PhD Human Ecology: Design Studies (DS)

The Human Ecology PhD program in Design Studies offers two pathways: one in Design Research and the other in Design History. Within each pathway, students are expected to build a self-directed but highly coherent curriculum in close consultation with a major faculty advisor. The degree is for students interested in design and its relationship with human environments, the human body, textiles and other material objects. It is highly flexible, as each student works closely with their advisor and graduate committee to design a custom-fit curriculum, preparing students for professional design careers, art careers, specialized research, teaching in higher education, museum or archival work, community engagement, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

All students will complete coursework, a qualifying research project, identify a major area of specialization, complete a doctoral minor to satisfy the breadth requirement, take a preliminary examination, write and defend a dissertation proposal, and the final oral defense of the written dissertation. Each student identifies a faculty advisor and committee to advise and inform their work along the way.