Ph.D Degree in Human Behavior and Design
Program Philosophy
The research tradition within the Human Behavior and Design major is based in the social sciences, and particularly on environmental psychology and human factors and ergonomics. The underlying premise is that systematic, empirical research based in the social sciences, when combined with an understanding of design processes, can contribute to the planning, design, and management of environments that enhance individual and organizational effectiveness.
Program Focus
The Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design at Cornell University is a multidisciplinary program integrating the social sciences and design. Research focuses on environmental settings across a range of scales (from products to buildings to cities), that support safe, healthy and productive behaviors and foster sustainable design and lifestyles.
The program brings together faculty and students with expertise in the fields of interior, industrial and graphic design, architecture, art, design history, historic preservation, urban planning, building technology, environmental psychology, human factors and ergonomics, economics, and facility planning and management to work on problems related to the interior environment.
The Human Behavior and Design major rests on the following basic premises:
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Development of the knowledge base guiding the planning, design, and management of physical settings requires systematic, empirical research.
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The physical environment affects the realization of human and organizational potential including health, safety, comfort, productivity and satisfaction.
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The users of environments are diverse and have different needs. Individual characteristics such as culture, gender, stage in the life course, family structure, role or task affect environmental needs.
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Organizational culture, goals, and structure help shape building design and use.
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The planning, design, and management of good environments require consideration of all users.
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Understanding organizational and human needs is no less critical than understanding financial, technological and aesthetic factors influencing the planning, design, and management of our physical surroundings.
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Multidimensional spatial experiences are heightened through an understanding of design elements, such as circulation, materials, lighting and acoustics.
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Theory provides a foundation that both informs and is informed by research and practice.
Concentrations
The Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design draws its strength from faculty knowledge and research in the following four areas:
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Environmental Psychology
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Human Factors/Ergonomics
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Interior Design
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Facility Planning and Management
Who should apply?
People who embrace thinking across disciplinary boundaries and who have a passion for teaching and scholarship are encouraged to apply. The strength of this unique new program is the integration of scientific and creative expertise within the same department. Applicants' prior disciplines might include (but are not limited to): social science, design, or engineering.
Ph.D. Requirements
Application Requirements:
In addition to the online application via the Graduate School website, the following required documents must be submitted online:
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Statement of Purpose
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Three letters of recommendation
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Official transcripts
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Writing sample
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Curriculum vitae
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GRE general test (The desired combined score should be greater than or equal to 310—for the new scoring system effective November 2011—or, a combined score of 1200 for the old scoring system.)
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TOEFL test for International students (DEA overall Minimum: 105, plus Graduate School minimums must be met for each section: writing: 20, listening: 15, reading: 20, speaking: 22)
NOTE: Online submission is strongly preferred; however, any credentials that cannot be uploaded on-line can be mailed to:
Graduate Field Assistant
Cornell University/Department of Design & Environmental Analysis
1411 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853-4401
Application deadline: January 5. Applications are accepted for Fall Admission only.
Any questions, please contact the Graduate Field Assistant: tbs46@cornell.edu.
To find out more, visit the Graduate School website.
Funding Availability:
The intent of the new Ph.D. in Human Behavior and Design program is that all admitted students will be fully funded with tuition, fees, and a stipend for a period of four academic (9 months) years contingent upon satisfactory progress toward degree.