Design Exploration
Design Exploration
Spend up to a year exploring RIT's design programs before you declare a major.
Overview
If you are passionate about design but are unsure which program best fits your career aspirations the design exploration option is for you. RIT's School of Design offers majors in 3D digital design, graphic design, industrial design, interior design, and new media design. In the first year, students will work closely with their academic advisor to select courses that best match their interests.
The design exploration option requires the submission of a portfolio. View our Portfolio Requirements for more information.
Featured Work
Airport Design
Rochester Institute of Technology's Interior Design program hosts a weeklong workshop every year called Hyperspace where students complete a sponsored project that addresses a social need.
Featured Profiles
The Charrette Workshop
The Charrette is an annual, intensive workshop for RIT College of Art and Design students in Foundation classes. They have one week to create wearable sculpture out of various materials based on a...
Course Explores Traditional and Contemporary Pottery
Peter Pincus
A ceramics class for non-majors allowed students from various disciplines to investigate the connective tissue between the earliest forms of the field and the contemporary pottery practices of...
Why You Belong in RIT's College of Art and Design
Todd Jokl, Mari Jaye Blanchard, Melissa Dawson, Clay Patrick McBride
Get an in-depth look at RIT's College of Art and Design from our faculty and students. Let us share with you how our community of artists pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. And...
Admission Requirements
Freshmen Admission
For all bachelor’s degree programs, a strong performance in a college preparatory program is expected. Generally, this includes 4 years of English, 3-4 years of mathematics, 2-3 years of science, and 3 years of social studies and/or history.
Specific math and science requirements and other recommendations
- Studio art experience and a portfolio of original artwork are required for all programs in the School of Design.
- A portfolio must be submitted. View Portfolio Requirements for more information.
Learn about admissions, cost, and financial aid
Latest News
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May 10, 2022
![A group of students pose in front of a mural.]()
Projects from EUREKA! design workshop see real-world application
Non-profit partners from RIT's annual interdisciplinary workshop have recently implemented ideas developed by teams of students working to use their skills for social good.
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April 7, 2022
![A headshot of Nate Rohman.]()
Academic advisor receives Provost’s Award for dedication to student success
Nate Rohman, academic advisor for RIT's graphic design and studio arts BFA programs, will be honored April 12 at the Celebration of Teaching and Scholarship ceremony.
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February 14, 2022
![A collection of design books displayed on the Hexacart with students gathering around it.]()
Mobile library prepares for maiden voyage in College of Art and Design
Industrial Design students and faculty, in collaboration with RIT Libraries, designed the Hexacart, a library-on-wheels that brings rich visual resources to the doorstep of College of Art and Design students, faculty and staff.
