Design, Environment and the Arts (Digital Culture in Design), PhD
Program Overview
Graduates are equipped to critically analyze the impact of digital tools on design processes and propose innovative perspectives within design disciplines. The program emphasizes research and scholarly inquiry, preparing graduates for leadership roles in research labs, government agencies, design studios, and educational institutions.
Program Outline
Objectives:
- Develop critical thinkers and doers in the field of design and digital culture.
- Equip graduates to question current paradigms in the digital world and their impact on various design fields.
- Enhance graduates' analytical capabilities regarding the influence of digital tools on conceptualization, creation, and evaluation in design and artistic processes.
- Nurture innovative leadership in digital design fields through a unique synthesis of knowledge and skills.
Description:
This interdisciplinary PhD program focuses on the intersection of digital technology and artistic expression. It emphasizes understanding how computational systems can contribute toward enhanced creativity and design quality. Graduates are encouraged to challenge existing digital frameworks, analyze the impact of digital tools on creative processes, and ultimately propose fresh perspectives within design disciplines. The program primarily explores the influence of digital culture on three key areas:
- Built Environments: Examining how digital tools affect the design and analysis of architectural spaces.
- Products: Investigating the impact of digital technologies on product design and user interaction.
- Visual Communications: Analyzing the role of digital technology in design methods and visual communication strategies.
Outline
The PhD program in Design, Environment and the Arts - Digital Culture in Design comprises of:
84 Credits:
- Required Core (6 credits):
- Research Methods (3 credits)
- Current Research in Design (3 credits)
- Required Concentration (12 credits)
- Other Requirements (30 credits):
- A previously awarded master's degree or relevant coursework
- Research and Approved Electives (24 hours)
- Culminating Experience (12 credits):
- Dissertation ( 12 credit-hours)
Assessment
Criteria:
Students are expected to demonstrate the required skills for research and scholarly inquiry within digital design disciplines by successfully completing:
- Coursework
- Examinations (written and oral)
- Dissertation focusing on original research within their chosen areas of specialization in digital culture and design
Teaching
Methods:
The program incorporates diverse teaching methodologies:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Individualized and/or group research
Faculty
The program benefits from the expertise of a diverse range of faculty with experience and research interests in:
- Usability and Interaction Design
- User Interface Design for new products
- Computer Simulation
- Architectural form-giving
- Digital Design processes Careers
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of this interdisciplinary PhD program are prepared for diverse opportunities and leadership roles within a wide range of fields including:
- Research Labs
- Government Agencies
- Design Studios and Consultancies
- Educational Institutions
- Digital Product Development
Other:
Program Admission
Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of applications and supporting documents, with special consideration given to:
Availability of a Faculty Mentor :
Students must identify a research mentor within the institute who will guide their dissertation journey.
Alignment of Career goals:
A candidate's alignment with program objectives and goals is taken into account.
Prior Academic Background:
Strong performance at both graduate and undergraduate levels is essential.
Additional Resources
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students and International Overseas Students (Outside the EU):
To be eligible to apply for the PhD program in Design, Environment and the Arts with a concentration in Digital Culture in Design, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Background:
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree: Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in the field of architecture, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, landscape architecture, arts media, or engineering from a regionally accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA: Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Application Materials:
- Graduate Admission Application and Application Fee: Applicants must submit a completed graduate admission application and pay the application fee.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
- GRE Scores: Applicants must submit scores from the GRE General Test.
- Three Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, preferably academic but professional references are also accepted.
- Statement of Purpose: Applicants must submit a statement of purpose summarizing their career objectives and reasons for pursuing doctoral education.
- Proposed Area of Concentration: Applicants must indicate their proposed area of concentration: design, history, theory and criticism; digital culture in design; or health care and healing environments.
- Potential Mentor: Applicants must indicate a potential mentor, a faculty member from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts who has agreed to serve as their mentor.
- Sample of Written Work: Applicants must submit a sample of sole-authored written work in English or any other evidence relevant to admission, such as a master's degree thesis, research paper, or published articles.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of their current residency. This can be demonstrated through a TOEFL iBT score of at least 100 or an overall IELTS band score of 7.50, with no individual band below 7.00. International applicants who are interested in receiving funding as teaching assistants must take the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit, administered at ASU, and become certified.
- Visa Requirements: International students must obtain the appropriate visa to study in the United States. ASU provides resources and support to assist international students with the visa application process.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following methods:
- A TOEFL iBT score of at least 100
- An overall IELTS band score of 7.50, with no individual band below 7.00 International applicants who wish to be considered for teaching assistant positions must also take the Speaking Proficiency English Assessment Kit administered at ASU and become certified.
