M.S. with Thesis in Industrial Design

The M.S. in Industrial Design with thesis is a research-oriented graduate program that addresses contemporary challenges and emerging issues in industrial design, emphasizing the field's multidisciplinary nature. The program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including industrial design, engineering, marketing, management, architecture, interior design, sociology, and graphic design. Students from disciplines other than industrial design participate in a deficiency program comprising selected undergraduate courses, which provide foundational knowledge, terminology, techniques, decision-making processes, and communication skills relevant to industrial design. The program caters to individuals aiming to develop advanced research and organizational competencies applicable to professional practice, academia, or research-intensive roles within industrial design. The duration of the M.S. program is two years.

Ph.D. in Industrial Design

The Department offers a Ph.D. Program in Industrial Design for applicants with a master’s degree. This program is research-oriented and intended for applicants pursuing either an academic career in industrial design or fulfilling a senior design research role. The Ph.D. thesis should provide a comprehensive and explicit account of the conduct and findings of an original research study. A critical appraisal of prior research, along with careful attention to the principles and practice of research methodology, is essential. The thesis must involve a single, major systematic investigation and deliver an original and substantial contribution to knowledge. The duration of the Ph.D. program is four years. 

Integrated Ph.D. in Idustrial Design

The Department offers an Integrated Ph.D. Program in Industrial Design for applicants with a bachelor’s degree. This program is research-oriented and intended for applicants pursuing either an academic career in industrial design or fulfilling a senior design research role. The Ph.D. thesis should provide a comprehensive and explicit account of the conduct and findings of an original research study. A critical appraisal of prior research, along with careful attention to the principles and practice of research methodology, is essential. The thesis must involve a single, major systematic investigation and deliver an original and substantial contribution to knowledge. The duration of the Integrated Ph.D. program is five years. 

To Apply

Applications to the Industrial Design MSc and PhD programs are made through METU Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, not directly to the Department of Industrial Design. Applications are accepted twice a year: in the Spring (to commence studies in the Fall semester) and in the Fall (to commence studies in the Spring semester).

If you are interested in applying to our graduate programs, we encourage you to browse our staff members’ web pages to review their research expertise and interests. You may also refer to the ‘Research’ tab on our Departmental web page to learn about our Department’s research areas, completed theses and design research conference organization. 

We welcome enquiries from prospective graduate students, especially if you have a particular research focus in mind for your thesis. In this respect, you may email relevant staff members before you make your application.

To prepare your application, please consult the latest information on the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences website, particularly under the ‘Admission’ tab. The following direct links should also be consulted.

• Industrial Design MSc and PhD Application and Evaluation Criteria 
• ALES-GRE Equivalence Table
• English Language Examination Equivalence Table

Courses

Graduate courses offered by the Department of Industrial Design are listed in the METU Academic Catalog. The courses offered each semester vary.

Please view the currently offered courses and schedule to learn about which courses are offered in the current semester here.