Major Declaration

An artist at RISD is sculpting a head out of brown clay.

Learn below how to declare your major in one of RISD’s world-renowned art and design programs, and how you can build on your degree through a Liberal Arts or interdisciplinary concentration.

First-year major declaration

All first-year RISD students begin undeclared. During your first year you will complete the first-year foundation program in Experimental and Foundation Studies.

Major declaration occurs over a designated period during the spring semester. For this year’s dates, refer to the academic calendar.

To declare your major in Workday, follow the guide below.

How to declare your major

Changing or adding a major

To change from the major you declared your first year to a new major, complete and submit the form linked below. Incoming transfer students may not transfer from the department to which they were admitted into during their first year. In all cases, a change of major is subject to review and space limitations. 

Graduate students may not change majors. A graduate student who desires entry into another RISD program must go through the formal application procedure. 

Change of major form

You may also petition to add a second major by submitting a secondary major request form (see link below). Due to the demands of the curriculum, however, it is rare for RISD students to double-major. If you pursue multiple majors, you will typically need one additional year to complete your degree.

Secondary major request form

Please send the completed forms to us either electronically at registrar@risd.edu or at:

Registrar’s Office
Rhode Island School of Design
20 Washington Place
Providence, RI 02903

Concentrations

In addition to your major field of study, at RISD you can pursue a concentration (similar to a minor). Follow the links below for more information about available concentrations, including declaration processes.