Undergraduate Area of Study

Undergraduate Education Programs

RIC student teacher with elementary students

Rhode Island College was founded in 1854 (then the Rhode Island State Normal School) for the purpose of training teachers and to this day it educates more teacher candidates than any institution in the state. The Feinstein School of Education and Human Development (FSEHD), as well as some education-focused programs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, prepare future educators for a wide range of classrooms, administrative offices, grade levels and specializations. In 2019, FSEHD launched a new curriculum that is on the cutting edge of teacher education nationwide, and our programs consistently rank among the best in the region. Whether you aspire to teach art in elementary school or physical education in high school, specialize in early childhood education or English language learners, work as a guidance counselor or school psychologist, remain in the classroom or ascend to the principal's office, Rhode Island College will prepare you to be a leader in your field.

OUTCOMES AND CAREER TRACKS

Graduate Schools

  • Rhode Island College
  • American International College
  • Antioch University Seattle
  • Bridgewater State University
  • Brown University
  • California State University, Northridge
  • Harvard University Graduate School of Education
  • Keene State College
  • Lesley University
  • LIU Brooklyn
  • New York University
  • Post University
  • University of Rhode Island

Job Placements

  • Amego
  • Achievement First
  • Learn Create Build Academy
  • Providence Public School Department
  • Barrington Public Schools
  • Warwick Public Schools

Sample Careers

  • Community Affairs Worker
  • Curriculum Developer
  • ELL Instructor
  • Recreation Worker
  • Researcher
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Teacher (Pre-K thru Secondary Level)
  • School Librarian
  • Youth worker

Programs

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Art Education

About this Program

Prepare for a professional career in art education through the B.S. in art education program at Rhode Island College. Your course of study will include art studio, art history and art education courses with leading art faculty. You will also gain extensive clinical experiences in public school classrooms. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach art in all grades (Pre-K-12) in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the only teacher preparation program in the state to offer an undergraduate degree in art education that leads to teacher certification. As the state’s leading institution in teacher education, RIC is noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education and for preparing tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Early Childhood Education

About this Program

Early childhood educators are in high demand due to a general increase in the demand for childcare. Now is a great time to enroll in RIC’s B.S. in early childhood education program to secure a career in the field. First, choose from one of three concentrations: birth to three, community programs or teaching. If you select the teaching concentration, you will be eligible for full certification to teach pre-K-2 in Rhode Island. The community programs and birth to three concentrations prepare you to work with children ages birth to three, and three to five years of age.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Birth to Three, Community Programs, Teaching
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Elementary Education

About this Program

If you have the passion and enthusiasm to work with young minds, the B.A. in elementary education with middle level certification prepares you for an extremely rewarding career teaching elementary and middle level schoolchildren. In addition to taking education courses, you will choose a teaching concentration in either mathematics or general science to gain the appropriate depth and academic rigor needed to teach in that area. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach elementary education (grades 1-6) and middle level (grades 5-8) in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Mathematics, General Science
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Elementary Education

About this Program

Teachers are in high demand across all disciplines, especially teachers who are prepared to work with students across a range of learning needs. RIC's B.S. in elementary education program qualifies you to teach grades 1-6 in both elementary education and special education. You must select one of three pathways: mild/moderate disabilities; severe intellectual disabilities; or mild/moderate and severe intellectual disabilities. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach all learners in grades 1-6, including culturally and linguistically diverse students with exceptionalities.

Please note that the elementary education program with concentration in special education is the same program as RIC’s B.S. in elementary special education program.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Special Education
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Elementary Special Education

About this Program

In school systems across the country, there has been an increased demand for teachers in the challenging and richly rewarding field of special education. Our elementary special education program offers three concentrations: elementary special education – mild to moderate disabilities (certifying you to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades 1-6); special education – severe intellectual disabilities (certifying you to teach students with severe intellectual disabilities from preschool to age 22); and elementary special education – mild to moderate disabilities and severe intellectual disabilities (certifying you to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities in grades 1-6 and severe intellectual disabilities from preschool to age 22).

Note: The B.S. in elementary secondary education is the same program as RIC’s B.S. in elementary education with a concentration in special education.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Elementary Special Education – Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Special Education – Severe Intellectual Disabilities , Elementary Special Education – Mild to Moderate Disabilities and Severe Intellectual Disabilities
Accreditations
Council for Exceptional Children

Health Education

About this Program

Rhode Island College’s nationally accredited B.S. in health education program is a leader in providing innovative, skills-based teacher preparation. Our faculty are dynamic educators and scholars who model best teaching practices, and our curriculum includes a wide variety of field experiences. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach health education in all grades (Pre-K-12) in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Accreditations
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation Rhode Island Department of Education

Middle Level Education

About this Program

While working in middle schools across the state, teacher candidates focus on how to cultivate and sustain a more just and equitable world through their curriculum and critically reflective practice. Ultimately, they will come to understand the unique strengths of middle level education and leave the program not only with added field experiences but with increased employment opportunities and a deeper level of preparation to improve the educational experience of the students you will be teaching.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Outcome
Certificate of Undergraduate Studies
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Music Education

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching music at all levels of instruction, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide variety of field experiences. Your course of study will include concentrating on a primary instrument, extensive participation in chamber and concert performing ensembles, coursework in musicianship and history, the study of K-12 teaching methods and pedagogy, and clinical experiences in public school classrooms. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach music in all grades (Pre-K-12) in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

RIC’s music education program features prominent performers, scholars, educators and conductors, including clinical experiences mentored by the area’s most accomplished public school music teachers. Since its founding in 1854, RIC remains the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Music
Program Type(s)
Major
Accreditations
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, National Association of Schools of Music, Rhode Island Department of Education

Physical Education

About this Program

Rhode Island College’s B.S. in physical education program is a leader in providing innovative, skills-based teacher preparation. Our faculty are dynamic educators and scholars who model best teaching practices, and our curriculum includes a wide variety of field experiences with children and youth. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach physical education in all grades in Rhode Island (Pre-K-12).

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Secondary Education, English

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching secondary education English, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide variety of field experiences. Our faculty are dynamic educators and scholars who place emphasis on empowering students, teachers and communities, and we cultivate teachers as writers and inquirers. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach English in grades 9-12 in Rhode Island. You will also be eligible to pursue endorsement in English as a second language or special education.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
English
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Secondary Education, General Science

About this Program

Due to a shortage in science teachers, job prospects are excellent if you are interested in teaching secondary education general science. At Rhode Island College, our dynamic faculty are educators and scholars with expertise in best practices that align with the Next Generation Science Standards. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach general science in grades 7-12 in Rhode Island. You will also be eligible for a second certification in biology, chemistry, physics or middle level education and be able to pursue endorsement in English as a second language or special education.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century

Contact Information

Dr. Rudolf V. Kraus

Assistant Professor

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
General Science; also select one of the following areas of expertise: Biology, Chemistry, Physics , Middle Level Education
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Secondary Education, History

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching secondary education history, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide variety of field experiences. Our program has been awarded national recognition by the National Council for the Social Studies, and our graduates are recognized throughout the state for their excellent teacher preparation. You will learn from dynamic faculty who place inquiry at the center of learning. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach history and social studies in grades 9-12 in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Contact Information

Tommy Ender
Dr. Tommy Ender

Assistant Professor

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
History
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Secondary Education, Mathematics

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching secondary education mathematics, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide variety of field experiences. Our dynamic faculty are both educators and scholars with expertise in integrating STEM, Common Core standards and other best practices into the classroom. In addition, your field experiences will prepare you to work with diverse student populations. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach mathematics in grades 9-12 in Rhode Island. You will also be eligible to pursue endorsement in English as a second language or special education.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s premier higher education institution for training mathematics teachers. Our graduates are in demand in Rhode Island and throughout the region and many have been awarded for excellence in teaching mathematics at the local, regional and national levels. Since its founding in 1854, Rhode Island College remains the state’s leading institution in teacher education.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Mathematics
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Secondary Education, Social Studies

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching secondary education social studies, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide variety of field experiences. Our program has been awarded national recognition by the National Council for the Social Studies, and our graduates are recognized throughout the state for their excellent teacher preparation. We place inquiry at the center of learning. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach social studies in grades 9-12 in Rhode Island, with a concentration in one of the following areas of expertise: anthropology/sociology, political science, geography or global studies.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Social Studies; Also select one of the following areas of expertise: Anthropology/Sociology, Political Science, Geography, Global Studies
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Special Education

About this Program

Each of the programs within the department is designed to prepare educational professionals to appreciate and understand the unique abilities, interests, and talents of individuals with special needs, and develop proficiency in working with them and their families.

Why Rhode Island College?

The faculty of the Department of Special Education believes this understanding is the basis for constructive educational involvement with individuals with special needs: active participation in their lives, and effective social advocacy on their behalf.

Contact Information

Paul Lacava
Dr. Paul G. LaCava

Associate Professor

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor
Concentrations
Elementary Special Education, Elementary Special Education and Severe Intellectual Disabilities, Concentration in Severe Intellectual Disabilities (SID), Ages Three to Twenty-One

Technology Education

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching technology education at the secondary education level, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation. You will engage in a rich course sequence of 10 technical classes and train on cutting-edge equipment, including CNC milling, 3D printing, laser cutting and etching, robotics and a precision measurement arm. You will also learn to use design software such as Computer Aided Design. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach technology education in grades 9-12 in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Teaching, Applied Technology
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education

Wellness and Exercise Science

About this Program

Explore the scientific aspects of fitness, health and wellness through Rhode Island College’s B.S. in wellness and exercise science program. You will learn anatomy, physiology and kinesiology; how to administer and evaluate health screenings and fitness assessments; and how to prescribe exercise for diverse populations. Upon successful completion of this program you will be qualified to work in a variety of professional settings, including corporate fitness and wellness sites; rehabilitation facilities; community health agencies; fitness centers; and strength and conditioning facilities.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education. With its newly designed School of Education facility, RIC continues to set the standard for excellence in preparing tomorrow’s practitioners to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Science
Program Type(s)
Major
Minor

World Languages Education

About this Program

If you are interested in teaching languages at all levels of instruction, Rhode Island College provides the highest level of teacher preparation and a wide range of field experiences. Along with coursework, you will engage with local language communities through multiple field placements in K-12 and community-based settings. You will also be encouraged to study abroad for a semester to enhance your linguistic and intercultural preparation. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be eligible for full certification to teach world languages in French, Portuguese and/or Spanish in all grades (Pre-K-12) in Rhode Island.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Contact Information

Erin Papa
Dr. Erin Papa

Assistant Professor

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
French, Portuguese, Spanish
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education, American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation

World Languages Education, C.U.S.

About this Program

If you are a current B.A. or M.A.T. in world languages major who wants to add additional language certification, or if you are a practicing teacher of world languages who wants to add additional language certification, you can do so through the C.U.S. in world languages program. Certified world languages teachers who already hold a B.A. from a regionally accredited institution must submit an application to the program director detailing their interest in the certificate program and include a résumé detailing employment and volunteer experiences.

Why Rhode Island College?

Rhode Island College is the state’s leading institution in teacher education, noted for its dedication to the best in personalized education, its commitment to equity and diversity and to building deep-rooted partnerships with community-based agencies. With its newly designed School of Education facility, featuring state-of-the-art classrooms, RIC continues to educate tomorrow’s teachers to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Contact Information

Erin Papa
Dr. Erin Papa

Assistant Professor

Program Information

Outcome
Certificate of Undergraduate Studies
Concentrations
French Italian Portuguese Spanish
Accreditations
Rhode Island Department of Education American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation

Youth Development

About this Program

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.

Why Rhode Island College?

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.

Program Information

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Program Type(s)
Major
Concentrations
Candidates either choose a minor or design their own concentration composed of 5+ courses (15-20 credits)