Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program

Curricular Requirements

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Curricular Requirements

Students are expected to complete requirements for both degrees in five years, or ten (fall/spring) semesters.

Students in the Brown|RISD Dual Degree (BRDD) program must complete at least 156 credit hours. Of those, at least 15 course credits must be taken “in residence” at Brown during a fall or spring term. Courses taken at Brown during a summer session, credits earned through a study abroad program, and shared credits from RISD do not count towards this requirement. 

In addition, students must complete curricular requirements at Brown, curricular requirements at RISD, and a Capstone Presentation requirement specific to the BRDD program. 

BRDD students typically take four to five courses each semester.

Curricular Requirements

  • Complete the Experimental and Foundation Studies Studio Curriculum in the first year.
  • Declare a major in the second semester.
  • Complete two Wintersession courses: one in the first year, and one in a following year.
  • Complete all requirements for the chosen major.
  • Complete:
    • Four Theory and History of Art and Design (THAD) courses including Global Modernisms (Theory and History of Art and Design 101) in the first semester.
    • Nine Liberal Arts courses at either RISD or Brown (for students entering in fall of 2025 and later).
    • Four Open Electives (any course at either RISD or Brown).

Not all combinations of a Brown concentration and a RISD major may be possible to achieve within these parameters. Both Brown concentrations and RISD majors require varying numbers of credits. 

Due to the time and logistical constraints inherent in the program, students who undertake more than one major or concentration at either institution or who consider pursuing an Sc.B at Brown will need to exercise considerable care in creating their plans for program completion.

Schedule

First Year

In their first year, BRDD students complete RISD’s Experimental and Foundation Studies curriculum, Global Modernisms (Theory and History of Art and Design 101) at RISD, up to three additional courses (typically at Brown), and a course during RISD’s Wintersession.

  • Drawing Studio
  • Design Studio
  • Spatial Dynamics (3D) Studio
  • Global Modernisms
  • Brown course or RISD Liberal Arts course
  • RISD Studio Elective
  • Drawing Studio
  • Design Studio
  • Spatial Dynamics (3D) Studio
  • Brown course or RISD Liberal Arts course
  • Brown course or RISD Liberal Arts course

Second Year and Beyond

During the second year, students complete at least five courses at Brown and courses at RISD dependent on their declared major. In all following years, students will take courses at both institutions in accordance with the requirements for their concentration and major. 

Throughout the program, students will work with their BRDD advisors to develop and adjust a five-year plan to complete all curricular requirements. Advisors on both campuses will also work with Dual Degree students to assist them in planning for their respective academic programs at RISD and Brown.