General Science

Program overview

Rider University’s general science program is structured to prepare selected first-year students for the rigors of college study in science, technology and mathematics. In this program, you’ll strengthen your academic readiness for college-level STEM courses and prepare for a successful transition into your intended major of choice through targeted coursework, faculty advisement and personalized resources.

If you would like to learn more about the program, please email the Office of the Dean at [email protected].

Your journey to STEM success

Through our general science major, you will be introduced to the expectations and requirements of Rider’s STEM programs and build a solid foundation for future academic success.

Benefits of admission into this first-year program include:

Individual academic advising from dedicated STEM faculty who will support you throughout your first year of study and help you navigate declaring a major.
A customized first-year curriculum featuring foundational math and science courses.
A dedicated STEM success coach who will provide personalized guidance and support throughout your first-year.
Access to free tutoring and workshops in mathematics, science and writing.
One free Summer Sessions or J-term course for students who successfully complete their first year. Course is subject to approval by the Office of the Dean and must be taken prior to the completion of 60 credits.
Opportunities to connect and build a support network with fellow students who share an interest in the STEM fields.

Chemistry professor Feng Chen works with student

Program requirements

Your first-year curriculum will be determined based on your intended major. To declare the science, technology or mathematics major of your choice as a sophomore, students enrolled in the general science program are required to:

Earn a grade of C or higher in the required math and science coursework taken during their first two semesters.
Complete at least 12 credits (four classes) per semester in their first year
Complete at least 24 credits by the end of their first year
Meet regularly with your assigned faculty advisor and STEM success coach. At a minimum, students will meet with their faculty advisor during the first two weeks of the semester and during greenlighting and with their STEM coach once a month.
Participate in tutoring sessions, workshops and other program activities. This includes attending at least 2 hours/week of academic support.

Academic pathways

In your sophomore year, general science students who fulfill the program requirements can declare a major in a variety of science, mathematics and technology-related fields, including: