Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The Social Sciences degree at Roger Williams University provides a flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum that combines core methodological training with substantive courses across multiple disciplines. Students build quantitative and qualitative research skills alongside thematic study of social institutions, inequality, governance and culture.

• Core methods and foundations: research methods, statistics for social scientists, social theory, and ethics in research.
• Disciplinary courses: introductory and advanced courses in sociology, political science, economics, anthropology and psychology — for example courses on social stratification, public policy, comparative politics, microeconomics and cultural anthropology.
• Thematic and applied electives: topics such as urban studies, environmental justice, community development, race and ethnicity, gender studies, immigration, and health policy.
• Skill-building: data analysis (including use of statistical software), qualitative interviewing, programme evaluation, policy analysis and geographic information systems (GIS) where available.
• Experiential learning: practicum or internship placements with community organisations, government agencies or non-profits, plus community-based research projects.
• Capstone: a senior seminar or research capstone that integrates disciplinary approaches and requires students to produce a sustained research paper or applied policy project.

The typical degree structure balances general education requirements with a major sequence and elective credits; students are encouraged to take minors or concentrations (for example in criminal justice, environmental studies or international studies) to personalise their programme.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical requirements include a competitive overall academic record with strength in social studies, mathematics and writing. Where relevant, applicants submit standardised test scores if required by admissions policy; many applicants are admitted under test-optional frameworks.

• Academic background: successful completion of upper-level secondary courses in social studies, mathematics or statistics, and English.
• Recommended preparation: coursework in history, economics, civics, and introductory social science subjects is helpful. Demonstrated ability with quantitative material is advantageous.
• English language proficiency: for international applicants, an approved English language qualification is required unless exempt.
• Supporting materials: personal statement or essay that outlines interest in social sciences, and at least one academic reference or school report. Relevant extracurricular experience (volunteering, civic engagement, internships) strengthens an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor in Social Sciences are prepared for a wide range of entry-level roles and for graduate study. The programme’s emphasis on research methods, policy analysis and applied experience equips students for work in public, private and non-profit sectors.

• Community development and social services roles (case work, programme coordination, outreach)
• Public policy and government positions (policy analyst assistant, legislative aide, local government staff)
• Non-profit administration and advocacy (fundraising, programme management, community organising)
• Research and data roles (research assistant, data technician, evaluation specialist)
• Private-sector positions that value social research and communication skills (market research, human resources, corporate social responsibility)
• Further study pathways: graduate degrees in social work (MSW), public administration (MPA), law (JD), public policy (MPP) or academic master's and doctoral programmes in social science disciplines.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a hands-on, student-centred environment well suited to an interdisciplinary social sciences education. Small class sizes and close faculty mentoring allow for personalised supervision of research projects and internships.

• Experiential opportunities: strong links with local government, community organisations and regional non-profits provide accessible internship and practicum placements.
• Location: proximity to Providence and other New England cities gives students access to diverse urban, coastal and policy settings for fieldwork and professional networking.
• Support services: career services, internship offices and undergraduate research programmes help students translate academic work into career outcomes or graduate study preparation.
• Interdisciplinary culture: the university encourages cross-disciplinary minors and collaborative projects, so students can tailor the degree toward criminal justice, environmental studies, international affairs or other complementary fields.

Together, these elements make Roger Williams University a practical choice for students seeking an applied, research-informed undergraduate education in the social sciences.