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Brown-RISD Dual Degree

The campuses of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design are located in same part of Providence, rising up the hill from the river. As close neighbors, students from both schools have long been able to cross-register for classes, receiving full credit from their home institution for courses taken at the other. Now a new cross-institutional program is underway, one that will allow talented students to earn a degree from both institutions. The Brown/RISD dual degree program offers students the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) from Brown and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree from RISD over a five-year period. President Simmons of Brown and President Roger Mandle of RISD recently announced the new program, which was ratified by the Brown Corporation in May.

To earn the dual degree students must apply to both schools, be accepted to both schools, and then complete the degree requirements for both schools. The five-year program of study thus allows these dual degree students to take active part on two campuses. Those accepted to the program will have full access to Brown’s excellent programs in science and engineering, arts and humanities, and the social sciences, while also partaking of the world-class programs in art, design and the liberal arts at RISD. Students are now invited to apply for admission. The first dual-degree students will be accepted for the 2008-09 academic year.

Brown students who simply wish to enroll in a single course at RISD are still allowed to do so. It is always wise to check with RISD instructors in advance of the semester to find out about the availability of space.