School Profile: Rocky Mountain School of Design
Founded in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, an accomplished illustrator and educator, The Rocky Mountain School of Design is located in Lakewood, CO, outside of Denver. Steele’s mission was to develop an art training program that echoed a Renaissance-style drawing and painting methodology, which also served as “community of creatives,” allowing artists to hone their talents through collaboration and peer review. Today, the school offers 24 online/on-campus creative tracks, including Bachelors of Fine Arts, Masters of Fine Arts, and several certificates.
Ranking Placements:
One of the 12 Best Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
All of Rocky Mountain’s online courses are designed for maximum flexibility, and multi-platform hybrid delivery is available, as well. In particular, RMCD’s distance education programs emphasize seamless one-click communication (with faculty, peers, and guest lecturers), personalized learning and support, dynamic collaborative learning technologies (including Critique Zone), and an intimate, vibrant educational community. Students can interact via discussion boards and chat rooms, as well as during live-streamed courses that simulate the traditional classroom setting. Students also have 24/7 tech support, e-library access, and tutoring resources like Lynda.com.
In addition to students’ major course work, Rocky Mountain’s bachelor tracks include Foundational and Liberal Arts requirements to provide curricula with a sound background in theory and practice. The Liberal Arts core covers Art History, English, the Humanities (Philosophy, History, etc.), and the maths and sciences. Foundational courses focus on technical skills, and courses include studies in 2D, 3D, and 4D Design; Topics in Color; Drawing; Life Drawing; a Portfolio Review, and more.
Admissions require an interview, high school or college transcripts (for transfer students), and submission of a portfolio, artist statement, and admissions application. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
- Tuition Credit Per Hour: $464
Offers a solid liberal arts foundation to design fields