Note that the MRSD program is primarily a professional master’s degree, intended to provide a mix of technical and business training to better prepare students for careers in industry and/or start-up environment. The MRSD program should not be viewed as a preparatory degree program for earning a PhD, but rather as a stand-alone degree program for those primarily interested in a professional career track.
Admission to the MRSD program does not in any way signify admission to other RI graduate programs. Each of RI’s graduate programs (MSR, MRSD, MSCV, PhD) are separate and have their own admission criteria, selection processes, and admission decisions. Students are welcome to apply for RI’s PhD program at any point in their career.