Please see the below for common questions and answers about the PhD Program in Design and Planning.
…For Prospective Applicants:
Q: What funding opportunities are available? A: There are a variety of funds available to defray or cover the costs of attending the PhD program. Throughout their tenure, almost all students tap into one or more sources of opportunities. Generally, such funds are generally derived from four categories: (a) research assistantships working with specific faculty members (or research centers) and funded by research grants (for these, you should contact individual faculty members); (b) teaching assistant or GPTI (Graduate, professional, teaching, instructor) positions which are made on a semester basis and usually by contacting the department chair or the instructor of the individual class, (c) programmatic funds (e.g., tuition costs, other research assistantships) awarded to students on the basis of a combination of merit, need, status in the program, and other considerations, and (d) for those whose research interests are applicable and are admitted to the IGERT program, there are NSF fellowships available (see program website).
Q: I am interested in being admitted to the program, how can I learn more? A: We strongly encourage you to consult all aspects of the web site for the PhD program (available from links below) and specifically, reflect on the research interests of faculty. Admission is competitive and several factors are considered for admittance, including but not limited to standardized text scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL) and performance in past academic and/or professional pursuits. The Program faculty heavily weighs the candidate’s personal statement and the overlap with current research capacity of our program. Gaining the support of one or more faculty members is an important prerequisite for admission so you are encouraged to phone, email, or meet in person faculty with whom your research interests overlap. A good overlap with the capacities and strengths of our program is indicated by persons who would be interested either in serving on your committee or advising you. An average entering class cohort is usually between 4 and 8 students and we very strongly encourage students to enter in the fall semester only.
Q: Do I absolutely, positively need to take the GRE’s? A: While the GRE is not formally required for admittance into our program, it is strongly encouraged. Decisions for admittance into the program are very competitive and it is in your best interest to put forth as complete of an application as possible.
Q: Are tours of either the Boulder or Denver campus or facilities available? A: By all means, the UC Boulder campus provides tours for prospective students on a regular basis and a representative from the Environmental Design Building on the Boulder campus would be happy to show you the specific PhD facilities. Likewise, a College and Architecture representative on the Denver campus would be happy to tour with you the facilities in the CAP building. For either opportunity, contact the PhD Program Administrative Coordinator.
…For Students Currently Matriculating Through the Program
Q: How many credit hours of “dissertation” research can I register for each semester? A: A maximum of 10 hours of dissertation credit may be registered for in any single semester. Once a student has student has successfully completed both parts of their comprehensive exam, a minimum of 3 hours of dissertation credit must be registered for each Fall and Spring semester.
Q: How many credits do I need to be enrolled for during the semester I plan to defend my dissertation? A: Once 30 dissertation credits have been completed, the student need enroll for just one credit each Fall and Spring semester until a successful defense. Students do not need to be enrolled for any credits the semester they graduate (however, you need to be sure to graduate during this semester).
Q: What is the maximum number of hours I can work as an RA, TA, or GPTI? A: There are multiple educational, professional, and employment opportunities available to you throughout your tenure in the program. Most of these, if not all of them, will help advance your career in some capacity. However, the PhD Program Faculty is most interested in you adequately and efficiently progressing through the program; keeping in mind your goal as a research oriented PhD student is primary. The College of Architecture and Planning permits students to be employed by the College at 50% time (on average, no more than 20 hrs/week during the semester).
Q: What opportunities are there to receive funding support to travel to conferences? A: Please see the PhD program conference travel policy.
Q: Are there time limits on my tenure in the program? A: The Graduate School at the University of Colorado Denver stipulates an eight year maximum limit for doctoral studies. Only in extenuating circumstances are students able to apply to the Graduate School for extensions, which are then also approved by the College/School Dean. If necessary, students can file for a “time out” to stop the clock for one year.
Q: Can I take a leave of absence? How? A: A student may take up to a year of approved leave of absence without reapplying to the program upon his/her return. Students may request a leave for reasons of extenuation circumstances, which must be approved by the College/School Dean. The total time to the completion of the degree cannot exceed ten years.
Q: What opportunities exist for peer-to-peer support and social networking? A: Informal meetings of students in the program are always taking place. There exist three email list-serves for the program: (1) students only, (2) faculty only, (3) students and faculty combined. In addition, a limited sum of funding is available each year for pre-organized student “research / get-togethers” to discuss ideas for research, peer-to-peer support and other social functions.
Q: Do I need to be registered when I defend my dissertation? A: Students may register for a maximum of 10 hours of dissertation credit in any one semester. Students must register for a minimum of 5 hours of dissertation credit in each Fall and Spring semester following successful completion of the comprehensive examination. Once a student has completed 30 dissertation credits they need to enroll for only one credit in each Fall and Spring semester until a successful defense of their thesis. A student must be registered for the semester in which they undertake an examination or a dissertation defense, therefore if students elect to defend their thesis in the summer semester they must register for that semester.