Second Degree Applicants
Persons holding baccalaureate degrees from accredited institutions may apply to Rhode Island College for a second undergraduate degree. This assumes completion of all previous baccalaureate requirements, including General Education and a 2.0 cumulative GPA (higher for some programs).
Rhode Island College is a member of The Common Application group. Applicants for a second bachelor’s degree submit the following materials to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by June 1 for fall semester enrollment or by November 1 for spring semester enrollment:
- A completed application accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee. Students may apply online at https://www.commonapp.org/
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended. Transcripts must indicate that a baccalaureate degree was conferred and the date it was conferred.
Once the application and all credentials have been received, the admissions office will notify and instruct the candidate to schedule an appointment with the appropriate department chair(s) to determine the courses needed to meet requirements for the second degree. Candidates should be advised that certain programs, (e.g., art, teacher education, nursing and social work) have specialized requirements and admission standards that must be satisfied for acceptance into those programs.
Candidates for a second degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Rhode Island College. Some programs, such as education, will require considerably more credit hours. Credit requirements for plans of study may be as high as 98 credit hours. At least 15 of the 30 hours must be taken in the department of the major or program. Course/credit proficiency, field experience, prior learning credit or transfer credit may not be counted toward this 30-credit-hour requirement.