Providence, RI 02912

The Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with a range of opportunities to develop and integrate academic and artistic work.

Students may combine, for example, disciplines such as philosophy with sculpture, or art and design with math or anthropology. Brown offers comprehensive concentrations in the physical and biological sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and the humanities. RISD offers intensive, specialized education in all categories of visual media, architecture, and design.

The program is five years in length. Students may receive a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree from Brown and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree from RISD. Prospective students must apply and be accepted to both institutions, and then be approved by a separate Brown/RISD admissions committee.

Students accepted into the Dual Degree Program will be enrolled in both Brown and RISD and will be required to complete existing degree requirements for both institutions. A minimum of two years in residence at each school is expected of the students.

ASHCAN STUDENT WORK by Jason

click here for: Brown RISD Dual Degree Program Supplement

Brown-RISD Dual Degree 
To be considered for this program, you must apply to Brown and to RISD independently via The Common Application. Only students who have been admitted to both Brown and RISD will be considered for the dual degree program. Some fields of concentration at Brown are not open to dual degree candidates, such as  Engineering and Visual Arts.

APPLYING TO BROWN 

This guide contains tips and information for all applicants to streamline the process of applying to Brown. We hope you will enjoy the application journey, and we look forward to reading more about you.

Submitting Your Application: Step-by-Step 
Applications are submitted online via The Common Application.  The online system will guide you through the process of providing the supporting credentials appropriate to your status as a first-year or transfer applicant.

Step 1) Begin by registering on The Common Application website if you haven’t already done so. Upon registering you will need to add Brown University to your list of colleges from within the College Search tab.

Step 2) Complete The Common Application by the deadline. Please keep the following in mind when completing your application:

• Intention to Apply for Aid: Brown’s financial aid is based solely on need. We do not offer merit-based scholarships.
• Select and answer one of the following questions for security purposes: Who sat behind you in your favorite class last year? Who is your favorite teacher in your junior year? What is the first number of your locker combination? What is the last word in the title of your favorite book? or What non-social media website do you visit most frequently?

Complete the Writing Supplement questions:

• Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
• Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?
• Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
• Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?
• Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

• For students applying to the Brown-RISD Five Year Dual Degree Program

• In choosing to apply for the Brown-RISD A.B./B.F.A. dual degree program, your interests and future plans will be influenced and enhanced by the courses offered by both colleges. We are curious as to why you have chosen to apply for this specific dual degree program; please tell us your reasons for selecting it, and what you envision as its impact on your education and career. (500 word limit)

Step 3) Request recommenders. Depending upon your status as a first year or transfer student you will be presented with either online or paper methods of inviting appropriate school officials and teachers to supply records and recommendations. We suggest that you begin the process early to give them plenty of time to respond before the deadline.

Step 4) All applicants must submit a non-refundable $75 application fee or submit a fee waiver.  If the fee will present a financial hardship for you and your family, you may be eligible for a waiver of the application fee. Ask your guidance counselor to submit a Fee Waiver Request (Brown accepts the NACAC, College Board, and Expanding College Opportunities Fee Waiver request forms).

Step 5) Arrange to have official test results sent to Brown before the deadline – please consult the First-Year Applicant page to see which tests we accept.

ASHCAN STUDENT WORK FOR BROWN-RISD ADMISSIONS by Jason