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Graduate Programs
This section describes the admission and degree requirements for the University’s graduate programs, which are included within the general requirements set forth previously, and do not reduce those requirements.
The specific program requirements that follow are also minimum requirements; additional course credits may be required for candidates whose academic background is considered insufficient.
For example, in nonthesis master’s degree programs, all students must take at least one course requiring a substantial paper involving significant independent study, and all Ph.D. candidates who do not hold an earned master’s degree in a closely related field are required to take the Ph.D. qualifying examination even if it is not listed in the individual program requirements.
The standardized test scores admission requirement is also specific to each particular program. For programs requiring a standardized test, applications will not be reviewed until scores have been received. In all other cases, scores may be submitted if applicants believe the test results will enhance their application. However, the test results should be submitted as early as possible. If an application package is received before test results, the admission decision may be made without the scores.
Successful completion of any course of study at URI does not guarantee that the student will find either a specific kind or level of employment. Graduate students interested in the career opportunities related to their program of study are encouraged to discuss their interests with the appropriate department chair or director of graduate studies, the Graduate School’s dean, or Career Services staff. Students uncertain about career choices are also invited to use the services offered by the Counseling Center.
The availability of these programs of study and areas of specialization, administrative locations, requirements, and titles, are subject to change without notice.
For information on the background of your program’s faculty, turn to the directory in the back of this catalog or visit http://www.uri.edu.
Accounting
M.S.401-874-5000
Faculty: Professor Schwarzbach, director of graduate studies. Professors Beckman, Martin, and Matoney; Associate Professors Boyle and Hazera; Assistant Professors Graham, Jervins, and Blanthorne.
Master of Science
The Master of Science in accounting program is appropriate for students with a variety of educational backgrounds and professional interests. The program’s objective is to provide an accounting and business foundation for the student with an undergraduate degree in an area other than accounting. These students graduate with a strong theoretical understanding of accounting along with the necessary technical background. They are equipped to perform exceedingly well in entry-level positions in accounting. An objective for students with undergraduate degrees in accounting is to provide a fifth year of conceptual, theoretical, and technical education in accounting, finance, management science, and other areas where the student and program director feel the student can gain the most toward achieving his or her educational objectives.
An applicant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited institution can complete the program of study in one year. Applicants with no prior education in business will need to spend two years in full-time study or longer if studying part-time. The course of study is divided into two parts. Part one is a common body of knowledge in business and accounting that is required for all students without a bachelor’s degree in business. The student’s undergraduate record is evaluated, and common body of knowledge courses are waived when a student has undergraduate equivalents. The second phase of the program allows the students to build on their accounting foundation and develop a high level of theoretical knowledge and a sound understanding of accounting principles and techniques. During the second part of the program, the student selects an area of specialization. Two areas are available: 1) financial reporting and auditing, or 2) taxation.
Admission requirements: An undergraduate grade point average of approximately B or above and a score at the 50th percentile or above on the GMAT examination are expected. The GMAT score and the undergraduate grade point average are not the sole criteria for admission. However, those with undergraduate grade point averages of less than B or with lower than 50th percentile scores on the GMAT have a reduced probability of admission. The GRE may be used in lieu of the GMAT at the discretion of the director of graduate studies. Applicants for whom English is not the native language will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communications (TOEFL score of 91 or above), or they may be required to correct deficiencies by taking selected courses for no program credit. The University minimum must be met on each of the four sections of the TOEFL; see page 115.
Program requirements: From 30 to 63 credits, depending on undergraduate program. A course requiring a major paper involving independent study is required in the nonthesis option. All graduate-level courses offered by the College of Business Administration are open to matriculated graduate students only.
Applied Mathematical Sciences
(Interdepartmental)
Ph.D.401-874-2701
This interdepartmental program is sponsored by the departments of Computer Science and Statistics, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Management Information Systems, and Mathematics. It is administered by a coordinating committee selected from the graduate faculty.
Coordinating Committee: Professor Merino, chairperson; Professors Freeman, Gonzalez, Kahn, Lamagna, Narasimhan, and Sodhi.
Faculty: Professors Eaton, Fay-Wolfe, Finizio, Grove, Hanumara, Jarrett, Kaskosz, Kowalski, Kulenovic, Ladas, Lamagna, Lewis, Merino, Montgomery, Narasimhan, Pakula, Peckham, Sodhi, and Tufts; Associate Professors Baglama, Baudet, DiPippo, Gonzalez, Kook, and Thoma; Assistant Professors Hervé and Wu; Adjunct Professor Ting; Adjunct Associate Professor Liu; Professors Emeriti Carney, Driver, Roxin, Suryanarayan, and Verma.
Specializations
Applied mathematics, computer science, operations research, and statistics.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: GRE with advanced test in undergraduate field; bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, management science, physical sciences, statistics, or equivalent. With permission, GMAT may be substituted for GRE by applicants with business background. Applicants with entrance deficiencies may be accepted subject to taking certain undergraduate courses in addition to the graduate program requirements. Although a person with a bachelor’s degree may be admitted, this program is designed principally for people who have a master’s degree.
Program requirements: dissertation; 54 credits beyond the bachelor’s degree including MTH 435, 436; two courses selected from MTH 462, 513, 515, 535, 545, 547, 548, 561, 641, CSC 542 and 544 (one of these courses must be either MTH 513 or 515); and three core courses in each of two of the following areas: applied mathematics, basic analysis, computational mathematics, computer science fundamentals and theory, applied computer science, operations research, and statistics. (A maximum of 30 credits may be granted for a master’s degree in a closely related area. In this case, 400-level courses cannot be counted for program credit.) Comprehensive examination in core areas and reading proficiency in one foreign language. The oral comprehensive examination should include a faculty member from the Mathematics Department. The Ph.D. qualifying examination is required of students admitted without the master’s degree. All Ph.D. candidates must register full-time for two consecutive semesters prior to the Ph.D. comprehensive examination.
Also see Mathematics, in this section.
Audiology
As of fall 2007, admission to the doctoral program in audiology has been suspended. For related programs, see Speech-Language Pathology.
Biochemistry
See Cell and Molecular Biology.
Biological Sciences
M.S., Ph.D. (Biological Sciences)401-874-2372
Faculty: Professor Goldsmith, chairperson. Professors Bibb, Bullock, Heppner, Kass-Simon, Killingbeck, Koske, A. Roberts, and Webb; Associate Professors Katz, Norris, and Wilga; Assistant Professors Irvine, Preisser, Seibel, and Thornber; Adjunct Professors Carleton, Deacutis, Fogarty, Lauder, Sanford, and S. Smith; Adjunct Associate Professors Cromarty, Gemma, and Thursby; Adjunct Assistant Professors Filardo and E. Roberts; Professors Emeriti Albert, Beckman, Caroselli, Cobb, Costantino, Goertemiller, Goos, Hammen, Harlin, Hauke, Hyland, Lepper, and Twombly; Associate Professor Emeritus Kruegar; Research Professor Hill.
Specializations
Behavior, ecology, and systematics: population and community ecology, biomechanics of aquatic plants and animals, functional morphology of marine vertebrates and invertebrates, systematics of marine invertebrates, ecology and physiology of plant nutrient resorption, role of mycorrhizal fungi in structuring plant communities and plant growth, invertebrate behavior and neuroethology, avian behavior.
Molecular, cell and developmental biology: developmental gene regulation in animals, role of endogenous and environmental signals in the regulation of plant cell expansion and differentiation, construction of molecular linkage maps, genetic analysis of quantitative traits, plant-microbe interactions, signal transduction in plants.
Physiology: comparative physiology; behavioral physiology; neurobiology of marine invertebrates; physiology of nutrient resorption in plants; plant stress physiology; physiology of mycorrhizal fungi; and environmental physiology.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE (general, i.e., verbal and quantitative sections) and bachelor’s degree with major in the sciences. Candidates lacking undergraduate courses in organic chemistry, physics, mathematics through introductory calculus, and fundamental courses in biological sciences may be required to make up deficiencies without graduate credit. Applicants are normally admitted for the fall semester but may be considered for spring admission. For consideration for admission with financial aid, the completed application package including supporting material is due by January 15 for fall admission and September 15 for spring. The completed package for applicants not requesting financial aid is due by April 15 for fall admission and November 15 for spring.
Program requirements: The thesis option requires a minimum of 30 credits, six to nine of which may be earned through thesis research (BIO 599). BIO 581, 582 must be taken each year; thesis defense also required.
A nonthesis option for teachers is designed for students who are currently employed or have experience as middle or secondary school teachers. A minimum of 30 credits of course work and a substantial research project (including a written paper) are required. Twenty-one credits are chosen from upper-level courses in biology and related fields. Nine research credits are chosen from Biology 491, 492, 591 or 592. Biology 581 and 582 must be taken each year.
Doctor of Philosophy(Biological Sciences)
Admission requirements: same as for master’s degree; master’s degree not required. Applicants are expected, but not required, to have a reading knowledge of two languages in addition to their native language. Applicants are normally admitted for the fall but may be considered for spring admission. For consideration for admission with financial aid, the completed application package including supporting material is due by January 15 for fall admission and September 15 for spring. The completed package for applicants not requesting financial aid is due by April 15 for fall admission and November 15 for spring.
Program requirements: comprehensive examination and dissertation defense; qualifying examination required for all candidates except those having an M.S. degree; a minimum of 72 credits, 18-28 of which can be earned through dissertation research (BIO 699). Thirty transfer credits will be accepted for students who have received a M.S. degree. Registration in BIO 581, 582 required each year.
Business Administration
M.B.A., Ph.D.401-874-5000
Faculty: Professor Chen, associate dean Professor Rosen, associate dean
Accounting: Professors Higgins, Martin, Matoney, and Schwarzbach; Associate Professors Beckman, Boyle, Graham, and Hazera; Assistant Professor Jelinek.
Business Law: Professors Hickox and Laviano; Associate Professor Dunn.
Finance and Insurance: Associate Professors Dash, Lee, and Oppenheimer; Assistant Professors DaDalt, Lin, Michayluk, and Yu.
Management: Professors Beauvais, Comerford, Cooper, Overton, Scholl, and Sink; Associate Professors Creed, and Dugal; Assistant Professors Dorado-Banacloche and Hamilton.
Management Information Systems: Professors Budnick, Chen, Jarrett, Mangiameli, Mojena, Narasimhan, and Westin; Associate Professor Lloyd; Assistant Professors Hales and Shin.
Marketing: Professors Della Bitta, N. Dholakia, R. Dholakia, Johnson, Mazze, Rosen, and Venkatesan; Associate Professors Sheinin, Surprenant, and Varki; Assistant Professor Leonard.
Specializations
For the M.B.A.: finance, general business, management, marketing, and supply chain management.
For the Ph.D.: finance and insurance, management, management science, and marketing.
General Information
In addition to the University’s Office of Information Services, business students have access to three other computer facilities: the Bruce S. Sherman trading room, the college’s general computer facility, and a computer laboratory at the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education (in Providence).
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program prepares students for leadership positions in business, government, and nonprofit organizations. The faculty seeks to develop a global perspective while stressing the ethical and environmental responsibilities inherent in all management activities. The program is offered on the Kingston Campus for full-time students, and in the evening through the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education (located in Providence) for part-time students. Full-time candidates may begin the program in the fall semester only and will complete the program in one calendar year. Part-time candidates may begin the program in the fall or spring semester.
Admission requirements: Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), a statement of purpose, application fee, a résumé, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts of all previous undergraduate or postbaccalaureate work are required. Work experience is valued. Applicants for whom English is not the native language are required to score 91 or above on the TOEFL and to meet the University minimum on each of the four sections of the exam; see page 115. The GMAT score and undergraduate grade point average are not the sole criteria for admission. However, those with undergraduate grade point averages of less than B or those with less than 50th percentile scores on the GMAT have a low probability of admission. Applications from well-qualified individuals who can contribute to the cultural and ethnic diversity of the College of Business Administration and the University are welcome. Part-time M.B.A. applications are due June 1 for September admission, and October 1 for January admission. Full-time M.B.A. applications are due April 15 for September admission.
Program requirements: The M.B.A. program curriculum has been updated to maintain a program that is current and relevant in the workplace.
The part-time M.B.A. program requires a minimum of 36 credits and a maximum of 45 credits. First, students are required to take the following seven courses: ECN 590, MBA 500, 502, 503, 504, 505, 565. Waiver exams are available for MBA 500, 504, and 505. MBA 500, MBA 503, and ECN 590 can be waived with permission of the program director based on successful completion of recent equivalent college-level courses at an AACSB-accredited institution. Students then must select five out of the following seven courses: MBA 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 555, and 560. Finally, students are required to take three electives to complete their program of study.
The one-year full-time M.B.A. program is a nonthesis program consisting of a 45-credit integrated curriculum. Students take day classes during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer, they complete their program by taking two evening courses and participating in an internship or elective course work. Completed application packages must be received by April 15 for U.S. residents and February 15 for international applicants; applications received after that date are reviewed on a space-available basis.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. program in Business Administration is a research-based program. In addition to advanced course work, students work closely with faculty to conduct research on business issues of national and global importance. The program prepares students for faculty positions at research colleges and universities. The Ph.D. program is highly selective—only a small number of students are accepted each year. To be admitted you must demonstrate both academic merit and research capabilities.
Admission requirements: GMAT, a master’s degree, original online application, a statement of purpose, a résumé, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of all previous degrees are required. Applicants with diverse academic backgrounds and previous industry experience are encouraged to apply.
Applicants are admitted for the fall semester only. Due to the selectivity of the programs, new admissions to the doctoral program must be limited to a small number each year. Since applicants are evaluated by the doctoral faculty in each of the four specialization areas independently, all applicants must specify a single area of specialization on the application form. Completed application packages must be received by February 1.
Applicants for whom English is not the native language will be expected to score 233 (91 internet) or above on the TOEFL and to meet the University minimum on each of the four sections of the exam; see page 115. The GMAT scores and master’s grade point average are not the sole criteria for admission. However, those with master’s grade point averages of less than 3.20 on a 4.00 point scale or those who score lower than 600 on the GMAT have a low probability of admission. The average master’s grade point average for current doctoral candidates is 3.60, and their GMAT scores average is 640.
Program requirements: Students must have a broad understanding of the major disciplines that comprise the study of business administration and their application to organizational settings. If you do not have this prerequisite knowledge, you may be required to complete up to 12 credits of prerequisite course work in the following areas: behavioral science applications to business administration (management or marketing), financial economics (economics or finance), statistics, and accounting. These prerequisite courses are not included for program credit. Students with previous course work in these areas are normally exempted. There are other avenues for an exemption. Students should discuss these alternatives with the doctoral program director.
The advanced study phase entails a minimum of 32 credit hours of advanced course work beyond the master’s degree. It consists of 12 credits of doctoral research seminars in your area of specialization, six credits of research methods, and 12 credits of supporting electives. There are also two one-credit courses on teaching and research. As part of this phase, you will write two major papers of publishable quality. These papers are under the guidance of your professors. This phase culminates in written and oral comprehensive examinations covering your area of specialization, research methods, and other areas deemed appropriate by your doctoral dissertation committee.
After passing the comprehensive examination, doctoral candidates enter the dissertation research phase and engage in significant research under the supervision of their major professor and the doctoral committee. Doctoral dissertation research is expected to make a major contribution to the state of knowledge in the candidate’s field. The dissertation defense is a final oral examination administered according to procedures established by the Graduate School.
The Management Information Systems area is also a sponsor of the Ph.D. program in applied mathematical sciences.
Cell and Molecular Biology
M.S., Ph.D. (Biological Sciences)401-874-2201
Faculty: Professor Sperry, chairperson and director of graduate studies. Professors Bradley, Chandlee, Cohen, Goldsmith, Hufnagel, Kausch, Laux, and Nelson; Associate Professors Martin, Mottinger, Norris, and Sun; Assistant Professors N. Howlett and B. Jenkins; Adjunct Assistant Professor Mehta; Professors Emeriti Cabelli, Hartman, Traxler, Tremblay, and Wood; Associate Professor Emeritus Krul.
Specializations
Cell biology: bioanalytical chemistry, DNA-protein interactions, immunocytochemistry, electron microscopy, molecular biology and RNAi technology applied to signal transduction in mating protests, identification and localization of neurotransmitters and their receptors in Hydra, the role of actin in phagocytosis and cell contractility.
Medical microbiology: pathogenesis, immunology, virology, drug design and molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Microbial ecology: marine and freshwater ecology, biodeterioration.
Microbial genetics, physiology, molecular microbiology: genetic and molecular relation of cellular morphogenesis and development, bacterial colonization of the mammalian intestine, messenger RNA metabolism in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, control of transport and metabolism, mechanism of survival, membrane structure.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE and a bachelor’s degree with a program of studies that included at least two semesters each of biological sciences, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics including at least one semester of calculus. Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies, to be corrected with appropriate course work (to be excluded from program credit).
Program requirements: core courses (all tracks)—MIC 413/415 (5), BCH 593E, 581, 582, BCH/MIC 695. Biochemistry track—core courses plus nine credits chosen from BMS 641, BCH (BMS) 642, BMS 530, 535, 572, BCH 521, 523/524 (max three credits for M.S. and six credits for Ph.D.). Microbiology track—core courses plus MIC 414/416 (5), 500-600- level elective, 695. Molecular genetics track—core courses plus BCH 437, MIC 695, at least two credits of a free elective, MIC 552 or BIO 573.
Doctor of Philosophy(Biological Sciences)
Admission requirements: same as for master’s degree. A course in physical chemistry is also recommended.
Program requirements: same as for master’s degree, plus all candidates must pass the Ph.D. qualifying exam. Of the credits earned beyond the master’s degree, 18 should be in course work. Prior to the last semester, the candidate must pass a written and oral Ph.D., comprehensive examination in the major areas of his or her program.
Chemical Engineering
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2655
Faculty: Professor Bose, chairperson; Professor Brown, director of graduate studies. Professors Barnett, Brown, Gregory, and Lucia; Associate Professors Gray, Greenfield, and Rivero-Hudec; Assistant Professor Bothun; Associate Research Professor Crisman; Professors Emeriti Rockett and Rose.
Specializations
Biochemical engineering: reactors, purification methods, degradation, and chemical production.
Bionanotechnology: hybrid bio/nano materials, drug delivery, biomolecular processes, sensors and devices.
Energy engineering: analysis of energy systems, multiphase flow and water conservation.
Environmental engineering: separation methods, heavy metal removal, solvent recovery, hazardous waste minimization, and desalination.
Materials engineering: corrosion and erosion, electronic materials processing, ceramic processing, polymer films, conducting polymers and thin film materials and sensors.
Polymer process engineering: thermophysical properties of polymers, polymer process modeling and control, and molecular modeling.
Process simulation: process design, optimization, and analysis; process control; numerical methods.
Surface, interfacial and colloidal phenomena: soft and hard colloids, nano composites, and imaging techniques.
Unit operations: mixing, vacuum processes, chromatography, electrodialysis, ultrafiltration and microfiltration.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering; candidates from other engineering fields or from mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics may be accepted into the program with possible addition of prerequisite courses.
Program requirements: 30 credits including CHE 501, 502, 513, 541, 599 (6-12 credits). For 12 thesis credits, no special problems or graduate seminar credit is permitted, 18-24 credits of course work. Nonthesis option for part-time students, with permission of the chairperson; master’s examination and comprehensive report with oral examination. Attendance in CHE 501 or 502 is required every semester for all on-campus students.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: B.S. or M.S. degree in engineering.
Program requirements: Candidate’s program will be determined in consultation with his or her committee and will be based on his or her background and career goals, but must include CHE 501, 502, 614, 641, 699 (24 credits). Twelve credits of course work in addition to the required courses would be needed. A comprehensive examination and an acceptable dissertation are required to complete the program, along with CHE 501, 502.
Polymer Certificate Program
The post-baccalaureate certificate program in polymers is targeted toward students who possess a bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science field and are seeking further education in polymers. The program provides opportunities for students to improve their knowledge of polymers in areas outside of their specific field of expertise, to apply their technical knowledge to problems in polymer engineering and science, and to develop technical skills that can be applied in industrial polymer engineering positions.
Admission requirements: same as for M.S.
Program requirements: successful completion of four courses: CHE 513, 530, 531, and 537.
Chemistry
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2318
Faculty: Professor Euler, chairperson. Professors C. Brown, Dain, Fasching, Freeman, Kirschenbaum, Lucht, Oxley, Rosen, Shimizu, Smith, Vittimberga, and Yang; Assistant Professors DeBoef and Major; Professors Emeriti P. Brown, Cheer, Cruickshank, Fisher, Goodman, Nelson, Rosie, and Traficante.
Specializations
Analytical chemistry: vibrational spectroscopy, separations science, laser spectroscopy, bioanalyses, surface science, explosives.
Biological chemistry: enzyme inhibition, neurochemistry, oxidative stress, macromolecular recognition.
Inorganic chemistry: metals in high oxidation states, solution kinetics, coordination complexes, electron transport, polymers.
Organic chemistry: reaction mechanisms, synthesis, electron transfer, heterocycles, polymers, organometallics.
Physical chemistry: theoretical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, polymer arrays, statistical mechanics, smart materials.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: Preference is given to candidates with undergraduate majors in chemistry or chemical engineering including mathematics through calculus. GRE only for graduates of non-U.S. universities, with advanced test strongly recommended.
Program requirements: placement examination to determine specific program requirements and successful completion of master’s qualifying examinations. For thesis option (31 credits), 12 credits of graduate core courses in at least three of the four areas of chemistry; one additional graduate-level course in chemistry; CHM 642 or 643; and thesis. For nonthesis option (30 credits), 18 credits of graduate core courses; six additional credits of graduate course work; CHM 642 (1 credit); CHM 551, 552 (minimum 5 credits); and a written comprehensive examination.
The 30-credit nonthesis option is also offered on-site at Pfizer, Inc. (Groton, Conn.)—18 credits of graduate core courses; six additional credits of graduate course work; CHM 642 (1 credit, taken in Kingston), CHM 551 (minimum 5 credits); and a written take-home comprehensive exam.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: same as for master’s degree.
Program requirements: successful completion of qualifying examination; 15 credits of graduate core courses; one additional graduate-level course in chemistry; and CHM 642-644 (3 credits). Comprehensive examination and dissertation.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2692
Faculty: Professor Lee, chairperson; Professor Tsiatas, director of graduate studies. Professors Veyera and Wright; Associate Professors Karamanlidis and Thiem; Assistant Professors Baxter, Gindy, Hunter, and Thomas; Adjunct Professors Baird, Harr, and O’Neill; Adjunct Associate Professor Apostal; Adjunct Assistant Professors Badorek and George; Professors Emeriti Kovacs, Marcus, McEwen, Moultrop, Poon, and Urish.
Specializations
Environmental engineering: water supply and treatment facilities, municipal and industrial waste treatment, flocculation and coagulation of wastes, solid waste and hazardous waste management, modeling of environmental systems, groundwater pollution, groundwater exploration, coastal groundwater, nonpoint source pollution, stormwater management, river and estuary hydrology, hydraulics and water quality.
Geotechnical engineering: geoacoustic modeling and properties of marine sediments, sediment sampling, in-situ testing, deep-sea sedimentary processes, sediment transport, creep processes, environmental geotechnology, dredge material disposal, experimental geomechanics, soil-structure interaction, constitutive modeling of geological materials, particulate mechanics, applications of nonlinear finite element and discrete element methods to geomechanics problems, earthquake engineering, wave propagation in granular media, dynamic soil properties, liquefaction, geosynthetics.
Structural engineering: matrix and finite element analysis, computer and numerical methods, deterministic and stochastic structural dynamics, earthquakes, vibration control of buildings, system identification, structural reliability, hysteretic structures, fatigue, design of steel and concrete structures, marine structures, structural stability, thin-walled structures, coastal structures, vibration control, soil-structure interaction, condition assessment and rehabilitation of bridges.
Transportation engineering: properties of pavement materials, pavement theory and design, pavement management system, highway location, and geometric design. For master’s level only: traffic operation and control, transportation cost, transportation supply and demand analysis, and transportation system analysis.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering. Candidates in other engineering fields or in mathematics, biology, chemistry, or physics may be accepted with the possibility of additional undergraduate prerequisite courses being required.
Program requirements: thesis or nonthesis option. Thirty credits plus CVE 601, 602 except for part-time students. For the thesis option, the thesis counts as six to nine of the required credits. The nonthesis option requires a comprehensive technical report and a written comprehensive exam.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field.
Program requirements: a minimum of 42 credits plus CVE 601 and 602 except for part-time students beyond the M.S. degree. Students take between 18 and 24 dissertation credits, including the two-course minor outside of the candidate’s area of specialization, where required by the candidate’s committee; a comprehensive examination; and a dissertation. Although there is no formal departmental language requirement, the committee may require proficiency with a research tool or in a foreign language.
Clinical Laboratory Science
M.S.401-874-2315
Faculty: Professor Sperry, chairperson; Clinical Professor Paquette, director of graduate studies. Professors Boulmetis, Goldsmith, and Laux; Associate Professors Norris and Rivero-Hudec; Clinical Assistant Professor Klitz; Adjunct Professors Mello, Pisharodi, Sheff, and Vezza; Adjunct Associate Professors Balkovic, Barker, Canick, Opal, and Tantravahi; Adjunct Assistant Professors Aucoin, Blazek-D’Arezzo, Cadenazzi, Heelan, Kenney, LaFazia, Mayer, Meglio, and Metheny; Professors Emeriti Campbell and Traxler.
Specializations
Major specializations in biotechnology, clinical chemistry, cytopathology, clinical microbiology, hematology, immunohematology; minor specializations in adult education and management.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE recommended; bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory sciences, life sciences, physical sciences, or health sciences (for cytopathology, must include 20 semester hours of biological science [anatomy and physiology are recommended] and eight semester hours of chemistry); certification, or certification eligibility, by a nationally recognized certifying agency, or a minimum of one year’s postbaccalaureate laboratory experience. One course in statistics is required. Applicants with deficiencies in background courses may be required to complete appropriate course work without graduate credit. Acceptance into the cytopathology specialization is contingent upon acceptance into the Rhode Island School of Cytotechnology, sponsored by Our Lady of Fatima and Women and Infants hospitals.
Program requirements: BCH 551, EDC 505, 582, 583 or 584 (or MIC 534 or MTC 591 for cytopathology, MIC 534 for biotechnology), MTC 510, 512, 513, and nine to 24 credits in the area of specialization (BIO 437, MIC 422, and MTC/APS 571 for biotechnology; MIC 534, BIO 437, and MTC 502 for clinical chemistry; MIC 534 and MTC 501 and 542 for clinical microbiology; MIC 534, MTC 520, and 530 for hematology and immunohematology; MTC 561 through 566 for cytopathology). The remainder of courses are to be selected from education, management, or other specializations for a total of 33 credits (39 credits for cytopathology). Comprehensive written examination. Major research paper.
The following are recommended for a minor specialization in management: PHP 680 and two other graduate MBA courses selected in consultation with your major professor. The following are recommended for a minor specialization in adult education: four courses selected from EDC 505, 529, 582, 583, and 584.
Communication Studies
M.A.401-874-2552
Faculty: Associate Professor Derbyshire, chairperson; Associate Professor McClure, director of graduate studies. Professors Brownell, Chen, Grubman-Black, Ketrow, Mundorf, Salazar, Silvia, Swift, and Wood; Associate Professors Leatham and Quainoo; Assistant Professors Diciccio, Johnson, Torrens, and Ye; Professors Emerita Anderson, Devlin, and Doody.
Specializations
Specializations offered in interpersonal communication, media studies, organizational communication, and public discourse. In consultation with advisors, students prepare for careers in public and private industry, government, or academic areas. Students are encouraged to develop their course plans to foster their evolving academic and career needs. Thus, one might advance specific interests and competencies in areas such as college teaching, communication technology, conflict management, political media, organizational communication training and development, or public relations. Individual specialties can be developed within each of the specialization areas.
For students’ convenience, most courses are offered in late afternoon or evening in Providence and Kingston. Full- and part-time programs of study are available.
Master of Arts
Admission requirements: Generally, GRE General Test (current GRE test format with analytical writing, verbal, and quantitative sections is requested), not older than five years, and bachelor’s degree with undergraduate credit in communication studies. Applicants should submit a paper with a research focus written for an undergraduate course. Students from other academic backgrounds may be admitted with the permission of the director of graduate studies, although some basic courses may have to be taken for no program credit. Nonnative speakers of English are expected to demonstrate proficiency in written and oral English communication (TOEFL score of 230 CBT or 88 iBT for admission; minimum of 250 CBT or 100 iBT, including 23 speaking score, for consideration for teaching assistantships. In all cases, the University minimum must be met on each of the four sections of the TOEFL exam; see page 115). Applications should be completed online (http://www.uri.edu/gsadmis); completed application packets with support materials should be sent directly to Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Communication Studies, 60 Upper College Road, Suite 1, URI, Kingston, RI 02881-0812. Completed applications, including support materials, must be received by February 1 for applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid. Applications received after that deadline but before July 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis until the program is filled.
Program requirements: an approved program will include a minimum of 30 credits for both the thesis and nonthesis options. COM 501 and 502 are required for all students, and must to be completed prior to seminar or other course work. All students must complete one seminar in each of the four focus areas (12 credits): COM 510—interpersonal communication; COM 520—media studies; COM 530—organizational communication; and COM 540—public discourse. An additional course in research methods, statistics (e.g. STA 409 or PSY/STA 532), or data analysis is strongly recommended.
For the thesis option, the requirements are 24 course credits plus thesis (6 credits) and its oral defense. For the nonthesis option (admission with approval of the director of graduate studies), requirements are 30 credits of course work that includes a course requiring a substantial paper based on significant independent study, plus a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive consists of two sections: the written section, which examines the student’s proficiency and knowledge in each of the four focus areas; and the oral section, which allows for the student to strengthen written answers, and to address material related to the written questions.
For thesis students, six elective credits beyond their 18 specified credits may be taken. For nonthesis students, up to 12 credits of free electives may be taken. A limited number of 500- and 600-level courses in other departments and programs may be used for program credit if approved by the graduate program director as part of the student’s program of study before the courses are taken.
Students who take six credits per semester, plus one summer, may complete their studies in two years.
Financial Aid
All requests for assistantships must be sent to the director of graduate studies with the application packet. A limited number of teaching assistantships and an occasional research assistantship are available. In addition, some graduate assistantships outside the department may be available, such as in student life or residential housing. Priority will be given to applications received by February 1; therefore, assistantships will be awarded on a space-available basis.
Community Planning
M.C.P., M.C.P./J.D. (with RWU)401-874-2982
Faculty: Professor Atash, chairperson.Associate Professors Feldman and Gordon; Professor Emertus Feld;
Admissions to the Community Planning Program have been suspended effective June 30, 2005.
Computer Science
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2701
Faculty: Professor Kowalski, chairperson; Professor Fay-Wolfe, director of graduate studies. Professors Lamagna and Peckham; Associate Professors Baudet and DiPippo; Assistant Professors Hamel and Hervé; Adjunct Assistant Professors Dickerman, Encarnação, Henry, Ravenscroft, and Stephenson; Professors Emeriti Carney and Carrano.
Specializations
Analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, parallel computing, theory of computation, databases, data mining, operating systems, distributed computing, real time systems, computer graphics, software engineering, computer algebra, VLSI systems, numerical analysis, statistical computation, simulation, computer-aided education.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field will be considered provided they have completed course work covering the material in CSC 211, 212, 301, 305, 340 and MTH 141, 142, 215, 243. Students may be admitted who have completed only a part of the above course work but they will be required to complete the deficiencies before taking more advanced classes.
The GRE General test is required. A subject test in computer science or a related field is not required but may be considered by the admission committee.
Program requirements: The M.S. curriculum in computer science has three tracks: thesis, nonthesis, and applied nonthesis. For the purpose of describing degree requirements, computer science courses are organized into the following groups:
Algorithms: CSC 440, 541, 542, 550
Programming Languages: CSC 402, 501, 502
Computer Architecture: CSC 411, 415, 511, 517
Computer Systems: CSC 412, 512, 517, 519
Theory of Computation: CSC 445, 544
Software Design: CSC 505, 509
Applications: CSC 406, 436, 481, 485, 486, 522, 536, 581, 583, 585, 586
A program of study can include at most three courses at the 400-level. Students who have undergraduate credits for a particular 400-level course (or equivalent) cannot repeat the course for graduate credit.
Program requirements for thesis option: 1) at least one course from each of the following course groups: algorithm or theory of computation, programming languages or software design, computer architecture or computer systems; 2) at least five other courses chosen with the approval of the major professor (at least two of these must be CSC courses or aproved equivalents); 3) at least two separate semesters of one credit of CSC 592, Computer Science Seminar Series; 4) eight credits of thesis.
Program requirements for nonthesis option: 1) at least one course from each of the following groups: algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture, computer systems, theory of computation, and software design; 2) at least two courses from the applications group; 3) at least two more courses chosen with the approval of the advisor; 4) at least one of the ten courses listed above should include writing a substantial paper based on significant independent research; 5) passing a written comprehensive examination.
Program requirements for applied nonthesis option: 1) at least one course from each of the following course groups: algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture, computer systems, and software design; 2) at least two courses from the applications group; 3) at least one course should include writing a substantial paper based on significant independent research; 4) an approved concentration in another discipline consisting of a minimum of four graduate courses in the area of concentration; 5) passing a written comprehensive examination; 6) minimum of 40 credits required.
Approved applied nonthesis option concentrations exist for Computers and Business Management, Computers and Operations Research, and Computers and Statistics. Other concentrations are possible. Students should meet with their faculty advisor to discuss requirements.
The department encourages other application areas in the physical, biological, mathematical, and social sciences. Students in the applied track will have an advisor in computer science and an advisor in their application area. Together, these advisors will approve the student’s program of study.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a closely related field. Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field will be considered provided they have completed course work covering the material in CSC 211, 212, 301, 305, 340 and MTH 141, 142, 215, 243. Students may be admitted who have completed only a part of the above course work but they will be required to complete the deficiencies before taking more advanced classes.
The GRE general test is required. A subject test in computer science or a related field is not required, but may be considered by the admission committee.
Program requirements: The student must complete 54 credits of course work beyond the bachelor’s degree in addition to 18 credits for the doctoral dissertation. A program of study can include, at most, three courses at the 400-level. Students who have undergraduate credits for a particular 400-level course (or equivalent) cannot repeat the course for graduate credit. A student entering the program with an M.S. degree in computer science or a related area may be granted up to 30 credits toward the Ph.D. in computer science.
Students must complete at least one course from each of the following course groups (the groups are those listed above in the master’s degree section): algorithms, programming languages, computer architecture, computer systems, theory of computation, and software design; at least two courses from the applications group; and at least two separate semesters of one credit of CSC 592, Computer Science Seminar Series. Other courses must be selected in order to meet the 54-credit minimum and will be selected in consultation with the student’s advisor or major professor.
Students must take a comprehensive examination, which is composed of a written examination and an oral examination. The written examination, which will be held at least once a year, covers the first six core course areas listed above. Success in the written examination is conditional upon obtaining passing grades in all core areas, and is a prerequisite for taking the oral examination. Typically, a student would be expected to take the comprehensive examination within two years after joining the program. The objective of the oral examination is for the student to present an intended research program and demonstrate satisfactory knowledge and understanding of the scientific literature of the corresponding research domain. A candidate whose comprehensive exam performance is deemed as failing by the Computer Science Graduate Committee may, with the recommendation of the committee and the approval of the Graduate School, be permitted one re-examination, to be taken no sooner than four months and no later than one year after the initial examination.
Students enrolled in the program must give at least one presentation in the regular department research seminar series prior to defending their Ph.D. dissertation.
Dietetic Internship Certificate Program
See Nutrition and Food Sciences.
Economics
See Environmental and Natural Resource Economics.
Education
M.A. 401-874-2564Ph.D. 401-874-4150
Professor Boulmetis, coordinator of graduate studies.
Faculty for the M.A.: Professors Boulmetis, Brand, Byrd, Eichinger, Favazza, Hammadou-Sullivan, Heifetz, McKinney, Purnell, Willis, and Young; Associate Professors Adamy, Guglielmi, Hicks, Seitsinger, and Shim; Assistant Professors Ciccomascolo, Coiro, Deeney, Fogleman, and Kern; Professors Emeriti Bumpus, Croasdale, Kellogg, Long, MacMillan, and Russo; Associate Professor Emeritus Nelson.
URI Faculty for the Ph.D. in Education Program: Professors Boulmetis, Brady, Brand, Byrd, Eichinger, Hammadou-Sullivan, Heifetz, McKinney, Purnell, Roush, George Willis, Grant Willis, and Young; Associate Professors Adamy, Branch, Hicks, Kovarsky, McCurdy, and Shim; Assistant Professors Ciccomascolo and Deeney.
RIC Faculty for the Ph.D. in Education Program: Professor Gleason, RIC co-director; Professors Barton, Carey, Castagno, Cordeiro, Dufour, Enos, Filinson, Fluehr-Lobban, Gleason, Kochanek, Panofsky, Roemer, and Rowell; Associate Professors Bigler, Brell, Medeiros-Landrand, and Ozcan; Assistant Professors Bogad and Niska.
Master of Arts
Admission requirements: A faculty interview is required. Individuals seeking to undertake the initial certification options in elementary and secondary education are expected to have a substantial academic background in the field of interest. In addition, applicants should contact the department regarding the required admissions portfolio, interview process, and yearly admission deadline (or visit the Web page for these deadlines at http://www.uri.edu/hss/education/applicants/default.htm). For foreign applicants, a TOEFL score of 600 PBT, 250 CBT, or 100 iBT is required, and the University minimum must be met on each of the four sections of the exam; see page 115.
Program requirements: Individuals may choose the thesis or nonthesis option. Required are 30 credits for the elementary and secondary specialization; 33 credits for the adult education specialization; and a minimum of 34 credits for reading education; including a required core of at least six credits (a foundation and a research methodology course); two electives (six credits), and an academic specialization (18-24 credits). The nonthesis option requires a written comprehensive examination and at least one designated course with a substantial paper involving significant independent research.
Teacher certification option (MATCP): applicants who wish to pursue the initial teacher certification option of the elementary or secondary specializations take 19-34 additional credits. Students may obtain certification prior to completing the requirements for the M.A., as listed above. See Teacher Certification on page 157.
Specializations: Applicants seeking the Master of Arts degree must declare an area of specialization. A specialization may be one predefined by the department or designed in accordance with the applicant’s background and interest. Defined specializations include:
Elementary education—advanced study for elementary teachers; the MATCP option is available for students seeking initial certification in elementary teaching.
Secondary education—advanced study for secondary teachers of English, history, languages, mathematics, science, and social studies; the MATCP option is available for students seeking initial certification in these areas.
Reading education—program leading to advanced certification as reading specialist/consultant. Applicants must hold initial teaching certification in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education. Application materials can be obtained from the URI Graduate Admissions Office, Quinn 204, Kingston, RI 02881; 401-874-5930. A résumé of experience must be submitted with an application.
Adult education—administration; adult literacy; education, training, and management (ETMS); gerontology; training and development; and vocational education.
Doctor of Philosophy(Joint with Rhode Island College)
Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island offer a Ph.D. in education which prepares scholar practitioners for new professional roles as educational leaders, mentors, and scholars. The program is grounded in the knowledge bases of school teaching and learning. The program’s four objectives provide a framework for the preparation of scholar practitioners to: 1) develop and employ collegial relationships through professional collaboration; 2) acquire and apply the skills and processes of scholarly inquiry; 3) demonstrate expertise in an area of specialization that advances the mission of American education; and 4) implement professional practices that promote progress in educational settings.
Designed for professionals involved in prekindergarten through adult education, the doctoral program admits 12 to 15 students per year. This cohort-based research program is for students who previously earned a master’s degree in education or an allied field or have earned at least 30 graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution. The graduate-level work must include three credits in each of the following areas: a) educational foundations; b) curriculum; and c) research. A major segment of each student cohort will be made up of teachers and administrators from Rhode Island who are committed to developing advanced teaching, leadership, and research skills.
Admission requirements: Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores no older than 5 years, official transcripts, curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation are required. Finalists in the application process must participate in a personal interview. Applicants are admitted for the fall semester only. The completed application package must be received by January 27. The program is offered jointly by the two institutions with single admission and administrative processes. Prospective applicants should address inquiries concerning the program to one of the co-directors at either Rhode Island College or URI. All applicants must complete the electronic graduate application for admission, available online at http://www.uri.edu/gsadmis.
Program requirements: the program requires a minimum of 56 credits beyond the master’s degree or 86 graduate credits. Three year-long core seminars emphasize different aspects of education from history, culture, and foundations, to curriculum development, teaching, and learning, and finally to administration, leadership, and policy analysis (EDP 610, 611; 620, 621; 630, 631, for a total of 18 credits). Field research seminars (EDP 641, taken six times for a total of six credits) are taken in parallel with the core seminars. Field-based research (EDP 622, two credits, taken in the second year) explores community service and service learning in the context of schools. Students gain research expertise to help their development as school leaders through course work (EDP 615, 625, for a total of six credits) and the field research seminars. Scholarly expertise in a professional area is acquired through specialization courses (12 credits).
All students must complete a doctoral dissertation (12 credits). To progress through this program, students must 1) receive positive recommendations from core seminar professors; 2) pass a qualifying examination upon completion of the first core seminar (EDP 610, 611) and the course in research methodology (EDP 615) if they have not previously completed a master’s degree in education or a closely related field; 3) pass a comprehensive examination after completion of all core seminars and research courses; and 4) complete a successful dissertation and defense.
Electrical Engineering
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2506
Faculty: Professor Boudreaux-Bartels, chairperson; Professor Fischer, director of graduate studies; Professors Daly, L. Jackson, Kay, Kumaresan, Lo, Mardix, Ohley, Ying Sun, Sunak, Swaszek, Tufts, Vaccaro, and Q. Yang; Associate Professor Vetter; Assistant Professors Sendag and Yan Sun; Professor-in-residence Uht; Adjunct Professors Banerjee, Chiaramid, Cooley, Middleton, and Turtle; Adjunct Associate Professor Jennanne; Adjunct Assistant Professors Davis and Sepe; Professors Emeriti Haas, Lengyel, Lindgren, Mitra, Sadasiv, and Spence.
Specializations
Acoustics and underwater acoustics: communication, detection, classification, and matched-field localization for underwater acoustic channels, speech processing.
Biomedical engineering: physiologic systems modeling and control; medical instrumentation employing digital computer techniques, pattern recognition, and image processing in medicine (texture analysis, image classification, and segmentation); biological effects of electric and magnetic fields at the cellular level.
Computer engineering and VLSI: microprogramming systems, multiprocessing, high-speed signal processing; processor realization using VLSI; MOS layout and microchip design; data structures and computer architectures, fault-tolerant computing.
Communication theory: statistical and computer communications; vector quantization; noise modeling and detection; data compression and coding; local area networks, reliable and secure communication.
Digital signal processing: detection and parameter estimation; prediction and filtering; spectrum analysis; array processing; digital filter synthesis; adaptive filtering, algorithm design.
Electrical and optical properties of materials: optical properties of nonmetallic solids, laser-matter interaction, photocathodes; crystallographic techniques for submicron X-ray lithography; radiation damage in nonmetallic solids; semiconductor physics.
Electromagnetic fields and optical communication: numerical and approximate methods for calculation of electromagnetic fields in inhomogeneous and anisotropic structures (related to biological effects of electromagnetic fields); evaluation of mode characteristics in optical and infrared fiber waveguides; fiber optic sensors; fiber optical amplifiers; electro-optic modulators; radiation effects.
Systems theory: control and estimation theory, intelligent systems; multivariable systems; nonlinear systems, modeling of deterministic and stochastic systems; model order reduction; optimal smoothing, filtering and prediction; pattern recognition, classification, computer vision; computerized imaging systems and image analysis.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE and B.S. degree in electrical, computer, or biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science. Preparation in related fields such as mechanical engineering or in the life sciences may be acceptable.
Program requirements: thesis or nonthesis option—minimum of 30 credits in science and engineering with a minimum of 16 credits in graduate-level electrical engineering courses. One credit of the departmental seminar (ELE 601 and/or 602) is required of all students. Up to two credits of seminar may be used toward the 30-credit master’s requirement. Individual programs are designed in accordance with students’ backgrounds and interests, but require departmental and Graduate School approval. For the thesis option, the thesis counts as six to nine credits. For the nonthesis option, a written master’s examination and one course involving significant independent research and a substantial paper are required.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: GRE and M.S. degree or equivalent in electrical, computer, or biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics, or computer science, or a related field. Exceptional candidates may be admitted directly from the B.S. degree.
Program requirements: a minimum of 72 credits beyond the B.S. degree. The M.S. degree may count up to 30 of these credits; the remaining credits are split between course work and dissertation research. Students with an M.S. in an appropriate field complete between 18-24 dissertation credits; students without the M.S. may take between 18 and 30 (in either case additional dissertation credits may be taken for no program credit). A qualifying examination is required. A comprehensive examination is required after all formal course work is completed. Two credits of the departmental seminar (ELE 601 and/or 602) are required of all students. These credits may not be counted as part of the 42 credits required beyond the master’s degree.
English
M.A., M.A./M.L.I.S., Ph.D.401-874-5931
Faculty: Associate Professor David, chairperson; Professor Campbell, director of graduate studies. Professors Arakelian, Cappello, Donnelly, Dvorak, Gititi, Leo, Okeke-Ezigbo, Reynolds, Schwegler, Shamoon, Stein, and Walton; Associate Professors Barber, Karno, Mandel, Martin, Miles, and Vaughn; Assistant Professors Betensky, Covino, Dunson, Frankel, Jones, Rojas, Trimm, and Williams; Professors Emeriti Burke, Cuddy, Neuse, and Pearlman; Associate Professors Emeriti Cane and Reaves.
Specializations
American and British literature and culture; critical and cultural theories; rhetoric and composition studies.
Master of Arts
Admission requirements: a B.A. in English or the equivalent, with a grade point average of B (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better in all English courses. Completed application packages are to be sent directly to the Director of Graduate Studies, English Department, Independence Hall, University of Rhode Island, and must be received by February 1. Applicants will be accepted for September admission only. GREs (both general and subject) are requested but not required. A writing sample of 20 pages maximum is required. Nonnative speakers of English must have a minimum score of 91 on the TOEFL iBT in order to be considered for admission, and the University minimum must be met on each of the four sections of the exam; see page 115.
Program requirements: there are two options for fulfilling requirements—24 credits plus thesis (six credits); or 30 credits (including ENG 595) plus a portfolio and a related oral examination. ENG 510, 511, and 514 are required. The specialization in rhetoric and composition studies requires ENG/WRT 512 and 524.
M.A. in English and M.L.I.S. Cooperative Program
By proper selection of course work, a student may simultaneously earn the degree of Master of Arts in English and Master of Library and Information Studies.
Admission requirements: GRE and other requirements listed for English and library science. Applicant must apply and be accepted in both programs. The application for each program must indicate English/library and information studies as the field of specialization.
Program requirements: Students must submit individual programs of study for the 42-credit M.L.I.S. program and the 30-credit M.A. in English. The integrated pursuit of the two degrees makes it possible for six credits of appropriately selected course work from one program to serve as electives in the other, and for six credits of course work to be applied in the opposite direction. ENG 510, 511, and 514 are required. Thus, when planned and taken jointly, the two programs can be completed with a total of 60 credits rather than 72. Students must complete at least 36 credits in librarianship and at least 24 credits in English.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Ph.D. program stresses faculty/student mentoring. Admission is competitive and based mainly on academic merit, demonstrated capability to do research, and the match of research interests between the applicant and faculty in indicated or developing areas of specialization.
Admission requirements: M.A. in English or equivalent. Although grades are not the only criterion, applicants having less than a 3.50 grade point average (on a 4.00 scale) have a low probability for admission. Completed application packages should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies, English Department, Independence Hall, University of Rhode Island, and must be received by February 1. Applicants will be accepted for September admission only. GREs (both general and subject) are requested but not required; a writing sample of 20 pages maximum is required. Nonnative speakers of English must have a minimum score of 91 on the TOEFL in order to be considered for admission, and the University minimum must be met on each of the four sections of the exam; see page 115.
Program requirements: 72 credits—30 credits approved for M.A. work; 24 credits of course work plus 18 credits of dissertation research. ENG 510, 511, and 514 are required. Two written comprehensive examinations, one publishable article, and an oral examination. A dissertation and an oral defense. For specialization in rhetoric and composition studies, ENG/WRT 512, 645, and 647 are required. A limited number of 500- and 600-level courses in other departments and programs may be used for program credit if approved as part of the student’s program of study before the courses are taken. (In some cases, a research tool may be required by a student’s doctoral committee in consultation with the director of graduate studies.)
Financial Aid
All requests for assistantships must be sent to the director of graduate studies with the application packet. In addition to teaching assistantships, there is an editorial graduate assistantship for the journal ATQ: A Journal of 19th Century American Literature and Culture.
Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
M.S., Ph.D.401-874-2471
Faculty: Professor J.L. Anderson, chairperson; Associate Professor C. Anderson, director of graduate studies. Professors Gates, Grigalunas, Opaluch, Roheim, Sutinen, Swallow, and Tyrrell; Assistant Professor Schnier; Adjunct Professors Holland, Shogren, and Ward.
Specializations
Environmental economics, renewable and nonrenewable natural resource economics, fisheries management, international fisheries development, international trade, fisheries marketing, coastal zone land use and management, quality of the marine environment, aquaculture economics, offshore oil and gas management, and natural resource pricing policies.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: the GRE is required. A strong undergraduate record in economics, statistics, and mathematics is highly desirable.
Program requirements: for the thesis option, 24 credits including EEC 501, 502, 528, 534, 535, 576, and 599, in addition to a written comprehensive examination, and at least six M.S. thesis credits. For the nonthesis option, 34 credits including 501, 502, 528, 534, 535, 576, and 598, in addition to a written comprehensive examination, and at least one EEC 598 credit given for a substantial paper requiring significant independent research. EEC 501 must be taken each semester by full-time graduate students in residence, but only one credit may count toward the program.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: GRE, six credits in statistics, and the following courses or their equivalents—ECN 327, 328, and 375.
Program requirements: the Ph.D. qualifying exam is required of students admitted without the master’s degree. EEC 501, 502, 527, 528, 534, 535, 576, 602, 624, 628, 630, 634, 676, and 699 are required. EEC 501 must be taken each semester by full-time graduate students in residence, but only one credit may count toward the program. Students with a master’s degree in a closely related field may transfer up to 30 credits toward their Ph.D. Additional courses may be elected from appropriate offerings in economics, resource economics, engineering, geography, oceanography, mathematics, natural resources science, political science, statistics, computer science, finance, marine affairs, and management science. The Ph.D. dissertation will be written on a problem involving marine resources, coastal issues, or an associated industry, such as minerals, petroleum, fisheries, water, transportation, recreation, or waste disposal.
Environmental Science and Management
(Interdepartmental)
M.E.S.M.401-874-4880
Steering committee: Assistant Professor F. Meyerson, chairperson; Professors Bengtson, Golet, LeBun, and Y.Q. Wang; Associate Professors Boving and Thompson.
Faculty: Professors Alm, Amador, J.L. Anderson, August, Bengtson, Boothroyd, Burroughs, Cain, Casagrande, Fastovsky, Gates, Ginsberg, Gold, Golet, Grigalunas, Hennessey, Hermes, Husband, Juda, LeBrun, Logan, Marti, T. Mather, B. Maynard, Murray, D. Nixon, Opaluch, Paton, Pollnac, Rice, Roheim, Sutinen, Swallow, Swift, and Y.Q. Wang; Associate Professors C. Anderson, Boving, Gomez-Chiarri, McWilliams, Stolt, Thompson, and Veeger; Assistant Professors R. Brown, Macinko, F. Meyerson, L. Meyerson, and Mitkowski; Adjunct Associate Professor Abedon.
The Master of Environmental Science and Management (M.E.S.M.) is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental, professional degree program designed for students who seek professional environmental positions in areas other than research. It is considered to be a terminal degree; students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. should enroll in the Master of Science in Environmental Sciences degree program. The M.E.S.M. degree program serves graduate students from six departments within URI’s College of Environment and Life Sciences (CELS): Environmental and Natural Resource Economics; Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science; Geosciences; Marine Affairs; Natural Resources Science; and Plant Sciences. It is administered by a steering committee selected from the graduate faculty.
Specializations
Conservation biology; earth and hydrologic science; environmental policy and management; remote sensing and spatial analysis; sustainable systems; and wetland, watershed, and ecosystem science.
Master of Environmental Science and Management
Admission requirements: GRE and bachelor’s degree in biological science, physical science, environmental science, natural resources, or engineering. Applicants with course deficiencies may be required to take appropriate undergraduate courses for no program credit and to demonstrate, by their performance in such coursework or through a qualifying exam, basic knowledge of the subject matter in the area(s) of deficiency. Application must be made to one of the six specializations.
Program requirements: A minimum of 36 credits of course work consisting of 21-25 credits of core courses, including at least 9 credits in natural sciences, at least 6 credits in social sciences, and at least 3 credits in numerical methods; 6-10 credits of electives, up to 3 credits of which might be an internship (EVS 597) with an environmental agency, nongovernmental agency, or private firm; an independent research project (EVS 598) that culminates in a substantial, high-quality, written report; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar, including a terminal oral presentation. Written comprehensive examination on coursework. There are more specific course requirements and an approved course list for each of the six specializations. Course requirements that are unique to each of the specializations are as follows. Conservation biology: 12-16 credits in natural sciences, including at least 3 credits in plant and animal biology, at least 3 credits in ecology, and at least 3 credits in biodiversity analysis and management; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from EEC, NRS, or PLS. Earth and hydrologic science: 12-16 credits in natural sciences from any or all of the following categories: earth surface processes, hydrology, solid earth materials and processes, or spatial analysis and remote sensing; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from GEO, MAF, or NRS. Environmental policy and management: 12-16 credits in social sciences, including at least 6 credits in policy, planning, and law and at least 6 credits in economic theory and methods; 9 credits in natural sciences from any or all of the following categories or from numerical methods: geology, hydrology, and soil science; ecology and management; or remote sensing and spatial analysis; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from CPL, EEC, GEO, MAF, or NRS. Remote sensing and spatial analysis: 12-16 credits in natural sciences, including at least 9 credits in remote sensing and spatial analysis, and 0-7 credits in earth and ecosystem science; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from GEO or NRS. Sustainable systems: 12-16 credits in natural sciences, including at least 3 credits in natural ecosystems and at least 3 credits in managed ecosystems; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from AFS, EEC, NRS, or PLS. Wetland, watershed, and ecosystem science: 12-16 credits in natural sciences, including at least 6 credits in ecosystem science and management and at least 3 credits in earth science, soils, and spatial analysis; and at least 2 credits of graduate seminar from EEC, GEO, MAF, or NRS.
Environmental Sciences
M.S., Ph.D.
Entomology401-874-2791, http://www.uri.edu/cels/pls
Faculty: Professor Maynard, chairperson; Professor Mather, director of graduate studies. Professors Alm, Casagrande, LeBrun, and Logan; Professor in Residence Ginsberg; Adjunct Assistant Professor Gettman.
Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science401-874-2477, http://www.uri.edu/cels/favs
Faculty: Professor Bengtson, chairperson; Associate Professor Gomez-Chiarri, director of graduate studies. Professors Bradley, Costa-Pierce, DeAlteris, Mallilo, Recksiek, Rhodes, and Rice; Assistant Professors Peterson and Sartini; Adjunct Professors Hoey, Klein-MacPhee, Musick, Serra, and Smolowitz; Adjunct Associate Professors Colwill and Hare; Adjunct Assistant Professors Brumbaugh, Castro, Dudzinski, Gleason, Hancock, Leavitt, Rheault, Petersson, Schwartz, and Wetherbee; Professor Emeritus Chang.
Geosciences401-874-2265, http://www.uri.edu/cels/geo
Faculty: Professor Murray, chairperson; Assistant Professor Boving, director of graduate studies. Professor and State Geologist Boothroyd; Professors Cain, Fastovsky, and Hermes; Associate Professor Veeger; Adjunct Professors Burks, Fischer, and Spiegelman.
Natural Resources Science401-874-2495, http://www.nrs.uri.edu
Faculty: Professor Paton, chairperson; Professor Golet, director of graduate studies. Professors Amador, August, Forrester, Gold, Husband, and Wang; Associate Professors Forrester, McWilliams, and Stolt; Assistant Professors F. Meyerson and L. Meyerson; Adjunct Professors Lashomb, Paul, and Perez; Adjunct Associate Professors Abedon, Cerrato, Gorres, Groffman, Jarecki, Nowicki, and O’Connell; Adjunct Assistant Professors Dabek, Kellogg, McKinney, Milstead, Peters, Rubenstein, Saltonstall, Steele, and Tefft; Professor Emeritus Brown and Wright.
Plant Sciences401-874-2791, http://www.uri.edu/cels/pls
Faculty: Professor Maynard, chairperson; Professor Mather, director of graduate studies. Professors Casagrande, LeBrun, and Sullivan; Associate Professors Englander and Ruemmele; Assistant Professors Adkins, Brown, and Mitkowski; Professors Emeriti Beckman, Hull, and Jackson.
Specializations
Entomology: insect ecology, pest management, aquatic entomology, plant-insect interactions, biological control, and biology and ecology of disease-transmitting arthropods. The entomology program has a biological quarantine laboratory, the only university-affiliated facility in the Northeast. Faculty and students search abroad for natural enemies of pest species and study them in the laboratory under secure conditions. The laboratory, certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an insect-quarantine facility, is an important component of a long-standing program on insect ecology and the development of environmentally sensitive pest-control measures.
Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science: aquacultural production of finfish and shellfish, production of terrestrial livestock, physiological and endocrinological aspects of stress in animals, genetics of cultured and wild populations of fish and shellfish, fish population dynamics, physiological ecology of economically important fish and invertebrates, the pathology of aquatic animals, and the effects of environmental pollution on marine organisms.
Geosciences: sedimentology, stratigraphy-paleontology, coastal geology, geoarchaeology, glacial geology, hydrogeology, applied geophysics, GIS mapping, petrology, and structure and tectonics.
Natural Resources Science: ecosystem ecology, biogeochemistry, soil genesis and classification, soil ecology and microbiology, biodegradation and bioremediation, hydrology and watershed science, wetland science and management, restoration ecology, landscape ecology, GIS and spatial analysis, wildlife and conservation biology, and avian ecology.
Plant Sciences: plant ecology and physiology, plant molecular biology and genetics, plant pathology, environmental horticulture, environmental plant biology, sustainable agriculture, and golf and sports turf management. The department operates 50 acres of turfgrass, horticulture, and plant science research and education farm centers. URI’s Turfgrass Center is the oldest turfgrass research and teaching program in the U.S.
Master of Science (All Environmental Sciences departments or programs except for Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science. See separate listing in following section.)
Admission requirements: GRE and bachelor’s degree in a biological or physical science, or engineering. Applicants with course deficiencies may be required to take appropriate undergraduate courses for no program credit, and to demonstrate, by their performance in such course work or through a qualifying exam, basic knowledge of the subject matter in the area(s) of deficiency.
Program requirements: six credits of thesis and a minimum of 24 credits of course work, including graduate seminar. An oral preliminary examination and advanced seminars may be required in certain fields of study.
Doctor of Philosophy (All Environmental Sciences departments or programs)
Admission requirements: GRE and bachelor’s degree in a biological science, physical science, natural resources science, or engineering; specific undergraduate majors or course work may be required for certain fields of study. Master’s degree with thesis in biological science, physical science, or natural resources science is highly recommended.
Program requirements: a minimum of 72 credits of advanced course work beyond the bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree may count for up to 30 credits), 18 of which are dissertation credits and at least two of which are graduate seminar credits; comprehensive examination; and dissertation. A qualifying examination will be required for students who are admitted without a master’s degree and may be required for students whose prior degrees are outside of the proposed Ph.D. field of study.
Fisheries, Animal and Veterinary Science
M.S.401-874-2477
See Environmental Sciences for the Ph.D.
Faculty: Professor Bengtson, chairperson; Associate Professor Gomez-Chiarri, director of graduate studies. Professors Bradley, Costa-Pierce, DeAlteris, Mallilo, Recksiek, Rhodes, and Rice; Assistant Professors Peterson and Sartini; Adjunct Professors Hoey, Klein-MacPhee, Musick, Serra, and Smolowitz; Adjunct Associate Professors Colwill and Hare; Adjunct Assistant Professors Brumbaugh, Castro, Dudzinski, Gleason, Hancock, Leavitt, Rheault, Petersson, Schwartz, and Wetherbee; Professors Emeriti Chang and Nippo.
Specializations
In the specialization animal science, regional, national, and global problems are studied in the areas of animal behavior, endocrinology, nutrition, physiology, and reproductive biology. Both domestic livestock and laboratory animals are used in a research context. In the specialization animal health and disease, animal health problems of regional, national, and global significance are studied. Bacterial and viral diseases are characterized, and the contributions of stress and pathologic conditions to disease are considered.
The aquaculture specialization includes the study of aquaculture of finfish and shellfish and the genetics, nutrition, and physiology of fishes. The specialization in fisheries includes the study of fisheries science and technology. Aquatic pathology deals with the pathology of aquatic animals and the effects of environmental pollution on aquatic organisms.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE and an undergraduate major in the biological sciences with a concentration in animal science, fisheries technology, marine biology, microbiology, preveterinary medicine, or zoology, or postgraduate professional degrees (M.D., D.V.M., V.M.D.); one year of organic chemistry and physics. Courses in statistics, histology, and physiology are strongly recommended. A strong background in calculus is expected for fisheries.
Program requirements: for animal science, thesis and 24 credits of course work to include two credits of AFS 501 and/or 502; AVS 412, 472; STA 532. Thesis topic and additional course work will be selected by the student after consultation with, and approval of, the major professor. For animal health and disease, thesis and 24 credits of course work to include two semesters of graduate seminar, AFS 501 and/or 502; AFS 401, 534; STA 532. Thesis topic and additional course work will be selected by the student after consultation with, and approval of, the major professor.
For fisheries, thesis and 24 credits of course work to include two semesters of graduate seminar, AFS 501 and/or 502; two courses in statistics (at least one at the 500 level); AFS 415, 421. A total of 14 credits of AFS course work must be included in the program of study. Thesis topic and additional course work will be selected by the student after consultation with, and approval of, the major professor. For aquaculture, thesis and 24 credits of course work to include two semesters of graduate seminar, AFS 501 and/or 502; AFS 400, 483, 581, 586. Thesis topic and additional course work will be selected by the student after consultation with, and approval of, the major professor. For aquatic pathology, thesis and 24 credits of course work to include two semesters of graduate seminar, AFS 501 and/or 502; AFS 400, 401, 486; MIC 533. Thesis topic and additional course work will be selected by the student after consultation with, and approval of, the major professor.
History
M.A., M.A./M.L.I.S.401-874-2528
Faculty: Professor Schwartz, chairperson; Associate Professor Rusnock, director of graduate studies; Associate Professor Mather, director of Archaeology and Anthropology option. Professors Cohen, Honart, Klein, Strom, Thurston, and Weisbord; Associate Professors Ferguson, George, Pegueros, Rollo-Koster, and Sterne; Assistant Professor Buxton; Professors Emeriti Findlay and Kim.
Specializations
United States, Europe, or archaeology and anthropology option.
United States or European History: Students may complement their work with courses in Latin American or Asian history or with courses taken outside the department, particularly in political science, education, English, and languages. Students might also develop programs of study that emphasize regional studies or themes such as race, gender, or family.
The master’s program in history includes both class work and individual instruction in the form of 500-level seminars; small 400-level courses that include undergraduates; tutorials; and directed study courses, as well as master’s thesis research for those who qualify for the thesis option. All graduate work stresses independent research and is designed to promote critical reading and writing. The diversified program—with its requirement for work in more than one field of history and the opportunity it offers of work in another discipline—should be of service both to students who wish to continue their graduate education at the doctoral level and to those who are interested in secondary teaching. Students are required to develop a systematic program of studies with the director of graduate studies during their first semester as a master’s degree candidate.
For tutorials (HIS 502, 503, 536, 537, 588, and 589), students participate in 300-level courses and complete additional projects assigned by the instructors. Tutorial arrangements are made with the instructor at the beginning of the semester. To be eligible, a graduate student must not have taken the 300-level course—or one closely resembling it—as an undergraduate.
Students may also take up to six credits from the graduate offerings at Rhode Island College (in Providence), or at the Summer Graduate Program in Maritime History of the Munson Institute, Mystic Seaport, New London. These courses must be approved for program credit prior to registration and are included in the six-credit maximum for transfer credit and the 12-credit maximum for advanced standing.
Archaeology and anthropology: Students study method and theory in history, anthropology, and archaeology and the connections among the disciplines. The option is offered in cooperation with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Department of Art (Art History). It includes both class work and individual instruction in the form of 500-level seminars, small 400-level courses, tutorials, and directed study courses. Students enrolled in this option are encouraged to work on thematic links across the disciplines such as maritime history and underwater archaeology, social history and cultural anthropology, or ancient history and classical archaeology.
The archaeology and anthropology option serves the needs of students looking for interdisciplinary opportunities in history, anthropology, and archaeology. It also provides essential humanistic and social science training for Ph.D. students in geological/archaeological oceanography.
Master of Arts
Admission requirements: GRE and bachelor’s degree. While 24 credits of history are usually required, majors in related fields may be admitted with permission of the director of graduate studies and the department chairperson. For the proposed archaeology and anthropology option, credits in anthropology, archaeology, art history, and related fields may be accepted with permission of the director of graduate studies, in consultation with graduate faculty from the Departments of History, Art, and Sociology and Anthropology.
Program requirements: For the United States or Europe specializations, there are thesis and non-thesis options. In both options, the student must declare a primary concentration in European or United States history, and a secondary concentration in another area of history or in a related field outside the department. For students in the proposed archaeology and anthropology specialization, a thesis option will not be available, but each student must complete a major research paper in HIS 591. For all specializations, an approved program will require 30 credits.
United States or European History specialization program requirements: Of the 30 required credits, at least three must be from HIS 401, 441, or 481 and at least nine credits from HIS 506, 507, and 508. Three of these nine credits may be filled by a 500- or 600-level seminar in another department. The non-thesis option will require completion of a research paper in HIS 495, or, in exceptional circumstances, in another graduate-level course with permission of the instructor and the graduate director or department chair. Admission to the thesis option will be granted after evaluation by the director of graduate studies and two faculty members who are familiar with the student’s first year of graduate work.
In the nonthesis option, the student may earn no more than 12 credits in tutorials (502, 503, 536, 537, 588, and 589) and directed studies (591). Nine credits will normally be taken in the secondary concentration. A written comprehensive examination in the student’s primary and secondary concentrations and a follow-up oral examination are required. The examining committee will normally consist of two faculty members from the student’s primary concentration and one from the secondary concentration. In the thesis option, the student may earn a maximum of nine credits of HIS 599, a maximum of three credits of Directed Study (HIS 591), and a maximum of nine credits of tutorials (HIS 502, 503, 536, 537, 588, 589). Work in the secondary concentration may be limited to six credits.
Archaeology and anthropology specialization program requirements: Of the 30 required credits, students must select at least three from HIS 401, 441, or 481; at least three credits from APG 401, 413, or 427; and at least three credits from HIS/APG 490, APG 417, and ARH 475/575. Students must take an additional six credits of 500-level history courses, including at least three credits from HIS 506, 507, or 508. Students must also take ARH/APG 465 or 565. The remaining credits are to be selected from the following approved electives: Any 400- or 500-level history course, any anthropology course listed above; any art history course listed above; APG 470; ARH 469, 470, 480; NES 400; TMD 440, 510, 520, 524, 570. Up to six credits of other graduate courses may be substituted for approved electives with approval of the student’s major professor and option coordinator. A comprehensive examination and a follow-up oral examination are required. The examining committee will normally be comprised of at least two faculty members from history, and one each from anthropology and art.
M.A. in History and M.L.I.S. Cooperative Program
By proper selection of course work, a student may simultaneously earn the degrees of Master of Arts in history and Master of Library and Information Studies.
Admission requirements: GRE and other requirements listed for history and library science. Applicant must apply and be accepted in both programs. The application for each program must indicate history/library and information studies as the field of specialization.
Program requirements: students must submit individual programs of study for the 42-credit M.L.I.S. program and the 30-credit program for the M.A. in history. The integrated pursuit of the two degrees makes it possible for six credits of appropriately selected course work from one program to serve as electives in the other, and for six credits of course work to be applied in the opposite direction. Thus, when planned and taken jointly, the two programs can be completed with a total of 60 credits rather than 72 credits.
Human Development and Family Studies
M.S. (specializations listed below)401-874-2150
Faculty: Professor Adams, chairperson.
Human Development and Family StudiesAssociate Professor McCurdy, director. Professors Gray Anderson, Clark, Cohen, Newman, and Xiao; Associate Professor Kalymun; Adjunct Professors P. Newman and Prochaska; Professor Emerita Rae.
Marriage and Family TherapyProfessor Adams, director. Assistant Professors Kisler and Sparks; Professors Emeriti Maynard and Rae.
College Student PersonnelAssociate Professor Branch, director. Associate Professor Knott; Professor Emeritus Schaffran.
Human Development and Family Studies
This program is designed to immerse students in a specialized area of human development and family studies, while providing a strong emphasis on policy, research, and practical knowledge of the field. Graduates from this program are prepared for leadership positions in human service and education administration, research and policy organizations, and for advanced academic work at the Ph.D. level.
Admission requirements: GRE or MAT, and 18 undergraduate credits distributed among the following areas: human development and family studies, psychology, and sociology. Majors in related fields (e.g. nursing, political science, education) may be admitted with the permission of the director of graduate studies. Three letters of recommendation are required with at least one from an academic reference. Application deadline for fall admission is March 30. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Program requirements: a minimum of 41 credits of approved graduate courses that include a developmental seminar; a sequence in policy, research, and statistics; and a professional seminar. In addition, students will select a minimum of 9 credits in a specialization, such as child development, early childhood education, adult development/gerontology, public policy/administration, family studies, and family financial counseling/education. Students complete a comprehensive examination and a master’s thesis. Students will have the option of including up to six credits of a policy, administrative, or research internship as part of the program of study.
Early Childhood Education (ECE): If you wish to pursue early childhood education teacher certification (nursery to grade 2) and do not have a human development and family studies background, you will need to take certain courses from the HDF undergraduate curriculum and should consult an HDF advisor. Students apply to URI’s Teacher Certification Program (nondegree status) administered through the Graduate School and must submit a candidate’s statement, official transcripts of all previous course work, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also complete the same ECE admission process as undergraduate students, including the portfolio, admission tests, and interview coordinated through the University’s Office of Teacher Education.
Marriage and Family Therapy
Admission requirements: GRE or MAT; at least 12 credits of relevant preparation, including courses in family relations, developmental theory, abnormal psychology, and introduction to counseling or equivalent courses. Two letters of recommendation should be from supervisors in a related field attesting to observed experience, emotional stability, and maturity. After initial screening, qualified applicants will be required to come to campus for a personal interview. The goal of the personal interview is to determine whether the applicant possesses the full range of academic qualifications, experiential background, clinical competency, and readiness to undertake the rigors of an academically and emotionally demanding clinical preparation program. Program faculty members will conduct the interviews. Selection for admission to this program is competitive and enrollment is limited. Diversity among the students in the program is a major program goal. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Review of applications begins February 1.
Program requirements: a minimum of 45 credits of approved graduate courses, including 12 credits of pratica and internship, a comprehensive examination, and a research project. This program involves intense clinical practice and requires a year-long clinical placement at approved agencies or the department’s Family Therapy Clinic.
College Student Personnel
The mission of URI’s College Student Personnel program is to prepare reflective practitioners for professional careers in student affairs. Graduates seek entry-level positions such as advisors, coordinators, directors, and deans at institutions of higher education. Our vision is to engage one another in an extended community of co-learning relationships that inspire optimal development and promote growth in leadership, all based on creating and sustaining the best practices in college student personnel preparation and professional work.
Admission requirements: At least two letters of recommendation (one faculty member and one practitioner), interview, and résumé; preference is given to applicants with experience in college student affairs. Personal statement should indicate reasons for pursuing graduate work in college student personnel and future professional interests in the field. Application deadline for assistantship interviewing and fall admission is January 1; for final fall admission is April 1.
Program requirements: 42-credit program consisting of 26 credits in core HDF courses: 551, 560, 562, 567, 568, 570, 572 [1], 573 [1], 574, 575 [1], 576 [2], six elective credits, a multi-part comprehensive examination, plus one of the following capstone options: nonthesis internship (HDF 580 [2], 581 [2], 583, 584), nonthesis action research project (HDF 595 [6], HDF 580 [1], HDF 553), or thesis (HDF 599 [6], HDF 580 [1], HDF 553).
Industrial and Systems Engineering
M.S. (Manufacturing Systems Engineering)Ph.D. (Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering)401-874-2455
Faculty: Professor Wang, chairperson; Professor Knight, director of graduate studies. Professors Dewhurst and Sodhi; Assistant Professor Maier-Speredelozzi; Adjunct Professors Miller and Jones; Professors Emeriti Boothroyd and Nichols; Associate Professors Emeriti Lawing and Shao.
Specializations
Fundamentals of manufacturing processes and manufacturing automation; computer systems in manufacturing, including applications for inspection, rapid prototyping, and control.
Product design for manufacture and assembly, and design evaluation for reliability, maintenance, and recycling.
Engineering optimization including linear, non-linear, integer, and stochastic optimization.
Facilities planning and analyses of material handling in manufacturing organizations; lean manufacturing.
Quality and process control of production.
Financial Aid
A number of graduate and research assistantships are available for qualified graduate students.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: B.S. degree in industrial, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering; applicants with a B.S. in another field of engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science will be considered, but will be required to complete some deficiency courses. GRE required for graduates of non-U.S. universities only.
Program requirements: The thesis option requires 30 credits including thesis (six to nine credits); IME 533, 545, 549 or 550 or 591/592; at least three elective courses from at least two of the following areas:fundamentals of manufacturing processes and manufacturing properties of materials, design for manufacture and assembly, quality engineering, simulation, and control and optimization of manufacturing systems.
The nonthesis option (for part-time students with department permission) requires 30 credits of course work including IME 533, 545, 549 or 550 or 591/592; plus at least 15 credits from at least three of the following areas: fundamentals of manufacturing, processes and manufacturing properties of materials, design for manufacture and assembly, quality engineering, simulation, and control and optimization of manufacturing systems. A comprehensive examination must also be taken on three of the above areas. IME 240 or equivalent is a prerequisite.
Program mission statement: Consistent with the department’s mission, the M.S. program will enhance the technical skills and professional competence of graduate engineers, positioning them to improve manufacturing competitiveness. Program graduates will have:
1) Proficiency in a broad range of basic engineering skills, including manufacturing properties of materials and manufacturing process, consistent with an ABET-accredited graduate engineering program;
2) Understanding of the application of methods to increase the competitiveness of products and processes;
3) Understanding of the relationships between product design decisions and the development of competitive products, through reduced cost and improved manufacturing efficiency;
4) Advanced proficiency in selected topics in manufacturing processes and manufacturing properties of materials, manufacturing systems engineering, and computer applications related to manufacturing;
5) The ability to carry out an independent research study in a selected area or demonstrated knowledge of a broad range of related topics; and
6) Advanced proficiency in student-selected topics in manufacturing engineering, manufacturing properties of materials, industrial engineering, and related disciplines.
Doctor of Philosophy
Admission requirements: B.S. degree in industrial, manufacturing, or mechanical engineering; an applicant with a B.S. degree in another field of engineering or in mathematics, physics, chemistry, or computer science will be considered; such applicants will be required to complete some deficiency courses. Although a person with a bachelor’s degree may be admitted, this program is designed principally for people who have a master’s degree. GRE required for graduates of non-U.S. universities only.
Program requirements: qualifying examination may be waived for students with a master’s degree. A minimum of 72 credits beyond the B.S. degree, 18 of which are dissertation credits (a master’s degree may count for up to 30 credits). A total of 54 credits of course work is required, including IME 533, 545, 549 or 550 or 591/592; and 24 credits from at least three of the following areas: fundamentals of manufacturing processes and manufacturing properties of materials, design for manufacture and assembly, quality engineering, simulation, and control and optimization of manufacturing systems. Eighteen credits of IME 699. Reading proficiency in a foreign language may be required by the student’s committee. A comprehensive examination must be taken after all formal course work is completed. All Ph.D. candidates must register full-time for two consecutive semesters prior to taking the Ph.D. comprehensive examination. Dissertation research makes use of major modern laboratories in the listed areas of specialization.
Also see Applied Mathematical Sciences.
Kinesiology
M.S.401-874-2976
Faculty: Professor Lamont, director of graduate studies. Professors Manfredi and Riebe; Associate Professor Blissmer; Assistant Professors Ciccomascolo, Delmonico, Ellis, Kusz, and Xu; Professor Emerita Bloomquist.
Specializations
Exercise science; adapted physical education; physical education pedagogy; cultural studies of sport and physical culture; psychosocial /behaviorial aspects of physical activity.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: MAT or GRE with B.S. degree in physical education, exercise science, kinesiology, or related discipline. An applicant with a degree in an unrelated field who possesses a strong emphasis in the sport sciences may be considered. Completed application packages should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies, URI Department of Kinesiology, 126 Tootell, and must be received by April 15 for September admission, or October 15 for January admission. Applications received after April 15 but before July 15 will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Program requirements: 32 credits, including 11 credits in core courses and six (nonthesis option) to nine (thesis option) of research requirements. The required core courses are KIN 501 (must be repeated twice), 508, 578, and 515 or 562. The required research courses are KIN 530 and 599 (thesis option) or 591 (nonthesis option). Required courses for exercise science include selecting nine to 12 credits from KIN 559, 563, 564, 565, 524, 531, and 592, plus up to six credits of electives. Required courses for adapted physical education include KIN 545, 585, and 580, plus three to six credits of electives. Required courses for physical education pedagogy include KIN 510, 545, and 580, plus three to six credits of electives. Required courses for cultural studies of sport and physical culture include KIN 478 and 465, plus six to nine credits of electives. Required courses for psychosocial/behavioral aspects of physical activity include KIN 563 and 581, plus six to nine credits of electives.
Physical Education Teacher Certification (PETE-TCP)
This program is for students who wish to become certified as physical education teachers. The program is designed for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in physical education, kinesiology, or a related field. Students who do not have a physical education background will need to take additional prerequisite undergraduate courses and should consult with a PETE advisor. Students apply to the PETE-TCP (non-degree status) administered through the Graduate School, and must submit a candidate’s statement, official transcripts of all previous course work, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants must also complete the same PETE admission process as undergraduate students, including a portfolio, admission tests, and interview coordinated through the URI Office of Teacher Education. Details related to the admission process can be found on the School of Education and kinesiology department Web sites.
Labor Relations and Human Resources
M.S., M.S./J.D.401-874-2239
Faculty: Professor Scholl, director, Schmidt Labor Research Center. Professors Beauvais, Burkett, Cooper, Croasdale, Lardaro, McIntyre, Miller, Molloy, Overton, Poggie, Rothstein; Associate Professor Bodah; Adjunct Professors Keating and Taylor; Professors Emeriti Gersuny, Rayack, and Schmidt.
This program is designed for union, government, neutral, or human resource management, labor, and industrial relations professionals, or for those students who aspire to such positions. Students in other graduate programs may find it rewarding and professionally desirable to enroll in one or more of the labor relations and human resource courses. All courses are offered in the very late afternoon or in the evening in Providence and Kingston so that they are convenient for working students. Full-time and part-time programs are also available.
Specializations
Areas of specialization include labor relations and human resources, both with elective and required courses. Substitutions may be made with permission of the director of the Schmidt Labor Research Center and approval of the Graduate School. Exceptional students who come into the program with a well-defined interest, as well as a proposed plan of study, may choose to create their own specializations by choosing four courses in an area that satisfies their professional needs, e.g., computer science or statistics, economics or social policy, law and legal processes, or workplace issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, sexual or age discrimination, or racism.
Master of Science
Admission requirements: GRE or MAT or GMAT. Undergraduate majors in any field are considered for admission; those with majors in social science, history, management, and labor studies are especially encouraged to apply, as are those with engineering, nursing, education, urban affairs, black studies, and women’s studies backgrounds. Professional experience in labor and industrial relations will carry additional weight in admission decisions.
Program requirements: minimum of 39 credits, including 27 credits in core courses and 12 credits of specialization. The required courses are LRS/HIS 544; LRS/PSC 521; LRS/ECN 526; LRS 531, 541, 542, 500, 551, and 580. For a specialization in labor relations, select two courses from LRS 520, 543, and 545; and two courses from LRS 432, 503, 532, 533, 546, 579, 581, 591, and MBA 577 and 578. For a specialization in human resources, required courses include two courses from LRS 432, 503, 520, 532, 533, 543, 545, 546, 579, 581, 591, and MBA 502, 577, and 578. Students are advised that many of the core required courses and electives in the program assume competence in basic statistics and economics as well as a working knowledge of computers. Students should remedy any deficiencies in these areas either prior to or during enrollment in the program. Please contact the director of the Schmidt Labor Research Center for further advice.
Joint Program: Master of Science in Labor Relations and Human Resources (URI) and Juris Doctorate (Roger Williams University School of Law)
A cooperative dual degree program offered at URI and Roger Williams University School of Law permits dual enrollment leading to an M.S. in labor relations and human resources and a J.D. The integrated program of the two degrees allows a student to complete both programs in four years instead of the five required if both degrees are pursued separately.
Admission requirements: Students must apply and be accepted into each program under the separate admission requirements currently in effect at each school. Applicants must indicate the M.S./J.D. on the “Degree Sought” section of the URI application form.
Program requirements: At Roger Williams University, the J.D. program requires 90 credits, which can be completed on a full-time basis in three years. The M.S. degree in labor relations and human resources at URI requires 39 credits, which can be completed on a full-time basis in two years. A student matriculated in the joint program will take some credits in one program that will help satisfy the overall credit requirements of the other degree program as well. Students in the joint program must complete the following core required courses as part of their 30-credit requirement at URI in addition to nine credits taken at Roger Williams: LRS 542, 500, 551, and 580; LRS/PSC 521; LRS/ECN 526; and LRS/HIS 544. Students who specialize in human resources must also take MBA 577 and 578, while students specializing in labor relations must take LRS 520 and 545. Students must complete the required law school curriculum at Roger Williams. For students matriculated in the joint program, Roger Williams will accept the following 15 URI credits to satisfy the requirements for the J.D. degree: LRS 542, 500, and 580; LRS/ECN 526; and LRS/PSC 521.
Graduate Certificate Programs in Labor Relations and Human Resources
Admission requirements: Applicants with undergraduate majors in any field are considered for admission; applicants must submit two official transcripts of all academic work, two letters of recommendation, and a resume of professional experience.
Program requirements: To earn a graduate certificate in Labor Relations, students must satisfactorily complete four of the following courses: LRS 432, 500, 520, 521, 526, 531, 532, 533, 541, 542, 543, 545, 546, and 579. To earn a graduate certificate in Human Resources, students must satisfactorily complete four of the following courses: LRS 500, 503, 526, 531, 532, 533, 541, 542, and 551; MBA 502, 577, and 578.
Languages
See Spanish.
Library and Information Studies
M.L.I.S., Cooperative Programs401-874-2947
Faculty: Professor Eaton, director, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies; Professor Carson, assistant director and coordinator of distance learning. Professors Gilton, Havener, Ma, and McCarthy; Assistant Professor Caldwell.
The Master of Library and Information Studies (M.L.I.S.) degree prepares students for professional service and leadership in libraries and other organizations, including information positions in business and government. Specializations include service to children and young adults, reference and bibliography, organization of information, technical services, information literacy instruction, special collections and rare books, automation, information science, and others. The program leading to the M.L.I.S. is accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
The School Library Media Specialist certification program leads to both the M.L.I.S. and K-12 certification. It is approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education and accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Master of Libraryand Information Studies
Admission requirements: bachelor’s degree (B average); if undergraduate GPA is below 3.00 or equivalent, GRE or MAT at the 50th percentile or above. The completed application package should be received by October 15 for spring admission, March 15 for summer admission, and June 15 for fall admission.
Program requirements: 42 credits, 18 in required core courses (LSC 502, 503, 504, 505, 508, and 557) and 24 in electives, six of which may be taken in courses outside library science when relevant to the student’s specialization; one course with major paper requiring significant independent research; and a written comprehensive examination. Students in the school library media program must take both LSC 530 and LSC 531 and are not required to take LSC 503. Other students who take both LSC 530 and LSC 531 may also waive LSC 503. No more than nine credits or three courses may be taken in nonmatriculating status for transfer into the degree program.