Roger Williams University

What you'll study

The Biology B.S. provides a broad foundation in organismal, cellular and molecular biology while allowing students to tailor their studies through electives and research. Core topics typically include General Biology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Microbiology, Physiology and Biochemistry. Laboratory courses emphasise experimental design, data analysis and contemporary techniques such as microscopy, molecular methods and ecological field sampling.

Students are expected to complete mathematics and statistics courses that support quantitative analysis in biological research, and coursework in chemistry is an integral component of the degree. Many students undertake a senior capstone, independent research project or internship under faculty supervision; field-based courses and coastal ecology modules take advantage of the university’s proximity to marine and estuarine environments.

• Core subjects: Introductory Biology sequence, Genetics, Cell Biology, Ecology & Evolution, Microbiology
• Supporting science: General and Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Statistics/Quantitative Biology
• Practical experience: laboratory classes, fieldwork, independent research or senior thesis, and internship placements
• Electives and specialisms: molecular/cellular biology, organismal physiology, ecology and conservation, marine and coastal biology, or preparation for health professions

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification. Successful candidates typically present strong credentials in science and mathematics. For applicants from UK-style systems this commonly means good A-levels with Biology and Chemistry or equivalent science subjects; for International Baccalaureate students, higher-level science courses are expected. In the US context, a competitive high school GPA and a science-rich curriculum are important.

Roger Williams University evaluates applications holistically. Information on standardised testing, English-language requirements for non-native speakers, and required documentation is available from the admissions office. Applicants intending to progress to professional schools (medicine, dentistry, veterinary) are advised to follow pre-health course recommendations, including labs and prerequisite sciences.

Career prospects

Graduates with a B.S. in Biology from Roger Williams pursue a wide range of career paths. Common directions include:

• Entry into graduate study (MSc/PhD) in disciplines such as molecular biology, ecology, marine science or biomedical sciences
• Preparation for health professions (medical, dental, physician assistant or allied health programmes) with appropriate pre-health coursework
• Employment as laboratory technicians, research assistants or field technicians in academic, government or private-sector laboratories
• Roles in environmental consulting, conservation, fisheries and natural resource management, particularly leveraging coastal and marine expertise
• Opportunities in biotechnology, pharmaceutical industries, and science education or outreach

Faculty-led research, internships and partnerships help students build practical skills and professional networks that support transition to jobs or further study.

Why study at Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University emphasises experiential, student-centred learning with small class sizes and accessible faculty mentorship. The campus’s coastal New England setting provides unique opportunities for fieldwork in marine and estuarine ecosystems and for internships with regional research organisations and environmental agencies. Undergraduate research is a strong element of the programme, enabling students to gain hands-on laboratory and field experience and to present or publish their findings.

Students benefit from integrated advising for career planning and pre-health pathways, modern teaching laboratories, and a curriculum designed to balance theoretical foundations with practical application. These features make the Biology programme particularly well suited to students who value close faculty interaction, experiential learning, and preparation for diverse scientific careers or graduate study.