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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private research university and the oldest technological institution in the nation. Located in Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute sits on a 275 acre hilltop campus which overlooks the Hudson River. The University was established in 1824 by Stephen Van Rensselaer “for the purpose of instructing persons…in the application of science to the common purposes of life.” Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranks among the top 50 universities in the nation for overall academics as well as among the top 50 worldwide for technology. Faculty members of the University include National Science Foundation Presidential Faculty Fellows, members of the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences and other distinguished professional organizations.
Academic Programs
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s mission is to “educate the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers. We celebrate discovery, and the responsible application of technology, to create knowledge and global prosperity.” The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has been so since 1927.More than 145 programs are offered at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The University is comprised of several schools, including the School of Engineering, the School of Science, the School of Architecture, the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, and the Lally School of Management. An interdisciplinary degree in Information Technology and Web Science is also available and all students are encouraged to work in interdisciplinary programs. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute also offers a variety of Summer Programs, Study Abroad opportunities, and ROTC. Accelerated programs including a B.S./M.D. in Physician-Scientist Program; a B.S./J.D. in Management-Law Program; Co-terminal B.S./M.S. degrees; an Accelerated MBA; and a Master’s of Management in Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.
Student Life
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has a total enrollment figure of approximately 7,000, including nearly 6,000 undergraduate students who hail from nearly 45 States. Nearly 3,000 students choose to live on campus in one of the University’s several residence options. In addition to traditional student housing, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers themed living options including “Ground Zero”, a community centered around arts, music, & culture; “Vasudha” – which focuses on earth, energy, and the environment; and “Leadership House” , which provides student leadership development.More than 180 student-led clubs and organizations are recognized by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the campus is home to several Greek Life organizations, intramural and club sports as well. These and other campus events and activities provide opportunity for students to interact with one another outside of the classroom, develop meaningful relationships and cultivate valuable leadership qualities and skills. An NCAA Division III school, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute fields nearly two dozen varsity teams and is a member of the Easter College Athletic Conference as well as the Liberty League.