Brown, RISD launching joint A.B./BFA program

PROVIDENCE – Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design have launched a joint five-year dual degree program in which graduates will be awarded a bachelor of arts degree from Brown and a bachelor of fine arts degree from RISD.
Students can apply for admission for the 2008-09 academic year; they will have to be admitted by both institutions to participate, then be approved by a special committee. They will also have to complete the degree requirements from both schools to graduate.
The schools said the “historic” agreement would offer students “enhanced opportunities for creative work that integrates, relates and develops diverse spheres of academic and artistic work,” such as pairing philosophy with sculpture, or art and design with math or anthropology.
During its pilot phase, only first-year students, not those already enrolled or transferring, will be accepted into the program.