Students must complete curricular requirements at both Brown and RISD, as well as a Capstone Presentation requirement specific to the BRDD program. BRDD students typically take four to five courses each semester.
Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program
Curricular Requirements
Curricular Requirements
- Complete 40 enrollment units in 10 fall and spring semesters.
- Take 15 courses “in residence” at Brown during a fall or spring semester (does not include study abroad).
- Complete one writing-designated course.
- Declare a concentration in the fifth semester.
- Complete all concentration requirements for the chosen concentration.
- 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.
- Brown concentration requirements can be found on Brown's Undergraduate Programs or in the Brown Bulletin.
- Information on RISD major requirements can be found through the RISD Undergraduate Study page.
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.