
1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, USA


Roger Williams University was established in 1956, originally serving as a college focused on preparing educators. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive institution, expanding its academic offerings well beyond its initial scope. This transformation reflected the growing demand for diverse higher education opportunities in the region. The university adopted the name Roger Williams University to honor the 17th-century religious and political leader known for advocating religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Throughout the decades, the university has undergone significant growth in both its infrastructure and academic programs, now encompassing multiple schools and disciplines. Its development included the addition of professional programs such as law and business, which enhanced its appeal to a broader student population. The campus has grown to include modern facilities supporting research, athletics, and student life, aligning with its mission to provide a well-rounded education.
This historical progression shows a transition from a specialized college to a dynamic university committed to meeting contemporary educational needs. Understanding this background provides prospective students with insight into the university's adaptable character and its dedication to academic excellence across various fields.
Roger Williams University offers a diverse range of faculties and departments designed to cater to varied academic interests and career aspirations. Students can pursue studies in disciplines spanning the arts, sciences, business, and professional fields. The academic structure includes faculties that house multiple departments, each providing specialized programs aimed at developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
The university's College of Arts and Sciences serves as a hub for liberal arts education, with departments encompassing the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. These departments are organized to foster interdisciplinary learning alongside foundational expertise in areas such as English, psychology, biology, and environmental science.
For those interested in professional studies, the university offers dedicated faculties in fields like business and architecture. The arts faculty includes departments focused on design and creative expression, supporting students who wish to engage with visual and performing arts. The business faculty stands out for providing a curriculum aligned with contemporary industry demands, emphasizing leadership, ethics, and global perspectives.
Strong emphasis is also placed on health sciences and education, with relevant departments offering programs that blend academic coursework with practical experience. These faculties aim to prepare students for careers in healthcare, social services, and teaching through comprehensive training and community engagement opportunities.
Roger Williams University is situated in Bristol, Rhode Island, a town known for its coastal charm in the Northeast region. The university's address is 1 Old Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809, providing a serene and accessible environment for students. This location offers proximity to T. F. Green Airport, enhancing travel convenience for both domestic and international students.
Roger Williams University centers its educational mission on fostering a comprehensive learning environment that integrates rigorous academic programs with practical experiences. The institution aims to equip students with essential skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical understanding necessary to excel in a diverse and rapidly evolving global society. Emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches, the university encourages innovation and intellectual curiosity among its students.
The vision of Roger Williams University envisions preparing graduates to be responsible leaders who contribute thoughtfully and effectively within their careers and communities. It strives to cultivate a dynamic culture of inclusion, collaboration, and lifelong learning, where students are supported in achieving their personal and professional aspirations.
The university commits to maintaining a balance between theoretical knowledge and applied practice, promoting real-world engagement through experiential learning opportunities, internships, and service-oriented projects. This commitment is designed to enhance student readiness for the challenges and opportunities they will face beyond the academic setting.
Name of the institution
Roger Williams UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Four-year collegeMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1956
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$59,912Architecture
$40,236Biology, General
$35,206Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47,654Civil Engineering
$62,538Communication and Media Studies
$38,478Construction Management
$67,169Criminal Justice and Corrections
$41,548Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
$25,229Finance and Financial Management Services
$53,141Graphic Communications
$37,588International Business
$45,832Journalism
$30,211Legal Support Services
$41,535Marketing
$40,968Mechanical Engineering
$63,964Psychology, General
$31,679Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$32,983