Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Overview
Today’s top employers are looking for ambitious graduates who have real-world skills, professional work experience, and a quality academic background. RIT students benefit directly from the university’s commitment to experiential learning, including the successful cooperative education (co-op) program, which has been an essential part of the RIT experience for more than 100 years. Within the College of Science students have regular hands-on experiences in class and labs, school-year and summer research opportunities, as well as access to internship and co-op opportunities with employers.
State-of-the-Art Labs, Small Classes
The College of Science is uniquely structured to give students daily opportunities to apply their learning. Small class sizes open up opportunities for everyone to work with the latest equipment in our state-of-the-art labs and collaborate closely with faculty. Here students can turn their ideas into real projects with the support of other students, faculty, and administrators.
Cooperative Education & Internships
Cooperative education gives our students a competitive advantage over science graduates from other colleges and universities. In some programs, the co-op can begin as early as the summer after freshman year, but it typically takes place during the third and fourth years. Students can alternate semesters of academic study with co-op work periods—full-time, paid work experiences in positions related to their major.
Stand out from the crowd. Learn more about co-op at COS
Research Experiences with Faculty
College of Science faculty actively seek funding for projects within strategic research areas. Numerous faculty invite undergraduate students to be part of their research groups, providing unparalleled opportunities to gain hands-on experience solving exciting problems. Faculty also mentor students working on individual research projects in their areas of expertise. Active research areas in the College of Science include virology, genomics, bioinformatics, plant biology, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, material science, photonics, astronomy, remote sensing, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), and color perception.
Work with a Professor
Search areas of expertise to find a faculty member who's working on things you're interested in!
Senior Capstone Projects
Capstone Projects pair students with a faculty member or industry partner to develop and execute an individualized research project. The project can be experimental, computational, and/or theoretical. Students present their progress via publication-formatted written reports and conference-style talks presented to faculty and fellow students. Every year, select capstone and other student research projects are presented at professional meetings or lead to publications in refereed journals. The capstone component of our programs gives our students a competitive edge when seeking admission into preferred graduate programs or entry into the job market.
RIT seniors use mathematical modeling to explore COVID-19 questions for policymakers
Study Abroad Programs
To prepare you for success in today’s global society, RIT offers a range of exciting study abroad opportunities. These opportunities give you insight into how scientific and mathematical problems are solved around the world and further develop your problem-solving skills. You can immerse yourself in another culture and gain professional skills that will set you apart in a globalized work environment through programs led by College of Science faculty, at RIT’s global campuses in Dubai, Croatia or Kosovo, or with one of RIT’s affiliate partners.
Recent Programs
College of Science students who recently studied abroad:
- Examined examples of green infrastructure, sustainable design and low impact transportation systems in Sweden.
- Observed first-hand the wildlife, ecology and geology of the Galapagos Islands.
- Visited biomedicine and biotech research facilities in Scandinavia to study the stages of drug discovery and development.
- Explored social and environmental policy making related to climate change in Australia.
- Completed core math courses in Ireland.
Finding a Program
RIT has more than 600 study abroad programs in 60 countries for as short as one week to as long as a full year. Programs offer a variety of locations, course offerings and costs. Planning early, discussing your plans with your academic advisor and working with a study abroad advisor to find a good program fit will set you on the path to have a memorable experience while staying on track to graduation. Start exploring programs in the study abroad Compass.
Learning Assistants
Undergraduate students interested in developing their own teaching abilities and supporting the learning of their peers can apply to be part of the Learning Assistant (LA) program. LAs receive pedagogical training that enables them to support their faculty mentors and peers. LAs work in classrooms to facilitate discussions between students, increasing engagement in the materials. In addition, LAs work with faculty to review class materials and help improve their alignment with student learning styles and outcomes. Students receive important training for future careers in teaching while also contributing to improved outcomes for their peers in the course.