The College of Arts and Sciences

Creating informed global citizens

The College of Arts and Sciences creates informed global citizens with the knowledge, flexibility, and skills to flourish in a rapidly evolving world. Our disciplines span the arts and design, communications and media, humanities, natural sciences, math, and social sciences. Our graduates stand out for their ability to think critically, question the status quo, synthesize complex problems, listen to others, challenge assumptions, and communicate effectively.

Our Campaign Goals

Build our programs of distinction in the social sciences and humanities
Expand Ranger Hall for active learning classrooms and multimedia production
Develop a Language and International Networking Center
Expand the College of Arts and Sciences Fellows program

College of Arts and Sciences Points of Distinction

Global Programming

The College focuses on global experiences for students, in partnership with the nationally recognized International Engineering Program and related programs in business, computer science, and pharmacy. These programs require a double major in one of the above disciplines and in a language. Additionally, our International Studies and Diplomacy Program began in fall 2020, preparing students for careers in foreign service, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, and other opportunities. Graduates of this program will earn a B.A. in international studies and a B.A. French, Chinese, Spanish, German, or Italian.

Student Success

Since 2010, Arts and Sciences students have received 18 Boren Awards; 5 US Department of State Critical Language scholarships; 12 Fulbright Scholars; 1 Marshall Scholarship (plus 4 finalists); 1 Rangel Scholarship; 2 Truman Scholarships (plus 4 finalists).

Accelerated Degrees

The College offers accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degrees in English, computer science, history, political science, and international studies and diplomacy. In addition, the Harrington School has developed a communication studies online degree completion program and the accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program in communication studies.

Vibrant Performing Arts

Our art, music, and theatre departments not only graduate students who go on to successful careers but also provide a robust calendar of events throughout each academic year.

Beaupre Center for Chemical and Forensic Science

The Beaupre Center serves more than 7,000 chemistry students. About 40 percent of URI degree programs require at least one chemistry class. The facility is named in honor of Richard Beaupre ’62, Hon. ’03, loyal URI supporter and founder and CEO of ChemArt. A $61 million bond issue approved by Rhode Island voters, along with private contributions, made the 135,000-square-foot center possible.

Partnership Between the Harrington School and URI Athletics

In collaboration with Cox Sports and ESPN+, we broadcast home athletic events through our new broadcast center using professional staff and highly trained interns. The next phase includes additional fiber connectivity installed in all athletic facilities and a search for a sports video production coordinator.

Giving Opportunities

Operating Funds – The Social Science Institute for Research, Education, and Policy (SSIREP)
SSIREP breaks down academic silos with more than 60 faculty from diverse fields. Faculty research human behavior, social institutions, and political processes to improve society and public policy, educating our students and the public. Support research, teaching and learning, and outreach to government offices and communities.
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Operating Funds – Public Policy Lab (PPL)
The Public Policy Lab encourages organizations and government agencies to submit their research and evaluation needs to the University. The PPL assigns students and faculty mentors to work closely with these organizations. Students gain valuable work experience in social and analytical skills, while exploring potential career fields and co-producing a professional policy report.
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Facilities – Ranger Hall Expansion
The $9.1 million expansion of Ranger Hall will renovate floors two, three, and four. Ranger will become the key community space for all programs within the Harrington School. Additions include active-learning classrooms, multimedia production spaces, and administrative and student services suites. Project completion, maintenance, and technology upgrades provide numerous naming opportunities based on your area of interest.
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Establish the Language and International Networking Center
Funding for a new center would expand the Language Resource Center into a Language and International Networking Center (LINC). The LINC will be a hub for international students, exchange students, multilingual students, international faculty, and others. Offerings would include language conversation hours, tutoring, and cultural events. The LINC would further drive our national recognition for programs in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish, and support our 700 foreign language majors.
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College of Arts and Sciences Fellows Program
This program offers summer fellowships for undergraduates to pursue academic research or creative projects with a faculty mentor. Such experiences have proven benefits for students in classes and in their careers.
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A&S Hope and Heritage Endowment
Hope and Heritage funding allows faculty to present research, exhibit creative work, network with peers, spend time in archives, complete workshops, and more. Funding also supports student presentations at conferences and travel for fine arts students to performance competitions. This fund raises the visibility of URI as a global research institution. Richard Beaupre ’62, Hon. ’03 and the Dean’s Advisory Council established the endowment to drive student and faculty excellence.
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Harrington Endowed Professorships
The Harrington School looks to establish positions for faculty of practice in areas such as journalism, public relations, and film/media. The Harrington School is proud to merge theory and practice, with many professors having extensive professional experience. In addition to educating generations of students, these positions increase our national and international stature.
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Immediate Impact for Growth and Student Opportunities
The A&S Impact Fund welcomes gifts of all sizes. This immediate-use resource supports experiential learning, the A&S Fellows Program, career readiness workshops, guest speakers, performances, and more. It also allows the College to respond quickly to hiring opportunities and research needs, attracting the strongest faculty candidates.
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