Founded in 1824 as the first technological university in the English-speaking world, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute made an indelible mark on both the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, among the world’s pre-eminent research universities, Rensselaer offers students an interactive, interdisciplinary education — and a chance to be among the forces shaping the 21st century. Rensselaer students share a legacy of academic achievement, discovery and innovation, entrepreneurship, creative expression, and global leadership. Over time, as Rensselaer has evolved into a fully realized university of 5,100 undergraduates, this groundbreaking approach to education has generated wave after wave of innovation and discovery.

One Rensselaer graduate masterminded the first moon landing; another, the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. Our alumni invented e-mail and helped develop sunscreen. They have established and led successful enterprises, from Texas Instruments (inventors of the first silicon transistor) to Vicarious Visions (creators of Guitar Hero III).

Rensselaer is a diverse community of dreamers and doers who share several characteristics. They are drawn to the sciences and technology, and to disciplines ranging from architecture and business to literature. They love to tackle complex problems, and they have a sincere desire to improve the world. Yet the people of Rensselaer are true individuals: everyone who comes here seeks a pathway to greatness that is uniquely his or her own.

Distinguished faculty members work directly with students – doing research, solving problems, teaching, and interacting. This is where great adventure and new growth begin.