How does a certificate compare with a degree?
How quickly can I earn a certificate?
I’ve been working in the field and think that I’ve learned a lot of the things your certificate program covers. How do I know what courses to take?
I would love to start the certificate program but I am not very good at drawing. I’m not sure which program to pursue.

How does a certificate compare with a degree? [return to top]
A certificate program is not the same as a degree program, which here at RISD requires full-time study. Certificate programs address specific professional training needs of adult students, many of whom have college and professional experience but want to upgrade their skills or make a career change. Certificate program courses prepare students for work in their chosen fields, and part-time evening study allows people with career or family commitments to come back to school.

How quickly can I earn a certificate? [return to top]
Certificate programs generally take two to four years of part-time study to complete, depending on the certificate program and its specific requirements, as well as how you schedule courses. Students with a full course load take two courses in each of the Fall and Spring terms and one course in each of the winter and summer terms, for a maximum of six courses per academic year. (In rare circumstances you can take extra courses in Fall and Spring if you have no other pressing commitments and select your courses strategically. A meeting with the Academic Advisor or Certificate Advisor is strongly recommended in this case). Also, up to four courses may be waived for previous academic or professional experience. This time-frame does not apply in the Appraisal Studies program.

I’ve been working in the field and think that I’ve learned a lot of the things your certificate program covers. How do I know what courses to take? [return to top]
You can petition to waive up to four courses for previous professional or academic experience (see previous paragraph). Make an appointment with the Certificate Advisor if necessary. If you are very advanced, you should just pick and choose the individual courses you need without enrolling in a program; you may still contact the Certificate Advisor or Academic Advisor for help with selecting the appropriate courses.

I would love to start the certificate program but I am not very good at drawing. [return to top]
People tend to think that a person is either “born with talent” or not, but drawing can be learned if the student is interested and motivated. Almost everyone feels a little intimidated about taking a drawing course, but the Drawing I teachers do not expect students to have any previous experience and are very patient and generous with their time.

I’m not sure which program to pursue. [return to top]
The first step is to read through each certificate program description. If you still have doubts, call the Academic Advisor, who can help you clarify your interests. You may like to take courses that count towards more than one program (such as Drawing I or Digital Tools for Print Design) for a few semesters before officially becoming a certificate candidate.