Graduate Programs

First-rate facilities, expert faculty, and open-ended exploration in technology, the arts and design are hallmarks of our graduate programs. The College of Art and Design’s offerings include MFA, MS, and MST degrees.

Programs

Cover of the CAD graduate viewbook.

Our graduate programs are powered by curriculums that place collaboration, advanced studio practice and research at their core.

Viewbook - English version

Viewbook - Chinese version

 
Loading...

In Their Own Words

Students and alumni of our graduate programs produce exceptional work that drives industry forward.

Professional Experiences

Abby Benkovich poses for a photo outside Tiffany & Co.'s NYC offices.

Co-op (or cooperative education) is paid, hands-on employment directly related to a student’s major. It is a type of experiential education allowing students to gain experience that helps clarify career goals, hone skills, and earn a salary. Students are not charged tuition for co-op. Past co-op placements have been at top creative agencies, advertising firms, professional studios, automotive companies, research institutions, software companies, media organizations, professional art, game and production studios, and theme parks. 

Learn more about graduate co-op

Pictured: Abigail Benkovich '22 MFA (metals and jewelry design) during a co-op with Tiffany & Co.

Student Work

A sample of work from our graduate students (hover over an image for artist credit).

View more on our Visual Exhibition 2022 webpage

Video Highlights

Power of Partnership

Graphic design and industrial design students got the opportunity to work with medical technology company Stryker to design innovative home healthcare products.

Culture in Art

Fatmah Bamashmous ’18 MFA (furniture design) joined the Artist Short Sesh to share her work, which infuses her cultural heritage with traditional techniques.

Real-world Preparation

RIT's commitment to experiential learning involves providing exposure early and often to a variety of career paths, industries, and environments.

Design Research 

Faculty members discuss work being done in various design disciplines, and how collaboration with researchers in other fields like engineering and science impacts their work.

Sizzle Reel

This collection of highlights from undergraduate and graduate students showcases the breadth of work done within our School of Film and Animation.

Virtual Production

Outfitted with large LED walls, RIT's MAGIC Spell Studios has proved to be the perfect location for groundbreaking research in a pioneering filmmaking technique, virtual production.

Portfolio Reviews

A student receives a portfolio review.

Prepare your portfolio for admission into one of our graduate programs by virtually meeting one-on-one with revered faculty during our annual Connect and Critique event! Students have the opportunity to receive critical feedback on their artwork and ask questions about our MFA, MS and MST offerings and the application process.

Learn more

Latest News

Apply

Master Up NY graphic.

30% Tuition Scholarship

Applicants who are New York state residents and graduates of New York colleges and universities may be eligible for a special scholarship covering 30 percent of graduate tuition for an RIT on-campus master’s degree. The tuition scholarship program, called Master Up NY, allows qualified students with a bachelor’s degree to develop expertise in their chosen field, network with faculty and peers, and join a rebounding job market.

Learn more


Those interested in our MFA and MST programs are required to submit a portfolio for admission. 

Portfolio requirements


RIT’s online application is quick and easy.

Learn more about admission requirements, costs and financial aid


Competitive full-tuition scholarships are available for students applying to our ceramics, furniture design, glass, and metals and jewelry design MFA programs.

Learn more