Liberal Arts Graduate Programs and Concentrations

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With support from expert faculty, RISD’s graduate-level liberal arts scholars acquire and develop diverse multidisciplinary methodologies at the intersection of the humanities, social sciences and art and design practices.

Liberal Arts’ graduate programs advance the division’s commitment to transdisciplinary education by integrating critical perspectives from across the humanities, social sciences and studio arts. Our masters programs and graduate concentrations will position you to continue your work in doctoral programs and to make vital contributions in various art and design fields, education, environmental nonprofits, arts advocacy organizations, public policy groups and many more.

Master of Arts in Art and Design Education and Master of Arts in Teaching degrees are offered by the graduate level-only Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD) department. Additionally, the Liberal Arts division offers a 1.5-year Masters of Arts program in Global Arts and Cultures (GAC) and a 15-credit graduate concentration in Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD).

A graduate program in Nature–Culture–Sustainabilities Studies (NCSS) existed from 2018–23. While the graduate-level degree program has been discontinued, RISD graduate students can still pursue an NCSS concentration.

Programs offered

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Global Arts and Cultures (GAC)

Uniting the humanities and social sciences with studies in visual, performative and literary arts, this 1.5-year interdisciplinary MA program fosters inquiry into making in relation to systems of power and resistance.

Teaching + Learning in Art + Design (TLAD)

In either of TLAD’s Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) programs, you acquire a strong foundation in the theoretical context of art education while enjoying meaningful opportunities for pedagogical practice in art and design.

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Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD)

In augmenting your advanced degree with a 15-credit art history concentration, this course of study provides key knowledge for creative practitioners, as well as a foundation for teaching art history or theory after graduation.

Want to learn more? Our Admissions team is here to help.

At RISD, you’ll find a community of critical thinkers and makers that will inspire you to push your own practice. Find important information for applying to our graduate programs including application links, deadlines and requirements.

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