Graduate Degrees

My experience at RIT was more of a transformation of life. I learned to be dependent on myself to make decisions and take a stand for what I believe in. I not only learned techniques in making jewelry, but also how to be confident in myself as an artist.

I got experience in research, the classes were very intensive and everyone in the program is like family. We worked together with real companies, big companies, which was really great. I did more than I ever imagined I could. RIT is an amazing place and I loved my time there.

During summer vacation, professors encourage everyone to participate in a workshop at Anderson Ranch Arts Center, which has a close relationship with RIT furniture design. I also participated in Haystack Mountain School of Crafts' collaborative introduction, and also worked at the American Craft Show. Those experiences enriched my studies and provided me with opportunities to learn about the industry.

I couldn't imagine going to any other grad school than RIT. It is such a nurturing, creative environment where I was able to ask new questions about glass and explore interests that I've wanted to while being pushed creatively in every direction. It was 100 percent the right choice and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about getting an MFA in glass.

The program taught me invaluable design knowledge and provided unlimited opportunities to work with new technologies, along with the freedom to explore and implement ideas. The faculty's vast industry experience and their investment in us as students created a great learning environment to develop as designers. Words can't express how thankful I am to have attended RIT.

I chose RIT for the faculty. Their investment in my work as one of the most valuable components of my RIT education. The faculty and administration were always willing to change the playbook to make sure there was a path for the work I wanted to make. I never really hit an unmovable roadblock. Plus, it seemed like there was an expert on everything.

I have gained not only knowledge from the course lessons, but better insights on course topics and how they relate to my work. One of the many benefits of working in the industry for a few years and then coming back to school is the appreciation and the experience you can apply to better understand complex topics.

Having a (high school art) teacher as the graduate director is huge because she is plugged in with what's happening right now in schools. It's not theoretical. Everything that comes down from New York State, she experiences it at the district level. I learned so much in one year. You have to absorb so much, so quickly, and it's well put together.

I was one of those students who wanted to take classes outside of my core discipline. All those perspectives infused me with a curiosity — the ability to communicate about other disciplines — and have me an open mind, not just about art but also how technology could influence it.

We got exposed to a little bit of everything. It's prepared me to be a more well-rounded designer and work in multiple programs and use other technical skills besides pure animation. I was prepare for the real world.