In a Word... Ramapo}
passion} “ There is an incredible passion for learning here. Professors extend themselves far beyond their roles as instructors. They are mentors, listeners, and supporters. They take great pride in how students grow as thinkers and as people.” Frances k. Hackett, ‘80
Vice President Administration and OSGLI
Prudential
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Carter Jones Meyer, Ph.D., Convener and Professor, History
Carolyn Ucci 2
International Business/Spanish minor
alex Ucci
biochemistry major
freshman
senior
A Remarkable
ENERGY
When I was shopping for colleges, everyone told me that I’d get a special feeling when I toured the school I was meant to attend. Honestly, I thought that was silly. I visited several schools and never had “the feeling”… until I visited Ramapo. At that point, I’d already filled out my acceptance paperwork for another top school. The check was literally written but not yet in the mail when a friend suggested I visit Ramapo. From the moment I walked on campus, I knew this was the place for me. Still, I never imagined I’d be on a first-name basis with the president of the college, much less have dinner at his house. But that’s the kind of place Ramapo is. To say that the environment here is energizing is a bit of an understatement. I was just a typical college-bound girl — a good student from a fairly sheltered background. But Ramapo has opened my eyes to how diverse the world is and the incredible opportunities out there. Between classes, homework, student government, lacrosse, sorority life, and peer facilitating, I’m going strong from nine in the morning until well past midnight. My younger brother Alex is a freshman here now. The other day he joked that he did my parents a big favor when he followed me to Ramapo—they only have one place to go when they visit their kids at college. But he added, “I did myself a big favor, too. With an average class size of 23, I’m getting exactly the learning experience I want in college.”
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Don’t just take our word for it
U .S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges has ranked Ramapo as a top pick among universities-master’s in the north. Ramapo ranks fifth among public colleges/universities in this category. Criteria include rates of retention and graduation, class size, student/ faculty ratio, and student selectivity. The Best Northeastern Colleges by The Princeton Review puts Ramapo on the list. Selection is based on student reports about the standard of teaching, accessibility of professors, the quality of life on campus (including food, housing, social scene, and extracurriculars), academic load, and financial aid process. Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine ranks Ramapo one of the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges” (three years running). Ramapo is one of only 14 schools on the list with enrollments of 5,700 students or fewer. The John Templeton Foundation has recognized Ramapo for its emphasis on service learning and student leadership, naming it one of America’s character-building colleges. Ramapo is the only college in New Jersey to be honored with this “best” distinction.
Bringing it all together
Five schools, 35 majors, 30 minors, and more than 700 regular course offerings. Our distinct interdisciplinary structure comprises degree programs in the arts, sciences, humanities, business, and social sciences. Professional and master’s degree studies include teacher education, educational technology, nursing, liberal arts, and social work. We also have joint degree programs and articulation agreements with other institutions leading to advanced study in several areas of medicine and dentistry. Get all the details at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
It all adds up
Ramapo’s numbers help explain its dynamic atmosphere. Students come from 52 nations, 18 states and every county in NJ Freshmen rank in the top 20% of their graduating class with GPAs averaging 3.4 46% of applicants are admitted, and the average SAT score is 1160 (combined critical reading and math) 95% of Ramapo’s faculty members have doctorates or other terminal degrees An average class size of 23 students A student/faculty ratio of 17:1
{synergy “ One of the great things at Ramapo is that, even in your first year, you learn from the best. Our senior faculty teach freshman-level classes with the same fervor they apply to their research and publications.” Faud Callaway
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junior
energy}
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Dr. Richard Russo directs the gazes of undergraduate astronomy students skyward using Ramapo’s state-of-the-art, sixteen-inch reflecting telescope.
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chances More to
EXCEL
When my brother transferred to Ramapo, I decided to give it a look. I was amazed to find so many strong programs. A lot of colleges have only one or two strengths, but all of Ramapo’s five schools are excellent. Narrowing down my options was tough, but the intimate environment and the opportunity to work one-on-one with top faculty really helped me zero in on what I was most excited about — media and cinema studies. And being a commuter doesn’t make me any less a part of the Ramapo community. I receive just as much support and attention from faculty as the students who live on campus. As a result, I’ve been able to complete some significant research. I’ve even been invited to present my findings at industry conventions — an incredible opportunity for an undergraduate. Bottom line: when you apply yourself here, you get noticed. You have more chances to stand out and excel than you’ll find at a larger school. I’m very thankful I ended up at Ramapo.
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Faris Elrabie
Communications/Media Cinema Studies
Political Science minor
senior
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{opportunity “ Our college communication network allows students to easily communicate with faculty and staff. With message boards, chat rooms, and other online tools, we can respond directly to the questions and concerns of our students. It’s just another way that we can help them adjust to college and develop a strong sense of community. At Ramapo, academic and personal support is 24/7.� Daniel Jean 8
Director, academic advisement, first-year experience, testing
Green space
Growing the campus
The new Sharp Sustainability Our 300-acre campus houses Education Center is a 360° showcase more than 1 million square feet of opportunities. Recent additions: for green practices. Housing a multifunction classroom and demonstration Anisfield School of Business space, a K-12 sustainable classroom, 86,000-square-foot academic facility and an environmental science laborawith “smart” classrooms and lecture tory, this landmark building also features halls and a new high-tech Trading a working greenhouse. The design of this 1,787 square-foot center includes Floor Simulation Room in the works. green environmental systems such as Bill Bradley Sports and Recreation weather monitoring equipment, solar Center panels, wind generator, energy efficient 116,000-square-foot athletic complex appliances and lighting, waterless fully equipped for NCAA competition, toilets, organic gardens, a solar hot strength and aerobic training, water heater, and native permaculture climbing, swimming, dance, and plantings. court sports. Step into sustainability at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
Angelica and Russ Berrie Center for the Performing and Visual Arts 350-seat proscenium stage, black box theater, and exhibition spaces. Salameno Spiritual Center Four single-story structures set in woodland gardens, two outdoor gathering places, and a deck with views across Kameron Pond provide a tranquil and inclusive environment for reflection.
community}
Trustees Pavilion 14,000-square-foot conference center with wireless Internet access, state-of-the-art audio and video equipment in every room, dining facilities, and a flexible floor plan that accommodates workshops, banquets, or plenary sessions.
Full list at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
Bus stop buzz
It’s not every day that you meet the president of your college at the bus stop. Unless you’re a Ramapo student, that is, for President Peter Mercer often stops en route to the office in the morning to chat with students. “Students who have an internship in New York City can take the bus from our campus in the morning and be there on time for work,” Mercer says. “That’s an extraordinary advantage. I check to see who’s at the bus stop so I can chat them up and find out what they’re up to. It’s one of the ways I can track how our internship programs are working.” Visit President Mercer’s homepage at www.ramapo.edu/administration/ presidenthome/ 9
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Living the Ramapo life
On-campus housing offers a mix of traditional residence halls, apartment-style housing, and residential suites. New construction since 2000 has doubled capacity. All residences feature sprinkler and fire safety systems, voice, video, and data access (including cable TV with premium movie channels), air conditioning, in-room microwave ovens and refrigerators, carpeted bedrooms, free laundry, and fully outfitted meeting rooms and lounges. Live-in professional and graduate residence directors provide mentoring and support. Sustainable technologies are backed by a campus-wide green commitment. In a recent month-long competition sponsored by the Student Sustainability Coalition, Pine Hall residents reduced their energy consumption by nearly 30% to best Linden Hall, where residents achieved an impressive 16% reduction. President Mercer credits Ramapo’s green students as the inspiration behind his embrace of the Presidents’ Climate Commitment drawn up by the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
A choice of lifestyles
Pine Hall—340-student first-year residence with three double bedrooms, sitting room, bath with double sinks, stall shower, and toilet compartment in each suite. Linden Hall—240-student suitestyle residence with two double bedrooms, and connecting bathroom. Maple Hall—360-student hotel-like residence of double rooms with private baths (configured for three first-year students per room). Oak Hall—250-student hotel-like residence of double rooms with private baths. The Village—22 buildings with apartments for 528 students comprising four single bedrooms, full bath, kitchen, and living/ dining room. College Park Apartments— Apartments and duplexes for 500 students with two bedrooms, bath, and kitchen/living room. The Overlook—295-student residence of four-person suites with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a sitting room. Laurel Hall—432-student suitestyle residence with four single bedrooms, bathroom with stall shower, and sitting room. Take virtual tours of our residences at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
dine on your time
From your first latte of the day to a midnight weekend nosh, our tireless chefs are serving it up. Ramapo’s two self-serve, all-you-care-to-eat restaurants, retail food court, and gourmet café offer extended earlymorning and late-night dining. The Birch Tree Inn and The Pavilion provide meal-plan and “door-rate” dining seven days a week. The Atrium food court serves Monday through Saturday, and the Curtain Call Café is your source for gourmet coffees, teas, and goodies. 10
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Laurel Hall is a hub of activity. 11
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TOTAL Immersion I guess you could call me driven. Which is probably a good thing given that I want to be an actor. You have to be totally immersed in it to succeed. And Ramapo is the ideal environment for immersion. With four major theater productions a year, guest artist workshops, and student-directed projects, there’s plenty for an actor to dive into on campus. It’s a very inspiring environment. We’re all passionate about our pursuits, and we push each other to go beyond what we consider to be our potential. We’re immersed in each other’s lives, too. Professors, students, and administrators are as committed to helping each other grow as they are to doing their own best work. My closest friends are the people I’ve met at Ramapo, so even though my family lives nearby, I spend as many weekends as possible on campus. There’s no doubt that being at Ramapo has changed me. It has both tested me and supported me in ways I never imagined. I’ve learned to go with the flow and to never give in to failure. And I know that nothing can stop me as long as I’m doing what I love.
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ISAIAH FRIZELLE
THEATER
sOPHOMORE
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{diverse “ Our students have so many opportunities to work in the field. They can truly immerse themselves in the context of what they’re studying, which makes their education much richer and more meaningful.” Carter Jones Meyer, Ph.D.
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Convener and Professor
History
Get out there
A four-pillar foundation
There’s no substitute for the experience of being in the field in your field. Designated as national demonstration models by the U.S. Department of Education, our faculty-supervised programs help immerse you in work related to your academic pursuits. Cooperative Education—earn academic credit and income from employers in positions related to your educational and career objectives.
Our “Four Pillars” of undergraduate education embody Ramapo’s core commitments and shape everything we do inside and outside the classroom.
International Cooperative Education— go global with your co-op experience. Service Learning—link your academic goals and achievements with community needs through programs like Pony Power Therapies, which gives individuals with such disorders as autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and depression the opportunity to gain flexibility, balance, muscle strength, and self-esteem via horseback riding. Alternative Spring Break—dedicate your spring break to serving others. Dig deeper at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
Interdisciplinary curriculum Each of Ramapo’s five schools brings together faculty from several disciplines resulting in cross-disciplinary research and interdisciplinary majors and courses like Ecology, Economics, and Ethics. Experiential learning opportunities Every course includes a real-world learning component. In Urban Anthropology, for example, students take to the streets of New York to reconcile the stereotypical images of the city with its realities. Intercultural understanding Our annual Diversity Convocation— which recently featured Dr. Terrence Roberts, Congressional Gold Medal winner and a member of the Little Rock Nine—is one of the ways we engage the community in the challenging debates of our times. International education As a member of the New Jersey State Consortium for International Education, we can place our students in more than 50 countries around the world for short-term, summer, and semester-long study.
immersed} Uncommon common causes
The Sci-Fi Comic Book Club, Colleges Against Cancer, Operation Smile, Rebel U, Ebony Women for Social Change. If Ramapo doesn’t already have a student organization that speaks to your passion—and with more than 100 clubs, committees, and caucuses, we generate a whole lot of passion—you’ll find it easy to start one that fills the gap. Explore further at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
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emmalyn raynor
american studies and secondary education, history minor
junior
Equipped to make an
IMPACT As a student of history, I’m impressed by Ramapo’s upward trajectory. In just 40 years, the college has achieved a level of quality comparable to 200-year-old institutions. The “Ivy quotient” is quite high among my professors. Research, instruction, and interdisciplinary study are all exceptional.
Ramapo’s College Honors Program is a perfect example of what I’m talking about. The program allows me to dig deeper into my favorite topics and complete special projects or research. It’s also a measurable way to set myself apart from the competition on grad school applications. I was intensely focused on my academic goals when I came to Ramapo, but being here has opened my eyes to a much broader view of the world. I’m constantly discovering something new that I want to integrate into my life. Ramapo has taught me the value of becoming a well-rounded person—a person who is excited and equipped to make an impact in the world. When I’m leading a campus tour and I mention our standing as one of the top public colleges in the region, students immediately start worrying about their SAT scores. But I always remind people that while our academic standards are high, Ramapo admits students as much for what they bring to the community as for their strong academic background. Ramapo values each of us as a scholar and as a human being and provides the knowledge, resources, and mentoring to ensure our success.
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The school that never sleeps
You can expand your mind, your heart, or your lungs, without ever leaving campus. Ramapo is the scene of multiple performances, lectures, exhibitions, screenings, and games every day of the week. A spectrum of live performances such as Brazilian jazz bassist Nilson Matta, American Dance Theater, Pulitzer prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, alt-rockers Jack’s Mannequin, Beckett, and Shakespeare. Movies, screenings of award-winning faculty films, and a wide variety of festivals that include Japanese anime, Africana, and Italian cinema. 10 intramural leagues for men and women. 20 intercollegiate squads—including two nationally ranked teams and an Eastern Coast Athletic Conference Metro Division baseball champion— play at home 130 times a year. Check the calendar at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
To our credit
Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Ramapo is a founding member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and a participant in the AASCU New York Times American Democracy Project. Our individually accredited programs include social work, chemistry, nursing, and teacher certification. Ramapo’s teacher certification program brief was recently selected by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) for use as a model in TEAC training sessions.
Our rural/urban neighborhood
Ramapo’s 300-acre campus is emblematic of the natural beauty of Mahwah. One-third of the land within the township’s borders is designated as state and county parklands. Ramapo Mountain Reservation— 2,100 acres of hiking, fishing, canoeing, and tent camping. Campgaw Mountain Reservation— snowboarding, tubing, lift-served downhill skiing, and mountain biking on 1,300 acres. Darlington County Park—lakeside beaches for swimming, picnicking, volleyball, and fishing, plus 18-hole golf and tennis. Ramapo Mountain State Forest— nearly 4,200 acres for horseback riding, cross-country skiing, hunting, among other outdoor activities, and surprising views of the Manhattan skyline. We also have the best of urban life just down the road. Ramapo’s free local shuttle connects you to some of the country’s best shopping at the Palisades Center, and our 365-day bus service gets you in and out of New York City several times a day. Read more about recreational opportunities at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
{memorable “ The interconnectedness of the disciplines within the Ramapo curriculum puts our graduates measurably ahead of others in their fields. I hear this from alumni constantly. By the time our students graduate, they’ve learned how to ask the right questions, think strategically, and act productively.” Kathleen Austin
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www.ramapo.edu
Director of Constituent Relations
measurable} 19
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Michael McMahon
Management/International Business
senior
Finding your
BALANCE
There’s a special mix of intimacy, energy, and expertise here that encourages discussion of all perspectives, regardless of whether anyone else agrees. I consider this intellectual freedom, this immersion in the world of ideas, essential preparation for a career in international business. The environment at Ramapo, while competitive, is extremely learning focused. The business faculty publishes regularly across a range of disciplines— management, accounting, economics, international business, finance, marketing, and information systems. They also know how to get things done in the real world. Many have worked in enterprises around the globe and bring us into constant contact with emerging trends and best practices. What really sets Ramapo apart for me is how it combines a competitive standard of excellence with a limitless commitment to growth and learning. In just three semesters, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a financial analyst and conduct research into the sub-prime mortgage market. But I’ve also had the chance to find out more about myself. In the final analysis, Ramapo strikes just the right balance in helping me reach my full potential.
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We’re here to get you there
At Ramapo, we have the people and resources to help you define and attain the metrics of your success. The Cahill Center—In addition to overseeing cooperative education programs and experiential and service learning, our career services professionals use tools such as the “Four Year Plan” and networks like VAULT.COM to transform your academic aspirations into career actions. First-Year Experience—A year-long program that introduces our freshmen to Ramapo and ensures academic and social success. Leadership Education—Classes, conferences, and resources that help you develop the leadership attributes of a productive global citizen. B uild your future at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
Essential hubs
Scott Student Center Birch Tree Inn: Student meal plan restaurant with four seatings a day. The Atrium: Retail food court with a full palette of grilled, stir-fried, rotisseried, and otherwise freshly prepared offerings, plus grab-and-go, soup, subs, salad bar, and sushi. Student activities: Recreation rooms, lounges, club offices, campus ministries, WRPR broadcasting, student government, and more. Trustees Pavilion The Pavilion: Companion student restaurant to the Birch Tree Inn serving the east side of the campus. Roadrunner Express: Retail convenience store boasts 40 varieties of frozen meals—including vegan, organic, and gluten-free—on top of essential convenience fare and sundries. Potter Library and Berrie Center Collections: A full New Jersey documents depository puts more than 160,000 books, 2,300 videos, 2,100 journals, and several thousand full-text electronic journals at your fingertips. Curtain Call Café at the Berrie Center: Brain-fueling station with Starbucks coffees, Tazo teas, gourmet baked goods, sushi, and slushies on offer.
{essential
There’s more of what you need at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
“ I arrived at Ramapo a very different person than I am today. I used to be somewhat passive. Now, I embrace challenge and welcome opportunities to get involved and express my point of view.” Tuneisha Gatling
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senior
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At the beginning of each new school year, the entering freshman class passes through Ramapo’s Havemeyer Arch in a processional welcoming them to their new community. At commencement, graduates march back through the arch— and into the world—to the congratulatory whoops and applause of friends and family.
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Decision time
Immediate Decision Days A Ramapo campus visit is a compelling test-drive. That’s why we host several Immediate Decision Days a year. Qualified high school seniors can apply, interview, tour the campus, and receive an admissions decision all on the same day. Daily Tours and Open Houses We conduct regular campus tours. We also host college-wide open houses throughout the fall and spring. Check the calendar and sign up online at www.ramapo.edu/admissions. Applications Apply online at www.ramapo.edu. To request a paper application, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@ramapo.edu or by calling 201.684.7300. Correspondence can be directed to: Office of Admissions, Ramapo College of New Jersey, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680. Admission Decisions Ramapo makes acceptance decisions on a rolling basis for both fall and spring semesters. You will receive a decision shortly after we receive your completed application. Students are encouraged to apply early. Financial Aid Ramapo students receive more than $40 million in grants and loans. They also maintain one of the best student loan repayment rates in the country. Scholarships Students who apply by December 15 are reviewed for most scholarships automatically (a separate application is not necessary). Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on grades, rank in class, standardized test scores (if applicable), and in some cases, service to the community. Take the next step at www.ramapo.edu/viewbook/
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www.ramapo.edu
where to find it
academics pp. 4 & 25 accreditations p. 18 activities and events p. 18 campus community pp. 8-10 extra-curricular p. 15 facilities pp. 8-10 four pillars of undergraduate education p. 15 neighboring attractions p. 18 student organizations p. 15 sustainability p. 10
programs Ramapo’s academic degree programs are your point of departure for a remarkable interdisciplinary education. Review the details at http://www.ramapo.edu/academics/ applying to ramapo college
F reshman Admissions Admissions Application (apply online at www.ramapo.edu) $60 application fee ($75 for International Students) Official High School Transcript Standardized Test Scores on the SAT or ACT one letter of recommendation (two preferred) Essay Transfer Admissions Admissions Application (apply online at www.ramapo.edu) $60 application fee ($75 for International Students) Official Transcripts from all Prior Colleges Official High Shool Transcript (if less than 45 college credits have been earned) Transfer Candidates Form
Educational Opportunity Program Ramapo College seeks out the very best students for its Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program. If you qualify, you will join a community of achievers who are supported by a partnership between the college and EOF that is outstanding not only in financial assistance for your college cost, but also in personal and academic counseling, career planning, and leadership training. Your admission to the Ramapo College EOF program depends upon meeting our financial eligibility requirements and academic standards.
Portions of this publication can be made available in alternative media, upon request. Please allow one week’s notice. Call 201.684.7300. Ramapo College of New Jersey is committed to providing every student with an atmosphere free from unlawful discrimination. All forms of unlawful discrimination based upon race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, disability, and AIDS/HIV status are prohibited and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is a form of unlawful gender discrimination, and likewise, will not be tolerated.
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majors Anisfield School of Business Accounting* Business Administration Finance Management Marketing Economics* Information Systems* International Business* School of American and International Studies American Studies History* International Studies Liberal Studies (contract major) Literature* Creative Writing Political Science* Spanish Language Studies* School of Contemporary Arts Communication Arts Design and Interactive Media Digital Filmmaking Journalism Media/Cinema Studies Writing Contemporary Arts (contract major) Music* Music Industry Music Performance Music Production Music Studies Theater* Acting Design and Technical Theater Directing/Stage Management Theater Studies Visual Arts Art History Art and Technology Drawing and Painting Photography Sculpture School of Social Science and Human Services Environmental Studies* Law and Society Psychology* Social Science (contract major) African Studies Community Mental Health Cultural Studies Ethnic Relations Gender Studies Labor Studies Social Work Sociology* Criminology Public Sociology
School of Theoretical and Applied Science Allied Health Technologies*** Diagnostic Medical Sonography Nuclear Medicine Technology Respiratory Care Vascular Technology Biochemistry Bioinformatics* Biomedical Informatics** Biology* Chiropractic** Dentistry** Optometry** Osteopathic Medicine** Physical Therapy** Physician Assistant** Chemistry* Clinical Laboratory Science*** Cytotechnology Medical Laboratory Science Computer Science* Engineering Physics* Environmental Science* Integrated Science Studies Mathematics* Nursing minors only African American Studies Anthropology East Asian Studies Environmental Studies French Gerontology Italian Judaic Studies Latino/a and Latin American Studies Philosophy Public Policy Science, Technology, and Society Substance Abuse Women’s Studies graduate programs Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies (2010) Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (2010) Master of Science in Educational Technology Master of Science in Nursing Education
Teacher Certification eligibility available in conjunction with most majors *Also available as a minor ** Articulated Program with other institutions requiring students to apply separately to participating schools *** Joint Program with University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Health-Related Professions (UMDNJ-SHRP)
505 Ramapo Valley Road Mahwah, NJ 07430-1680 Tel. 201.684.7300 10/09
www.ramapo.edu