Online Courses
RISD CE Online offers accessible, flexible and immersive learning experiences that you can access anywhere. Join us online to stay on track with a certificate program, explore a new subject, or take your very first course in art and design.
Certificate Programs
Any RISD CE course can be taken for personal or professional enrichment, and many can also be taken as part of a certificate program. With the option to complete 100% online, certificate programs are designed for students who are looking to accelerate their creative lives and work, and join a community of certificate program graduates.
Adult Programs
A wide variety of creative experiences await our adult students. We offer courses in a broad range of visual arts and design disciplines (both traditional and digital), as well as in topics related to art and design as integral parts of our lives and culture. Online courses run year round, and in-person courses are hosted in the summer on RISD’s campus in Providence.
Youth Programs (Ages 6-17)
Youth ages 6-17 attend RISD CE courses to grow creatively as they develop their artistic abilities. Led by outstanding artists, designers and educators, these courses journey into the artistic process where the emphasis is on designing, communicating and creating.
Updates
Entrepreneurship in Art and Design Classes Kick Off Sept. 12
New series helps students and practicing artists develop their business ideas, studio practice, and freelancing. Whether you're an emerging or established studio artist, a freelancer, or looking to start your own company, online courses [...]
RISD CE Online Fall Art and Design Courses for Adults
Enroll by Aug 23 to save 10% with code EARLYBIRDCE * Join us this fall to stay on track with a certificate program, explore a new subject, or take your very first course in [...]
Online Youth Fall Classes
Enroll by Aug 23 to save 10% with code EARLYBIRDCE* From drawing and illustration to animation and screenplay writing, your teen will stretch their imagination, discover new ideas, experiment with a variety of materials [...]
RISD CE Online: Fall Classes Enrolling
Enroll by Aug 23 to save 10% with code EARLYBIRDCE* Join us this fall to stay on track with a certificate program, explore a new subject, or take your very first course in art [...]
New Scholarships Boost Accessibility
RISD’s Continuing Education division partners with multiple nonprofits to support BIPOC youth interested in pursuing careers in art and design. The mission of RISD’s Continuing Education (CE) division is “to provide an immersive and [...]
Teens Connect through RISD
Continuing Education partners with Rhode Island Department of Education to offer free online art and design classes to underserved youth. As Rhode Island public school students prepare to return to the classroom, many of [...]
Student Spotlights
Student Spotlight: Claire (Kexin) H.
“My journey to RISD CE began in 2020 when I was a rising sophomore in high school. I am now going into grade 12 and have taken Advanced Program Online courses for three summers. [...]
Student Spotlight: Leah Spencer
"At the time I started the Graphic Design certificate program, I was working as a corporate graphic designer and felt my job was very repetitive and uninspiring. Then two years later, I learned about [...]
Student Spotlight: Reed Pike
“When I moved to Rhode Island I discovered the RISD Continuing Education offerings, and chose to grow as an artist and further my knowledge. A summer credit course, Book Design, challenged me the most. [...]
Student Spotlight: Susana Montañez
“I took my first RISD CE class back in 2013 when I was an au pair in Mystic, CT. My visa required me to attend a formal educational setting and my host family recommended [...]
Student Spotlight: Heather Caunt-Nulton
“I love learning and am always looking for ways to improve my art. I was interested in photography and my husband was the one who encouraged me to take all of these wonderful courses. [...]
Student Spotlight: Desmond Andrews
"I've known about RISD since I was very young from growing up in Providence. I chose the RISD Pre-College program because I've always wanted to be a part of the community. I would say [...]
Instructor Spotlights
Instructor Spotlight: Aarti Kathuria
"My journey at RISD CE began after I completed my degree at RISD. I was looking for a way to connect with the immense talent of RISD, and to work in a place that [...]
Instructor Spotlight: John Gonzalez
“I grew up in Providence and wanted nothing more than to attend RISD as a student, which I did as an undergraduate in the early 2000s. RISD really is a special world. When I [...]
Instructor Spotlight: Matthew Manning
Get to know Matthew Manning, a RISD Continuing Education instructor for animation and stop-motion courses: Matthew started animating as a child with a Super 8 camera in his parent’s garage. He attended California State [...]
Instructor Spotlight: Stefania Medeiros
“My journey to RISD CE began by chance and I didn't expect it to become such a significant part of my life. While I was living in California working as a makeup and special [...]
Instructor Spotlight: Katy Dika
“My journey to RISD began when I set foot in the Nature Lab. I went on a tour when I was about 17 years old and knew I had to be a part of [...]
Instructor Spotlight: Rina Naik
"I was really searching for something and the answer seemed to be creativity. I found RISD CE and it was so close to home and that’s how I started—it's awesome! The feedback that was [...]