Rhode Island College, founded in 1854, is a regional comprehensive public college serving approximately 6,000 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students through its five schools: The Zvart Onanian School of Nursing, Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, School of Social Work, School of Business, and Faculty of Arts and Sciences. A regional leader in using public higher education to create social mobility with its high quality academic programs, small class sizes, and personalized, experiential education, Rhode Island College is on the move, adding new, in-demand programs, investing in new and upgraded facilities, and launching a new Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies.
New @ RIC
Last fall, the College launched three new academic majors in response to market demands and opportunities:
Biotechnology (B.S.): A multidisciplinary major encompassing courses in chemistry, computer science, math, and physics, the new biotechnology program prepares students to become the innovators of the future.
Cybersecurity (B.S.): One of the fastest growing and most strategically important industries in America, with more than 700,000 unfilled jobs nationwide, many of which start at six-figure salaries. (Also available as a minor.)
Sports Management (B.S.): The first program of its kind in Rhode Island connects students’ passion for sports with career opportunities in interscholastic, intercollegiate, and professional sports and venue management.
The College is also launching the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. A new regional center of excellence in one of the nation’s most in-demand industries, the institute is led by former congressman and RIC alum James Langevin ’90, a national leader in the field who cofounded the House Cybersecurity Caucus.
Campus Upgrades
Within the last five years, the College has made over $300 million in infrastructure investments. The most recently completed project transformed Horace Mann Hall, home of RIC’s School of Education, into a completely modernized and cutting-edge laboratory for teacher preparation. A similar transformation is beginning at the Clarke Science building, home to the life sciences programs. The renovation, expected to be completed in 2024, will include new research laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces. The two largest general purpose academic buildings, Craig-Lee Hall and Gaige Hall, have both undergone major upgrades since 2017. There have also been major investments in athletics facilities. Alumni Stadium, home to RIC’s NCAA Division III soccer and lacrosse programs, has been upgraded with a state-of-the-art artificial turf field and other improvements. The brand new outdoor track and field complex expands the College’s ability to compete for Little East conference championships.
Academics
RIC offers more than 90 undergraduate majors in the fields of education, business, nursing, social work, and the arts and sciences. The student to faculty ratio is 14:1 and the average class size is 18 students, making it easy to develop relationships with faculty. Nearly 90 percent of RIC faculty have terminal degrees in their fields. In addition, Rhode Island College offers qualified students the opportunity to accelerate their learning in their 4+1 Bachelors to Masters programs.
The College also has distinctive graduate and doctoral programs, as well as a new online Bachelor of Professional Studies program designed for adult students who have some college credits but no degree.
A Vibrant Community
RIC is a welcoming and diverse community. More than 45 percent of undergraduates identify as first-generation college students, and approximately 40 percent identify as students of color. RIC is also the first institution of higher education in Rhode Island to earn federal Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status.
Approximately 1,000 students live on campus in six co-ed residential halls. RIC students are allowed to have a car on campus, regardless of their residency, and parking is free.
RIC offers 60 student organizations including five Greek life and seven cultural or religious organizations, as well as a student-run newspaper, radio and television stations.
Competitive Spirit
Student-athletes compete in 21 NCAA Division III varsity sports, nearly all of which have challenged for conference, regional and national titles. The Recreation Center, home of intramural sports, features a field house, dance studio, interchangeable courts, cardio and weight rooms, and an indoor heated pool.
Visit RIC
Rhode Island College is located on a beautiful, suburban 180-acre campus in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Providence. RIC’s location provides the best of both worlds, a quiet backdrop with access to the hustle and bustle of the vibrant and exciting city center. Students are provided with free public transportation from the on-campus transportation center, allowing easy access statewide.
Check out RIC! Schedule your visit today at ric.edu/visit.