IIT Institute of Design's Doctor of Philosophy in Design is a top-rated graduate program for those seeking to teach or conduct fundamental research in the field of human-centered design. The first in the United States to offer a Ph.D. in design—and the only design school in the country devoted completely to graduate students—IIT Institute of Design (ID) has been instrumental in determining design’s future and demonstrating its significant role in cultures, organizations, and nations.
ID’s Ph.D. alumni have gone on to lead noted design programs at universities all over the world and practice at global corporations. By pursuing rigorous research in specialized areas, our candidates directly participate in some of today’s most exciting design-focused work.
The research component of the program grows as the student progresses. A dissertation created from this work should make a substantial and original contribution to design knowledge.
Program Overview
ID's Ph.D. in Design is a top-rated program for those seeking to teach or conduct fundamental research in the field of human-centered design. The first in the United States to offer a Ph.D. in design, today ID is the only U.S. design school devoted completely to graduate students.
Career Opportunities
IIT Institute of Design Ph.D. alumni have gone on to lead noted design programs at universities all over the world and practice at global corporations, including:
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Intel
KAIST
McDonald’s Corporation
Motorola
Parsons School for Design
Steelcase
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
Expected October 2025
Start date
January 2025
Institute of Design
3137 S Federal Street,
CHICAGO,
Illinois,
60616, United States
Illinois Tech requires a four-year bachelor's degree conferred with a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.0/4.0 (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution for regular admission. Individual departments may have different requirements, however.
Minimum Test Score Total for Admission without an Illinois Tech English Language Assessment Requirement
Internet TOEFL - 90+
Paper TOEFL - 600+
IELTS - 6.5+
PTE - 63+
Duolingo English Test - 110+
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Illinois Tech is Chicago’s leading tech university. Illinois Tech graduates get a significant ROI and exceptional career outcomes.