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.

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.

Video overview
MFA Graphic Design, Open House 25–26
2025 Theses
See work from the 2025 cohort on the RISD Grad Show website
2024 Theses
See work from the 2024 cohort on the RISD Grad Show website
MFA Thesis books
View and download recent graduate thesis books
General Info
FAQs and general information on risd.edu
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.

2025 GRAD Show
May 22 – 29, 2025
2025 MFA Biennial
April 4 – 20, 2025
2025 Senior Show
March 21 – April 4, 2025
2024 GD Triennial
October 11 – 20, 2024
2024 GRAD Show
May 23 – June 1, 2024

Find us on Instagram, Vimeo, & Are.na

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