Educational Objectives

The Graduate School of Architecture at Dong-A University is based on the founding ideal of “Hongik Ingan” (benefiting all mankind) and seeks to cultivate leading talents with both deep academic theory and broad practical application in architecture. Our goal is to foster individuals who combine integrated knowledge of architecture with professional skills. The department aims to realize its educational mission of producing architects and researchers who lead the local community, delivering original research capabilities and possessing leadership character relevant to the fields of architecture and urbanism.

Major Fields of Study

The Department of Architecture offers both master’s and doctoral-level study under the “Architectural Studies” specialization. Within this specialization, students may focus on sub-fields according to faculty expertise, including:

• Architectural Design
• Architectural Planning
• Architectural Theory
• Architectural History
• Urban Design
• Urban Regeneration
• Urban Policy

Faculty Profile

The faculty in the department consists of:

• 1 Emeritus Professor
• 8 Full Professors
• 2 Dedicated Professors

All faculty members in the architecture specialization hold either a doctoral degree or an architect’s license. They are actively involved in academic societies related to architecture and urban planning, and maintain close ties with government, research institutes, industry, and professional associations. They publish high-quality papers in domestic and international journals, consistently present design works in architecture and urban design, and are engaged in active writing in their fields.

Department regulations

A. Admission

• Entrance examinations are designed and administered by all faculty members of rank associate professor or higher.
• Admission is conducted through both a special selection track and a general selection track; the ratio between them is determined by a faculty meeting.
• In the master’s program, one professor may supervise up to three students. If more, students may be assigned to their first or second preferred specialization in a different field.
• Foreign applicants for both master’s and doctoral programs must be proficient in Korean or English.
• Applicants from related departments or similar fields outside the department may be admitted if approved by the faculty meeting, and may be required to complete supplementary undergraduate coursework in architecture as determined.

B. Credit and Coursework

• The selection of the supervising professor in master’s and doctoral programs respects the applicant’s preferences and is decided by the department’s faculty meeting.
• Part-time or special registration students (e.g., working professionals or lecturers teaching 12 hours or more per week) may not enroll in more than 9 credits per semester.
• The comprehensive examinations will consist of major courses (two subjects) and general architecture courses (two subjects), up to a total of four subjects. The professors administering these exams and the specific subjects are decided by the faculty meeting.
• Supplementary courses designated by the supervising professor: at least 18 credits of supplementary coursework must be completed. Students must submit transcripts before their thesis or project presentation for departmental review.
• Cross-department or cross-major joint classes may be offered if approved by the graduate school dean, not exceeding one-third of the total coursework.

C. Foreign Language and Comprehensive Exams

• Foreign language exam requirements for master’s, doctoral and integrated programs follow the graduate school’s regulations.
• The major comprehensive exam subjects for both master’s and doctoral are determined by the department’s faculty meeting.

D. Thesis Submission and Examination

• For Master’s Degree To be eligible to submit a thesis, students must satisfy all of the following:
  • Complete the required coursework with at least 24 credits, achieving an overall average grade of 80 or above
  • Complete all designated supplementary coursework
  • Maintain enrollment for four regular semesters
  • Submit the thesis research proposal and receive supervision from the assigned supervising professor for at least one semester
  • Pass the foreign language exam (English) and comprehensive exam in two major subjects
  • Pay the required research registration fee at the beginning of the semester in which the degree is requested
  • At least one semester before the thesis defense, publicly present their thesis plan to the department
  • The department may allow replacement of the thesis with a performance report or design work, under certain conditions. Recognition of such alternative work is decided by the faculty meeting.
• For Doctoral DegreeTo qualify for the doctoral thesis submission, students must meet:
  • At least 36 credits of coursework; integrated programs require 60 credits, with a minimum average grade of 80
  • Complete all required supplementary courses (if more than 12 supplementary credits are needed, students are required to take at least 9)
  • Be enrolled for four regular semesters (eight semesters for integrated programs)
  • Conduct at least 2 credits of thesis research (4 in integrated programs)
  • Undergo at least one publicly presented research plan before the supervisor’s recommendation
  • Pass foreign language exams (English; second foreign language as required)
  • Pass the comprehensive exams in three major subjects
  • Submit required research registration fees in the semester when degree is requested
  • Conduct at least one departmental public presentation of research plan prior to the final review

  Additional requirements:

  • For integrated programs, in certain circumstances, foreign language or comprehensive examination requirements may be waived or modified (for example, if passed earlier in the master’s stage).
  • Research output: After program entry, students must publish papers related to their thesis in domestic or international academic journals. Required performance is 200% of the thesis amount (co-authorship counts under certain rules).
  • At least one of these must be confirmed prior to the preliminary examination, and fully completed before the final defense.

  F. Other

  • Students in the master’s and doctoral programs obtain their respective degree upon completing their program:
    • Submission of two copies of the thesis for departmental retention
  • Students whose previous major differs, or who are from related fields, may be required to take specified prerequisite courses.
  • This set of regulations applies from the first semester of 2023; however, requirements regarding thesis plan presentation and research output took effect starting with the 2023 thesis reviews.