PhD Programs in Design

Carnegie Mellon University

• Carnegie Mellon University features a doctoral program in which students complete coursework on presentation design, topography and graphic identity in the first two years. Every doctoral student in the Department of Design receives a workspace in Smilie Lab for research. Carnegie Mellon also maintains the John Reese Memorial Electronic Studio to assist students interested in digital design. Students work with faculty and administrators during regular meetings of the Student Advisory Council.

  Carnegie Mellon University
  Department of Design
  5000 Forbes Ave.
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  412-268-2828
  cmu.edu

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Architecture confers a doctorate in design and computation. Student must complete two semesters of core seminars and lectures before signing up for comprehensive exams and dissertations. The core curriculum features courses including digital design media and shape grammar that connect design, computer science and architecture. Seminar and dissertation research is possible with extensive design collections at the Rotch Library. The MIT Career Development Center offers resume tips and job fairs to assist doctoral design students as they reach graduation.

  Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  Department of Architecture
  77 Massachusetts Ave.
  Cambridge, MA 02139
  617-253-1000
  mit.edu

North Carolina State University

• The doctoral program at the College of Design at North Carolina State University features small class sizes, as the college admits fewer than 10 students into the program each fall. Doctoral students focus on seven specialties, including sustainability, technology and health. The Gallery of Art & Design provides space for design students to present their work to faculty, students and the public. The school's Prague Institute invites exceptional design students to apply for semesters abroad after completing their core courses.

  North Carolina State University
  College of Design
  1210 Varsity Drive
  Raleigh, NC 27695
  919-515-8306
  ncsu.edu

University of Michigan

• Doctoral students in design science at the School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan focus on courses such as design process models and analytical product design in the first year. Elective courses including digital fabrication and design optimization allow students to choose areas of proficiency. Design science students can pursue aid opportunities including the S&R Washington Award to pay for their education. The School of Art & Design features presentation spaces such as the Jean Paul Slusser Gallery for student and faculty exhibitions.

  University of Michigan
  School of Art & Design
  2000 Bonisteel Blvd.
  Ann Arbor, MI 48109
  734-764-1817
  umich.edu