Who We Are

The School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation is a diverse community of students and faculty dedicated to the creation and stewardship of the built and cultural environments. The School is committed to its mission as a small teaching institution, in the rich cultural and natural setting of coastal New England.

We prepare students from many backgrounds and experiences for leadership in professional practice, service, and individual creative pursuits. Education in the School encourages the complementary pursuits of learning and practice, reflection and action. In a world of continuous technological change, these timeless values endure, and exist as relevant tools for contemporary life and practice, and as a means for advancing the cause of a humane environment for all.

Educational Model

Students pursue parallel University Core Curriculum and major core studies in foundation years, before expanding into optional tracks and topical areas at advanced levels. Students are encouraged to assume increasing responsibility for the choice and direction of their inquiry and career path as they advance. Studies in the majors are intensive, yet flexible, encouraging students to pursue double majors between the school's programs, and minors in the arts, humanities, sciences, languages, engineering and business.

Current Degree Programs

• Master of Architecture (5 ½-6 year professional degree, NAAB Accredited)
• Bachelor of Architecture (5-year professional degree, NAAB Accredited. Phase-out in 2009. Last entering class Fall 2004)
• Bachelor Science in Architecture (4-year program)
• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts Studies (painting/drawing/printmaking, sculpture, photo / digital media tracks).
• Bachelor of Science in Historic Preservation (National Council of Preservation Education member)
• Bachelor of Arts in Art + Architectural History
• Dual Majors in Art + Architectural History / Historic Preservation and Art + Architectural History / Visual Arts Studies are available.
  

Applications Deadlines and Admissions Criteria

• Architecture: Regular Decision February 1st; Early Decision November 1st; Early Action November 15th.  Late applications accepted if space is available.  Portfolio requirement: slides, CDs, or 8.5 x 11 format, to include evidence of creative ability emphasizing two and three dimensional work. Portfolio may demonstrate potential in architecture from work in a variety of media: architecture, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and/or creative writing.
  
  
• Visual Arts Studies: Regular Decision February 1st; Early Decision November 1st; Early Action November 15th.  Portfolio requirement: slides, CDs or 8.5x11 format, to demonstrate facility with a variety of forms and media.
  
  
• All Other Programs: Regular Decision February 1st; Early Decision November 1st; Early Action November 15th.  Interviews are available.
  

Students

Architecture: 370 UG, 30 GR. Visual Arts Studies: 65. Historic Preservation: 40. Art and Architectural History: 10.  Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1 overall. 12:1 in Architecture studios, 12:1 in Art Studios.

2006 Entering Class Profile

Median 3.4 HS GPA; 1189 SAT score (math and verbal combined); 70% in top 2/5 of HS class.  Our students come from the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, and several foreign countries. 45% women, 55% men.

High School Preparation

Challenging college preparatory High School studies in math, science, history, and English are required for all applicants. Minimum of geometry and two years of HS algebra are expected for Architecture applicants, with readiness to enter college-level calculus highly recommended. Students needing preparatory work toward calculus may need additional time to complete degree requirements. Studio art and related course work are encouraged.

Financial Aid

Need-based and merit-based aid is available to qualified applicants for the duration of the undergraduate degree programs. 234 of the School's students currently receive approximately $1.90 million in merit scholarships. Merit-based Presidential and Dean's Scholarships are awarded to applicants demonstrating academic excellence and involvement with significant extracurricular activities in High School. Merit Scholars participate in the University Honors Program. Transfer student Merit Scholarships are extended to qualified graduates of two-year colleges. On-campus Research Assistantships and off-campus professional internships are available for Architecture graduate students.

Unique Features

• First accredited 5 year Architecture program in the US in a small, liberal arts college
  
• Only US undergraduate Historic Preservation program in a School of Architecture
  
• Only undergraduate Historic Preservation program in New England
  
• All undergraduates are taught by faculty, with no teaching assistants
  
• Undergraduate Feinstein Service Learning requirement
  
• Advanced Internships and community service required for Historic Preservation majors
  
• 50+ station computing laboratory. 375-person/Bristol, 26 Florence(Italy) Design Studio on wireless or wired for laptops
  

Special Programs / Study Abroad

• Public Events Series: Lectures, Conferences, Exhibitions
  
• International Faculty Fellows Program: brings faculty from around the world for special summer programs
  
• Florence Study Abroad Program: All degree programs: Fall and Spring.
  
• Prague/Brno/Vienna Program: Architecture. Alternate summers
  
• Summer Academy in Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation: for qualified high school students
  

Student Activities

American Institute of Architects Students (AIAS); Art Society, Historic Preservation Society; Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts; intercollegiate and intramural athletics

Career Development Continuum

Since 2002-2003, the SAAHP has a "Career Development Continuum" of Undergraduate Workstudy, Internship, Graduate Assistantship, and Post-Graduate Fellowship opportunities to better link students, the school, the professions and university advancement opportunities together. Placements have begun for students in off-campus workstudy positions, under the joint supervision of the School and the off-campus group.

Graduate Schools Attended by Students

A selected list of schools includes MIT, Harvard, SCI-ARC, Cornell, Columbia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Texas, The Architectural Association (London), Cambridge University, Rice, Boston University and Washington University. Advanced degree studies in Architecture, Historic Preservation, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, City and Regional Planning, Architectural History, and Conservation.

Contacts

Roger Williams University
Admissions Office
One Old Ferry Road
Bristol, RI 02809-2921.
Tel: (401) 254-3500, or 800-458-7144
E-mail: admit@rwu.edu

RWU School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation
Tel: (401) 254-3605.
E-mail: saahp@rwu.edu

Stephen White, Dean
E-mail: swhite@rwu.edu.
Tel : 401-254-3681.

Okan Ustunkok, Associate Dean
E-mail oustunkok@rwu.edu.
Tel : 401-254-3743. 
 
Janet Zwolinski, Assistant Dean
E-mail jzwolinski@rwu.edu
Tel: 401-254-3580