At RISD the exploration of both studio arts and liberal arts makes for a powerful experience. In fact, RISD stands out among art schools for its emphasis on liberal arts study. Expert faculty lead classes spanning a diverse range of scholarly areas, including anthropology, biology, creative writing, literature, history, performance studies, philosophy, religion, sociology and more.

In addition to its studio disciplines, the idea of “the arts” at RISD also encompasses the humanities and social science fields that make up the liberal arts. Established as an academic division in 1940, today Liberal Arts teaches RISD students the communication and critical inquiry skills essential to creative practice, as well as an understanding of life’s aesthetic and ethical dimensions.

Learn more about the Liberal Arts Division

Departments and Programs included in the Liberal Arts Division:

Global Arts + Cultures (GAC)
Nature-Culture-Sustainability Studies (NCSS)