Rowan University - Overview
Among the Best Undergraduate Colleges in New Jersey, Rowan University is the Future of Higher Education
A leading public institution, Rowan University combines liberal education with professional preparation from the baccalaureate through the doctoral degree program. Rowan provides a collaborative, learning-centered environment in which highly qualified and diverse faculty members, staff members, and students integrate teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, and community service. Through intellectual, social, and cultural contributions, the university enriches the lives of those in the campus community and surrounding region. Combining exceptional resources, great teaching, and engaged students, Rowan University is the future of higher education in New Jersey.
From its founding in 1923 as a school for teachers, to its current status as a top-rated regional institution, Rowan University has had a remarkable history. Such landmark events as the 1967 Summit Conference between President Lyndon Johnson and Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin at Hollybush and the $100 million gift from Henry and Betty Rowan in 1992 truly put Rowan on the map as a place where current and future leaders and professionals thrive.
The University maintains 2 New Jersey campuses: a 200-acre suburban residential setting in Glassboro and a 5-story urban facility in the University District of Camden.
The tree-lined Glassboro campus houses student residence halls, apartments and townhouses, state of the art classroom facilities, a student recreation center, theatres, galleries, a planetarium, 62 computer labs, and 120 TEC classrooms, all throughout the main campus and the Camden campus.
The university is in the midst of a $530 million plan to expand the campus and further upgrade facilities, through newly purchased land. The anchor of the new tract is the South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University, which will play a significant role in the economic development of the region. In 2008, The South Jersey Technology Park at Rowan University opened the doors of its first building, the Samuel H. Jones Innovation Center.
Rowan University and the Cooper Health System partnered in June 2009 to establish Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU), the first new medical school in New Jersey in 30 years. Located in Camden, New Jersey, CMSRU will help address the physician shortage locally and nationally and improve healthcare throughout the region. Having already received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in June 2011, its inaugural class will begin in August 2012.
Additionally, Rowan University and the town of Glassboro have partnered to create Rowan Boulevard, a roadway being constructed at the East end of campus to the historic downtown. The plans call for the construction of a mixed-use corridor lined with shops and restaurants on the street level, topped by apartments and offices. Key anchors to the project include: an apartment complex for Rowan University students (opened in 2010); a Barnes & Noble college superstore (opened in 2010); The Whitney Center, a mixed use building housing; the Thomas N. Bantivoglio honors program (opened in 2011); and a Marriot Courtyard Hotel and Conference Center.
Engaged Students, a Great Faculty, and a Full Range of Academic Programs make Rowan University the Right Place for Every Student
Rowan University's programs of study include 81 majors, 25 minors, 20 master's degrees, 8 certificates of advanced graduate studies, 11 certification programs, a doctoral program in educational leadership, and numerous interdisciplinary concentrations in 7 colleges (Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Fine & Performing Arts, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Graduate & Continuing Education) on campus.
Students at Rowan have access to the resources of a large university without sacrificing the personal attention and small class size of a college. All classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. The average class size is 20 students and the student/faculty member ratio is 15 to 1.
The university offers 81 undergraduate majors among 6 academic colleges (Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Fine and Performing Arts, and Liberal Arts and Sciences). In addition, the College of Graduate and Continuing Education provides online and accelerated graduate programs as well as off-campus and Saturday degree completion programs for individuals with busy schedules seeking to advance their professional careers.
"US News & World Report" ranks Rowan 21st of Northern Regional Universities, 3rd among the publics in the category. Rowan's College of Engineering is ranked 16th nationally. "The Princeton Review" included Rowan in its latest edition of the Best Northeastern Colleges and the Rohrer College of Business included Rowan in its edition of the Best 300 Business Schools. "Forbes" recognized Rowan in its annual listing of America's Best Colleges. Rowan's commitment to the environment was recognized when the US EPA named it a Top Green Power Purchaser in its athletic conference and "The Princeton Review" listed it in its Guide to 286 Green Colleges. The university has earned 11 awards for green initiatives since 2007.
Students entering the university in 2011 had an SAT mid-range of 1,090 to 1,260 and were ranked in the top 20% of their high school classes. Students interested in applying to the College of Fine and Performing Arts must arrange music auditions, theater auditions, or portfolio reviews.
Low Student-Faculty Ratio, Small Classes, and No Teaching Assistants Add Up to Personalized Learning at Rowan
Rowan University has 912 faculty members (402 full-time). The faculty's regularly scheduled office hours, participation in virtually all areas of campus governance and operations, and individual guidance and support for every student who needs them, ensures a truly personal education. Part-time and adjunct faculty members, including business leaders, industry representatives, and practicing professionals, provide valuable links with the community and offer knowledge of practical experiences to Rowan University students. The student-faculty member ratio is 15:1, and all classes are taught by professors; there are no teaching assistants.
Financial Aid Programs Help Rowan Students Get the Education They Need for the Careers They Desire
College costs can seem overwhelming, but Rowan University is committed to providing all of its students with a top-quality education at a cost within their means. Over 75 percent of Rowan's students receive some form of financial aid, such as grants and loans, or scholarships from federal and state sources, alumni, friends of the university, and various other organizations.
Rowan University rewards academic success through an extensive scholarship program. Consideration is given to students in the top percentage of their classes who have scored 1150 or better combined Critical Reading and Math on the SAT test. In addition to the traditional state and university scholarship awards, many academic departments and organizations at Rowan offer scholarships.
Championship Intercollegiate Teams in NCAA Division III, and Popular Intramural Programs, Keep Rowan Athletes on the Go
Rowan has one of the strongest NCAA Division III athletics programs in the nation, earning 11 national championships. The Student Recreation Center is one of the most popular destinations on campus. It houses fitness equipment, hosts exercise classes, and is a hub for the large and popular intramural sports program.
Special Programs, Research Projects, Hands-On Experience, and Study Abroad Opportunities Enrich the Rowan Experience
The university enrolls over 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students who represent the Mid-Atlantic States and 30 foreign countries. More than 75 clubs and organizations offer students professional, cultural, and service activities. Students and faculty members regularly win national recognition, usually competing with larger universities.
Rowan has one of the strongest NCAA Division III athletics programs in the nation, earning 11 national championships in 5 different sports. The Student Recreation Center is one of the most popular destinations on campus. It houses fitness equipment, hosts exercise classes, and is a hub for the large and popular intramural sports program.
Rowan faculty members are actively engaged in research, scholarly, and creative activities, all of which contribute to the quality of instruction of students inside and out of classrooms. A high priority is placed on including students as collaborators with faculty members on research. The university's goal is to integrate research and scholarship with teaching to enhance learning opportunities within the Rowan academic community. Rowan promotes research and scholarly activity through advocacy, information distribution, and collaboration with all members of the university community.
Rowan University's International Center offers 200 Study Abroad programs in over 50 countries. Students in all majors are eligible and all financial aid and credits earned abroad count toward Rowan degrees.