COURSE CURRICULUM

The Research in Architecture and Environmental Design graduate program at Kent State University is a STEM-accredited degree designed to equip students with advanced research skills and expertise at the intersection of architecture, design, and environmental science. The program requires a minimum of 35 credit hours and integrates rigorous coursework with practical research experience to prepare students for leadership and innovation in the built environment. Core courses develop both theoretical knowledge and applied research skills, including Methods of Inquiry in Architectural Studies, Empirical Research in Environmental Design, and Applied Research Methods in Architecture and Environmental Design. Students also engage in Topical Immersion and Advanced Proposal Writing to refine their ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute complex research projects. The curriculum includes Theories of Architecture, which provides a strong foundation in design thinking and historical context. In addition, students complete 15 credit hours of advisor-approved electives at the 50000 or 60000 level, allowing them to pursue specialized topics aligned with their research interests, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, bioclimatics, living architecture, or kinetics. The program culminates in the Thesis I course, in which students conduct original research under faculty supervision and produce a thesis demonstrating methodological rigor, technical competence, and innovative thinking. By combining structured coursework, elective exploration, and a culminating research project, graduates develop the skills necessary to contribute new knowledge, solve complex design problems, and advance their careers in architecture, environmental design, or interdisciplinary research. The program emphasizes both analytical and creative approaches, ensuring that students are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the future of sustainable, technologically informed, and socially responsive built environments.