Ever wonder how a law school and a college merged to become a major university? That is the story of Rutgers University Camden. Founded in 1926, Rutgers University Camden started as the South Jersey Law School and the College of South Jersey. These two institutions joined forces. In 1950, they became part of Rutgers.
Rutgers University Camden is now one of three regional campuses. The other two are in New Brunswick and Newark. Rutgers Camden is the southernmost of these campuses. Rutgers University itself is a public land-grant research university. It has four campuses throughout New Jersey.
In its early days, Rutgers University Camden focused on law and liberal arts. Over time, it expanded its offerings. In 1981, it began offering master’s degrees. These included programs in biology, English, and business administration. The School of Business-Camden was founded in 1988. It was the first business school in southern New Jersey. It gained accreditation from the AACSB International.
Rutgers University Camden has a strong commitment to research. It is classified as an R2 Doctoral University, meaning it has high research activity. US News and World Report ranked Rutgers Camden as a top public university. In 2024, it was 48th among public universities and 98th nationally.
The campus has grown since its early days. It now includes multiple schools and colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences. There is also the Graduate School and Rutgers Law School. The School of Nursing and the School of Social Work are also on campus.
Rutgers University Camden is home to the Paul Robeson Library. This library provides resources for students and faculty. It also serves as a public resource for the citizens of New Jersey. The Law Library is one of New Jersey’s largest law libraries. It holds over 440000 books and other materials.
Students have many options for living on and off campus. Dorms are located at Third and Cooper Streets. A graduate residence hall is at 330 Cooper Street. Many students live in the Cooper Grant neighborhood. Others live in Philadelphia or nearby suburbs.
Rutgers University Camden offers a wide range of programs in the visual and performing arts. The Rutgers Camden Center for the Arts hosts performances, exhibitions, and community projects. The Fine Arts Building includes the Walter K. Gordon Theater. There is also the Black Box Theater and the Stedman Gallery.
The Scarlet Raptors are Rutgers University Camden’s athletic teams. The university competes in NCAA Division III. It is a member of the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Rutgers Camden offers 17 intercollegiate varsity sports.
Rutgers University Camden has a diverse student body. Students come from 29 states and 33 countries. The university has many clubs that represent various groups and beliefs. As of 2016, there have been over 43000 graduates.
Rutgers University Camden continues to evolve. It remains a vital institution for education, research, and community engagement. The university plays a unique role in southern New Jersey. It provides opportunities for students and contributes to the region’s growth.