Admissions

A Master’s degree in Building Construction, Construction Management, Built Environment, Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a GPA of 3.00 or better.

Evidence of completion of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with following scores:

1. 1. 1. Verbal Reasoning: 150 or better
      2. Quantitative Reasoning: 150 or better
      3. Analytical Writing: 3.5 or better

The GRE is required for all applicants and this requirement cannot be waived.

Equivalent or better scores in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may be accepted.

Please consult with the Ph.D. Program Chair if you plan to submit the GMAT scores.

Evidence of English language comprehension (for international applicants only): International applicants must score at least 79 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based version (iBT). Additionally, successful applicants must score a minimum of 16 on the listening, reading, and writing components, and 23 on the speaking component of the iBT. An overall 6.5 score (7.0 in the speaking part) on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is also acceptable. Auburn University no longer accepts Duolingo test.

Three letters of recommendation on the prescribed form.

Instructions for requesting the letters of recommendation are available from the Graduate School’s prospective student page.

Applicants will provide e-mail addresses of their referees in the online application form. A request will then be sent by the Graduate School to these referees to fill out a specific form and upload a scanned copy of their recommendation letter.

A Statement of Purpose (1000 words max) explaining the motivation for seeking a PhD degree in Building Construction and applicant’s short and long term plans after getting the degree.

Please clearly indicate if you self-finance your degree (including loans and/or external/international scholarships) or would seek a graduate assistantship.

A Statement of Research Intent (3-5 pages plus references) explaining the intended research topic, its rationale, and significance supported by published literature and key research questions.

The applicant must contact the Building Science PhD Faculty before submitting an application to thoroughly discuss the research topic and identify at least one faculty member (called the faculty sponsor) who has agreed to supervise the proposed research topic.

The name of the faculty sponsor shall be included in the statement of research intent.

Visit the Graduate School’s website and select “Apply Online” from the menu below.

Click the “Apply Online” button under Applicants. You will be redirected to Apply Yourself, the University’s online admission system.

Create a “New” account (for new applicants) or Login using your PIN and Password (for returning applicants).

Log in, and complete the sections.

Select the correct term for which you are applying (Fall), choosing Building Construction-Doctorate (DBSC) from the drop-down menu as your program option.

Request certified copies of transcripts from all previously attended educational institutions, and have them sent directly to:

Graduate School
106 Hargis Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849

If your transcript is from Auburn University, the Graduate School will acquire it for you.

Official electronic transcripts from domestic institutions may be sent to graduatetranscripts@auburn.edu

Request an official copy of your GRE (or GMAT) scores from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to be sent to the Graduate School. Auburn University’s ETS institution code is 1005.

For International Students Only: Request an official copy of your TOEFL or IELTS score to be sent to the Graduate School. Auburn University’s ETS institution code is 1005.

TOEFL (internet-based) [IBT]: Overall Score: 79; Speaking Section Score: 23 or higher                  IELTS: Overall Score: 6.5 or higher; Speaking Section Score of 7 or higher                                          The English language proficiency requirements are waived if: (1) The Student has a degree from an accredited college/university in the United States; (2) English is an official language of the applicant’s country of residence. Auburn University does not accept Duolingo or other English language tests for admission.

Provide letters of recommendation from three referees according to the instructions on the online admissions page.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure all letters of recommendation are submitted on time.

Click on the link “Building Science Supplemental Documents” and upload the following documents:

• • • Statement of Purpose
    • Current Resume
    • Statement of Research Intent

After completing your application, please make sure to pay the correct application fee.

Without payment of the application fee, the application will not be processed by the Graduate School.

A 3-5 member Ph.D. admissions committee will review applications and shortlist applicants that meet all admission requirements.

In-person or video interviews will be scheduled to assess shortlisted applicants’ communication skills and their preparedness to pursue a Ph.D. degree.

The Graduate Program Chair will contact all shortlisted applicants to set up a suitable date/time for the interview.

The Ph.D. admissions committee will comprehensively discuss all applicants and prepare a final admissions list.

The Graduate Program Chair will inform all applicants about the final decision within 6-8 weeks of the application deadline.