Roger Williams University: A Comprehensive Guide to Degree Programs and Opportunities

Roger Williams University (RWU) is dedicated to providing a dynamic education that empowers students to become changemakers in their fields and communities. With a commitment to academic excellence and hands-on preparation for the workforce, RWU offers a wide array of degree programs and experiential learning opportunities. This article explores the various academic programs, unique initiatives, and resources available at RWU, highlighting how the university prepares students for success in their chosen careers.

Introduction: Powerful Combinations for Boundless Possibilities

At Roger Williams University, the most impactful education is the one you design for yourself. Through powerful combinations of academic programs, internships, research, and student activities, RWU students create unique pathways that align with their passions and set them apart in the job market. RWU provides multiple pathways for students to pursue their academic journey within one university. From associate and bachelor’s degrees to graduate and law studies, and robust certification and trades programs, RWU offers powerful combinations of academic offerings that support students at every stage of their journey and prepare them for lifelong success.

Academic Programs and Offerings

Roger Williams University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations. The university's academic structure is organized into several schools, each focusing on specific areas of study:

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business
Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education
Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences
Cummings School of Architecture
School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management
School of Justice Studies
Extension School
School of Law

RWU offers degrees at the Certificate, Associate, Bachelor's, Post-bachelor's certificate, Master's, and Doctorate levels.

Undergraduate Programs

RWU offers a multitude of undergraduate programs, including majors and minors, designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in their chosen fields. Here's a glimpse into some of the available programs:

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Accounting: Bachelor's, Graduate Pathway Program, Major, Minor
American Sign Language: Minor
Anthropology + Sociology: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Applied Mathematics: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Aquaculture and Aquarium Science: Major, Bachelor's, Minor, Undergraduate Certificate (EXT)
Architecture: Major, Bachelor's, Master's (M.Arch), Minor, Graduate Pathway Program
Art & Architectural History: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Arts Management: Minor
Biochemistry: Major, Bachelor's
Biology: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Business Administration: Major, Bachelor's, Master's (M.B.A. 3+1 or 4+1), Graduate Pathway Program
Business, Undeclared: Major, Bachelor's
Chemistry: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Chinese: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Civic Media and Community Engagement: Minor
Communication & Media Studies: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Computer Science: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Construction Management: Major, Bachelor's, Graduate Certificate
Creative Writing: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Criminal Justice: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor, Minor
Cybersecurity & Networking: Major, Minor
Dance and Performance Studies: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Data Science: Major, Minor
Economics: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor, Graduate Pathway Program, Minor
Educational Studies: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Elementary Education: Major, Bachelor's, Graduate Pathway Program, Licensure/Certification
Engineering: Major, Bachelor's, Graduate Pathway Program, Minor
English Literary Studies: Major, Minor
Entrepreneurship: Major, Bachelor's
Environmental Science: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Film, Animation, and Video: Minor
Finance: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor, Graduate Pathway Program, Minor
Forensic Science: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor
Gender and Sexuality Studies: Minor
Graphic Design: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
History: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor, Minor
International Business: Major, Bachelor's
International Relations: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Italian Language: Minor
Journalism: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Legal Studies: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Management: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Marine Biology: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Marketing: Major, Bachelor's, Graduate Pathway Program, Minor
Mathematics: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Military Science: Minor
Modern Languages: Major, Bachelor's
Music: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Mythology and Folklore: Minor
Painting, Drawing and Printmaking: Minor
Photography and Digital Media: Minor
Physics: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Political Science: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Psychology: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Public Health: Major, Bachelor's, Minor
Public Relations: Major, Bachelor's, Minor, Undergraduate Certificate
Secondary Education: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor, Licensure/Certification
Security Assurance Studies: Major, Bachelor's, Juris Doctor
Spanish: Major, Bachelor's, Minor

Graduate Programs

RWU offers a variety of graduate programs designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in specialized fields. These programs include:

Architecture (M.Arch): Master's
Biotechnology (M.A.): Master's, Graduate Pathway Program
Business Administration (M.B.A.): Master's
Business Analytics (M.B.A.): Master's
Community Development: Master's
Criminal Justice (M.S.): Master's, Graduate Pathway Program
Cybersecurity (M.A. & M.S.): Master's, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Pathway Program
Forensic Mental Health Counseling (M.A.): Master's
General Psychology (M.S.): Master's
Juris Doctor: Juris Doctor
Master of Studies in Law: Master's
Mathematics Education (M.A.): Master's, Graduate Pathway Program
Preservation Practices (M.S.): Master's, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Pathway Program
Public Administration (M.P.A.): Master's
Real Estate (M.S.): Master's, Graduate Certificate
School Finance and Operations Program: Master's

Extension School Programs (RWU EXT)

RWU Extension School (RWU EXT) offers flexible programs designed to fit the lives of working professionals and adult learners. These programs include associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificates in various fields:

Applied Psychology Program: Associate, Bachelor's
Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Undergraduate Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Building Science & Technology Program: Associate
Career & Technical Education Teacher Certification Program: Licensure/Certification
Carpentry Certificate: Apprenticeship, Professional / Non-Degree
Case Management Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Community Development Program: Bachelor's, Master's, Undergraduate Certificate
Community Policing Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Corrections Agency Administration Certificate Program: Undergraduate Certificate
Criminal Justice Program: Associate, Bachelor's
Cybersecurity & Networking Program: Bachelor's, Professional / Non-Degree
Cybersecurity Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Cyberspecialist Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate, Graduate Certificate
Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate
Doula Education Training Program: Licensure/Certification, Professional / Non-Degree
Electrical Apprenticeship Program: Apprenticeship
ESL Teacher Certificate: Licensure/Certification
Fundamentals of Construction Management Certificate: Professional / Non-Degree, Undergraduate Certificate
Health Care Paralegal Studies Certificate: Licensure/Certification, Professional / Non-Degree
Health Services Administration Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Healthy Communities Program: Bachelor's
Homeland Security Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Human Resource Management & Leadership Minor: Minor
Individualized Degree: Bachelor's
Industrial Technology Program: Associate, Bachelor's
Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Liberal Arts Program: Associate
Management Program: Bachelor's
Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate: Licensure/Certification, Professional / Non-Degree
Middle School Graduate Certificate: Graduate Certificate, Licensure/Certification
Municipal Management Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Network Management Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Networking Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Owner’s Project Management Program: Associate
Plumbing Program: Apprenticeship
Police Agency Administration Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Policing, Public Safety, and Security Program: Associate, Bachelor's, Licensure/Certification
Professional Legal Studies Certificate: Licensure/Certification, Professional / Non-Degree
Professional Legal Studies Program: Associate, Bachelor's
Public Administration Program: Bachelor's
Public Safety Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Risk Management Undergraduate Certificate: Undergraduate Certificate
Social Science Program: Associate, Bachelor's, Undergraduate Certificate

Combined-Degree Programs

RWU offers several combined-degree programs that allow students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a shorter amount of time. These programs include:

B.A. in Elementary Education - 4 + 1 in Special Education
B.A. in Psychology - 4 + 1 Forensic Psychology
B.S. in Biology/Biotechnology 4+1
B.S. in Business Law/JD 3+3
B.S. in Legal Studies/JD 3+3
J.D./Masters of Business Administrative
M.S. in Construction Management 4+1
M.S. in Criminal Justice 4 + 1 Program
M.S. in Preservation Practices 4+1
M.S./J.D. in Criminal Justice
M.S./J.D. in Cybersecurity

New Programs

RWU is committed to expanding its academic offerings to meet the evolving needs of the workforce. Recently, the university launched 12 new programs, including:

B.S. in Sports Management: Prepares graduates for leadership roles in the global sports industry.
M.B.A. with a concentration in Business Analytics: Equips students with data-driven decision-making skills.
M.A. in Biotechnology: Blends advanced scientific training with leadership development for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, and biotech innovation.
M.S. in General Psychology: Emphasizes research methods and academic preparation for Ph.D. studies or research assistant careers.
M.A. in STEM Education: Focuses on evidence-based teaching practices and flexible pathways for current and aspiring STEM educators.
M.A. in Mathematics Education: Develops advanced mathematical expertise and instructional strategies for teaching at various educational levels.
M.S. in Real Estate (low-residency format): Offers flexibility through online learning and in-person engagement.
A.S. in Building Science & Technology (RWU EXT): Blends technical training and applied science for the latest building systems and sustainability practices.
A.S. in Owner’s Project Management (RWU EXT): Provides a foundation in budgeting, scheduling, and project coordination.
Plumbing Apprenticeship Certification (RWU EXT): Offers technical skills, professional development, and certification readiness.
Undergraduate Certificate in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science (AQS) (RWU EXT): Focuses on aquatic animal health and husbandry, offered fully online.
Pre-Law 4+3 Pathway: Guarantees undergraduates a seat at RWU School of Law when program requirements are met.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Roger Williams University emphasizes experiential learning, turning knowledge into action. Students tackle real-world challenges, build professional skills, and explore career paths through various opportunities:

Read also: Alumni Achievements at RWU

Internships

RWU students gain valuable professional experience through internship opportunities, which deepen understanding, build confidence, and prepare them to stand out in their future careers. The RWU Internship Experience builds opportunities for students to explore different career paths, gain valuable professional experience, join research projects, and prepare to be career-ready upon graduation. RWU offers internships as part of the powerful combinations of joining classroom studies with hands-on experience in industry, community, and research facilities.

Hands-On Research

Students collaborate with faculty, perform independent research in labs and in the field, compete for grant funding, publish papers, present at conferences, compete in regional and national academic challenges, work on community-engaged research projects, and more.

Study Abroad

Study abroad is an opportunity to continue your Roger Williams University education while living in another country. Study abroad is relevant and meaningful for students in any academic discipline interested in getting the most out of the RWU experience.

Blue Fellows Program

A bold new initiative preparing students to drive innovation in marine science, conservation, and sustainable economic development through hands-on internships with laboratories, aquaculture facilities, research-focused nonprofits, and marine businesses.

Academic Excellence and Support

Roger Williams University is committed to academic excellence, fostering a student-centered approach that combines liberal arts, professional programs, and business education. The university provides comprehensive support services to help students achieve their academic goals:

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General Education

RWU's new skills-based and outcomes-focused General Education curriculum allows every student to graduate with a minor-unlocking powerful combinations across disciplines and the flexibility to choose a path that aligns with their goals.

Student Academic Success

The Center for Student Academic Success offers comprehensive support, such as tutoring services, professional advising, and reasonable accommodations, to help students achieve their academic goals while at RWU.

Career & Professional Development

The Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD) provides resources to meet all career needs, including career communities, events and programs.

University Leadership and Academic Anchors

RWU's academic vision is guided by three Academic Anchors:

Marine Science and Innovation: Focuses on marine and coastal ecosystems, research, and sustainable practices.
Designed and Built Environment: Encompasses architecture, urban planning, construction, engineering, and sustainable practices.
Law, Society, and Justice: Examines the intersection of legal frameworks, governance structures, and societal dynamics.

These anchors are supported by a unique blending of liberal arts and humanities, professional studies, and business and entrepreneurship education.

Success by the Numbers

RWU's commitment to student success is reflected in its impressive statistics:

96% Placement of Grads: Graduates consistently find success in employment or in graduate schools within 6 months of graduation.
Over 80% Graduate With More Than a Single Major: Programs allow space for an additional major and/or minor, providing diverse skills and experiences.
100% Real-World Experience: Students gain experience through internships, research programs, and hands-on projects.

The student-faculty ratio at Roger Williams University is 14:1, and the school has 48.1% of its classes with fewer than 20 students. The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 80%.

Notable Alumni Achievements

RWU alumni have achieved success in various fields, demonstrating the value of a Roger Williams University education. For example, alumni with bachelor’s degrees from RWU in Applied Mathematics, Marine Biology, and Mechanical Engineering helped propel three alumni to receive their PhDs.

Making Education Possible

RWU is committed to making a great education possible through a personalized approach to Financial Aid.

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