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FAQ

Q. Do I send my application and materials to the Ph.D. Program or to the Graduate College

A: Applications are completed using the online application through the Graduate College. Their website is http://graduate.asu.edu/. All official transcripts and test scores must be submitted to the Graduate College Admissions office at:

Arizona State University

Graduate College
Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
PO Box 871003
Tempe, Arizona 85287-1003

Other application materials should be sent to:

       

Cross College Programs

PhD. Admissions

Attn: Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator

PO Box 872105

Tempe, AZ 85287-2105

(If currier requires a street address)

ASU College of Design

Attn: Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator

850 S. Forrest Mall

Tempe, AZ 85287

Q: How can I check my application status?

A: After you submit your application to the Graduate College, they will send you an email acknowledgement that includes your ASURITE ID and Activation Code. After activating your ASURITE ID, you can track your application status on your Student Services Center. Go to ASU Interactive =>Prospective Students => Check Application Status => Graduate Admissions Application - Check Status. You can view your To Do List to see if the Graduate College is waiting for materials such as transcripts or test scores.

Q. There is no mention of portfolios as part of the application, but are they required?

A: Portfolios are not required, but you may submit them as supplemental materials if you wish.

Q. I have obtained letters of recommendation, where do I send them? Should they come directly from the sponsors or from me?

A: Letters of recommendation should be on the letter of recommendation form. They may be submitted in one of two ways: 1) directly from the recommender or 2) in a comprehensive packet by the applicant. If you are submitting a comprehensive packet, the letters must be in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender over the seal. Letter should be sent to:

 

Cross College Programs

PhD. Admissions

Attn: Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator

PO Box 872105

Tempe, AZ 85287-2105

(If currier requires a street address)

College of Design

Attn: Ph.D. Graduate Coordinator

850 S. Forrest Mall

Tempe, AZ 85287

Q. Do I have to use a recommender form?

A: The recommender form is preferred, because it allows the admissions committee a standard way to evaluate all candidates. Your recommenders are welcome to write a supplemental letter if they wish.

Q. Where do I send my official transcripts? May I send an official copy of my transcripts?

A: Transcripts must be sent directly from your academic institution. All transcripts must be official and sent to the ASU Graduate College Admissions office at:

      Arizona State University
      Graduate College
       Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
       PO Box 871003
       Tempe, Arizona 85287-1003

      Or delivered to: (If currier requires a street address)

       Arizona State University
       Graduate College
       Interdisciplinary Building, B-Wing, Room 170
       Tempe, AZ 85287

International transcripts must be sent in both the original language and with an official English translation.

Q. If my application is received after the deadline, may I still be admitted for the fall semester?

A: If your Ph.D. application is late, it will not be reviewed.

Q. I work full-time, can I enroll in the Ph.D. program and attend classes on a part-time basis?

A: The PhD. program can be pursued in a part-time fashion, however it is not structured to do so. Typically, our Ph.D. program takes 5-6 years to complete for full-time students. All degree requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed within 10-years from the date of admission.

Q: Can I complete the Ph.D. program remotely, or do I have to physically be in Arizona?

A: The Ph.D. course requirement must be completed on the campus. However, once individuals have completed all coursework, the dissertation may be worked on remotely.  Students will need to physically be on campus from time to time in order to meet requirements (i.e., defenses).

Q. I am a graduate professional and am not interested in the graduate degree, can I sit in on graduate level classes?

A: You must apply to the University as a non-degree seeking student. You may do this through the Graduate College. Once admitted, you may either enroll or audit a course if there is space available and you meet the requirements for the enrollment.

Q. What kind of financial aid can I expect from the Ph.D. program?

A:The Ph.D. program offers a few Teaching Assistantships.  There are a limited number of TA positions and a higher amount of demand.  The Ph.D. program typically offers a few TA positions to incoming students that are renewable for up to three years.  Students are also encourage to apply to the department of their background (i.e., a student with a background in planning should apply to the School of Planning as well).  It should be noted that application does not necessarily mean that a student will receive a TA position.  The financial aid office has more options available to students. Their information can be found at http://www.asu.edu/fa/.

Q. What if I have other questions when I get there?

A: Ph.D. Orientation will be held the first week before the fall semester.

 

Q. What are examples of projects students are currently working on?

A: Student research interests and current professional presentations and publications can be found on the Student Research page.

 

Q. Can I defer my admission to the Ph.D. program?

A: The Ph.D. program does not process admission deferrals. If you would like to be considered for admission to a future semester, you will need to apply for that particular admission term.

Q. Can I apply for Spring admission?

A: This is a Fall admission only program

Q. I have questions regarding the Graduate Application Fee, who do I talk to?

A: Direct questions regarding Graduate Application Fees to the Graduate College at http://graduate.asu.edu/admissions/faq.html or by phone at 480-965-6113.

Q. Who is my advisor?

A: At the graduate level, advising is done by faculty. Your faculty mentor will guide you in the search for elective courses, as well as courses related to your thesis, applied project, or dissertation. The Graduate Coordinator can inform you of required courses.  Students select a potential mentor at the time of application.  If you are admitted into our program, this is your mentor.  Although typically the mentor becomes the chair of your dissertation committee, your chair might be a different person.

Q. Where can I find what courses I should register for?

A: You can find the required courses for your degree at http://www.design.asu.edu/phd/program.shtml

 

Q. Where can I find information about housing?

A: Housing information can be found at http://www.asu.edu/housing/   

Q. Where do I park?

A: Parking information can be found at http://pts.asu.edu/ 

Q. How may I have a tour?

A. There is a virtual tour of the College found on our website. If you will be visiting the campus, you can schedule a tour of the College by calling (480)965-3584. Please be aware that College tours are conducted by students, thus program questions can not be answered. For more information on a tour of ASU, please visit http://www.asu.edu/tour/