Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
university
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

RISD Architecture emphasizes process, artistic sensibilities, and social and ethical responsibility, empowering students to be adept cultural creators by integr

20 Washington Pl, Providence, RI 02903, USA

About Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

As an integral part of an art and design school, the Rhode Island School of Design's Architecture department offers a unique environment where education is intertwined with hands-on material sensibility and intellectual speculation. The program prepares students for the profession by emphasizing the complexities of the discipline and the responsibilities inherent in architectural practice. Students hone their ability to think critically and communicate through drawing, making, writing, and discussion, while defining a personal approach rooted in social, political, material, technological, and cultural agendas. This approach fosters a deep interest in the physical world and construction as a social act, integrating digital fabrication and visualization tools.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Bachelor

This nationally accredited program prepares students for architectural practice by addressing fundamental knowledge and the complexities of the discipline, emphasizing process, artistic sensibilities, and social and ethical responsibility. Students learn to think critically and communicate ideas through various methods.

5 Years
English
Undergraduate tuition is over $50,000 per year. The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is around $61,564.
Deadline: Regular Action: February 1
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master

This program empowers students to exercise creativity and succeed in professional practice. It emphasizes process, artistic sensibilities, and social and ethical responsibility.

3 Years (2-year advanced standing track available)
English
Graduate tuition is over $50,000 per year.
Deadline: Graduate Portfolio: July 30, 2026
Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)
Master

This program provides a rich context for learning the discipline alongside a community engaged in diverse creative and critical practices. It prepares students to examine and develop innovative design solutions for complex environmental issues.

2 or 3 year options
English
Not specified, refer to general graduate tuition
Deadline: January 10
Master of Landscape Architecture + Master of Marine Affairs (MLA + MMA)
Master

A joint degree program with the University of Rhode Island, this program enhances design education with studies in coastal and marine social science, economics, policy, planning and law. It addresses urgent issues around coastal sustainability.

Unspecified
English
Not specified, refer to general graduate tuition
Deadline: Unspecified
BFA in Interior Studies: Adaptive Reuse
Bachelor

This program offers exceptional education in spatial design as it relates to the built environment. It prepares students for graduate studies and professional design practice.

4-year program
English
Not specified, refer to general undergraduate tuition
Deadline: Unspecified
Master of Arts (MA) Adaptive Reuse
Master

This program focuses on imagining new futures and possibilities for existing buildings. Structural knowledge, social inquisitiveness, and attention to detail enable unpacking and highlighting existing values and introducing new layers to the built environment.

1 year+
English
Not specified, refer to general graduate tuition
Deadline: January 6, 2025
Master of Design (MDes) Adaptive Reuse
Master

This program focuses on imagining new futures and possibilities for existing buildings. Structural knowledge, social inquisitiveness, and attention to detail enable unpacking and highlighting existing values and introducing new layers to the built environment.

2 year+
English
Not specified, refer to general graduate tuition
Deadline: January 6, 2025
Master of Design (MDes) Exhibition and Narrative Environments
Master

This program focuses on the experiential dimension, telling stories and conveying ideas through space. It deploys a sensory and atmospheric take on design, often resulting in temporary yet meaningful spaces.

2 year+
English
Not specified, refer to general graduate tuition
Deadline: January 6, 2025

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
0
Students
0
Faculty
0
Alumni
8
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
All professional degree programs (Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture) offered by RISD's Architecture department are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The BArch program is offered in 150-credit (for students entering 2025 and after) and 156-credit (for students entering 2024 and before) tracks. The MArch program has a pre-professional degree + 69 credits track and a non-accredited undergraduate degree + 111 credits track.
Admissions
18.66% (for 2024-2025 admission)
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
early_decision_application
November 3
regular_decision_application
January 20
Requirements
0: High School GPA: Required
1: High School Transcript: Required
2: Recommendations: Required
3: Personal Statement (Essay): Required
4: Portfolio: Required
5: SAT/ACT: Considered if submitted (not required)
6: English proficiency test: Required

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Academic FAQ

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is RISD Architecture emphasizes process, artistic sensibilities, and social and ethical responsibility, empowering students to be adept cultural creators by integr

The acceptance rate for Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is 18.66% (for 2024-2025 admission), reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: High School GPA: Required, High School Transcript: Required, Recommendations: Required, Personal Statement (Essay): Required, Portfolio: Required, SAT/ACT: Considered if submitted (not required), Engl....

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), Master of Landscape Architecture + Master of Marine Affairs (MLA + MMA), BFA in Interior Studies: Adaptive Reuse.

The institution maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 (Fall 2025), ensuring personalized mentorship and studio culture.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is situated in Providence, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) holds accreditations from: All professional degree programs (Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture) offered by RISD's Architecture department are accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The BArch program is offered in 150-credit (for students entering 2025 and after) and 156-credit (for students entering 2024 and before) tracks. The MArch program has a pre-professional degree + 69 credits track and a non-accredited undergraduate degree + 111 credits track..