What academic opportunities are available to me at Providence College?
At the heart of Providence College's Dominican tradition is the education of the whole person. Providence College provides this education by offering 49 majors and 34 minors to choose from, as well as an extensive core curriculum. Incorporated into the core curriculum are studies in philosophy, theology, natural sciences, literature, history, social sciences, and more. The cornerstone of our liberal arts education is the renowned Development of Western Civilization program, often referred to as DWC or “Civ.” Many students will choose to expand their learning by participating in special programs such as our pre-law and pre-medical sciences advising programs, by studying abroad, and by taking advantage of internship opportunities.
What is the student experience like at PC?
On average, 92% of freshmen return for their sophomore year and 85% graduate in four years. Students are academically engaged and inspired by our faculty, and are taking advantage of the opportunities to be involved in organizations that interest them, volunteer in the community, and explore the city of Providence. We recommend that you speak to current students or alumni about their experiences at PC. You can also read blogs written by current students to get a real sense of student life.
How hard will I have to work to succeed academically?
Each program has unique requirements and challenges and each student has their own strengths and weaknesses. By now, you know how to do your best work, and after a few adjustments to undergraduate life, you will be able to gauge how much time you will have to commit to succeed in our rigorous programs. Fellow students, faculty members, and your academic advisor will help you to navigate your academic career. Also, the Office of Academic Services (OAS) provides peer tutoring programs in all academic subjects, help with writing and editing papers, and workshops on topics such as time management and test taking strategies.
Who will teach my courses?
Courses at Providence College are taught by our 276 full-time faculty members. There are no teaching assistants at PC: all of your courses will involve direct contact with professors. The student to faculty ratio at Providence College is 12:1, and students at PC find that their professors are available, friendly, and helpful. All professors hold weekly office hours so that they are available to meet with students. You can explore our faculty profiles that detail courses, teaching philosophies, interests, and academic accomplishments. Professors collaborate with students on research projects and the Center for Teaching Excellence was founded in 1992 to promote innovation and an exceptional teaching and learning environment.
How big are classes at Providence College?
The average class size at PC is 22 students. 41% of classes have between 16 and 25 students and 40% of classes have 15 or fewer students. Additionally, some professors mentor students who are interested in delving into topics that may not be part of the traditional curriculum. This independent study opportunity often proves to be invaluable to students’ academic and career development.
The largest class you’ll take at Providence College will be Development of Western Civilization ("Civ”); every PC student takes Civ as one of their four classes both freshman and sophomore years. Civ class sizes range from 80 to 100 students on lecture days, but break down into seminar groups of 20 to 25 students once each week.
What extracurricular opportunities are available at Providence College?
There are more than 60 campus organizations, 19 Division I sports teams, numerous club and intramural sports, a wide variety of music, theatre, and art groups, community service opportunities, spiritual involvement, and other student activities. To help students learn more about the organizations that may interest them, the Student Activities-Involvement-Leadership (S.A.I.L) Office holds an involvement fair each semester.
Providence College students also take advantage of the city of Providence, which features the Providence Place Mall, Trinity Repertory Company, the Providence Performing Arts Center, restaurants on Federal Hill, and Thayer Street.
What are the graduate school and job placement statistics for Providence College graduates?
Six months after graduation, 97% of the Class of 2007 reported that they were either employed or attending graduate or professional school. According to our Employment/Educational Status Survey, 87% of respondents who were working said they were doing so full-time, and 82% said that they were working in their desired fields. Beginning as early as freshman year, the Career Services Office offers advising, resources and a wide variety of career development programs and events. Students can take advantage of assessment tools, career presentations, internships, alumni job shadowing, career networking events, multiple career fairs, on-campus recruiting and individualized consultation on the job search and graduate school admission process.
How diverse is the student body at Providence College?
In 1917, Providence College was founded, in part, to provide a liberal arts education to people who previously did not have access to higher education. This founding mission has guided the College, and the promotion of access to education has always been a priority.
The College consistently tries to expand the diverse experiences and backgrounds represented on our campus. In the Class of 2011:
44% of students are male, 56% are female
79.9% of students report that they are Caucasian
13.8% of students report that they are students of color
10.1% of students represent AHANA (African American, Hispanic, Asian or Native
American) backgrounds
13.7% of students report that they are the first in their family to attend college
66% of students are from New England
Providence College students have the opportunity to explore diversity by taking classes that enrich their understanding of others, such as classes in the Black Studies or Women's Studies progams, by taking classes in world languages, studying abroad, or taking other classes designed to expose students to the diversity of the human experience. The College also recently established a major in Global Studies designed for the student interested in worldwide societies and cultures as well as international markets and governments.
Providence College students also have the opportunity to be involved in numerous campus organizations and activities designed to celebrate diversity. The Balfour Center for Multicultural Affairs provides opportunities for all members of the campus community to increase awareness and appreciation of diversity.
What does it mean to be a Catholic and Dominican college?
Providence College is the only college or university in the United States to be founded, and administered, by Dominican Friars. The Dominican tradition is rooted in a commitment to the study of faith and reason, and the constant search for truth. The Office of Mission and Ministry provides information about faith life on campus and how our unique identity is understood and embraced by the college community.
How safe is Providence College?
Some of the many campus security measures that are in place include our Emergency Blue Light system, strict fire codes which are mandated under Rhode Island State Law, and the 24-hour patrolling of campus and its gates by our professional security officers. In the wake of the campus tragedies across the nation, many measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the Providence College campus and greater community. College President Brian J. Shanley, O.P. recently appointed a committee to revise and implement new security procedures and initiatives, and also created the position of director of emergency management.
How much does it cost to attend PC?
Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year will be $30,800 and room and board for a freshman living on campus totals $10,810. A full list of tuition and fees and an explanation of the required forms is provided by the Office of Financial Aid. During the current academic year, approximately 87% of students receive some form of financial aid. The average financial aid award has increased over the past several years and stands at about $18,000, of which $12,000 on average is Providence College grant money that does not need to be repaid. A variety of need and merit based grants are available to assist in covering the cost of attendance.
What will I read in my freshman year?
Depending on what classes you take and which professors are teaching them, you will encounter a variety of literature. All Providence College students take “Civ” during their freshman and sophomore years. While the reading lists may vary across “Civ” teams, many first year students will find themselves immersed in excerpts from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, Plato’s Symposium, Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and Milton ’s Paradise Lost. Beyond "Civ," you will be taking three other courses in subjects that will depend on your major. Reading varies depending on the discipline, but you can expect to be exposed to a wide variety of subjects, especially at the introductory class level. You can explore the academic interests of our faculty.
When will New Student Orientation take place?
All incoming students will attend a two-day New Student Orientation during the summer months. Orientation sessions are assigned based on major (or undeclared status) and a parent orientation occurs simultaneously.