The goal of the Doctor of Design to create new knowledge and promote its application in the professional design community and society at large.

Program Director
M. Elen Deming, D.Des, FASLA, FCELA
Director, Doctor of Design
Program Information
- Courses + Curriculum
- Facts + Figures
- DDes Faculty
- Student Practitioners
- Success Stories
- DDes Annual Symposia on Design Research:
- DDes Student Research Areas
- 2022-2023 DDes Handbook

Upcoming Events
More Events
About the Program
Established in 2016-17, the professional Doctor of Design (DDes) program is an advanced degree program for established design practitioners, which complements the existing PhD in Design. This is the only DDes program in the country that offers blended learning (online + on campus) in design research aimed at applications in practice. This unique program offers DDes students the flexibility to continue working while completing program requirements.
Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2023 admissions.
Learn more about applying to the Doctor of Design program.
Review of applications will begin March 1st. Priority will be given to applications received by March 1st, although we will consider completed applications for Fall 2023 through May 30, 2023.
The purpose of the program is to pursue design research in support of those professions creating the artifacts, communications, environments, organizing structures and systems of the future.
DDes students conduct original investigations through design-based practices, cases, and methods. The program provides a forum for connecting design research to the needs of society, by promoting the application of new knowledge in design and addressing design impacts on larger systems.
Note: While most of the program is completed online, physical attendance at one week-long workshop held each semester is mandatory. At the time of admission, DDes students are expected to demonstrate mastery over their respective practices and to articulate a clear, compelling topic along with specific research questions.
Questions? Please contact Ashley Pearson at doctor-of-design@ncsu.edu.
Student Testimonial
“In short, my work through the DDes program has allowed me to champion budgets, projects, and programs to re-design the downtown of Zebulon. Without the program, I would not have the skills or research to back-up the budgets I’m requesting. This program, by virtue of its setup, faculty and staff, offers things that place it at an advantage over other more established programs. They sympathize with the realities of a practicing professional.”
– Joe Moore, Town Manager, Zebulon, NC