The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has specific language requirements for international students whose native language is not English. The requirements may vary slightly depending on the program and the applicant's background, but here are the general guidelines:

1. English Proficiency Requirements

International applicants are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English through one of the following methods:

a) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Minimum score:
  • Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): 79 or higher
  • TOEFL Paper-based Test: 550 or higher
• The TOEFL is accepted as the primary proof of English proficiency for most international students.

b) IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

• Minimum score: 6.5 overall with no individual band score lower than 6.0
• The IELTS is another widely accepted exam for English language proficiency.

c) Duolingo English Test

• Minimum score: 105 or higher
• RISD also accepts the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, particularly as a more flexible online option.

d) Cambridge English Proficiency Exams

• RISD may accept results from Cambridge English exams, such as the C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with the required proficiency levels.

2. Exemptions from English Proficiency Testing

International applicants may be exempt from submitting English proficiency test scores if:

• The applicant is from a country where English is an official language (e.g., the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.).
• The applicant has completed at least two years of full-time study at a high school or college/university where the primary language of instruction is English. This includes US-based high schools or universities, as well as institutions in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.

3. Additional Considerations

• Some students may be required to complete a pre-sessional English program if their scores are below the minimum requirement or if their proficiency is deemed insufficient for academic success.
• The IELTS and TOEFL results must be sent directly from the testing agency to RISD.

4. Application Tips

• Be sure to check the specific program requirements for additional language requirements or exceptions, as RISD might have slightly different expectations depending on the academic department.
• Preparing early is crucial if you need to take one of these exams, as the results can take several weeks to arrive, and RISD may have deadlines for submission.

For the most accurate and updated information, it's always best to consult RISD’s official admissions page or contact their admissions office directly.

Admissions | RISD

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is widely regarded as one of the top art and design schools in the United States and globally. Known for its rigorous curriculum and emphasis on creativity, RISD offers a broad range of specialized courses and programs in various fields of art and design. Some of the key areas of specialization at RISD include:

1. Fine Arts

RISD is renowned for its Fine Arts programs, offering specialization in areas such as:

• Painting
• Sculpture
• Printmaking
• Photography
• Drawing

Students in these programs are encouraged to push boundaries with their creative expression and often blend traditional techniques with contemporary practices.

2. Graphic Design

The Graphic Design program at RISD is considered one of the best in the world. It combines design theory with practical skills and covers areas like:

• Typography
• Branding
• Digital Design
• Interactive Media
• Visual Storytelling

RISD's graphic design students work on projects that have real-world applications, often in collaboration with companies or non-profits.

3. Industrial Design

The Industrial Design program at RISD focuses on the creation of products and solutions that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. Students learn to design a wide range of products, including:

• Consumer electronics
• Furniture
• Transportation design
• Medical devices

The program combines creativity with practical problem-solving to meet real-world needs.

4. Fashion Design

RISD’s Fashion Design program is highly regarded and combines creativity with technical skills. Students study:

• Garment Construction
• Fashion Illustration
• Textile Design
• Sustainable Fashion
• Fashion Technology

The program emphasizes individual expression while preparing students for the fashion industry.

5. Interior Architecture

The Interior Architecture program at RISD focuses on designing functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. Specializations include:

• Interior Design
• Architecture
• Furniture Design

Students gain a deep understanding of space, materials, and the human experience within built environments.

6. Textiles

The Textiles program at RISD is one of the most prestigious in the world. It covers areas such as:

• Weaving
• Dyeing
• Printmaking
• Surface Design
• Textile Technology

Students are encouraged to explore both the art and science of textiles, often incorporating technology and sustainability into their work.

7. Illustration

RISD's Illustration program is famous for its strong emphasis on both traditional and digital techniques. Students learn:

• Conceptual Illustration
• Character Design
• Storytelling through Art
• Digital Illustration
• Editorial and Advertising Illustration

This program prepares students for careers in publishing, animation, advertising, and more.

8. Architecture

RISD offers a highly respected Architecture program that focuses on both the conceptual and technical aspects of architecture. Key areas of study include:

• Design Theory
• Urban Planning
• Building Technology
• Sustainable Architecture

The program emphasizes the integration of design with technology and environmental concerns.

9. Landscape Architecture

Students in RISD's Landscape Architecture program learn to design public and private spaces with a focus on environmental sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and ecological balance. Areas of focus include:

• Environmental Design
• Urban and Rural Landscapes
• Sustainable Practices

Graduates work in fields such as urban planning, park design, and environmental consulting.

10. Ceramics

The Ceramics program at RISD emphasizes both sculptural and functional aspects of ceramics. Students learn:

• Clay Manipulation
• Glaze Chemistry
• Kiln Firing Techniques
• Molding and Casting

This program encourages students to experiment with various forms of ceramic art and design.

11. Jewelry and Metalsmithing

This program focuses on creating functional and artistic objects from metal. Students specialize in:

• Metal Casting
• Stone Setting
• Jewelry Design
• Wearable Art

Students often explore the intersection of art and craftsmanship, creating both contemporary and traditional pieces.

12. Film/Animation/Video

The Film/Animation/Video program offers a blend of creative and technical skills. Students learn to create:

• Animation
• Documentary Films
• Experimental Films
• Video Art

The program combines storytelling with cutting-edge film technology, preparing students for careers in film production, animation studios, or independent media.

13. Photography

RISD’s Photography program allows students to explore both traditional and digital photography techniques, covering areas such as:

• Fine Art Photography
• Documentary Photography
• Digital Imaging
• Studio Lighting

The program emphasizes both technical skills and conceptual thinking in visual storytelling.

14. Arts and Cultural Studies

RISD also offers courses in Arts and Cultural Studies, where students study the history and theory of art, design, and culture. This includes:

• Art History
• Critical Theory
• Cultural Studies

15. Sustainable Design

Sustainable design is a key area of focus across many RISD programs, particularly in Industrial Design, Architecture, and Landscape Architecture. The school encourages innovation and environmentally conscious design practices, promoting sustainable solutions for future generations.

Research

Academic Departments, Majors and Resources

Scholarship Opportunities - RISD CE

International student help

RISD Career and Job Opportunities

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has had many notable professors over the years, though their faculty is continually evolving, and specific professors' recognition can change over time. Some faculty members have earned prestigious awards or made significant contributions to their respective fields, but there isn't a single universally recognized "top professor." However, here are a few prominent RISD professors and notable faculty members who have made their mark in the arts and design world:

1. David O. A. (Dave) Clark

• Department: Illustration
• Area of Expertise: Graphic design and illustration
• Contributions: Dave Clark is known for his work as an illustrator and graphic designer, with a focus on visual communication and creative projects that blend art and design. He has earned a reputation for innovative, impactful work in illustration.

2. Kara Walker

• Department: Sculpture and Fine Arts
• Area of Expertise: Contemporary Art, Sculpture, and Performance
• Contributions: Although Kara Walker is more renowned as an alumna of RISD, she was once a faculty member there. She is one of the most celebrated contemporary artists, best known for her cut-paper silhouettes that address issues of race, gender, and historical power dynamics. Her works are widely exhibited in major art institutions around the world.

3. Paola Antonelli

• Department: Architecture and Design
• Area of Expertise: Design curator and educator
• Contributions: Paola Antonelli is a curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and has had a significant influence on the fields of industrial design and architecture. She is a leader in design criticism and curatorial practice, particularly with a focus on the intersection of technology and design.

4. Norman Ives

• Department: Graphic Design
• Area of Expertise: Graphic design and typography
• Contributions: Although Norman Ives passed away in 1966, he was a pioneer in modern graphic design and typography. He taught at RISD for years and influenced a generation of designers. His legacy continues to shape RISD’s graphic design programs.

5. Cecilia de Val

• Department: Digital Media & Interactive Art
• Area of Expertise: New Media Art, Interactive Installation, and Performance
• Contributions: Cecilia de Val is known for her experimental work with interactive installations that use digital technology to engage viewers. She is a leading voice in new media arts, exploring themes related to identity, technology, and human interaction.

6. Robert Malley

• Department: Architecture
• Area of Expertise: Architecture, Urban Design
• Contributions: Robert Malley has taught at RISD and has a distinguished career in urban design and architecture. He is known for blending environmental sustainability with architectural innovation in his design practice.

7. Barbara Safarova

• Department: Fine Arts (Painting)
• Area of Expertise: Painting and Fine Arts
• Contributions: Barbara Safarova is an accomplished visual artist and professor who has exhibited globally. Her expertise lies in painting, where she focuses on color theory, form, and abstraction.

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) has not had any Nobel Prize winners among its alumni or faculty. However, RISD is known for producing highly influential individuals in the fields of art, design, and architecture, many of whom have achieved international recognition in their respective industries.

While the Nobel Prizes typically focus on disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace, RISD’s strength lies in its arts and design programs. Its alumni include many celebrated figures in the art world, such as Kara Walker, Jim Henson, and Tory Burch, though none of them have won a Nobel Prize.

Despite this, RISD's contribution to the cultural and creative industries is immense, with graduates making notable impacts on design, architecture, fashion, and visual arts, making it one of the most respected art schools globally.