Johnson & Wales University
Providence, R.I.
WOO ]
JWU
noun, adjective, and/or state of mind.
1. A place to learn and grow through one-of-a-kind experiential education
2. An inclusive, diverse and supportive community of Wildcats
3. To be thoughtfully innovative and boldly trailblazing
4. The key to pursuing your passion and preparing for success
5. An experience you won’t want to miss
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Johnson & Wales has two campus locations: Charlotte, North Carolina and Providence, Rhode Island. In this book, you’ll explore JWU Providence.
Experience.
It’s what we have, how we teach and what you’ll gain here. Whether you have a dream job in mind or are still exploring your options, Johnson & Wales will prepare you for whatever lies ahead.
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 and Sports 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
MCOM3600 Narrative Filmmaking
In this course, students collaborate to produce short films that explore fiction-based storytelling. Advanced techniques in lighting, cinematography and directing actors allow participants to create work of high-production value.
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
This recent Graphic Design alum spent many hours in the Innovation Lab working on assignments for her impressive portfolio. “It’s one of the coolest spaces at JWU with the latest fabrication equipment, such as 3D printers and laser engravers,” she says. Today, Ally works as a graphic design specialist at Princeton University Art Museum.
Areas Study of
Accounting
Animal Science
Equine Science
Pre-Veterinary Studies
Baking & Pastry Arts
Baking & Pastry Arts and Food & Beverage Industry Management
Biology
Business Administration
Business Studies
Computer Science
3-year and 4-year degree options
Criminal Justice
3-year and 4-year degree options
Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts and Food & Beverage
Industry Management
Culinary Nutrition
Culinary Science & Product
Development
Cybersecurity
Data Analytics
Design
Graphic Design
Product Design
Web Design
3-year and 4-year degree options
Dietetics and Applied Nutrition
Digital Marketing & Social Media
Entrepreneurship
Exercise and Sports Science
Fashion Merchandising & Retailing
Finance
Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship
Health Science
Health Science/Nursing 4+1
Healthcare Administration
Hospitality Management
Food and Beverage
Hotel and Resort
Sustainable Tourism
3-year and 4-year degree options
Liberal Studies
Marketing & Advertising
Media & Communication
Psychology
Public Health
Public Health/Nursing 4+1
Sports, Entertainment, Event — Management
Undeclared
Business Explorations
University Explorations
Do it in Three
You can now earn your bachelor’s degree in three years. Seriously.
In 2024, we became the first university in the country to offer three-year bachelor’s degree programs that are 90-96 credits instead of the traditional 120. This allows students to finish college faster, enter the workforce sooner and have less financial burden — all while still getting the same high-quality education we’re known for.
You can earn a three-year bachelor’s degree in:
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Design: Graphic or Web
• Hospitality Management
Learn more at jwu.edu/3year.
Jennifer Lee (center) on the set of Cookie, Cupcake, Cake with hosts Samantha Seneviratne and Buddy Valastro.
Jennifer Lee ’25
In between vlogging on YouTube, running her custom dessert business and competing on baking shows like Hulu’s Cookie, Cupcake, Cake, Jennifer Lee ’25 also honed 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
Get Your Hands Dirty
(Not literally, unless you’re into that.)
6
1. Culinary students learn how to grow their own ingredients in raised garden beds on campus.
8. In our high-tech science labs, students study chemistry, biology and food science. 5 7
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. 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 & Pastry students create masterpieces in the Modern Cake & Floral Design course.
7. Hospitality students learn to lead in the industry while working at local hotels and businesses.
Let’s Get REAL
Health & Wellness students lace up their boxing gloves at a local gym to lead exercise programs for Parkinson’s patients.
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.
1,187
internships were completed by students universitywide last year, and 65% were paid opportunities.
(Reimagining Experiential & Applied Learning)
We’ve spent more than 100 years leading the way in experiential education, but our REAL approach takes things to the next level. The goal of REAL is to infuse experiential education into every course for every student in every major from day one.
We’re one of the only institutions in the country to offer experiential learning in every course. This approach, coupled with real-world projects and internship opportunities, will give you a truly unique education that will set you apart and prepare you for your desired career.
Where Wildcats the 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 95+ 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 Development
• Advocacy & Awareness
• Arts & Media
• Club Sports & Recreation
• Culinary
• Cultural & Faith-Based
• Governance & Programming
• Fraternities, Sororities & Social Fellowships
We’d love to list them all, but like we said — there are more than 95 of them!
To learn more about life on campus and how to join in, visit jwu.edu/studentlife/pvd.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT
P.A.W.S.
“The JWU P.A.W.S. Club brings animal lovers across JWU together to support local animal shelters,” says P.A.W.S. President Ashlynn Kirraine ’25.
“From monthly volunteer days at the shelter to on-campus events creating items to donate (toys, blankets, dog biscuits), we connect students to animals.”
We Like Win to
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 2024-25, Wildcats won championships in Equestrian Dressage, Men’s Wrestling and Baseball, and Women’s Softball and Outdoor Track & Field.
Whether you shoot hoops with the basketball team or saddle up with Equestrian IHSA, you’ll be a winner here.
WOMEN’S
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Field Hockey
• Ice Hockey
• Lacrosse
MEN’S
• Baseball
• Basketball
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
JWU Wrestling made history this year when they won the 2025 NCAA DIII National Championship.
• Soccer
• Softball
• Track & Field – Indoor
• Track & Field – Outdoor
• Volleyball
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Ice Hockey
• Wrestling
CO-ED
• Equestrian Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)
• Equestrian Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA)
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.
ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER
Tutoring, writing labs and study skills workshops
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES
Accommodations for learning disabilities, physical challenges and/ or chronic medical conditions
THE BRIDGE
An office dedicated to advancing JWU’s culture of being a welcoming place for all students
COUNSELING SERVICES
Confidential professional services to support emotional well-being
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION & CAREER SERVICES
Résumé-building workshops, career management courses and career fairs to connect students with internships
HEALTH SERVICES AND EDUCATION
Basic healthcare and education on forming healthy habits
STUDENT ACADEMIC SERVICES
Course registration and planning, understanding degree requirements, reviewing transcripts and more
STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES
Guidance from your dedicated financial planner to help you pay for college, now through graduation
WILDCAT LEARNING
EFFECTIVENESS IN ACTION PROGRAM (LEAP)
A fee-based first-year program to help students develop strategies to enhance learning as they transition to college
Investing Your in Future
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.
SUCCESS STORIES
95% of our alumni are either employed, continuing their education, enlisted in military service or performing voluntary service within six months of graduating. Our Career Outcomes Rate is consistently higher than the national average.
CHIP WADE ’83, ’06 HON.
“Over the years, I’ve interviewed and hired countless JWU students, and I know the legacy continues,” says Chip Wade ’83, ’06 Hon., the CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group. “This university doesn’t just prepare students to enter industries — it prepares them to lead them.”
CONNECTED
129,000+
JWU alumni from 130 countries
Forever Wildcats
When you graduate from JWU, you’ll be joining an alumni network that spans the globe.
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. The Media & Communication alum started as 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 season 17 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.
SUCCESS BY DESIGN
Julia Shiels ’24
This young graphic designer has brought her talents to Newell Brands, a company that owns major brands like Sharpie, Rubbermaid and Mr. Coffee. She works in the home fragrance division with Yankee Candle, WoodWick and Chesapeake Bay Candles, designing labels and advertising materials.
Top Employers of JWU Alumni
• Marriott International
• Compass Group
• Disney
• Fidelity Investments
• CVS Health James Beard nominees in 2025
The JWU
The JWU Pledge covers up to 100% of eligible undergraduate students’ tuition, making a college education more affordable and accessible.
This program includes grants, scholarships and aid from federal, state and institutional sources to cover the cost of tuition.
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for the JWU Pledge. Our Student Financial Services team determines if you are eligible based on your family’s verified income on your FAFSA.
Our FAFSA school code is 003404.
Learn more about the JWU Pledge and eligibility requirements at jwu.edu/thepledge.
JWU Pledge Eligibility
Income up to $80,000 and Pell grant
(verified by FAFSA)
Income between $80,001-$200,000 (verified by FAFSA)
* For transfer students who have completed at least 24 college credits, we will use the college GPA to determine eligibility.
The JWU Pledge covers tuition only and is determined by your family’s income listed on your FAFSA. This does not include lab or other fees, supplies, books or room and meal plans.
The packages referenced above will not include loans, however any loan eligibility can be used to help cover housing and meal costs.
Financial Aid Understanding
We offer a variety of scholarships and grants for academic performance, membership in student organizations, veterans, financial need and more.
To receive financial aid, you’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This helps us determine your financial aid package and what you may qualify for.
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
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.
For more information, check out jwu.edu/payingforcollege
DID YOU KNOW?
of our on-ground students receive institutional aid 98%
Let’s Get Started
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 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINES
• Early Action 1 (EA1): November 16
• Early Action 2 (EA2): January 4
• Regular: March 1
• Transfer Priority: April 12
• Rolling: through July 15
Apply (for free!) at apply.jwu.edu.