工业设计硕士课程将设计探索为解决社会，文化，环境和其他问题的工具，并认识到设计不仅是一项专业服务，而且是将个人兴趣和价值与社会框架联系起来的一种方式。该计划认可以下观点：当今最有价值的设计机会是那些促进保护我们的环境并更好地理解人类行为的机会。邀请具有其他领域的本科学位或设计经验有限的学生在Wintersession期间参加该计划，作为准备在第二年秋天开始两年制硕士课程的一种方式。
The Master of Industrial Design at RISD explores design as a vehicle for addressing social, cultural, environmental and other concerns, recognizing that design connects individual interests and values within a social framework. The program endorses the notion that the most valuable design opportunities today are those promoting the preservation of our environment and a better understanding of human behavior. Students whose undergraduate degrees are in another field or who have limited design experience enter the program during Wintersession as a means of preparing to begin the two-year master's program the following fall. extend their understanding of the Industrial Design discipline to practical design problems. effectively bring their previous experience to their design practice.