Is RISD Brown Dual Degree worth it?

Mamelot
Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:45:07 +0000

@tooblue a couple of factors to consider: 1) while it’s true that you can take classes at Brown while enrolled as a RISD student (and we know kids who have done that) the two schools run on different academic calendars so it’s not as easy as you would think. However, it’s definitely doable. In contrast, the dual degree program is set up PRECISELY so that you can take classes at both institutions. Therefore, you will be more likely to get your class when you want it and not have to juggle potentially disparate schedules. 2) Have you been to College Hill? There is really no obvious difference between the RISD and Brown campuses - one campus just flows right into the other one. The only disadvantage is that RISD is on the STEEP side of College Hill - I’m not kidding!! People tell me that students from both schools attend the same social functions and hang out together. The two schools have a long-standing and close relationship and the dual degree program is unique among art/design schools (at least I don’t know of another opportunity like that and we’ve researched a LOT of art schools!).

It’s a prestigious program and very hard to be accepted to. It’s not unusual for a bright, motivated student to spend a 5th year picking up a Master’s degree or double majoring. It’s expensive but given the reputation - you’d be getting degrees from one of the top national universities AND one of the top art/design schools in the WORLD - it just might be worth it for you.

Good luck!