Twin Cities campus

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Twin Cities Campus

Design Ph.D.

DESGN GARP Administration
College of Design
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Director of Graduate Studies, Design Graduate Program, 240 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108 (612-626-1219; fax: 612-624-2750)
  • Program Type: Doctorate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2012
  • Length of program in credits: 64
  • This program does not require summer semesters for timely completion.
  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the General Information section of this website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The design graduate program focuses on the study of relationships between humans and their designed environments. This focus is based on the assumption that design and analysis of environments contributes to the improvement of the human condition. The program addresses theory, research, and application, using a shared disciplinary base from the arts and social and behavioral sciences. The goal of the program is for students to analyze, evaluate, and integrate theoretical frameworks related to humans and their designed environments. Applications submitted to the design graduate program specify a track and degree objective. Formal tracks are: - Apparel studies (including dress, history, and culture; product development; and retail merchandising and consumer studies) - Graphic design (including interactive design) - Housing studies - Interior design (including evidence-based design)
Program Delivery
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program is 3.00.
Eligibility requirements are located on the track pages of the design graduate program website: http://dha.design.umn.edu/programs/grad.
Special Application Requirements:
Application requirements: http://dha.design.umn.edu/programs/grad/documents/ApplicationChecklist_000.pdf.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
  • GRE
    • General Test - Verbal Reasoning: 144
    • General Test - Quantitative Reasoning: 153
    • General Test - Analytical Writing: 4.0
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
  • TOEFL
    • Internet Based - Total Score: 79
    • Internet Based - Writing Score: 21
    • Internet Based - Reading Score: 19
    • Paper Based - Total Score: 550
  • IELTS
    • Total Score: 6.5
  • MELAB
    • Final score: 80
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test abbreviations (GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, MELAB).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the General Information section of this website.
Program Requirements
28 credits are required in the major.
12 credits are required outside the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses toward program requirements is permitted under certain conditions with adviser approval.
A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 2 semesters must be completed before filing a Degree Program Form.
Students are required to take 4 credits in the core, 23 credits in the major field, 12 credits in the related field or minor, and 24 credits of dissertation credits. The program requires a minimum number of credits in theory and methods. Students may be required to complete additional credits upon recommendation of their committee.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Apparel Studies
The apparel studies track advances both theoretical knowledge and applications for textile and apparel products and their relationship to human behavior. Students may focus on product development; dress, history, and culture; or retail merchandising and consumer studies. Within each of these areas of emphasis within the track, the student completes related coursework as well as research or creative production that culminates in a thesis.
Graphic Design
The track in graphic design focuses on design theory, process, and methods related to design practice and research. Potential areas of study include graphic design history, theory, and critical narrative; design creativity; color and design; user-centered design; design authorship; and interactive design.
Interior Design
Graduate study in the interior design track emphasizes the theory, research, and specialized practice components of design as applied to people's health, safety, and welfare in the interior environment, including design education, sustainability, social/cultural issues, aspects of professional practice, and facilities research (educational, office, criminal justice, and residential). Students are prepared for teaching and research positions as well as design specializations within the profession. The evidence-based design emphasis provides students with the opportunity to explore theoretical, process, and applied aspects of this design practice approach.
Housing Studies
Housing studies is a multidisciplinary track that draws from a variety of theoretical perspectives. Students are trained in a variety of research methodologies. Coursework and research experiences combine to further understanding of the innovative approaches to the development of housing and related programs. Upon completion of the graduate degree, students seek housing careers in state and federal agencies, nonprofit community organizations, housing regulation, and higher education.
 
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