Here in the School of Science, we discover answers to humanity's most compelling questions, define new fields of study, and invent solutions to global challenges. Moving seamlessly across disciplinary boundaries, we bring together the best of all fields in order to advance the cause of science.
You are in control.
Our undergraduate degree programs include many electives so you can tailor a curriculum to meet your interests and talents. This flexibility provides an opportunity to explore dual-major degrees, accelerated programs, or begin your graduate work with a co-terminal degree.
Information Technology and Web Science
Launch into any profession with a foundation in Information Age technology. The Information Technology and Web Science program combines mastery of data, web, and information technologies with an academic discipline of your choice.
Summer Here. The World Away.
The Arch shuffles the academic calendar to pack more experience into your education. Spend a unique summer semester on campus, then take the fall or spring semester of junior year to pursue professional or personal development opportunities.
Rensselaer has long been noted for its "low walls" - There are no rigid divisions across departments and schools.
Departments & Programs
Academic Opportunities within the School of Science
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Accelerated Degree Options
Earn a B.S. in just three years or a B.S. and M.S. in just four years.
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Undergraduate Research
Even as an undergraduate you participate in the Institute’s vibrant research enterprise. -
Interdisciplinary Degree Majors
The lines dividing departments and curricula are blurred and intersecting. -
Accelerated Physician-Scientist Program
Earn your B.S. and M.D. in only seven years. -
Study Abroad
A global perspective is crucial for anyone wanting to understand the world today. -
Graduate Studies
Take part in devising solutions to fundamental scientific questions. -
B.S. + M.S. Program
Graduate education is becoming increasingly important for career success and advancement. -
Accelerated B.S. + Ph.D Program
Receive your Ph.D. seven years after starting college. -
Rensselaer Center for Open Source
Learn about Open Source Software and get hands-on experience developing it.
Announcements
The School of Science is excited to announce our 2023 Commencement Brunch for all of our School of Science graduates, both undergrad and graduate school! The brunch will be Friday, May 19th from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. Students and their families will be seated with their department and surrounded by faculty and other graduates. Attendees can also expect a brief welcome from the School of Science Dean, Curt Breneman, followed by our departmental award ceremony.
The School of Science Advising Hub (The Hub) is a resource for School of Science students during their time at RPI and is a resource for all advising purposes. Staffed by experienced advisors, The Hub assists students in achieving their academic goals.
Upcoming Events
Mathematical Sciences Colloquium - Robert Webber (Caltech)
Dec 7 at 4:00 pm
I Hit Submit Celebration scheduled for December 13
Dec 13 at 11:00 am
Department News
For 25 hours beginning at 10 a.m. on November 4, students from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and other area universities will participate in a marathon of coding as they compete in HackRPI X. It will be held in-person at RPI’s Darrin Communications Center. Free registration is available online at https://hackrpi.com/.
For the first time ever, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will host the National Organic Chemistry Symposium (NOS) June 22-26, 2025 at the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center. NOS is the premier event sponsored by the American Chemical Society’s Division of Organic Chemistry.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doctoral student Lucas Bowman Sutton has been selected as one of 60 recipients of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) award. The SCGSR prepares graduate students for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) careers that are critical to the DOE Office of Science mission. Thanks to the award, Sutton will spend 12 months at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducting research on the circadian clock.
With daylight savings time ending soon, we anticipate a change in the timing of daylight hours with the sunrise occurring earlier in the morning. Already, too many of us get far too little sleep, and disruptions to our circadian cycles like those caused by daylight savings time transitions may make us feel more than tired and out of whack. In the end, there is significant medical data that shows that sudden day/night-time changes may even make us sick.
Contact Information
School of Science
Jonsson-Rowland Science Center
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 Eighth Street, Troy, NY 12180-3590
(518) 276-6305
School of Science Advising Hub
Empire State Hall 1107 (Polymer Center)
(518) 276-8079
scienceHUB@rpi.edu