PhD in Design
PhD in Design
The first PhD in design program in the US, Institute of Design’s PhD is a top-rated graduate program for those seeking to teach or conduct fundamental research in the field. Our PhD alumni have gone on to lead noted design programs at universities all over the world and lead practices at global corporations.
By pursuing rigorous research in an area that aligns with work by our PhD faculty, you’ll work directly in some of the most exciting design-focused work being done today. To learn more about research at ID and our PhD in Design, complete this form.
PhD Faculty Advisors
Weslynne Ashton
Professor of Environmental Management and Sustainability & Food Systems Action Lab Co-Director
Anijo Mathew
Dean & Professor of Entrepreneurship and Urban Technology
Zach Pino
Assistant Professor of Data-Driven Design
Ruth Schmidt
Associate Professor of Behavioral Design
Carlos Teixeira
Charles L. Owen Professor of Systems Design and PhD Program Director
Degree Requirements
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All PhD students will work closely with their advisors to plan their course of study and research. Students complete a total of 92 credit hours:
- Up to 32 credits can be transferred from a master’s program
- 12 course credits
- 48 research credits
Courses may be selected from across the university’s course offerings to complement the objectives of the student’s program.
Admitted doctoral students will be required to submit and obtain approval for a program of study. Within two years of being admitted, students take a comprehensive examination, after which, students will be considered candidates for the PhD degree.
The research component of the program grows as the student progresses. The dissertation created from this work is intended to create a substantial and original contribution to design knowledge.
Featured Courses
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PhD Corporate Partnership Initiative
Designed for professionals who want to reach the next level of design leadership, ID’s PhD Corporate Partnership provides candidates and organizations the tools and techniques needed to grow leadership and innovation within your organization.
Candidates should have a master’s degree in design (or equivalent) and/or significant experience as a professional designer.
Alumni
A Global Network
Across the entire school, ID alumni make up a strong network—a uniquely skilled set of more than 2,400 people across 32+ countries who deal with difficult issues and navigate them with clarity, purpose, and discipline.
Alumni Hiighlights
Timing
| yEar 1 | yEar 2 | yEar 3 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Design Course (3 credits) | Research (12 credits) | Research (6-11 credits) | Research (1-6 credits) |
| Design Course (3 credits) | Research (9 credits) | Research (9 credits) | |||
| Research (6 credits) | |||||
Estimated Costs
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (2024-2025 rate) | $2,155 (per credit hour) |
| Estimated student fees and supplies | $1,300 (per semester) |
| Estimated living expenses (room & board) | $6,750 (per semester) |
| Estimated health insurance | $1,896 (per year) |
Tuition and research stipends are extremely limited. Only self-funded applicants will be considered.
Deadlines
Spring 2025 Admission
November 1, 2024 (final admission)
Fall 2025 Admission
January 17, 2025 (priority admission)
March 7, 2025 (final general admission)
Request More Info
Request More Information
Please complete the form to request more information or if you have additional questions regarding our application process or requirements.