Doctor of Design

The Doctor of Design (DDes) program develops new knowledge across the design disciplines. You will refine your position as a thought leader in your area of design practice by developing a practice-based design research agenda. The tuition-free DDes program elevates your work as a design practitioner through a community of practice, where you will be supported by peers, a faculty advisor, and an advisory committee of affiliate faculty. Through reading, writing, dialogue, and reflection, you’ll develop as a design scholar in this low-residency DDes program.
Currently Accepting Applications
Next Application Deadline: September 18, 2025
Apply now
Degree
Doctor of Design (DDes)
Duration
3 - 5 years
Credit Hours
60
Modality
LOW-RESIDENCY, online
Format
Part-time
Residency
One Week In-Person Per year

Curriculum

The DDes program curriculum is heavily focused on your development as a design scholar and thought leader. You'll complete a comprehensive Candidacy Qualifying Examination, as well as preparing and defending a Doctoral Dissertation.

Practice
(Complete 3 Credits)

Dialogue
(Complete 12 Credits)

Inquiry
(Complete 45 Credits)

In-Person Residency

The DDes program is a low-residency program where all studies can be completed online, in addition to required attendance at three, week-long residency seminars.

Upcoming Residencies

2026 DDes Program Residency
Anguilla, BWI
|
Jun 11
-
Jun 18, 2026
2027 MDes & DDes Joint Program Residency
Anguilla, BWI
|
Jun 10
-
Jun 17, 2027

Career Paths

Graduates of the Doctor of Design program will be prepared to accelerate their careers within their chosen area of design practice. Graduates may take on C-Suite roles, lead teams of designers within organization, or launch visionary design consultancies based on the outcomes of their doctoral research. Graduates may also choose to enter academia, contributing as faculty members or researchers. While the career paths of DDes graduates are as distinctive as the students themselves, all will be prepared to lead at the highest levels in order to shape the future of the design field.

Your future in design is waiting!