For more than 60 years, the Denver, Colorado-based Rocky Mountain College Of Art + Design has been helping students bring their creative visions to life. Founded in 1963 by local artist Philip J. Steele, RMCAD was designed to effectively nurture artistic talent, inspire critical thinking, and prepare students to make meaningful contributions to the art and design industries and society at large.
Steele’s dream of combining innovation with education lives on today, with RMCAD boasting a massive 23-acre historic campus in Lakewood, Colorado. The institution also has a strong online presence, allowing the college to meet students where they are—whether they prefer the in-person experience or need the convenience of remote learning.
In a world where many people don’t get the chance to follow their dreams, RMCAD strives to make creative careers a reality for its students. Whether through its supportive community, expert faculty, or flexible learning options, the college works to remove barriers so that students can focus on doing what they love.
Creating an Inclusive Community for Artists
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), RMCAD offers courses that meet high academic and professional standards. With 11 undergraduate programs in fields like animation, graphic design, game art, and interior design, students have endless opportunities to turn their passions into successful, multidisciplinary careers.
A hallmark of RMCAD is its welcoming, inclusive community—something students and staff have come to appreciate. The college values diversity and actively encourages its students to bring their unique perspectives to the table. Students feel empowered to share their ideas and collaborate with their peers, creating a safe, supportive environment.
By offering both on-campus and online programs, the school gives students a choice in how they want to learn, helping them feel more in control of their futures. Whether attending classes virtually or in person, students have access to the same resources, including professional mentorship, in-depth class discussions, and the RMCAD app, which connects them to their classmates and professors.
RMCAD RISE: Empowering Students, Faculty, and Communities
One of the main ways Rocky Mountain College Of Art + Design drives its growth is through RMCAD RISE, a five-year strategic plan that stands for Reflect, Innovate, Serve, and Evolve.
The plan’s purpose is to improve student services, enhance education, and get graduates ready for the competitive job market. Building a supportive workplace culture for faculty is another priority listed in the plan. By equipping employees with the tools they need, RMCAD ensures they can effectively support their students.
The school also relies on data-driven decision-making to make sure its initiatives meet students’ needs and align with industry trends. These efforts help the college stay focused on the future, strengthening their mission to prepare students for life after college.
How RMCAD Is Mastering the Art of Flexible Learning
More than a decade ago, RMCAD began transitioning to include online learning after recognizing its students’ needs for flexible education. The college continuously works to ensure that its online courses are just as high quality as on-campus classes.
RMCAD’s foresight proved especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted traditional education all around the world. By implementing a blended learning model that combined online instruction with safe, limited access to campus resources, the college quickly adapted to the challenges.
The college’s Student Learning Center (SLC) also stayed open during the pandemic, providing essential support and services to students when they needed it most. The school’s quick response and adaptability ensured that students could continue their education as normally as possible—a reflection of the college’s commitment to student success even during unprecedented times.
Leading Creative Minds Toward Successful, Passion-Focused Careers
At RMCAD, students are immersed in a collaborative community where everyone shares similar artistic career aspirations. Taught by instructors who are working professionals, students benefit from real-world insights and experience. The college’s curriculum focuses on portfolio development, ensuring students are fully prepared for graduation and beyond.
RMCAD uses practical, hands-on learning to get its students ready for their future careers. Through its partnerships with creative platforms like Adobe, the college provides students with access to industry-standard tools as part of their tuition. These tools play an important role in programs like animation, graphic design, illustrative design, and illustration.
In addition to technical training, RMCAD also offers resources like academic advising, portfolio preparation, and career services. These services help guarantee that by the time a student graduates, they have the skills and experience they need to succeed in their industries and maintain high professional standards.
Leading with Purpose and Vision in Mind
RMCAD is careful to select leaders and faculty members who align with its mission. The college draws on principles from Patrick Lencioni’s book The Ideal Team Player, which stresses the importance of qualities like humility, people smarts, and hunger.
Picking a leadership team that embodies these values ensures that student success is prioritized and collaboration among staff is a natural byproduct. With these principles in mind, RMCAD can continue to innovate and expand while remaining grounded in its beliefs.
The college’s leadership decisions reflect this balance well. To meet growing industry demands, RMCAD recently added new concentrations in UX/UI and advertising. These additions have expanded opportunities available to students while staying true to the college’s goal of nurturing creativity.
A Student-Centered Approach to Admissions
To make it easy for students to begin their educational journeys, RMCAD streamlines its admissions process. The admissions team offers tailored guidance, helping students through every step, whether it’s filling out an application or completing enrollment.
Students are encouraged to showcase their potential through Artist Meetings with an Admissions Counselor. While portfolio submissions are welcomed and necessary to be considered for scholarships, they are not required for admission. This means a broader range of aspiring students have the chance to access RMCAD’s innovative programs.
By creating a supportive experience from the start, RMCAD helps students feel confident as they start their college careers. This sentiment is echoed in RMCAD reviews, where the college’s admissions team is praised for their welcoming, straightforward, and involved approach. Not only does the admissions team help prevent confusion, but they also set a positive tone for students as they prepare for classes.
Expanding Opportunities for Tomorrow’s Creatives
As RMCAD looks forward, it does so with confidence and a commitment to growth and innovation. Guided by the RMCAD RISE plan, the institution continues to expand its reach while staying true to its core values of inclusivity, career readiness, and educational excellence.
With a focus on attracting a diverse student body that makes a genuine impact on the world, RMCAD prepares students not just with degrees, but also with portfolios that showcase the full range of their abilities. This emphasis on practical experience and professional readiness ensures graduates are equipped to thrive in their chosen fields.
RMCAD continues to provide a solid foundation for students to turn their creative visions into reality. Whether learning on its historic campus or through its innovative online programs, graduates leave RMCAD ready to shape the future of their industries.
