Johnson & Wales University Providence, R.I.
WOO
That feeling you get when you find a university that offers hands-on opportunities for real-world experience and the skills to start your future right now.
Johnson & Wales has two campus locations: Charlotte, North Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island. In this book, you’ll explore JWU Providence.
In 1914, women were still fighting for basic rights in the U.S., such as the right to vote or own property. But this didn’t stop Gertrude Johnson and Mary Wales from challenging the status quo. These two enterprising women threw caution to the wind and opened their own business school with just one student and one typewriter. Their goal was simple — teach people skills that are in demand.
This goal has been the driving force of the school ever since, leading us to
expand our academic offerings to include programs in the arts and sciences, engineering, design, food, health and hospitality. With the same innovative spirit as Gertrude and Mary, we craft programs in response to the needs of all industries. We also blaze new trails to explore the industries of tomorrow and prepare students like you for what’s ahead.
Our founding mothers would be proud.
Lessons Action in
Cutting-edge facilities let you experience your lessons instead of just learning them.
To learn, you must do. But where and how can you “do”? You’ll need the right tools and the right spaces. Media students can’t learn how to make a movie by reading a book — they head to our Center for Media Production to work with cameras and green screens. Exercise Science students can’t conduct research on an athlete’s performance with just a pen and paper — they need the state-of-the-art equipment in our Exercise Science Lab to monitor heart rate, body temperature, oxygen levels and other metabolic data.
We have invested in the spaces and tools our students need to create, experience, innovate and do.
SAMPLE COURSE
ESS3015 Exercise Assessment and Prescription Laboratory
In this course, you’ll use state-ofthe-art equipment like the BOD POD® for body composition and advanced ECG machines to monitor heart health. Get hands-on experience using the same high-tech tools as Olympic athletes!
SAMPLE COURSE
CJS3075 Criminal Investigation
In the Crime Scene Room, students analyze a staged crime scene and learn how to collect and evaluate evidence by dusting for fingerprints, charting bullet trajectories and more.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Ally Buckley ’24
“Take advantage of the Innovation Lab,” says this superstar Graphic Design student. “It’s one of the coolest spaces at JWU with the latest fabrication equipment, such as 3D printers and laser engravers.” She and many other students spend a lot of time here working on portfolio pieces or class assignments to display in the student gallery down the hall.
“JWU offers programs that are tailored to people like me, who want to work with food and successfully run a business. I fell in love with the environment here.”
Jennifer Lee ’25
Jennifer Lee ’25
When she’s not vlogging on YouTube, competing on baking TV shows or running her custom dessert business, Jennifer Lee ’25 is honing her entrepreneurial skills in the Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship program.
FAVORITE JWU PROFESSOR
Magnus Thorsson, Ph.D., ’94
FAVORITE CLASS
Culinary Operations
FAVORITE DESSERT
To make: French macarons
To eat: New York-style cheesecake
JEN’S COURSE SCHEDULE
• ENTR4010 Change and Innovation Management
• FSM3040 Food Service Financial Systems
• SCI1050 Nutrition
• ENTR3015 Small Business Management
• LIT3015 Food In Film and Literature
Major Breakthroughs
Industry-responsive areas of focus
JOHN HAZEN WHITE
COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
Animal Science
Biology
Criminal Justice
Data Analytics
Equine Studies
Liberal Studies
Media & Communication
Psychology
Undeclared: University Explorations
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Accounting
Business Administration
Business Studies
Cannabis Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship
Fashion Merchandising & Retailing
Finance
Marketing & Advertising
Undeclared: Business Explorations
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & DESIGN
Computer Science
Cyber Threat Intelligence & Defense
Digital Marketing & Social Media
Graphic Design
COLLEGE OF FOOD INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Baking & Pastry Arts
Culinary Arts
Culinary Nutrition
Culinary Science & Product Development
Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
COLLEGE OF HEALTH & WELLNESS
Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
Exercise and Sports Science
Health Science
Healthcare Administration
Public Health
COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Baking & Pastry Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management
Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management
Hospitality Management
Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
Get Your Hands Dirty
(Not literally, unless you’re into that.)
1. Culinary students learn how to grow their own ingredients in raised garden beds on campus.
2. Our Cybersecurity Center has been designated as a National Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security (NSA/DHS) Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
3. Getting hands-on in the Criminal Justice program means learning how to process evidence and analyze fingerprints using the latest forensic equipment in the Crime Lab.
4. Equine Studies and Animal Science students learn how to handle all kinds of animals, including horses.
5. Our new Accelerated Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program features a simulation center with high-fidelity manikins for students to practice realistic nursing scenarios.
6. Baking and culinary students can take skills classes to perfect specific talents such as sugar work.
7. Hospitality students learn to lead in the industry while working at local hotels and businesses.
8. Nearly every academic program invites industry speakers to campus to share insight about their field with students.
Health & Wellness students lace up their boxing gloves at a local gym to lead exercise programs for Parkinson’s patients.
High Impact
It’s no secret — hands-on, experiential education is the best way to learn.
Culinary Science & Product Development major Caleb Atkinson ’24 spent a semester interning at the corporate office of Del’s Lemonade, a famous Rhode Island institution, to develop new products for the company to add to their menu.
We’ve been perfecting this approach to education for over 100 years now — it began with one student learning to use a typewriter and has turned into thousands of students experiencing their desired fields through real-world projects, internships and Directed Experiential Education (DEE) courses.
Unique to JWU, DEE courses are project-based learning opportunities that allow students to work with industry partners to complete a specific project. JWU students have produced videos, created advertising campaigns, consulted on business practices and more.
ESPN’s Senior Director of Content Strategy and Development Kati Fernandez recently came to JWU to speak with students about the sports, entertainment and event management industry.
Where the Wildcats Are
Pride, Courage, Character and Community are the four pillars of the Wildcat Way.
What type of person do you hope to become? If you strive to be someone who takes pride in themselves and their work, has the courage to take on new challenges, shows strength of character and makes a difference in their community — you’ll be in good company here. Our students have the drive to chase their goals and the grit to persevere.
They come from around the world and from all walks of life. Different cultures, perspectives and ideas all come together to produce an incredible environment for learning and living.
When you surround yourself with Wildcats, you can’t help but be inspired.
JWU students experience Holi Saga, an Indian tradition that celebrates color, love and spring.
The Creative Capital
Providence, Rhode Island has been dubbed the “Creative Capital” for its impressive arts and culture scene.
Besides the beautiful murals that cover the cityscape, Providence’s creative vibe comes from the artists who travel here from around the world, as well as the exciting energy of more than 20,000 college students who study at the eight different college and university campuses in the city.
Our Downcity Campus sits in the middle of Providence, so you won’t have to venture far to explore all the incredible art, history, culture, performing arts and food this little city has to offer. And just a short Wildcat Wheels ride away, you can also enjoy the peaceful green space and ocean views our Harborside Campus provides. It’s the best of both worlds.
Club Join the
Student Clubs and Organizations
One of the best ways to get involved, make new friends and get that quintessential “college experience” is to join one of our 85+ student-run clubs and organizations. There’s something for every interest — you can take up beekeeping with Bee the Change, hit the slopes with the Ski & Snowboard Club, or analyze Taylor Swift’s latest album with Swifties (JWU’s Version).
And if you can’t find a club that matches your unique interests, you can start your own.
You’ll find clubs and organizations that span a variety of categories:
• Academic & Professional
• Advocacy & Awareness
• Arts & Media
• Club Sports & Recreation
• Culinary
• Cultural & Faith-Based
• Governance & Programming
• Fraternities, Sororities and Social Fellowships
We’d love to list them all, but like we said — there are more than 85 of them!
CLUBS & ORGS
To learn more about life on campus and how to join in, visit jwu.edu/studentlife/pvd
We Like Win to
“Teaming” with Potential: Athletics
Our NCAA Division III varsity sports allow student-athletes to strike the perfect balance between crushing it in the classroom and on the field (or the court, the ice, the mat — whatever playing surface they’re on). Our trophy cabinet has become quite full in the last few years alone, with stellar performances at the tournament, conference and national level.
In 2023-24, Wildcats won championships in Men’s Wrestling, Soccer and Baseball as well as Women’s Soccer, Lacrosse and Field Hockey.
Whether you shoot hoops with the basketball team or saddle up with Equestrian IHSA, you’ll be a winner here.
MEN’S
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Wrestling
WOMEN’S
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Track & Field – Indoor *
• Track & Field – Outdoor *
• Volleyball
CO-ED
• Equestrian Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)
• Equestrian Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)
*New for 2025.
We’ve Got Your Back
“We’re catering to more diverse learners, and our students are flourishing academically and socially. They feel so empowered and confident.”
Joseph Barresi Jr., Ph.D., LICSW, LCDP Associate Dean of Students for Counseling, Health & Wellness
The health and wellness of our students is a top priority. We take a holistic approach to supporting students by offering services that emphasize the importance of mental health as well as physical, spiritual, academic and financial well-being.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Accommodations for learning disabilities, physical challenges and chronic medical conditions
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER
Tutoring, writing labs and study skills workshops
COUNSELING SERVICES
Confidential professional counseling
HEALTH & WELLNESS SERVICES
Basic healthcare services, such as treatment of common illnesses, prescription refills, lab testing, wound care and STI screening and prevention
THE BRIDGE FOR DIVERSITY, EQUITY & SOCIAL JUSTICE
A welcoming space for advancing a campus culture of inclusion, safety and discovery around topics of gender identity, racial justice, spirituality, sexual orientation, cultural differences and more
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES (SAS)
Academic planning with advisors and counselors
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
Financial planning guidance to help you pay for college
WILDCAT LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS IN ACTION (LEAP)
A fee-based educational program designed to help students discover how they learn and to develop specific strategies to enhance their learning
Investing Your in Future
College is an investment that should pay off, so what is the return on JWU? It’s careerreadiness, a résumé that will stand out, a professional network built throughout your time here and the experience needed to land your dream job.
Our dedicated Experiential Education & Career Services office connects students with opportunities through career fairs, internships and networking events. They also offer résumé-building and mock interview sessions, so you’ll have all the preparation you need to ace a job interview.
95%
Career Outcomes Rate, which reflects students who are either employed, continuing their education, enlisted in military service or performing voluntary service within six months of graduation. Our rate is consistently higher than the national average.
1,260
internships were completed by students universitywide last year, and 81% of them were paid opportunities.
Accelerating Forward
What comes after your bachelor’s degree? You’ve got options.
If you’re a forward thinker and already planning for a graduate degree after your bachelor’s, you’re going to love our J2 program. J2 allows full-time JWU undergraduate students to earn their master’s degree faster by starting their graduate-level coursework in their senior year, saving time and money on an advanced degree.
You can also explore our combined undergrad/grad programs and pre-professional health programs.
JWU alums can also take advantage of our Wildcat Alumni Scholarship — a 25% discount on your graduate tuition if you qualify.
Learn more at jwu.edu/undergrad-to-grad.
126,000+
JWU alumni worldwide
Forever Wildcats
When you graduate from JWU, you’ll be joining an alumni network that spans the globe — our alums represent 128 countries.
JWU alumni often return to campus to recruit students at our career fairs, visit classes to share insight about their industry and network with the next generation of Wildcats. Their affinity for their alma mater runs deep, and they love nothing more than returning to their old stomping grounds.
Alumni Family Our
What are Wildcat alumni up to?
Tayla Bolduc ’20 has been working with the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate baseball team for the Boston Red Sox, since the spring of 2020. First, she was a production intern, but her role quickly evolved into a coordinator of digital media and content creation, which includes photography, graphic design, video editing and managing social media channels for the team.
THE PEOPLE’S CHAMP
Eric Adjepong ’10
This Top Chef finalist won the hearts of viewers with his charisma and won the stomachs of the judges with his unique West African dishes. More recently, he’s been hosting Wildcard Kitchen on Food Network and collaborating with Crate & Barrel on a kitchenware collection.
SETTING THE STAGE
Kendra Cahill ’22
Kendra is one of several JWU alums from the Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management program who work at the Xfinity Center, a live entertainment venue in Massachusetts. She’s the payroll and scheduling manager for all venue staff, but she also helps onboard new employees.
BATTER UP!
Tayla Bolduc ’20
“As a JWU Media & Communication student, I had the opportunity to visit ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut,” Tayla says. “We were able to get a behindthe-scenes look at the studio sets and the production equipment used during filming, and that was when I realized I could combine my love of sports and my passion for digital media into a career. I’m so grateful JWU had opportunities like that or else it might have taken longer for me to realize my niche!”
Financial Aid Understanding
Once you’ve applied and been accepted to JWU, you’ll be assigned a personal financial planner to assist you and your family with creating a plan to pay for college.
DID YOU KNOW?
of our on-ground students receive institutional aid
First steps for U.S. students applying for financial aid:
1 Create your FAFSA student ID at fafsa.gov
2 Gather your license, social security card and bank statements
3 List JWU’s school code, 003404
&
Grants
We offer a variety of scholarships and grants for academic performance, membership in student organizations, veterans, financial need and more.
For more information, check out jwu.edu/payingforcollege
If you take part in an on-campus visit experience through November 17 of your senior year of high school, you could be eligible to receive a Visit Grant of up to $5,000, renewable for up to four years while at JWU!
This is Just the Beginning
Applying is the first step toward your future at JWU. We review every material you submit holistically. What are we looking for? Your story — who you are in your school, community, home and life — and who you want to become.
APPLICATION COMPONENTS
• Common Application OR JWU Application
• High school transcript(s)
• Essay (optional but encouraged)
• Standardized test scores (optional and totally up to you)
FALL 2025 APPLICATION DEADLINES
• Early Action 1 (EA1): November 17
• Early Action 2 (EA2): January 15
• Regular (Rolling): July 1
Apply (for free!) at apply.jwu.edu.