RISD GD pushes on the boundaries of the discipline. Our department encompasses the BFA and MFA programs, where students are supported and encouraged by our faculty to learn, expand and challenge the field in a studio-based culture.

Find us on Instagram, Vimeo, & Are.na.

MFA Program

By encouraging you to respond nimbly and creatively to a wide range of communications challenges, the Graphic Design MFA program prepares you to thrive in a constantly changing field. For more details, see the MFA Program information page and the MFA program Instagram.

MFA Program Video overview
MFA Graphic Design, Open House 25–26
2026 MFA Theses
See work from the 2026 MFA cohort
MFA Thesis books
View and download recent graduate thesis books
General Info
FAQs and general information on our MFA program
Public Exhibitions

The college hosts two to four student exhibitions annually in its public galleries. RISD GD has its own exhibition space, The GD Commons.

2026 MFA GRAD Show
May 21 – 30, 2026
2026 BFA Senior Show
February 27 – March 3, 2026
2025 MFA Biennial
April 4 – 20, 2025
2024 GD Triennial
October 11 – 20, 2024
GD Resources
GD Courses
GD typeshop
RISD Prints
Academic Calendar
Arts & Language Center
Fleet Library
RISD Museum
RISD Student Hub
International Student and Scholar Affairs (ISSA)
Office of Intercultural Engagement

Thank you for visiting. For information on how and when to apply to our programs, visit risd.edu.

The risd.gd faculty stand in solidarity with our Black and Indigenous faculty and students of color, with our POC faculty and students. We are unanimous in working together against racism and discrimination, toward a just and equitable future.

The website was designed and developed by Julian Kelly and Rohan Chaurasia in the spring of 2019. We welcome submissions of fonts, images and news from students, faculty and alumni. Contact risd.gd(at)risd.edu