Program Overview

Overview of University Programs

The Institute of Design offers various programs for learners, organizations, and everyone. These programs are designed to provide new ways forward, even in challenging times.

For Learners

• Graduate School
  • Master of Design
  • Master of Design + MBA
  • Master of Design + MPA
  • Master of Science in Strategic Design Leadership
  • PhD in Design
  • Career Support

For Organizations

• Executive Academy
  • Overview
  • Courses
  • Resource Library
  • PhD Corporate Partnerships
  • Hire from ID

For Everyone

• Action Labs
  • Overview
  • Equitable Healthcare Lab
  • Food Systems Lab
  • Net Positive Behavior Lab
  • More Ways to Partner

PhD Corporate Partnerships

The PhD Corporate Partnerships program is designed for experienced professionals who want to find new ways to lead and innovate at their current organization. This program allows partner corporations to sponsor one or more design professionals or researchers for three years to lead a collaborative research project between ID faculty and industry experts on a topic central to the sponsoring corporation.

How the Program Works

Partner corporations sponsor design professionals or researchers for three years to lead a collaborative research project. The work produced through the corporate partnership is driven by and belongs to the organization. Residency at the Institute of Design is not required, and candidates can continue their job while working with ID faculty and spending a one-week immersion in Chicago every two months.

Requirements

Candidates should have a master’s degree in design (or equivalent) and/or significant experience as a professional designer.

Expert Faculty

The program features expert faculty, including:

• Carlos Teixeira, Charles L. Owen Professor of Systems Design and PhD Program Director
• Weslynne Ashton, Professor of Environmental Management & Sustainability and Food Systems Action Lab Co-Director
• Anijo Mathew, Dean and Professor of Entrepreneurship & Urban Technology
• Ruth Schmidt, Associate Professor of Behavioral Design

Recent Partners

The program has partnered with various organizations in the past.

About the Institute of Design

The Institute of Design is part of Illinois Tech and is located at 3137 South Federal Street, Chicago, IL 60616. The institute offers various programs and resources, including a newsletter, contact information, and opportunities to give or apply.