Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The Area Studies programme is built around concentrated study of one or more world regions (for example Latin America, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, or Africa) together with intensive language training and interdisciplinary coursework. Core elements typically include:

• Regional history and culture: courses that examine historical development, literature, religion and social practices in the chosen region.
• Politics and international relations: comparative politics, foreign policy, and regional security studies.
• Economics and development: economic structures, development policy and trade as they relate to the region.
• Language study: progressive language courses enabling reading, writing and spoken proficiency in a regional language.
• Research methods: training in qualitative and quantitative methods, area-specific archival work, and critical regional analysis.
• Experiential components: internships, community-engaged projects, and opportunities for study abroad or field research to develop practical skills and regional familiarity.
• Capstone project or thesis: a final integrative research project that demonstrates the student’s ability to synthesise language skills, disciplinary insights and primary or secondary research.

Entry requirements

Admissions look for applicants with a strong high-school record and evidence of academic curiosity about other cultures and languages. Typical requirements include:

• A completed secondary-school qualification (high school diploma or equivalent) with a competitive overall record.
• Official transcripts from secondary-school studies.
• A personal statement or essay explaining your interest in area studies and the region(s) you wish to study.
• Letters of recommendation (often one or two) from teachers or counsellors who can speak to academic potential.
• Optional or context-dependent standardised test scores — check the university’s current policy for details.
• For students whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in Area Studies develop language proficiency, cross-cultural competence and strong analytical and research skills valued across multiple sectors. Common career paths include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service roles, working for government agencies or international organisations.
• International development and non-governmental organisations, focusing on programme design, monitoring and policy analysis.
• Global business and trade, including market research, international relations, and regional strategy roles.
• Journalism and media specialising in international reporting and cultural analysis.
• Education and academic research at secondary and tertiary levels, or progression to graduate study (e.g., area studies, international relations, law, public policy).
• Community outreach, cultural institutions and museums where regional expertise and language skills are assets.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University offers a liberal-arts environment with personalised faculty mentoring and a focus on experiential learning, making it well suited to an applied, interdisciplinary programme like Area Studies. Students benefit from small class sizes, opportunities for internships and community engagement in the New England region, and institutional support for study abroad and field research. The university’s emphasis on practical experience helps students combine classroom knowledge with internships, language immersion and capstone research to prepare for careers that require both regional expertise and transferable professional skills.