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 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: Dec 17, 2026

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Degree

Doctor of Design (DDes)

Duration

3 - 5 years

Credit Hours

Modality

LOW-RESIDENCY, online

Format

Part-time

Residency

One Week In-Person Per year

In-Person Residency in Anguilla, BWI

The DDes program is a low-residency program where all studies can be completed online, in addition to required attendance at residency seminars. DDes students are required to attend two residencies throughout the completion of their program.

EXPLORE RESIDENCY

Faculty

Doctoral students work closely with a DSI faculty member in an individualized advisory relationship throughout their studies.

EXPLORE INSTITUTE FACULTY

DOCTORAL ADVISORS

Leading What's Next in Design Practice and Leadership

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!

Introduce yourself and discover how the Design Studies Institute can help you shape what's next in your career.

overview

master of design

doctor of design

Doctor of Design

Your future in design is waiting!