Design studies is an essential background for clothing designers, landscapers, urban planners, and product researchers. Coursework helps enable students to professionally apply their learning to new areas of design, such as wearable technology.

The PhD is a doctoral degree, specifically called a "doctor of philosophy" degree. This is misleading because PhD holders are not necessarily philosophers (unless they earned their degree in philosophy!). That said, PhD recipients are able to engage in thought experiments, reason about problems, and solve problems in sophisticated ways.

On-campus learning refers to attending classes in person. It typically involves going to traditional classes and lectures, participating in group activities, and engaging with faculty and peers in person. On-campus learning also often includes access to laboratories, libraries, and other campus resources such as student clubs, career services offices, and recreation centers.