RISD Undergraduate Degrees

Textiles at RISD grounds students in global artistic, social and cultural contexts, teaching them to work with breakthrough technologies to master the art of fabric, fiber and pattern. Although it deals with a field in constant flux, the program emphasizes a thorough understanding and integration of the design process, structure, materials and techniques. At the same time, faculty members encourage individual artistic expression, whether you are designing work intended for industrial production or creating one-of-kind fine art pieces.

As practicing professionals themselves, Textiles professors support your development as an artist and designer who will energize the field through your personal vision. RISD's facilities support advanced work in weaving using multiharness handlooms, computer-interfaced looms and an electronic jacquard loom, and in knitting using hand-operated machines and an electronic knitting machine. The department also offers a digital textile printer, a fully equipped dye lab, silkscreen studios and a CAD lab with the latest in industry software.

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• Surface Design (fall)
• From an Idea to Meaning (fall)
• Fibers and Dyeing (fall)
• Weaving I (spring)
• Fabric Silkscreen (spring)
• Knitting Machine Techniques (spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Sophomores
In your first year in the program, you will learn various methods of print design, silkscreen, weaving, knitting and dyeing before choosing to focus on either fine arts work or industry-related projects.

• Drawing Elective (fall or spring)
• CAD in Textiles (fall or spring)
• Major electives (fall/spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Juniors
As a junior, you will concentrate on more advanced techniques in the area or areas of your choice, developing your own concepts and context, while also broadening your perspective by taking courses in other disciplines.

• Major electives (fall)
• Degree Project (spring)
• Liberal Arts electives (fall/spring)
• Wintersession course (winter)

Seniors
Your senior year will culminate in a project that defines your own area of interest, mode of working and future direction. Internships, pursued during Wintersession or over the summer, encourage close connections to the professional world.