Program Overview
This Ph.D. program in design is the first of its kind in the United States, focusing exclusively on graduate-level education. It prepares students for leadership roles in design programs and global corporations, with a strong emphasis on research and original contributions to the field. The program's graduates have gone on to successful careers at prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide.
Program Outline
Careers:
- Lead noted design programs at universities worldwide
- Practice at global corporations, including:
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Intel
- KAIST
- McDonald's Corporation
- Motorola
- Parsons School for Design
- Steelcase
Other:
- First in the United States to offer a Ph.D. in design
- Only design school in the country devoted completely to graduate students
- Instrumental in determining design's future and demonstrating its significant role in cultures, organizations, and nations
- Research component grows as the student progresses
- Dissertation should make a substantial and original contribution to design knowledge
Illinois Tech Summary
Overview:
Illinois Tech, also known as the Illinois Institute of Technology, is a private research university located in Chicago. It is renowned for its focus on STEM fields and its commitment to providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers. The university boasts high rankings and its graduates achieve high employment rates and above-average starting salaries.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Illinois Tech offers a vibrant campus experience with a focus on experiential learning. Students have access to the Elevate program, which guarantees hands-on experiences, personalized academic and career plans, and 21st-century skills development. The university also provides opportunities for students to engage with the corporate, nonprofit, research, and startup communities in Chicago and beyond.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High-Impact Research:
Students and faculty at Illinois Tech are actively involved in research that leverages technology and innovation for the betterment of humanity.World-Class Education:
Illinois Tech provides a world-class education with a focus on STEM fields and hands-on learning.Strong Alumni Network:
The university boasts a global network of over 86,000 alumni, providing students with valuable connections and career opportunities.Chicago Location:
Illinois Tech is located in Chicago, a vibrant and dynamic city with a thriving economy and diverse cultural offerings.Elevate Program:
This unique program guarantees students access to hands-on experiences, personalized academic and career plans, and 21st-century skills development.Other:
Illinois Tech is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in its policies and programs. The university's historic Mies Campus is located less than a mile from Lake Michigan and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country.
Entry Requirements:
Applicants must have a graduate degree with a minimum of 32 credit hours and are required to submit three letters of recommendation, a portfolio, statement of interest, and a resume or curriculum vitae. There is no minimum work experience requirement, although two to four years of professional experience is preferred. ID considers full-time internships, volunteer work, and freelance projects as formal work experience. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for any applicant with an undergraduate degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English. A GRE or GMAT score is also required.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for any applicant with an undergraduate degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction is not English.
