplinary study: opportunities to take courses from allied departments such as urban planning, ecology, geography, civil engineering, or public policy to support interdisciplinary enquiry.
• Teaching and professional development: pedagogical training and supervised teaching experience to prepare graduates for academic careers.
• Comprehensive examinations and dissertation: preparation of a research proposal, comprehensive/qualifying examinations, and completion of a substantial, original doctoral dissertation under faculty supervision.

Research topics pursued by students commonly include landscape performance assessment, design for resilience and climate adaptation, regional and municipal planning processes, landscape restoration and conservation planning, cultural landscapes and heritage, and the socio-political dimensions of design practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree (for example in landscape architecture, planning, architecture, or a closely related discipline) or equivalent professional experience and training. Strong candidates demonstrate evidence of research potential through academic transcripts, a research statement or proposal, and letters of recommendation. A portfolio of design work is recommended for applicants coming from design professions. Additional considerations include prior publications or conference work, relevant work experience in planning or landscape architecture, and fit with faculty research interests.

Applicants should consult the School of Architecture & Design for programme-specific admissions materials and any standardised test or English proficiency requirements for international applicants. Funding, teaching assistantships and research assistantships are competitive and may require separate application or consideration during the admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD pathway commonly move into roles such as:

• Academic positions (assistant professor, research faculty) in landscape architecture, planning, architecture and allied disciplines.
• Research positions at universities, independent research institutes, and think tanks focused on land use, environmental policy and urbanism.
• Senior roles in public agencies and regional planning commissions directing policy, resilience planning, environmental regulation and community development.
• Leadership and specialist positions in private practice and consultancies working on large-scale landscape design, ecological restoration, infrastructure planning and design-led research projects.
• Policy advisory, non-profit leadership and advocacy roles that require expertise in the intersection of design, ecology and social equity.

Why study at University of Kansas

The University of Kansas offers an interdisciplinary environment that supports rigorous design research and planning scholarship. The School of Architecture & Design and the Department of Landscape Architecture and Planning provide access to faculty with diverse research specialisms, opportunities for cross-college collaboration, and a combination of theoretical and applied research mentorship.

KU’s regional setting and campus resources allow students to engage with Midwestern urban, rural and prairie landscapes as living laboratories, while institutional support—such as research funding opportunities, graduate teaching experience, and access to university libraries and labs—helps doctoral candidates develop publishable scholarship and professional networks. The programme’s emphasis on both scholarly rigour and real-world application positions graduates to influence practice, policy and education in landscape architecture and planning.