RISD's Master of Industrial Design program explores design as a vehicle for addressing social, cultural, environmental and other concerns. Students focus on a series of studio projects – along with seminars on relevant contemporary issues – that enhance and expand industrial design methodologies through both direct practice and group discussions.
Graduate students are expected to demonstrate high levels of independence, motivation and competence in developing their thesis work. Completed during the second year of study, this work typically ranges from designing products for the consumer, medical, furniture or alternative energy fields to humanitarian design projects. Working with the guidance of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students present their final work visually, verbally and in writing.
current enrollment
graduate students: 20
undergraduates: 210
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- Do you accept candidates from disciplines other than industrial design?
Approximately half the students in our MID program come from a non-ID background, which helps provide diverse points of view about design issues. We have admitted applicants with degrees in architecture, engineering, anthropology, graphic design, fine arts, marketing and more.
- What do you look for in the ideal candidate?
Our ideal candidates have the ability to think critically, the visual communication skills to operate in a graduate program, and life and work experiences that have enabled them to develop personal perspectives about design in our culture.
- What does the review committee look for in a portfolio?
Your portfolio should describe both the depth and diversity of your creative experiences. It should illustrate your creative abilities, design process, 2D and 3D communication skills, and your understanding of materials and fabrication. In ID, we prefer that you submit your portfolio as a CD, DVD or a printed book — any medium is fine, as long as it combines images of your projects with written documentation explaining them.
- If my undergraduate degree is not in industrial design, what courses can I take to enhance my portfolio?
To operate effectively in the graduate program, you need strong visual communication skills. Learning CAD, drawing and model making can be beneficial, as can a general product design course, which will give you insight into the design process. Courses that supplement your making skills are also of value and may include a materials-based course in a medium such as metal, glass, textiles, ceramics or wood.
link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD
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“Students come into our department wanting to change things as they know them. To me it's very satisfying to watch them really bring it all together and evolve into problem-solvers who can go out there and make a difference.”
Leslie Fontana, Department Head / Associate Professor
Leslie Fontana, Department Head / Associate Professor
Seth Stem, Professor
Michael Beresford, Professor
Soojung Ham, Assistant Professor
Beth Mosher, Assistant Professor
Khipra Nichols, Graduate Program Coordinator / Associate Professor
Adam Smith, Associate Professor
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