GRADUATE STUDIES: AN OVERVIEW
RISD’s graduate programs are discipline-specific and span many activities, faculty, resources and facilities. All graduate students are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of interdisciplinary seminars.

There are sixteen distinct graduate programs at RISD (see links to the left), as well as the opportunity to pursue a certificate in an Art History concentration. The current total graduate population across the various departments is four hundred students and individual programs vary in size from eight to ninety-five. Students work closely with faculty and visiting critics throughout the development of their thesis work. The expertise of RISD’s world renowned international faculty — all practicing professionals in their respective fields — guides the experience of graduate students, who are accepted to RISD through an highly selective admissions process.

The diverse graduate programs are further enriched with annual visits by many distinguished visiting artists, scholars and guest critics. RISD’s collaborative relationship with Brown University allows RISD students access to an even larger array of lectures, events and courses.

RISD graduate students in all programs complete their degree with an exhibition and written thesis or degree project. Most graduate students are provided with secure, private or semi-private studio facilities with 24-hour access. All graduate programs require a minimum two-year residency, except for the MA and MAT programs in Art + Design Education.

GRADUATE STUDIES: “IN FOCUS” INFORMATION SESSIONS
The Division of Graduate Studies invites prospective graduate applicants to attend one of many “IN FOCUS” information sessions to learn about each of the sixteen graduate programs, gain knowledge of financial aid, tour the RISD campus, and meet with the Graduate Faculty Department Coordinator in the program of your interest. We encourage you to visit at these scheduled times when classes and critiques are in session, and faculty and students present to meet with you.
>> learn more about “IN FOCUS” information sessions