Undergraduate Math & Sciences Programs

Are you curious about the life around you? A B.S. degree in biology will give you a basic understanding of the study of living things and launch you into a wide range of careers, from the pharmaceutical industry to the medical field, from environmental science to biotechnology. 

At RIC, you will have direct and frequent access to faculty. Our small class sizes (lab sections have a 24 student maximum) create many opportunities for student-faculty and student-student interactions. You can also elect to get on the "fast track" to complete both a B.A. and an M.A. degree in 5 years.

Rhode Island College offers a comprehensive chemistry program that builds a foundation in all areas of the discipline (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical). In your degree plan, you will choose between a B.A. in chemistry or a B.S. in chemistry. The B.A. also has a concentration in Environmental Chemistry. The B.S. has three American Chemical Society (ACS) certified concentrations. All B.S. concentrations require at least 3 credits of research with a faculty member in the department. Our graduates go on to graduate school, medical school and pursue careers in STEM fields, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, education and environmental sciences.

In our chemistry program, you will get individualized attention throughout your time at RIC both in your classes and through research with faculty using state-of-the-art equipment. These opportunities allow you to learn about all areas of chemistry and develop skills for a wide range of professional careers, graduate school and medical school.

If you are interested in computer technology and business, the B.S. in computer information systems is designed for you. You will complete a technical core of courses that include computer programming, networking, cybersecurity, database design and systems analysis. Your business core will consist of courses in accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing. Based on your interests and career goals, you will choose electives such as data analytics/visualization, hardware/software systems, mobile app development and Web design. Graduates from our program are prepared for entry-level positions as computer support specialists, systems administrators, computer programmers, business/systems analysts, and Web developers. They are also prepared for graduate study in information systems and closely related disciplines.

RIC offers traditional face-to-face, hybrid and online courses as well as day and night sections taught in our new computer labs and classrooms. These courses are typically capped at 24 students and are taught by full-time faculty with Ph.D.s in computer science and/or information systems. We also have student organizations and honor societies that sponsor events and social networking opportunities.

If you’re interested in computer programming and software development, the B.A. and B.S. in computer science is designed for you. You will complete a computer science core that includes object-oriented design, data structures, programming languages, operating systems, analysis of algorithms and software engineering. Based on your interests and career goals, you will choose electives such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computer networks, software testing and databases. Graduates from our program are prepared for entry-level positions as software application programmers/developers, Web developers, computer support specialists, computer systems programmers and software quality assurance engineers. They are also prepared for graduate study in computer science and closely related disciplines.

RIC offers traditional face-to-face, hybrid and online courses as well as day and night sections taught in our new computer labs and classrooms. These courses are typically capped at 24 students and are taught by full-time faculty with Ph.D.s in computer science and/or information systems. We also have student organizations and honor societies that sponsor events and social networking opportunities.

Cyber threats are real. They can cause data losses, electrical blackouts, failure of military equipment and breaches of national security secrets. Given these dangers, skilled cybersecurity workers whose job is to protect networks, devices, programs and data are at a premium. More than half a million jobs in cybersecurity are available in this country. RIC’s minor in cybersecurity will give you the set of skills you need to protect computers, networks and data. Courses in the minor include computer fundamentals for cybersecurity, computer programming, cybersecurity principles, digital forensics and network/systems security.

Adding a minor is a stackable credential that highlights your interests and career goals. Cybersecurity is important for all types of organizations and pairs well with most majors.

Data analytics is the set of skills needed to collect, manipulate, analyze and visualize data for decision-making across all aspects of an organization. This is a highly sought-after skill by businesses looking to capitalize on big data. RIC’s minor will teach you how to process and clean data; extract value from it; choose one or more potential models and algorithms; and present your final results. Courses in the minor include computer programming, math/statistics, data analytics and data visualizations.

Adding a minor is a stackable credential that highlights your interests and career goals. Since all types of organizations use data analytics for decision making, this minor pairs well with most majors.

The B.A. in data science program will teach you how to process and clean data, how to model trends appropriately, how to draw conclusions informed by mathematically sound techniques, how to employ machine learning and how to effectively communicate your findings. You’ll also learn about industry ethics and technical writing, which will improve your ability to relay technical information to a non-technical audience.

RIC’s B.S. degree in data science provides a pathway into one of the most in-demand careers, with one of the highest starting salaries. From startups to Fortune 500s to government agencies, organizations are capitalizing on big data and will need data scientists like you to help them make informed decisions.

You will learn that there is more to mathematics than solving equations – in fact, these skills make up only a small portion of the discipline. Mathematicians must also think logically and systematically and communicate clearly.

You will learn that there is more to mathematics than solving equations – in fact, these skills make up only a small portion of the discipline. Some of the common career paths for mathematics majors are business, economics and banking. Many mathematicians also work within the science and technology sectors

The B.S. in physics program features a strong foundation in the core physics curriculum of quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, classical mechanics and electromagnetism. Upper-level electives span a variety of fields, including optics, electronics, solid state physics and nanotechnology. Equipped with critical thinking and analytical skills, our graduates are well-prepared for jobs in a wide range of industries and for graduate school. All physics majors have an opportunity for individual research with a faculty mentor.

Whatever you want from your physics degree, RIC physics can help you get there. In addition to our excellent selection of classes, the small size of our program provides plenty of opportunities for personalized attention, including student research and mentorship by faculty members. A physics degree opens the door to many careers, together we can find the right one for you. 

The ability to make data-driven decisions is necessary in almost every discipline and a minor in Statistical Modeling will educate students with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to do so.  We need to respond to the changing needs of the workforce if we want to adequately prepare our students for careers in a data-driven world.

The courses designated in the minor in Statistical Modeling will, most importantly, produce students with strong critical and creative thinking skills.  In addition to statistical knowledge, students will become proficient in a software package to analyze data and learn the calculus and linear algebra necessary to understand some basic mathematical models.