What are you looking for?

Rochester Institute of Technology

School of Design

United States Full Member Institution

Activities
Institution
All activities
Calls for Participation
Competitions
Course
Cumulus for Ukraine
Global Conversations
Initiatives
Job Listings
Joint & Partner Events
News
Special Events
Summary
Education
Research
Data

No news from Calls for Participation

No news from Competitions

No news from Course

No news from Cumulus for Ukraine

No news from Global Conversations

No news from Initiatives

No news from Job Listings

No news from Joint & Partner Events

No news from News

No news from Special Events

Mission Statement

The College of Art and Design is RIT’s creative hub where art, design, and technology intersect. From centuries-old and contemporary methods of producing fine art and design to the latest in digital media, we have a wide selection of majors in disciplines related to visual communication, imaging, and science. .

International Role

Study Abroad, Cooperative Education, International Experiences, Student Research, Partnerships with Industry.

There’s no better way to gain an understanding of another culture than to experience it firsthand. To prepare students for success in our global society, RIT offers a range of exciting study abroad opportunities. Students can immerse yourself in another culture and find inspiration in a new environment through our study abroad programs — such as programs led by College of Art and Design faculty, at RIT’s exchange universities in Dessau, Germany, or Kanazawa, Japan, or with one of RIT’s affiliate partners in countries known for their art, design and architecture. Locations for affiliate programs include Australia, China, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy and more. Students may also choose to study at one of RIT’s global campuses in Croatia, Dubai or Kosovo.

National Role

Our students come from all parts of the US (and the world). Many of these students go back to their home area and enrich the economy through starting their own company, working for others full time, or freelancing. We also bring industries in to do projects. Many of our programs have established working relationships with companies in various industries in support of coursework. Two examples of students working closely with industry partners come from RIT Industrial Design courses — Metaproject at the undergraduate level and Activating the Archives at the graduate level.

Main Focus

All programs listed above in the School of Design with the main focus on design, research, sustainability, and human and user-centered. 

Faculties and Departments

SCHOOL OF DESIGN UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graphic Design BFA- 4 year

Industrial Design BFA- 4 year 

Interior Design BFA- 4 year

New Media Design BFA- 4 year

3D Digital Design BFA- 4 year

SCHOOL OF DESIGN GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Industrial Design MFA- 2 year

Visual Communication Design MFA- 2 year

Bachelor Level Programs

SCHOOL OF DESIGN UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graphic Design BFA- 4 year

Industrial Design BFA- 4 year

Interior Design BFA- 4 year

New Media Design BFA- 4 year

3D Digital Design BFA- 4 year

Master Level Programs

SCHOOL OF DESIGN GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Industrial Design MFA- 2 year

Visual Communication Design MFA- 2 year

Research Activity and Main Areas

Main Research Labs:

Image Permanence Institute- The Image Permanence Institute (IPI) is a recognized leader in the development and deployment of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural heritage collections in libraries, archives and museums around the world. Housed in RIT's College of Art and Design, the academic research center achieves its mission by maintaining an active preservation research program that informs and advances professional-level education and training activities, publications, consulting services and the development of practical preservation resources and tools.

MAGIC Spell Studios- MAGIC Spell Studios, LLC, is the entrepreneurial and commercial heart of RIT's MAGIC (Media, Arts, Games, Interaction and Creativity) Center. Encompassing a fully functional film sound stage, sound mix and color correction post-production studios, a 4K Dolby Atmos theater and several working media laboratories, MAGIC Spell Studios is ready and available to work with you on your next project. And with student and faculty talent in all aspects of media production and design, MAGIC Spell Studios also provides a capable workforce to get your jobs done.

Vignelli Center for Design Studies- The Vignelli Center for Design Studies is a design museum and destination for students, faculty, professional designers and scholars. The world-class, 15,500-square-foot facility houses the entire archive of renowned designers Massimo and Lella Vignelli, whose graphic and product designs are icons of international design. It serves as an international hub for design, education, preservation, collaboration, advocacy, public good and globalism. 

Doctorate Level Programs

NA

Students

Bachelor: 736
Master: 159

Teaching Staff

Professors: 31
Lectures: 16
Part-time Teachers: 35

Join Our Global Community

Gain access to the largest, design-led network and champion how artists and designers shape the world we live in
Become a Member