Success After Graduation
The Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences (SSNS) trains students to be scientists and practitioners through fieldwork and research projects that develop skills in analytical thinking, research methods, quantitative reasoning, and sociocultural learning.
RWU Equips You for a Great Career
Placement 2020 Grads
Even with the challenges of the pandemic, our 2020 SSNS graduates found success in employment or in graduate school within 6 months of their graduation.
Research Projects
A significant number of student and faculty-led research projects are undertaken annually, ranging from 1 to 3 credit experiences.
Real World Experience
SSNS students are offered a variety of opportunities to participate in community-engaged projects, internships, or work on independent research projects.
Secure Your Spot at SSNS
Accepted Students, have you made your decision? Reserve your spot for Fall 2021.
Alumni Stories of Success
Across all our programs, alumni find success in graduate programs and their fields.
“I got to do a lot of hands-on projects really early on. I’ve been doing psychology research since the beginning of my sophomore year. Because it’s a smaller school, you have the opportunity to be able to take a class with a professor and have them ask you to participate in their research.”
ABBY MAXWELL '20, Graduate Student at American University, Washington, D.C.
Majors: Psychology and International Relations
RWU Connections Make Big Things Happen
“The wild thing about our story is that [two alumni] who became best friends at RWU can connect with a farmer in Kentucky to create a product that will save not only hundreds of thousands of lives in Africa, but potentially millions more over its course with malaria and the potential for cancer.”
ADAM MAUST '05, CEO of ArtemiFlow USA, Harrisburg, Pa.
Major: Political Science
More: RWU Alumni Launch a New Way to Wage the Fight Against Malaria
Research Opportunities Sooner
““Grad school is about researching and being able to apply yourself outside the lecture hall, and my NASA research project was like a practice run. I was able to do it way sooner than grad school and that’s a real advantage.”
HIEN NGO '18, Math and Science Teacher at St. Michael’s Country Day School, Newport, R.I.
Major: Applied Mathematics and Biology
More: Designing a Craft for Manned Expeditions on Mars
“The physics and mathematics programs at RWU prepared me for a career in analysis where I can apply theory to come up with practical solutions to address urban environmental issues. Specifically, the ability to work closely with faculty on research projects allowed me to gain a skill set that I would not have acquired from the classroom alone.”
JOSHUA CASTIGLIEGO ’17, Researcher at Applied Economics Clinic, Arlington, Mass.
Majors: Mathematics and Physics
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You can definitely learn what you want to do in the future while going to Roger because you can take so many different classes where you get different experiences. You can get to the career that you want.”
SEAN NUGENT '20, Water Quality Specialist at SafeWell, Bolton, Mass.
Major: Environmental Science
Real-World Experience Sets Up Success
“With so much of the education at RWU, you’re put into positions that take you outside of your comfort zone – not knowing what challenges may arise and having to make decisions on your feet, and that’s excellent preparation for real-world experiences. Roger gave me the foundation to move on to grad school and to this fellowship.”
ELIZABETH LeMASTERS '10, Microbiology, Quality and Compliance specialist at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Laboratories, Atlanta, Ga.
Major: Chemistry
More: From RWU Lab to the CDC
“The political science department prepares you very well with the skills you’ll need and the quality of the educators is top notch. Class sizes were small enough that I was able to develop good relationships with professors and have great intellectual debates that let you hone your ideas. They believed in me, encouraged me, and were always there for me and pushed me.”
JAKUB LIS '17, Director of Community Engagement for U.S. Congressman David Cicilline, Providence, R.I.
Majors: Political Science, Economics, German
More: Connecting His RWU Experience to a Career in Politics
“I did a job shadow with a social worker for one of my courses and I loved it. Being in that environment and writing a report on it was the biggest help in realizing the direction I wanted to go.”
LAUREN SERAFIN '20, Lead Home Based Support Therapist, Looking Upwards, Middletown, R.I.
Major: Anthropology and Sociology
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My education at RWU taught me to work collaboratively with other scientists, to have meaningful conversations about science and to constantly be trying to learn new things.”
REBECCA METIVIER '17, Research Associate II at Dana-Farber Cancer Clinic, Boston, Mass.
Majors: Chemistry and Marine Biology
Secure Your Spot at SSNS
Accepted Students, have you made your decision? Reserve your spot for Fall 2021.
Students Experience Real Issues First-hand
Cutting-Edge Labs and Resources
In addition to small class sizes and making connections with expert faculty, SSNS students enjoy top-notch facilities and research tools.
- The Marine and Natural Sciences building contains state-of-the-art laboratories, including an open seawater lab. With saltwater drawn straight from the bay, our shellfish hatchery and tropical fish aquaculture facility provide opportunities to pioneer research and technology development alongside faculty members.
- The Center for Economic and Environmental Development conducts research that promotes the environmentally sustainable development of marine and maritime industries in Rhode Island. Its facilities include a Wet Lab, Shellfish Hatchery, Dockside Aquaculture, and Aquatic Diagnostic Lab.
- RWU launches a 30-foot vessel outfitted for coastal research out onto Mount Hope Bay and waters beyond every week of the year. Our new experiential learning research vessel (InVinceble Spirit) allows an entire class to be on board in the bay and directly experience our coastal ecosystem dynamics.
Become a RISE Scholar
For talented students interested in a career in research and industry in science and engineering, RWU offers a $10,000 scholarship to become a RISE Scholar. Bridging science, computer science, engineering and forensic science, RWU RISE Scholars are an inclusive community of science communicators dedicated to advancing public understanding of STEM concepts.
Secure Your Spot at SSNS
Accepted Students, have you made your decision? Reserve your spot for Fall 2021.
