Rhode Island School of Design (Rhode Island School of Design, RISD for short) is a world top design college integrating art and design disciplines. Founded in 1877, it has a long history of nearly 140 years.

Among the 25 best design schools in the world of Business Insider, RISD ranked first, beating Yale University, MIT, Pratt SAIC Equal strength calibration. Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is located at the foot of College Hill and connected to the campus of Ivy Brown University. The teacher-student ratio is 11:1. It owns 13 acres of school land, and the proportion of international students is about 15%. Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University share social, academic and community resources, and provide students of both schools with the opportunity to choose courses and double degrees.

Rhode Island School of Design Professional Ranking:

Each major of Rhode Island School of Design is at the front of the field, especially industrial design, graphic design, illustration and photography. RISD in 2016 U S. News&World Report ranked 4th in the art school rankings of American News and World Report. And University of Rhode Island Not the same university. Rhode Island Landscape Architecture offers only a master's degree, both 2-year and 3-year programs.

RISD students can choose courses free of charge in the school. As a place with the largest number of artists in the United States, Rhode Island has a strong cultural and artistic atmosphere and many museums, including the Rhode Island School of Design Art Museum, History Museum, Art Gallery Museum, etc. The most famous one is the Rhode Island School of Design's own art museum.

What about?

Rhode Island School of Design is the first independent art and design school in the United States. The school implements the credit system, mainly for undergraduate and graduate education. It is an international first-class design school. The school running philosophy of the college is: "committed to the cultivation of design and art talents. Improve the level of public art education, commerce and products." As the top private art college in the United States, Rhode Island Design College has gathered more than 1800 undergraduate students and more than 300 graduate students from more than 50 countries around the world.

The college has 350 teachers with different talents and 400 staff. At the same time, more than 200 famous artists, designers, critics, writers and philosophers from all over the world come to the college every year as visiting scholars and part-time professors. Since its establishment, the college has cultivated more than 16000 graduates, distributed in the United States and the world, many of whom have become outstanding design talents in the 20th century. The graduates have good employment! In addition to undergraduate and graduate education, RISD also provides a variety of training courses, professional lectures, art exhibitions and other continuing education design activities for young artists to meet the public needs of a learning society.

Rhode Island School of Design World Ranking:

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) ranks 3rd in the 2024 QS World University Arts and Design Discipline Ranking and 1st in the United States.  

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) ranked 3rd in QS World University Art and Design 2022

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) ranks 3rd in the QS World University Art and Design 2023.

Professional ranking

Ranked No. 5 in the best art major

Ranked 4th in ceramics

Ranked No.1 in the major of binding design art

No. 2 in painting/sketch

No. 3 in photography

Print reproduction ranked second

No. 4 in sculpture

Ranked 7th in time-based media/new media

Rhode Island School of Art and Design Application Deadline:

The application for admission to the graduate program of Rhode Island School of Design began on September 1;

Deadline for application of all postgraduate courses: January 10

Rhode Island School of Design will notify students of their admission before March 24. English is a prerequisite for accepting applications. Chinese students have also applied successfully.

Rhode Island School of Design fixed tuition:

The undergraduate and graduate tuition fees of Rhode Island School of Design are the same at 51800 US dollars, but the total cost of graduate students (78540) is nearly 6000 US dollars more than that of undergraduate students (72780).

Rhode Island School of Design:

Rhode Island School of Design offers such majors as architecture, clothing and textile research, design and practical art, film and television and photography art, art and art research, interior architecture, garden architecture, carpentry, etc.

Postgraduate education includes ceramic art, furniture design, glass, graphic design, jewelry and metal, painting and printmaking, photography, sculpture, fiber, landscape architecture, industrial design, art education, interior architecture (different from interior design) and other courses.

Rhode Island School of Design Undergraduate major ：

Clothing design, architecture, ceramics, film animation photography, furniture design, glass, graphic design, illustration, industrial design, interior architecture, jewelry and metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, textile;

Rhode Island School of Design Postgraduate major ：

Architecture, landscape architecture, pure art, glass, graphic design, textile;

clothing design

Focusing on creative independence, professors of fashion design set up a large category of studio projects to help students develop their unique language as creative professionals. Industry professionals provide valuable criticism to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Visit New York Fashion District, internship and competition opportunities, so that students can fully understand the industry.

Architecture

It is certified by the National Building Certification Board of the United States and internationally recognized. RISD's undergraduate major in architecture meets professional standards. The course enables students to enter the professional field through the following two points: first, impart the knowledge necessary for building production; Secondly, it emphasizes the complexity of the discipline and the responsibilities that need to be undertaken when engaged in architecture.

ceramics

Through challenging tasks, critical courses, lectures, demonstrations, field visits and one-on-one talks, ceramic teachers will help students explore their personal artistic strengths, develop their own voices and express a series of experiences. The professor will encourage you to explore forward and grasp this material in the continuous exploration. You will fully master the mixing, construction, molding, firing, coloring and various professional skills. You will work in a separate and exchangeable space at the same time. Shared tools include the use of digital images, glaze color matching, and remote kiln firing. Finally, through learning, you will become an original and skillful artist, from studio operation to teaching, making products, prototyping and other 3D projects.

Film Animation Photography

Film Animation Video (FAV for short) majors study live action film and animation, as well as the mixture of the two. Students will produce films in different categories, including documentary, experimental and narrative films, and use rich frameworks, including devices and interactive media. Students will regularly analyze and solve technical and aesthetic problems, and benefit from critical film reviews, film festivals and visiting artists and experts.

furniture design

The undergraduate course of furniture design includes the study of theory, skills, background, research and professional practice. Students will understand the problems faced by designers and manufacturers today: how to design furniture in the face of technology, new materials, new economic pattern and rapidly changing furniture fashion. Drawing nutrition from profound traditions, students are encouraged to experiment and use a series of new materials and technologies to develop their own unique voice through the production process. The professor will encourage students to explore the widest range of materials and work methods, comprehensive concepts, conceptual thinking and hands-on operations. The course emphasizes the principles and practice of furniture design, and also focuses on the social values of art, design and responsible citizens.

Glass

Glass is a medium with infinite possibilities and great influence on the art world. As a member of the glass profession, you will have the opportunity to learn glass blowing, mold making, reverse molding and cold process with teachers and visiting scholars in the hot studio. Hands on practice allows you to quickly grasp the elements of glass production, and start thinking about how materials and concepts interact, laying the foundation for professional studio practice later.

Graphic Artist Designer

Graphic design for art study abroad Students, you will devote yourself to exploring the design process. After you enter the real design world, this will become your lifelong pillar. Students will have a thorough understanding of design principles, media theory and problem-solving strategies. Students will have the opportunity to try traditional book production to interactive text and digital media. The professor will challenge students' ability to form visual language.

Illustration

Through a wide range of rich courses, students majoring in illustration will self guide, explore various media, and then form a stable understanding of contemporary themes and concepts. Teachers of this major require students to observe carefully and have strong conceptual thinking, as well as to master the practical skills and techniques needed to convey ideas. In every link of teaching, the professor will make clear the meaning of images. Through observation and a strong foundation of painting, you will learn to write books, describe in the form of illustration, make packaging for the surface of goods, design web pages, make animated characters or design characters, and make efforts from all angles.

industrial design

The increasingly challenging studio project enables students majoring in industrial design to form a material awareness and deeply understand visual and 3D vocabulary through hands-on work. When students create developmental paintings, shape three-dimensional models, and make prototypes that take mass production into consideration, the professor emphasizes the traditional values behind industrial design and the current trends in the industry.

Interior building

Students majoring in interior architecture can choose from three major directions through advanced design studio: theater design, exhibition design or retail design. Through this major, the professor provides mobile phone meetings to enable students to learn about practice in the field of architecture and beyond, help everyone grow creatively, and become a professional designer responsible for society and the environment.

Jewelry and Metal

Rhode Island School of Design Jewelry and Metal Design The undergraduate major of provides step-by-step design difficulties and technical challenges. Students will seek unique design solutions and learn to use skills and originality to implement their own ideas. Through challenging tasks, target reading, lively group discussions, and encouraging students to use non-traditional methods that can break through the expression, professors will help students practice critical thinking and professional skills.

painting

Students majoring in painting can get full freedom and develop the goals, self-confidence and key technical skills required for artists to express their ideas within the scope allowed by the rules. Students and teachers will also provide critical and emotional support, which is crucial to the emergence of strongly personalized works. In general, the college will provide an atmosphere conducive to exploration and growth.

Photography

Students majoring in photography at Rhode Island School of Design will learn to explore and test the social, cultural and historical background of photography, and then create new works on this basis as a way to emphasize the cultural continuity of photography as a medium. Through close observation and guided discussion, students learn to "read" images to develop visual interpretation ability, and use this ability to express ideas and create meaningful work.

print

Study the historical and contemporary prints collected by RISD Art Museum and other exhibition halls in the region, learn the concept, form and practical problems, and get inspiration through direct contact with the original works. Professors, visiting artists and other printmaking experts will help students develop mature personal works.

Sculpture

The Sculpture Department will let you use various sculpture techniques to derive your own interests. You will use various imaginable materials, including metal, plastic, computer board, etc., to understand sculpture in historical and contemporary contexts. In the rich curriculum, you will be confident to use various skills to produce works. Seminar, studio courses and visiting artists will bring you into the discussion of philosophical process and derivatives. The local artist resources in Providence and convenient exchanges with Boston, New York will enable you to integrate into a larger art community. At each step of the project, the professor will challenge the obvious working methods you can use step by step, so that you can learn to think independently and critically, and become an artist.

spin

The textile major is famous for training highly skilled designers in the textile field. It also teaches pure art methods, and creates unique works of art with special projects and courses. When students improve their design creativity, they are encouraged to apply new skills to practice and create 2D and 3D works.

Architecture

Students who successfully apply to the undergraduate program will also be admitted to the graduate program of architecture. The main objectives of the first and second stages of study include architectural design, technology and environment, architectural history and architectural theory. At the end of the second stage, students will be free to choose whether to pursue only three years of undergraduate study or four years of graduate study. In the third stage of learning, students will learn how to integrate the three elements of culture, technology and environment in architectural design. The fourth stage of learning (only involving students who choose to continue their postgraduate studies) will help students develop technologies including architectural painting, computer modeling, 3D simulation, etc.

Landscape architecture

Landscape architects need to have a full understanding of materials, technology, culture and nature, so that they can design a functional, sustainable and unique environment. First grade students will learn about landscape history, space use, art and design; The second grade will learn about urban design, park design and other knowledge; The third grade will learn about urban reconstruction and landscape management. In the third grade, the school will organize students to exchange with others. Exchange schools are located in France, the Netherlands, Canada and Australia. The fourth grade curriculum includes modern exercises, etc; The fifth grade curriculum includes intervention and strategy, personal design portfolio, etc. Grade 5 needs to complete a paper.

pure art

In the pure art major of Rhode Island School of Design, students will not only learn art theory and art history, but also can create art. In the first and second year of the practical operation process courses, students will be exposed to various pure art categories. In the course of art history, students will learn the art from the fall of the Roman Empire to the anti religious reform period, as well as the art of the 18th century until today. There are also courses on classical art, including the remains of ancient Greece and Rome. During the third and fourth years of study, at least 19.5 hours of creative work are spent in the studio every week. Grade four is similar to grade three. But the fourth grade practical course needs to produce a collection of works. In the course of art history, students can choose a topic for in-depth study, including ancient, medieval, Renaissance and modern European art, as well as Islamic and Chinese art. The final diploma is determined according to the artistic works created by the students in the studio in the last year, the examinations in the third and fourth years, and the art history papers in the fifth year.

Glass

Glass is a medium with infinite possibilities and great influence on the art world. As a member of the glass profession, you will have the opportunity to learn glass blowing, mold making, reverse molding and cold process with teachers and visiting scholars in the hot studio. Hands on practice allows you to quickly grasp the elements of glass production, and start thinking about how materials and concepts interact, laying the foundation for professional studio practice later.

Graphic Artist Designer

As a student of graphic design at Rhode Island School of Design, you will devote yourself to exploring the design process. When you enter the real design world, this will become your lifelong pillar. Students will have a thorough understanding of design principles, media theory and problem-solving strategies. Students will have the opportunity to try traditional book production to interactive text and digital media. The professor will challenge students' ability to form visual language.

spin

The textile specialty of Rhode Island School of Design is famous for training highly skilled designers in the textile field. The specialty will also teach pure art methods, and create unique works of art with special projects and courses. When students improve their design creativity, they are encouraged to apply new skills to practice and create 2D and 3D works.

undergraduate

Rhode Island School of Design Undergraduate Admission Requirements

closing date

Early application: November 1; General: February 1

Rhode Island School of Design Application Requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 93; SAT 1290；ACT 25

You need to submit transcripts, language scores, SAT or ACT scores, portfolios, writing samples and letters of recommendation (1-3 letters) online.

Writing sample: Submit a writing sample of no more than 650 words, and be careful not to limit the number of words. In this regard, RISD encourages students to break the rules and actively express their personality.

Topics to choose from:

1. The lessons we learn from our failures will form the basis for future success. Tell about a failure experience or memory. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from this experience?

2. Reflect on an experience where you challenged a belief or idea. What motivates you to take action? Will you make the same decision?

3. Describe a problem you have solved, or a problem you want to solve. It can be intellectual challenges, research questions, moral dilemmas - anything important to you. Explain how important it is to you and the solutions you have taken or intend to take.

4. Discuss an achievement or event, formal or informal, that marks your transition from child to adult in your culture, community or family.

graduate student

Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Admission Requirements

closing date

January 10th

Rhode Island School of Design Application Requirements

Language requirements: IELTS 6.5; TOEFL 93

For MAT application, GPA3.0 or above is required, and GRE score is not necessary, but it will be helpful for application.

You need to submit transcripts, language scores, art study abroad portfolio, purpose statements and letters of recommendation (three letters) online.

undergraduate

Rhode Island School of Design Undergraduate Portfolio Requirements

1. Two paintings: use 40cm * 50cm paper, and do not copy other people's works.

The first work must be drawn from life with graphite pencil or charcoal pen. The theme is unlimited, and the shape, light, location and relationship should be depicted through your own observation.

The second work is selected from the following three themes: select a thing, disassemble it, and then create a work based on it, which should include the process or result of disassembly, and choose a name for this work; Create with light or light illusion, and name the work; Define a thing you want to include and contain, create a container for it, and name the work.

Ensure that the surface of the painting is flat. Fold it in half twice to a size of 20 × 25 cm, and write the full name, birthday and address on the back of each painting. When mailed to the admissions office, only the original is accepted, and no copies are accepted.

2. 12-20 works: works can use 2D or 3D technology to reflect your artistic opinions, interests and thoughts; Works can be in any media form, can be sketches, can be the result of a project, can also be individual led works.

3. Collections must be submitted via Slideroom ($10).

graduate student

Rhode Island School of Design Graduate Portfolio Requirements

Submit 10-20 visual works through Slideroom, and different disciplines have different requirements.

1. Details of requirements for furniture design portfolio: students applying for furniture design need to reflect their research on materials in the portfolio, and in addition, they need to upload a video of no more than 20 seconds on the process of making something for themselves. It does not require high-quality video effects. RISD attaches more importance to the ability of hands-on production. Please give the video a good title.

2. Details of landscape architecture portfolio requirements: students applying for landscape architecture need to submit a portfolio and an additional video. In this video, applicants need to describe why they want to study this major, what they want to achieve, and why they choose RISD. The video duration shall be at least 2 minutes.

3. Details of the requirements of the Master of Education (MAT) portfolio: the applicant is required to use 20 images to show the depth and breadth of the applicant's studio experience. Including 10 pieces of works that can reflect the applicant's investigation and research work in a single media, 7 pieces of works that reflect the applicant's ability to comprehensively handle multiple media, and 3 pieces of painting samples.

4. Details of Master of Arts in Art+Design Education portfolio requirements: submit 20 images that best represent the applicant's creative and practical abilities as an artist or designer.

Rhode Island School of Design Application Guide

1. The applicant's art study portfolio should include 12 to 20 recently completed works (both two-dimensional and three-dimensional), which should reflect the applicant's views, interests, experience and ability in art. The works can be presented through any media, such as sketch, oil painting, a class assignment or an independently completed research report. It is suggested to include 2-3 pages of process records or sketch books about the work collection in the work collection to reflect the process of students' research preparation and brainstorming when making the work collection.

2. Letter of recommendation (2-3 letters are appropriate) Application for art study abroad It is very important in the process. It is better to find famous professors, scholars, designers, artists, etc. in the industry. If the applicant has the honor to cooperate with them and can provide relevant project works, such recommendation letter will be greatly increased. Moreover, this kind of recommendation letter can show the talent of the applicant in a more three-dimensional way and be more easily recognized.