The Doctor of Design (DDes) creates a place for professionals to explore design solutions to major societal issues: the climate crisis, automation and digitization, social inequality and other challenges emerging in our urban environments.
The DDes is a terminal academic credential catering to mid-career professionals with at least five years' experience in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and related disciplines. Graduates of the program will bring an enhanced skill set with valuable, fresh expertise to their disciplines and practices, ultimately benefiting their clients and society as a whole. The DDes credential will also prepare design professionals to explore opportunities teaching in a post-secondary program.
The DDes is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals interested in pursuing an academic credential without having to step away from their practices for extended periods. Students may carry on their professional activities while completing the program. Symposia are held over long weekends every spring and fall, giving students opportunities to engage with colleagues and a wide range of experts.
Applicants should apply early. Significant professional experience will be considered in lieu of a graduate academic degree.
Completing this program
- Core Courses: Design practice research project, Contexts of design practice research and Strategies for design practice research.
- Thesis research proposal: Students must submit a written proposal describing the project and its relation to professional practice.
- Candidacy: Students will complete a Field of Study (FoS) oral exam.
- Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
- Exhibition: The thesis will be presented through a public exhibition along with an oral presentation and thesis defence.
Outcomes
Architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, government/civil service, municipalities, planning, research institutions, private practice.
A DDes in design is usually considered a terminal degree.
