Dr. Diane Shaw

Associate Professor

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Biography

Diane Shaw is an Associate Professor and architectural historian at the School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University. She teaches an introductory survey of world architecture and has research interests that include vernacular architecture and regional traditions in North America, interpretation and preservation of cultural landscapes, as well as the history of urban design. Dr. Shaw expands the traditional disciplinary definition of 'Americanist' by teaching a course on Mesoamerican, Spanish Colonial, and Modern Architecture in Mexico and Guatemala. She has received the Henry Hornbostel Teaching Award from CMU's College of Fine Arts for her excellence in teaching. Her recent research investigates the architectural implications of early 20th-century community reform efforts, specifically focusing on the village improvement movement's architectural responses to rural decline in New England. Dr. Shaw holds a Ph.D. in Architectural History from the University of California at Berkeley, an M.A. in American Studies from George Washington University, and a B.A. in History from Smith College.

Research Interests

Courses

American City: Architectural Urban Design History Aztec Zacatecas: Mesoamerican & Spanish Colonial Architecture Mexico & Guatemala History of World Architecture American Regions & Regionalism: Architectural History Place, Time Culture

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.