The decision to recommend admission of an applicant to the PhD in Design program is based on his/her exemplary academic performance, high GRE and TOEFL (international applicants only) scores, strong letters of reference and an impressive portfolio of previous research and practice efforts. Furthermore, the applicant’s scholarly goals must correspond to the mission of the program and the academic resources available, including a faculty member who is willing to act as the academic advisor and mentor of the student in his/her doctoral studies and research efforts.

Process

The NC State University Graduate School and the College’s Graduate Studies Office process the submitted application materials (see left and below) which are then evaluated by College of Design faculty with affinity appointments in the Ph.D. in Design program. Taking into account faculty evaluations, the director of the Ph.D. in Design program makes admissions recommendations to the NC State University Graduate School. The final decision to admit an applicant resides with the Graduate School, which sends formal letters of admission.

Requirements

To apply online for admission and see contact information, deadlines, etc., about the PhD in Design program, visit the NC State University Graduate School web site. Note that paper applications are no longer accepted. Applicants submit the following:

	application form and fee
	official transcript
	three letters of recommendation
	GRE scores
	TOEFL scores (international applicants only)
	residency statement (US residents only)
	personal data form
	portfolio

portfolio

A portfolio – literally “carry the leaves or sheets” – is defined in the dictionary as a flat, portable case, usually of leather, for carrying loose sheets of paper, manuscripts, drawings, etc. In all the design professions, portfolios are regarded as the most effective way to communicate their work to others. They typically are brochures containing a selection of writings, projects and other pertinent 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional work of artistic or technical interest, presented as reproductions in one of the standard paper formats. Since capacity to conduct independent research is an important criterion used in reviewing applications to the Ph.D. program, sample papers, reports and articles which demonstrate this capacity should be central to the submitted portfolio.

Specific suggestions: A few specific suggestions for you to keep in mind as you assemble your portfolio.

1. Submit your work in a bound brochure or ring-type binder, not in loose-leaf form. Portfolios should not exceed 11” x 14” in size, and the 8 ½” x 11” format is preferred. Include only reproductions, reduced where appropriate, rather than originals. Portfolios are rarely lost, but it has happened and originals cannot be replaced. Do not submit slides, videotapes, CDs or web pages.

2. It is useful to include some information regarding the context in which your work was produced, particularly whether it was done in response to a class assignment, a job-related task, or by your own initiative. It is also good to include the dates of execution as well as the size, materials, and media. If a project was done by a group of persons or in the context of a professional office, please be specific as to the exact nature of your personal involvement and contribution.

3. You should give special attention to the form and craft of your submission. We are not only interested in the quality of what you show, but also in the quality of how you show it.

4. Please be sure to include your name on the portfolio and on all items. If you want us to return your portfolio, please include a self-addressed, stamped mailing envelope or box of correct size with sufficient postage. Note: We cannot accept checks or credit cards to cover the expense of mailing.

5. You can consult references on portfolio design. As an example, Portfolio Design, Second Edition by Harold Linton (New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2000, ISBN 0-393-73059-X) contains much information and many examples of portfolio design, some by NC State University students. At NC State, this book available at the College of Design Library and the university Career Center. This book or others like it should be available at design and university libraries around the country.