The Department of Graphic Design offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts program, with the opportunity to pursue a fifth year of study leading to the Bachelor of Graphic Design degree. It also offers a Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Additionally, RISD Graphic Design offers workshops and credit-bearing courses during the summer.
The undergraduate
majors learn problem-solving methodologies and critical design thought while developing a design language. Students progress systematically through the intensive program, addressing visual vocabulary, formal investigation of color, form theory, language and communication, and practice for print and electronic media. Communication theory, history, culture, systems of design and art are studied alongside a progression of typography courses: anatomy of type, fundamentals of traditional and modern typography, and, finally, expressive and experimental typography.The Bachelor of graphic design (BGD) degree is a five-year program for undergraduate students who wish to reach a higher level of professional proficiency. The focus of the fifth year is on professional practice and formal design methods; time is also allowed for multifaceted projects that include identity, publication design and computer-aided design applications such as screen design, interactive displays, and the web. BGD projects often take the form of partnered research sponsored by corporations or organizations.
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The graduate mfa program
prepares the individual to think about design in new ways that transcend traditional examples. It is a catalyst for innovation, leading to greater potential and better design application. As such, graduate education assumes a leading role in developing and contributing theory and information to the discipline of graphic design, and to the practice of design in society.Learn more »
The Summer Institute for Graphic Design Studies
(SIGDS) is an unparalleled opportunity for students and professionals from numerous disciplines to participate in an extensive array of concentrated two-week credit-bearing courses for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as shorter (2-, 3- or 5-day) intensive non-credit advanced and professional workshops.Learn more »
Course offerings
from the graphic design department. These course listings are provided as an indication of our curriculum, and are not to be used for registration purposes.Explore the curriculum »