Since its founding over 170 years ago, Rensselaer's bold concept of technical education has grown under visionary leadership. Over the years its graduates have contributed significantly to national and global industrial development. Today, as a selective institution of higher learning, Rensselaer offers distinctive advantages to its highly motivated and intellectually talented students. Rensselaer's relatively small size enables faculty, who are actively engaged in sponsored research, to work closely with students. Connections between faculty and students are also enhanced by our emphasis on interactive learning environments, laboratory teaching, and opportunities for student research.
Students also have the opportunity to choose from several interdisciplinary and dual-degree options.
Rensselaer's education provides basic competence in the language and methods of a field of specialization complemented by courses that singly or in combination aim to develop intellectual sophistication, personal growth, and cultural breadth. The pursuit of educational excellence does not stop at the boundaries of our campus. Rensselaer offers both domestic and overseas student exchange programs, internships, and real-world work experience through the Cooperative Education Program. The Rensselaer Satellite Video Program, Rensselaer's highly successful initiative in distance learning, brings graduate courses and degree programs to students at many of this nations leading corporations. The Vollmer W. Fries and other lecture series bring leading industrialists, governmental officials, authors, and outside educator-scholars to our campus.