Curriculum
The D. Des is for individuals interested in acquiring the skills needed to conduct substantive, innovative research that contributes to the theoretical and methodological foundations of the design disciplines. Such individuals must possess a master's degree to enter the program and may come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.
Coursework & Dissertation
The 72 credit curriculum consists of a set of core courses (18 credits) that provide a common base of understanding and appreciation for design thinking and research preparation. Students choose additional elective courses (min. 18 credits) to support and extend the core curriculum while preparing to pursue an interdisciplinary research interest leading to a focused and original scholarship dissertation (min. 20 credits).
Examinations
Students will also successfully pass a preliminary exam and a final exam, and submit the dissertation for final acceptance by the doctoral committee, Graduate School and WSU libraries.
The preliminary exam is typically conducted at the end of the second year and tests the student on selected course material and the dissertation proposal. Upon successful completion of the preliminary exam the student achieves candidacy and works on the dissertation.
The final exam is an oral defense of the dissertation. Guidelines are provided to students prior to each exam being conducted.
