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Admissions

Elevate your design thinking with this hands-on, hybrid degree.

For practicing designers looking to develop a high level of expertise in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, industrial design, and other art + design fields supported by College faculty.

Successful applicants must provide:

  • A short Statement of Purpose for graduate study will convince the reader that the applicant is motivated and prepared.
    • Not to exceed 400 words or 1-2 pages overall.
  • The capacity to articulate a clear topic with specific research questions for a clear and compelling design investigation.
    • Not to exceed 750 words or 2-3 pages overall.
  • demonstrated mastery over their respective practices through the submission of a digital portfolio. The portfolio should highlight relevant professional experience and/or current accomplishments in a design firm or studio, public or private museum, or governmental agency involved in design/planning.

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree and at least one degree from an accredited design, fine arts, or equivalent program.

Applicants submit transcripts of previous academic work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (undergraduate and graduate studies) along with standardized graduate test scores such as the GRE*, and international students further provide TOEFL or IELTS scores.

Please note: There will be a increase to the Graduate School enrollment deposit starting for Fall 2022 applicants to all Graduate programs. The new required amount will be $500, which will also include a $16 credit card processing fee. This amount is subject to change in future admission cycles.

We seek applicants who are self-directed, focused, and resilient!

The Doctor of Design degree focuses on applied design research relevant to professional practice in design.

Strong applicants will show a depth of experience and a record of expertise in the design enterprise.

student talking to DDes faculty

Got Questions?

Elen Deming

M. Elen Deming, DDes, FASLA
Director, Doctor of Design and Professor of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning
doctor-of-design@ncsu.edu