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
2024 Fall Meeting of the Astronomical Society of New York
Nov 23 at 9:00 am
Computer Science Poster Session
Dec 6 at 4:00 pm
Department News
On Saturday, November 9, hundreds will gather at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for HackRPI 2024. The 24-hour marathon of coding will begin at 11 a.m., when participants will team up to address the competition’s theme: Urban Upgrades. Participants will be asked to enhance the infrastructure, services, and quality of life in cities by developing new ideas and technologies. Examples are smart transportation systems, sustainable energy solutions, improved public safety, and inclusive community spaces. Prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremony around 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Frank Spear, Ph.D., professor of earth and environmental sciences and Edward Hamilton Distinguished Educator Chair, is the 2024 recipient of the Walter H. Bucher Medal from the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The medal is presented annually to a “senior scientist in recognition of original contributions to the basic knowledge of crust and lithosphere.” It is considered a recognition of lifetime achievement.
Recently, RPI’s Richard Bonocora, Ph.D., senior lecturer in biological sciences, joined 29 other international participants for the Spaceflight Technology, Applications and Research (STAR) program. STAR is “a virtual NASA training for space biosciences.” The program, which will run until February, will give Bonocora an overview of the current topics in space biology, how to conduct an experiment in space and all of the unique considerations, and provide unique collaborative opportunities. He plans to share his new knowledge across campus with fellow faculty members as well as students. “I’m excited to gain knowledge through the STAR program that can help my students in many fields pursue these exciting opportunities,” said Bonocora.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Fengyan Li, Ph.D., professor of mathematical sciences, has been selected as a 2025 Fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM). AWM Fellows demonstrate a sustained commitment “to encourage women and girls to study and to have active careers in the mathematical sciences, and to promote equal opportunity and the equal treatment of women and girls in the mathematical sciences.”
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Gwo-Ching Wang, Ph.D., Travelstead Institute Chair, is the 2025 recipient of the Davisson-Germer Prize in Atomic or Surface Physics from the American Physical Society (APS). Wang is being honored for “pioneering contributions to the development and use of electron diffraction techniques to study surfaces, growth-front ordering, and two-dimensional materials.”
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