The Doctor of Philosophy in Design Science at the University of Michigan is a research-focused, interdisciplinary program for students who seek to advance the science of design and address complex societal challenges through innovative, cross-disciplinary research.
Rather than following a fixed curriculum, students in the Design Science PhD program develop a customized research trajectory grounded in at least two disciplines, selected in consultation with program advisors. This integrative model enables students to draw from the strengths of U-M’s top-ranked schools and colleges to generate new knowledge and methods that shape the future of design across domains—from healthcare and mobility to artificial intelligence and sustainability.
Design Science PhD students begin by building a strong foundation in design theory, research methods, and integrative design processes through a focused set of core courses. From there, they pursue deeper expertise in their chosen disciplinary areas while engaging in original, high-impact research that bridges those fields. Each student is mentored by a dual faculty advising team, composed of faculty from two distinct disciplines, who guide the integration of disciplinary perspectives and support the development of a dissertation that contributes generalizable insights, frameworks, or tools for the design of systems, products, or services. Identifying faculty advisors who are interested and available to work with a student is a critical part of the doctoral admissions process.
Unlike traditional design approaches that focus on isolated, one-off solutions, Design Science emphasizes the creation of generalizable knowledge—insights and methods that can inform design practice across fields, contexts, and communities.
This program is ideal for students who are passionate about design research, value interdisciplinary thinking, and are eager to push the boundaries of how we understand and shape the designed world. Graduates of the program go on to become innovative leaders in design research, practice, and teaching, driving change across academia, industry, and society.
This degree is only available on-campus in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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If you are interested in learning how to apply to our Design Science Ph.D. program, visit our admissions page.