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PhD in Design

PhD Overview

As a top-rated graduate program for those seeking to teach or conduct fundamental research in the field of human-centered design, IIT Institute of Design (ID) 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, our candidates directly participate in some of the most exciting design-focused work being done today.

PhD at-a-glance

Doctoral candidates (2021-2022 academic year) 7
Students per PhD advising faculty 1-3
PhD degree granted since program’s inception in 1992 30
PhD alumni holding faculty positions in universities 60%
PhD alumni working in industry 40%

PhD Corporate Partnership Initiative

ID invites applicants from industry interested in developing collaborative PhD level design research. ID is interested in piloting a partnership with corporations to co-develop design research relevant to industries. The partner corporation will sponsor one or more design professionals or researchers for three years to lead a collaborative research project between ID faculty and industry experts on a topic of common relevance. Residency at the Institute of Design is not required for this particular initiative. The design professional will be able to continue in his/her job with the expectation of working remotely with ID faculty, and spending a one-week immersion in Chicago every two months.

Candidates should have a master’s degree in design (or equivalent) and/or significant experience as a professional designer. They should also have the buy-in and support of their corporate leaders, and be involved in design-led research in industry projects. For candidates or corporations interested in considering this collaboration, please contact Carlos Teixeira, PhD program coordinator at ID.

Courses

  • Credit hours are transferable from the Master’s program (32 credit hours maximum).
  • Full- or half-semester courses may be selected from the university’s course offerings to complement objectives of the student’s program, including 15 credit hours of required courses.
  • Twelve credit hours are earned over the first three terms; the remainder is earned over, at minimum, three additional terms.
  • Admitted doctoral students will be required to submit and obtain approval for a program of study and pass a foreign language requirement.
  • Within two years of being admitted, students take a comprehensive examination, after which, students will be considered candidates for the PhD degree.

Research

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.

Timing

PhD Time Chart

  • Six semesters (beyond Master’s degree)
  • 92 credit hours (32 Master’s, 12 courses, 48 research)
  • Full-time residency is required for first four semesters

Costs

Please note: Tuition and research stipends are not available. Only self-funded applicants will be considered.

Tuition (2021-2022 rate) $24,500 per semester
Student fees, books, and supplies $1,268* per semester
Living expenses (room & board) $6,750* per semester
Health insurance $1,896* per year

*estimated

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Application Deadlines

Spring 2022 admission
October 27, 2021
 
Fall 2022 admission
January 19, 2022 (early round)
March 2, 2022 (final round)
 
Late applications may be considered, please contact us. 

Student Projects

Explore projects and discover recent student work in the End of Year Show.

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Have a Question?

Visit our FAQ page for more information. If you have additional questions regarding our application process or requirements, please send an email to Krista Roble or call us at 312-595-4900. For questions about the program, please contact Carlos Teixeira.