WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN THE PORTFOLIO AND SHOULD IT ONLY BE FURNITURE?
This is a competitive process. We are looking for evidence of the ability and preparedness to undertake graduate- level work. We look for diversity and balance in a class of students. Your portfolio will be reviewed by a panel of faculty from the Department of Furniture Design. It is important that your portfolio be professional and concisely presented. Use only the highest quality images and include all work that you feel best represents your abilities, along with the breadth of your design and creative thinking. Recent portfolios have included such varied media as furniture, sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramics, film, architecture, product design and theater set design.

IF MY MAKING SKILLS ARE LIMITED, IS IT ESSENTIAL OR ADVISABLE TO DEVELOP THEM PRIOR TO STARTING AT RISD AND HOW CAN I DO THIS?
Yes, it is advisable to develop your making and designing skills to the highest possible level. This can be done through additional summer classes prior to enrollment at RISD. We may also offer you a place as a Visiting Student for 1 year at RISD prior to embarking on the Graduate Program. During this year you undertake appropriate classes to augment your skills. Providing you maintain a “B” grade or higher, you will be admitted directly into the Graduate Program the following year.

ARE INTERNSHIPS A PART OF THE PROGRAM?
It is up to each individual student to arrange potential internships. Although we are able to assist and advise with appropriate opportunities, in general these do not take place during the academic year. The course of study at RISD is very intense and there are many opportunities for our graduate students to participate in professional exhibitions, sponsored research projects, travel abroad classes and more.

WHAT KIND OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE?
Teaching assistantships and fellowships are available to all our graduate students. We aim to place teaching assistantships in areas where you are competent and also where you will benefit from the information in that particular class. If you are interested in this opportunity, you can expect to receive a teaching assistantship for three out of the four semesters of a two-year course of study, with more if you study for longer. Fellowships are grants, and when combined with assistantships, amount to approximately $15,000 over a two-year course of study. There are also other scholarships available through RISD for specific groups.

WHAT KINDS OF JOBS DO GRADUATES OF FURNITURE GO ON TO?
Opportunities are plentiful, varied and dependent on the individual interests and directions of your studies. Alumni have gone on to practice as individual studio artists, freelance designers, design consultants, in-house designers, teachers, curators, performing artists, etc.

CAN I TAKE CLASSES AT BROWN UNIVERSITY?
Yes, RISD and Brown are located directly adjacent and students are able to select courses at the neighboring institutions, schedule permitting.