Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Architectural Engineering

Pending MHEC Approval

Degree options bar imageQuestions?

Earn a doctorate degree in architectural engineering and build innovation for a sustainable future.

Capitol Tech’s PhD in Architectural Engineering is a research-intensive program designed to advance knowledge and innovation at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and technology. This program prepares you to address complex challenges in the built environment through cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical application of engineering principles to architectural design and construction.

You’ll engage in original research that contributes to the advancement of sustainable building systems, structural performance, construction technologies, energy efficiency, and human-centered design. As your PhD progresses, you’ll connect with your academic supervisor through a series of progression points and review stages that keep you on track for a high-quality thesis. After submitting your PhD thesis, you'll conduct an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.

When you graduate, you’ll emerge as a leader in academia, industry, and government who are equipped to shape the future of architecture.

Why Capitol?

Graphic of building a person from multiple sources.

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field.

Line art graphic of a brain detailed out by the circuits

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, nationally recognized for our academic excellence in our programs.

a web browser graphic

Program is 100% online

Our Ph.D. programs are offered 100% online.

Key Faculty

Career Opportunities

Line art graphic of a bar chart showing the demand rising

Market demand for architectural engineering professionals

Get the necessary credentials to take on a leadership role or enter higher education as a teaching professional.

Line art of a handshake to showcase opportunities.

A degree that creates opportunities

Contribute significantly to the architectural engineering field through the creation of new knowledge and ideas.

Degree Details


This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. 

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

Prior achieved credits may be considered.


Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2025-2026 academic year, beginning in Fall 2025 and continuing through Summer 2026:

  • The application fee is $100
  • The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $975. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
  • Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
  • Technology fee $45 per credit hour.
  • High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2025-2026 doctorate tuition and fees.

Need more info, or ready to apply?

We’re here to help.