Academics
RegistrationClosed ProgramsNursing, Medical Imaging, Clinical Lab Science and upper division Education courses
LimitationsCommunication,Psychology, Justice Studies, and Business courses are competitive due to the size of those programs. Dental Hygiene and Respiratory Therapy are completion programs only; students must already possess an appropriate license. Education and Social Work are limited for exchange students. Music/Theatre/Dance majors will likely need to audition and/or connect with department chairs for permission to enroll in major classes.
Notable Academic Programs- Theatre - As a Theatre major, you will get to grow as a performer and artist while developing your resume. From the moment you begin your program at Rhode Island College, will have the opportunity to direct, write, and perform while enrolling in a variety of courses with small class sizes of 12-15 students. With three unique concentrations to choose from ranging from performance to design, you’re sure to find the perfect fit to follow your dreams.
Students have the opportunity to participate in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. Students also have the opportunity to apply for scholarships every semester, including the Miranda Scholarship sponsored by the family of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Many Rhode Island College graduates have found professional performing opportunities on Broadway, in national touring companies, Hollywood, cruise industries, and more. Theatre graduates also have the opportunity to find careers in theatre production and management, teaching, and arts administration.
- Social Work - The Rhode Island College School of Social Work is nationally recognized as one of the best in its field. We recognize that for those who choose to pursue social work, it's not just a degree program, but a calling. Our bachelor of social work program prepares students for meaningful, people-centered careers that empower them to make a positive impact in their communities. A rigorous academic environment combined with ample experiential learning opportunities means students will gain a firm understanding of the practices and principles of social work, then apply them in field placements at schools, government and healthcare institutions and social service agencies throughout the state. Small class sizes enable students to develop real relationships with faculty who are experienced practitioners in their profession.
- Justice Studies - As an interdisciplinary major, justice studies focuses on both social and criminal justice. Students can select courses in sociology, political science, psychology, philosophy and other fields to attain a broad understanding for thinking about questions of justice, as well as a firm grounding in research and data analysis. Students have the chance to complete an internship for major credit and depending upon the strength of their performance can take graduate courses in their senior year to complete a BA and MA in just five years.
Faculty possess a range of real-world experiences and develop skills desired by employers and graduate programs. Students go on to succeed in a variety of career paths, from legal work to law enforcement, from non-profit management to the corporate world, and from social services to education.
- Accounting - Explore the “Language of Business” at RIC! The accounting major provides an excellent background for careers in accounting and management. It combines theoretical and practical applications to prepare students for in-demand positions. Our distinguished faculty have practical and academic experience, and work to develop students’ technical and critical thinking skills throughout the curriculum. Depending on the accounting courses taken, a student may qualify for an examination leading to certification in the accounting field (i.e. Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor).
A number of course modalities, including in person, hybrid, and online formats are available, increasing accessibility for those presently in the workforce. Students may also choose from among several specialized electives to support their intended career path. Discover Accounting ranked our accounting program #37 on its list of 101 Most Affordable Accounting Schools Nationwide and Study.com ranked us #32 on its 2021 list of Best Degrees in Accounting.
- Film Studies - A wide range of courses within this major probe the production and critical study of film. Students inspect moving images and films of the past and present, from a national and international perspective. Films are contemplated in terms of history, culture, theory, genre, aesthetics and more. Students are urged to think carefully, deeply and passionately about the films they watch, write about and create.
In 2020, for the second year in a row, RIC ranked among the top 10 most affordable Film Studies programs in the country. For 2021, Intelligent.com ranked RIC’s Film Studies program as the #12 film degree program in the county, specifically citing it as the “Best B.A. Program.” Our upper-level classes tend to be small – no more than 15 students – and emphasize discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Our dedicated faculty and interesting students are caring, supportive, creative, fun, and accomplished
Unique Academic Programs
- Behavioral Health Studies - The B.S. in Behavioral Health Studies is an extension of the B.A. in psychology major; however, there is less choice in course selection and the program includes a series of five professional development courses (two of which are nursing courses).
Upon completing the Behavioral Health Studies studies major, you will be prepared for entry-level positions in the field of chemical dependency, counselor in training and for work on advanced degrees, such as the M.A. degree in counseling – chemical dependency counseling and the M.S.W. degree in social work as well as professional certification at the advanced chemical dependency level.
- Youth Development - Rhode Island College’s B.A. in youth development program is committed to social justice and to training today’s youth to lead. If you are interested in a professional career as a youth worker, this program will prepare you to work with individuals ages three through 21 in afterschool programs, recreation centers, community arts centers, youth residential housing, justice and probation sites, youth ministry and governmental agencies. In addition to your coursework, you will learn leadership and management skills, culminating in a Certificate of Undergraduate Study in nonprofit studies in addition to your B.A. degree.
Rhode Island College is the only educational institution in the region with an undergraduate program that prepares professional youth workers. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to set the standard for excellence in preparing tomorrow’s practitioners to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
- Healthcare Administration - The B.S. in Health Care Administration (HCA) provides baccalaureate-level education and training for students considering careers in the health care industry. The program is specifically targeted for those pursuing supervisory and entry-level management positions and/or preparation for graduate education. The program represents a unique collaboration between the School of Business and the Zvart Onanian School of Nursing with significant contributions from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development.
The HCA major also incorporates an internship and an integrative capstone experience. For their restricted electives, students are offered choices within gerontology, human resource management, informatics, management foundations, and wellness. There is also a minor in HCA.
- Global Studies - This program will give you the cultural and geographic knowledge to work in a variety of roles such as public service, government, academia, nonprofits, and non-governmental organizations. You will get the chance to conduct research, learn a second language, understand new perspectives on global issues, and gain valuable cultural experiences. You will get to become a global citizen who appreciates and respects the languages, arts, religions, philosophies and cultures of our global community.
Options
Honors Access: Yes
Undergraduate Majors Open to NSE StudentsAccounting, African American Studies, Anthropology...
++ show allAccounting, African American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Art Education, Art History, Biochemistry, Biology/Life Science, Business Management, Chemistry, Communication, Community Health, Computer and Information Science, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, Dance, Early Childhood Education, Economics, Elementary Education, English, Exercise Science, Film, Finance/Banking, Fine Art, French, Gerontology, Health Administration, Health Education, History, Human Resource Management, Latin American Studies, Marketing, Mathematics, Music, Music Education, Operations Management, Philosophy, Physical Education, Physics, Political Science, Portuguese, Psychology, Public Relations, Secondary Education, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, Special Education, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Studio Art, Technology Education, Theater Arts/Drama/Acting, Women and Gender Studies
Tuition / Finances
Figures per Semester are current as of 05/01/24
Finances
Tuition and Fees - Home Payment Students
- Pay regular tuition to your home campus. No tuition/fees are paid to your host campus.
Maximum Credit Hours Per Semester
Financial Aid for NSE Students
Regardless of Payment Plan, financial aid is awarded by and disbursed from your home campus.
Miscellaneous Fees - Per Semester
Purpose |
Amount |
Period |
Plan |
Status |
Housing Deposit |
$200 |
Semester |
Home |
Mandatory |
Course Fees / Materials | Varies | Semester | Host & Home | Mandatory |
Health
Figures per Semester are current as of 05/01/24
Purpose |
Amount |
Period |
Plan |
Status |
Health Insurance |
$634 |
Semester |
Home |
Waiver Available |
Important Notes about Health Insurance
All students must have health insurance coverage. A low-cost student plan is available to students, but waivers are also acceptable is proof of existing coverage is provided. For more information, please go to the Health Services webpage: https://www.ric.edu/department-directory/office-health-services
Requirements