The PhD in Human Sciences, option in Design, Housing and Merchandising (DHM), is designed
to promote breadth, depth and integration of knowledge in apparel design and production;
interior design; and merchandising. Graduates develop into scholars who conduct high-quality
research, provide relevant instruction and develop effective solutions to address
the needs of individuals in diverse communities as they use garments, interact with
others in virtual and physical spaces and shop in retail and virtual environments.
This 60-hour program can be pursued after completing a master’s degree. Students choose
from options in interior design, apparel design and production or merchandising.
Doctoral students collaborate with faculty and other graduate students on research
projects which integrate theoretical and empirical knowledge to enhance lives.
Nationally known faculty are engaged in collaborative research focused on:
Virtual and augmented reality
Textile and apparel science
Design, development and testing of functional and protective apparel
Applications to the program are accepted only for the Fall semester. The deadline
to apply is January 31. To apply to the program, please submit the following:
Transcripts from all previously attended institutions (3.5 minimum graduate GPA required)
Current resume/vita
Professional goal statement (two-pages)
Three letters of recommendation
Scholarly writing sample
GRE
TOELF/IELTS
Cost
Full-time students may be eligible for graduate assistantships in the Department of
Design, Housing & Merchandising as either as a Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA) or
a Graduate Research Associate (GRA). These positions are highly competitive and typically
awarded in the spring semester. Those granted assistantships are eligible to receive
a tuition waiver, health insurance and stipend.