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, email us at admissions@id.iit.edu
PhD Faculty Advisors
Weslynne Ashton
Professor of Environmental Management & Sustainability and Food Systems Action Lab Co-Director
Anijo Mathew
Dean and Professor of Entrepreneurship & 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
See all PhD Courses
Adi examining objects
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
See All PhD CoursesStudent Work
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
Alumni Kathleen Brandenburg and Vijay Kumar at an ID event.
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
From Our Students
Why ID?
“I have the opportunity to really dig deep into systems and understand what needs to change and why it needs to change.”
—Faysal Biobaku (MDes 2024)
“If you’re considering design in general, ID is the place to be for thinking broadly and deeply about what design means.”
—Michael George (MDes + MBA 2025)
Why Did You Come to ID?
“I came to ID during a crossroads in my life where I wanted to figure out how to blend the skills that I’ve learned with the skills that I want.”
—Sai Allena (MDes + MBA 2024)
“There were so many large systemic problems that my background in architecture and structural engineering was not preparing me to solve.”
—Tera Delancy (MDes + MBA 2024)
What Makes ID Special?
“I love the small intimacy you receive at ID.”
—Selena Burke (PhD 2025)
“I’m an international student, but I’ve never been in a room where there’s so many different nationalities, races, backgrounds.”
—Samantha Chandra (MDes 2025)
End of Year Show
At our annual End of Year Show (EOYS), current ID students show off their hard work and invite the whole ID community to explore the state of design, how it’s changing, and where it’s going.
Here’s a snapshot of EOYS 2024. Join us for EOYS 2025, coming May 16!
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 2026 Admission
October 24, 2025 (final admission)
Fall 2026 Admission
December 1, 2025 (priority admission)
February 6, 2026 (final general admission)
Request More Information
Please complete the form to request more information or if you have additional questions regarding our application process or requirements.