Program Overview

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Human Ecology: Design Studies, PhD

The Human Ecology: Design Studies, PhD is a named option within the Human Ecology PhD. This program investigates a wide range of subject matter and applies various methods to understand how design relates to, responds to, and affects our lives.

Program Description

The Design Studies Graduate Program is comprised of interdisciplinary scholars, designers, scientists, and artists who mentor and assist graduate students as they build individual programs of study. The program aims to prepare students for professional design careers, specialized research, college teaching, museum or archival work, community engagement, and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Research Areas

The program offers three areas of concentration:

• Design History (DH Track): seeks to understand design in its historical context, as both a process and a product.
• Environmental Design Research (EDR Track): addresses the interaction between people and their built, natural, and/or virtual environments with a clear goal to create environments that are sustainable and responsive to human needs.
• Textile Science (TS): investigates the interaction of dyes and finishes with fibers, yarns, and fabrics, focusing on sustainability and developing safer chemicals and processes.

Admissions

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program's requirements.

• Fall Deadline: December 1
• Spring Deadline: The program does not admit in the spring.
• Summer Deadline: The program does not admit in the summer.
• GRE (Graduate Record Examinations): Not required.
• English Proficiency Test: Refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Letters of Recommendation Required: 3

Funding

The Graduate School provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program also offers funding opportunities, including teaching or project assistantships, academic excellence scholarships, conference travel scholarships, and graduate research scholarships.

Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 51 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 32 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.30 GPA required.
• Assessments and Examinations: Doctoral students are required to take a comprehensive preliminary/oral examination.
• Language Requirements: Contact the program for information on any language requirements.
• Graduate School Breadth Requirement: All doctoral students are required to complete a doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate.

Curriculum

The program requires:

• Human Ecology Core courses
• Core Courses, including a seminar in Design Studies
• Graduate Seminar
• Design Research Methods
• Graduate Student Instructor Course
• Qualifying Research Project
• Research and Thesis
• Major Area of Specialization: students must select 15 credits in consultation with the faculty advisor.

Policies

• Prior Coursework: students are allowed to transfer up to 18 credits of graduate coursework taken at other institutions or as a UWMadison Special student.
• Probation: refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Advisor/Committee: refer to the Graduate School's policies.
• Credits Per Term Allowed: 15 credit maximum.
• Time Limits: refer to the Graduate School's policy.
• Grievances and Appeals: the School of Human Ecology Graduate Program Handbook outlines the conduct expectations and grievance process.

Professional Development

The Graduate School provides professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch a career. The School of Human Ecology Graduate Program also values professional development and provides financial awards to students who are invited to present at professional conferences/exhibits.