Applying to a Graduate Program

Prospective students need to apply to RISD through the Admissions Office, following the guidelines spelled out on the Graduate Admissions page. The application deadline has now passed for beginning graduate work in the fall of 2013. The next deadline – for fall 2014 – is in January 2014. All master's degree programs at RISD require a full-time commitment – for one, two or three years, depending on the program you choose.

Graduate Program Directors in each department take a slightly different approach to vetting applicants. Many will encourage you to visit RISD, if you haven’t already done so. Some require on-site interviews, while others may suggest a Skype conversation instead. Larger departments that get hundreds of applicants base decisions largely on the materials you submit in support of your application.

Overall, Graduate Program Directors are looking for students who are committed to pursuing intense, focused work in a specific discipline but who are open and inquisitive and ready to be challenged. Certain departments have specific prerequisites in terms of education and experience, but in general applicants to RISD’s graduate programs must have earned a bachelor's degree or equivalent at a recognized institution of higher learning.

For more information on specific graduate programs, please contact the Graduate Program Director in that area.

Grad Program Directors