About

Preparing the next generation of innovative
scientists and mathematicians.

Our Mission

The College of Science prepares graduates for careers in the physical, life, and mathematical sciences and provides mathematical and scientific foundations for all RIT students through academic programs and impactful innovative research that expand scientific knowledge and develop new technologies to advance the sciences and their application to society and our environment. We embrace social justice and equity-related to but not limited to education, research, and the scientific community at large.

Our Vision

The College of Science will be recognized as a national model for its significant contribution and impact in making our communities and our world better, fair, diverse, and inclusive. This will be accomplished by preparing world leaders who will expand the frontiers of science and mathematics and their application in identifying solutions to societal and global challenges, systemic inequities, and will contribute to a society that embraces justice for all people.

Learn more about our guiding principles and goals 

students with professor in biology lab looking at petri dish

We embrace social justice and equity-related to but not limited to education, research, and the scientific community at large.

About RIT College of Science

100%

Experiential Learning

All of our students are required to complete experiential learning such as a co-op, REU, paid research, and research for credit at the College of Science.

7.7K

Alumni Worldwide

Our alumni are valued resources who help us keep our programs relevant. As mentors, they help us prepare the next generation of scientists and mathematicians.

13

Clubs and Student Organizations

The College of Science is home to 13 clubs and organizations, including the College of Science Student Advisory Board (COSSAB).

11

Undergraduate Majors

The College of Science is home to 11 undergraduate majors in science and mathematics with an exceptional range of program specialties and undergraduate research opportunities.

1st

BS Degree in Biotechnology

RIT was the first university in the nation to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in biotechnology in 1983.

3rd

Largest Source of Undergraduate STEM Degrees

RIT is the third largest source of undergraduate STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees among all private universities in the nation.

4

Ph.D. Programs

The College of Science Ph.D. programs include: astrophysical sciences and technology, color science, imaging science, and mathematical modeling.

$1M

For Diversity

RIT was awarded $1 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Inclusive Excellence Initiative to increase diversity and inclusivity among undergraduate science majors.

By the Numbers

Student Body
Undergraduate 821
Graduate 318
Male 681
Female 458
Fall 2019 Total 1,139
Faculty
Full-Time Faculty 197
Staff 80
Degrees Offered
Advanced Certificate 2
Master of Science 10
Bachelor of Science 11
BS/MS 16
BS/MBA 5
Ph.D. 4
Minors 13
Immersions 8
Exploration Program 1
Trophies lined up on a shelf

Rankings and Recognition


Research Expenditures

RIT is classified as a “high research activity institution” under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. The majority of awards received from the federal government were from the National Science Foundation. And our Center for Advancing STEM Teaching, Learning and Evaluation (CASTLE) received $1 million from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support its Inclusive Excellence Initiative.


Princeton Review

RIT was listed in 2019 edition of The Best Value Colleges, as well as 2018’s “Best 382 Colleges” and “Best Northeastern Colleges” edition, and in the 2017 edition of “Colleges That Create Futures: 50 Schools That Launch Careers by Going Beyond the Classroom.”


U.S. News & World Report

2019 edition of “America’s Best Graduate Schools:” RIT tied for 69th among the country’s top physics graduate programs, climbing two spots from the last rankings compiled in 2014.


Goldwater Scholars

Since 2005, a total of 30 undergraduate students at the College of Science have earned the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.


Peer-Reviewed Articles

RIT faculty consistently publishes more than 100 peer-reviewed articles per year including high profile journals such as Science and Nature.