20 Best Masters Programs In Providence, RI (2022 Updated)

Its been years since sitting in Dr. Kulo's class, and as he's retired, and I've gone on to an MBA and Doctorates, and been able to put them to pretty good use as a University Professor, I remember with GREAT fondness, my years at Salve coupled with the Newport experience. Money is money … but if you want a GREAT education and educational experience, Go To SALVE!!!!John Laski

The people at Salve Regina are wonderful. They really care about how you grow as a student and a person. You also can't beat Newport as the campus is beautiful and very relaxing. The school was such a wonderful find to discover and I hope they continue to grow but remain the hidden gem they are!John Farrell

This school has a campus as gorgeous as it gets. Located in Newport, RI on the water, the views out onto the ocean are phenomenal. The school itself is a bit pricey however you definitely get what you pay for. You won't be disappointed with your college experience if you choose this school.Chris Rallo

To start off, the academics or classes you take are more like ones in high school you take. It doesn't make it interesting unless you are in a special major such as culinary, equine, robotics, or something of that nature. The culinary classes I was in were something. Definitely had ups and downs but it may not be worth it since some skills you learn may never be used again. Your grandmother can probably be a better instructor. Now the living situations, the dorms are alright. It is difficult to live with others since you want them to revolve around your schedule but you also have to revolve around theirs. I always had bad roommates. You know ones that stay up late (up till 2 in the morning), snore, drink, smoke weed in the room, etc. It is probably just me that I can't live with others. You can change rooms but there have been less and less dorm rooms over the years. The worst part is that when you pick your room, you are given a random time to schedule. Best bet is to have the least amount of roommates as possible and having a private bathroom in your room. Don't want to be sharing the bathrooms and showers with hundreds of other people (bring some sandals and/or slippers). The dining situation kind of blows. For a school known for a culinary program, you could cook something better. There are less dining halls than when I started. The only option for breakfast is Starbucks. Lunch and Dinner is okay. Two dining options include all you can eat which is great. The menu changes every meal but you will see the same menu items a few weeks later. Everything also closes early on the weekends. Obviously, you don't want to spend so much money on take-out and delivery so best bet is get your food from a dining hall before it closes. The meal plan can be managed. You got either 7, 10, 14, or 18 meals a week. Each plan comes with flex which is a certain amount of dollars you can spend at the dining halls if you don't want a full meal or something that isn't part of a meal swipe. Best go with 10 or 14 meals a week.Adam DeLeon (CharlieChopDog1)

I miss it!! 😭😭 Graduated Nov '19 (the last fall term with trimesters). Jwu really stands out with their career focus an all the networking opportunities via professional clubs and career fairs. There study abroad options are impressive! I was lucky enough to attend a semester at sea. Taking core courses that are taught by former industry professionals makes going to class sooo worth it. Stand out professors are Prof. Rhodes, Lavin, and Boker. 10 out of 10 experience / at times, i felt like it was worth the price tag just for them. Providence is such a cool vibe. It feels like a little slice of Boston… Without the traffic and big-city-feel nuisances. (This is also coming from somebody who thought that they did not like cities at all) On Thursdays, (also because most students don't have class on Fridays), the city will literally feel like it's coming alive. Great energy around here even though there's homeless people who consistently panhandle. (You'll get to know the familiar faces and they'll leave you alone- definitely not a deal breaker). I highly recommend getting your own apartment right away because it's outrageously priced otherwise. That is, unless you're on a full ride and room & board is covered. Although, one semester of on-campus housing is helpful in an effort to make friends. This is very cliche to reference the university mantra… but "pride, courage, character, and community" really do define what the school is. I'm very proud to be a wildcat for life and am forever grateful to have the connections I made there.Andy B

I think it’s crazy that local guides can give reviews when they know nothing about the experience of actually going to the college. Johnson & Wales was the worst choice I ever could have made in a college, which is really sad knowing I chose this school in honor of my grandfather who went here, and passed away right before getting to see me go to college. Professors are the only good part of the school. All the other workers who work in the offices, the actual people who run the school as a whole – a literal joke. The entire school is a joke. Student loans? Not worth it. This is a school that does not care about its students like it portrays that it does. Do not waste your time, you can get a better education and a better college experience probably at any. other. school.Kassie Kania

The School of Continuing Education at Providence College is a great place to get another degree or get the degree you have been striving to get but the timing was never. The staff and faculty at SCE are always willing to lend a helping hand and guide you through the process of getting a degree! I have been a student worker since my Freshmen as an undergraduate student at PC (now I am a junior, shows you how much I love this office) and have taken courses through the School of Continuing Education and know how it is to be a staff member and a student and the amount of support in this office is tremendous!Janet Odufunade

Providence College School of Continuing Education is top notch. I've become acquainted with its administration, faculty members, and students over the past few years. Students rave about the programs and see great value in returning to school to better themselves at PC SCE. Its programs are best in class and the investment to go back is certainly affordable. Teachers are engaging and accessible and the administration is second to none. Anyone looking to better themselves and their careers should seriously consider PC SCE as their means to accomplish their career & life goals.Blair Fish

Earning my teaching certification (MA and RI) through PC's School of Continuing Education was an incredible experience. Having attempted to pursue this certification elsewhere, I was really appreciative of PC's approach to working professionals. I didn't feel like I had to adhere my schedule to that of an undergraduate – they knew I had a full time job and helped me to pursue my career in education while remaining employed. I felt respected, valued and supported every step of the way.Lauren Blackburn

I am a very independent student that enjoys taking classes at a different pace than many other people and this is where JWU shined. The online courses really allowed me to go at a more advanced pace than in a classroom. I was able to still interact with my classmates as I would in the physical and that's the part I truly enjoyed. Being online you are able to have access to so much information at your fingertips so much faster which adds more substance to our class discussions I feel. I appreciate my teachers being accessible through phone calls and even Skype/Google hangout when we needed group project support! The curriculum seems more relaxed and still challenging. The tutoring center is the most amazing part (outside of the professors and conveniences) of the online courses. Having 24/7 access is amazingly helpful, especially during exams when I am usually free at nights during the week. Thank you Johnson & Wales for offering a FULL MBA ONLINE!!! this has been super helpful for me to advance in my career while still striving to do such working physically out in the industry. It shows employers how serious I am about being I a higher up position and this creates more great opportunities for me!!!Liq my nuts Google

I completed my undergrad degree in 2006 and had wanted to get back into school for many years to complete my MBA, but found all the wrong reason not to. Once I heard about the Johnson & Wales University online MBA program and I was sold! The online program has offered a diverse pool of faculty members that are experienced and compassionate. I have the privilege of working with real industry professionals. Working full-time and going to school full-time can be a challenge but the faculty members were able to relate to my situation and provide the much needed help and support to make it through each course. I have gained a wealth of knowledge so far which I am able to apply in my personal and professional life. JWU's Online MBA is definitely the way to go!Sharlene Mitchell

Johnson and Wales has a great graduate online program. From the advisors to the professors where they have shown they truly care about attending to the needs of online students. It is a different learning process, but have created a great user friendly online system where it is easy to communicate and keep up with assignments. With every class I have been satisfied with different teaching styles that allow you to grasp the content and allow for multiple opportunities to be successful. A bonus are the class sizes and the online student community that is in place. It is nice to see familiar people as we progress with each class. I would definitely recommend JWU graduate online program!Carly Gaffney

My first creative experience with RISD|CE was back in 2013 while I was working at Brown University. Being a creative professional, I was looking to sharpen my skills with a few advertising, design and marketing courses, which turned into a life-changing experience. The fact that RISD Continuing Education makes such a renowned art and design school accessible to anyone combined with truly rigorous and hands-on learning met and exceeded all of my previous notions of what RISD is all about.John Murphy

Just took an amazing class Digital Fabrication: Creating Embellishments for 6 weeks and learned basics of Illustrator, Laser Cutting, UV Printer and software to create a digital embroidery. Great experience.Francoise McAree

Best school I ever attended, hands down. Love the free thinking atmosphere, professors who care, tuition freeze, and gorgeously aesthetic grounds. The college kids are all pretty nice too and I'm a commuter but I get along with everyone in the dorms too. It's worth the money because RWU gives back. I know I sound like they made me do this but I never had this wholesome/fun/exciting of an experience in high school so I'm just so pleased to be the recipient of a great scholarship for my hard work. Go Hawks!Rebecca Farias

for the past two years this college failed my daughter with transition into college life, failed at counseling my daughter when she needed help and failed to accommodate her need in a timely fashion having us move my daughter twice within two weeks time. A big "F" for the housing department. If you do need to come here for a specific education path god help you, other wise DON"T COME HERE!Nelia Luis

I am only a freshman here but I love the environment and the community. The professors really have knowledge of their fields and it is shown in their willingness to work and engage their students. I am an engineering major and the courses are geared correctly for the general freshman field to help us narrow down the type of engineering we will want to major in.Matthew Peterson

This review is strictly focused on the Brown University campus, and not the actual curriculum, because we have almost no shot of getting into the University. This campus is so historically gorgeous in architecture, location and layout, it really surrounds you. The capitol city of Providence is the background for the entire experience. I fell in love with Brown, and I've lived close by for 35 years. ❤️Michael Mitchell

Beautiful traditional architecture in the seemingly endless campus grounds, stately brown stone buildings, meticulous landscaping and wide-open green spaces. Thayer street is lively, and hosts a variety of small casual restaurants and cafes featuring cuisine from 3 continents (at least). The area feels quite safe, well maintained and pleasant in every way, compared to most other areas in Providence.Dilyana Ocetova

Brown university- An amazing Ivy League school historical to the city of Providence. They have one the best architectures. Campus is super clean. Make a trip on the weekend when parking is easily available and if not then you should be able to find nearby the campus for $3-$15. They have around 7 public lots available for parking. They have tonne of restaurants in the vicinity.krutartha shah

Do not think about or attempt to apply here if you are looking for a school staffed by compassionate understanding individuals. I was lied to numerous times by admissions and was told false information. They put on a good show and make it seem like they care about you and what you have to offer but at the end of the day all they care about is money and their reputation. Can’t believe I actually wanted to go hereLara Parise

Class of 2007 and had a wonderful time there. I never encountered any racism nor terrible professors. On the contrary, most of my professors went over and above what I expected from them. I will admit there was a professor or two that tested my patience but overall, they were great.Samantha Trinh

An amazing school filled with engaging, caring, and intelligent professors. This school opens you up to incredible opportunities and has an expansive alumni network. Good luck NOT getting a job after you graduate from PC… most people get a job within 5 months of graduating.Kate De Luca

Did not come here for college/university. Came here for a function. The venue was suitable for our function although some classrooms did not have enough seats for attendees. (Ever see a white-haired old lady sitting on the floor? Not a pretty picture.) The dining hall was mostly adequate for our event, but the only gluten free option was the salad bar. Glad I had brought a sandwich. The seating in auditorium was a bit too cramped for my preferences. Cannot imagine how a fatter person would have felt in those seats. Did not see any bike racks. Campus looked nice and peaceful, but I am not living there or studying there. Just saying it looked peaceful. Seems like there is decent RIPTA service to and from the campus on a frequent schedule.Esther Paris

The motto "Character of success" is the dumbest I have heard in many years. You might also buff up your image as more than sports!!Reiner Decher

I applied to RISD as an undergrad, got in, but didn't go. I chose a small LAC in Massachusetts instead. I'm glad I didn't go to RISD actually. Re-applied to RISD again as a grad student, got in again, but once again, I didn't go, I chose to go elsewhere for grad school. I don't know exactly why, but my instincts told me no to RISD a second time, so I listened. Providence is a nice city, ❤️'d that RISD has an academic consortium with Brown, & the RISD campus and museum are lovely, BUT, I just didn't go. Worked with someone from RISD in a creative capacity in the Theater and we still have a very strong friendship to this day, BUT, I still think I made the best decisions for my education and that meant NOT going to RISD.Ben Schaeffer

I received my mrs degree here in 2012 to a guy a couple years my junior in everything but earnings. I do believe my degree prepared me with the critical mind to discern between silk and polyester as well as truth and bull ****. In all seriousness, this is a wonderful school for those who know what they want to do, but need to be challenged to be more exacting and deliberate. All of my peers in design fields landed excellent jobs almost right away and have continued to succeed post graduation, husband included. I would stay away from the fine art programs unless you are independently wealthy, but that's always been the case for all of human history.Arman Negahban

This is a very nice museum with a great collection of varied art. Definitely worth visiting. 4 stars due to the confusing layout. I've never been at a museum where the people there couldn't figure out where they where supposed to go to get to exhibits before. Other than that it was great.Greg

If cost were not a consideration, I can't see why anyone would go to RIC. RIC has gotten into the business of exploiting working/lower middle class "first generation" students, luring them with claims of you're-getting-an-Ivy-league-education-here-for-bottom-dollar. Many other reviewers here are students who over-idealize RIC because they don't know it any other way. As a four-year college, RIC consistently ranks at the BOTTOM of college rankings (not just US News, but Forbes and Wall Street Journal, too). And just look at the graduation rate of 51%. Everyone knows that students trying to put their way through school with two jobs often drop out, but is that the only factor? I doubt it. Look at the average RIC graduate's salary, it's less than $40,000 ten years after graduation! That’s the lowest of all four-year colleges in R.I. Indeed, you get what you pay for at RIC! Never mind this excuse, "our graduates take lower paid jobs as nurses, teachers, and social workers." Other schools, like Salve and URI, have grads entering those fields and their avg. salaries aren't so pitiful! Other than nursing (which does pay well these days), accounting, finance, social work, and the arts majors, most of the other 90 programs are a joke. Why? Sure, there are lazy pothead students, like everywhere else. Other students struggle academically, coming from low performing high schools. But the real problem is the faculty (I mean the tenured ones). Many faculty put little effort into teaching and being accessible to students. Instead, they claim they're too busy with their "research," as if they're "experts" working at a major public research institution (like UConn, Rutgers, or Michigan), where they'd rely on teaching assistants to help teach the class. What kind of research do they do? I really don't know, as you don't usually pick up The New York Times or The Atlantic and read: "according to a Rhode Island College study…" Many of these faculty are pompous, deadwood, liberal elites who use their taxpayer-funded ivory tower as a job for life as they thumb their noses at students. I graduated from RIC 15 years ago, though I took some courses there since and kept tabs on the place. So I'm comfortable saying: math, philosophy, and English depts. were especially bad. Most programs in communications are awful. Political science is very mixed, psychology seemed OK. But what about majoring in education, the biggest deal RIC has going? It got some awful ratings last year when the R.I. Dept. of Ed. did its review. A few School of Ed grad programs lost accreditation and undergrad ones were put on probation. Of course, after many years of bordering on dilapidated, I’m sure the campus is looking better every day, the question is: how it’s ever going to be paid for (the bond issue was only for Gaige, Craig Lee, and Fogarty’s nursing lab). Enrollment and donations were down by the time Carrioulo got the boot 2 years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t have much confidence in Sanchez, as all he seems to care about is the politically correct diversity agenda (when RIC doesn't exactly have a diversity problem with so many urban students attending). Regardless of their background, most students should just save their time (as it almost always takes well over 4 years to graduate from RIC) and money. The best alternatives (if you want an actual job after college) are the 2 year career and technical programs at CCRI or NE Tech. Or, just go to URI, which has a much better reputation (and still has in-state discounts).Bob Richard

It's a nice college, but do your research before you sign up for the professor! It's only my second semester and I had to change this review. Some things have changed, classes are getting better but it was mostly because I looked up the professors on that 'ratemyprofessor' website. Not all of them are bad people. There's a lot of DR. Prefixes in their name but I have yet to see the quality of work. Overall it's not too bad if like I said, you research the professor before you take the class.Joshua Correia

I graduated from RIC back in 2015 and am now attending graduate school. I have so many great memories and had such a great experience here. I had attended two other colleges while trying to decide on a career path and RIC finally felt like home. Great professors and classes. Small safe campus that’s easy to navigate while still being close enough to the city/things to do. I lived in New Hall and everything was new, spacious and updated. I recommend the school to everyone!Ashley Carr

I enjoyed my visit to University of Rhode Island. Care about students and alumni from foreign countries. National Origin, Race, and Creed is a top priority to University of Rhode Island. Awesome basketball team that made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. Much a better school than Quinnipiac University. I have first hand experience on Quinnipiac University. QU will discriminate if your Indian, Muslim, Black, Chinese, Mexican. The only reason QU has South Asian students on campus is because the racist Higher Authorities want their money. John Lahey, Mark Thompson, Donald Weinbach, Dianna Pategas, Edgar Rodriguez, Lynn Bushnell, and John Morgan are at fault for all the racism that happens on the QU campus. The QU Higher Authorities mentioned above hate people of color (Especially Brown people-Indians and Muslims). In reality the QU Higher Authorities and Matt Conway QU's Attorney hate people from India. Matt Conway QU's Attorney wrote a death threat letter to end a QU Indian Alumni's life. The QU Indian alumni's mother and father were also present and threatened by Matt Conway at the CCHRO Central Office in Hartford. QU's Attorney is ignorant, a bully, malicious, two faced, shady, erratic, disturbed, unprofessional, corrupt, dishonest, negative, rude, and racist toward Indians. Matt Conway and Paul Stoughton manage an unethical law firm. Conway voted for Donald Trump. He supports the immigration ban and Donald Trump name calling every Black NFL player "SOB's". He has a disdain for Indians. A Quinnipiac University Indian Alumni floored him on the Connecticut General Statutes and Title II Public Accommodation Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities. He is incompetent and has no clue on World Views, National Origin, Creed, and Race. Attorney Conway lost a National Origin discrimination case against a QU Indian Alumni in 2015. Unsuccessful in defending a National Origin Discrimination (India) claim and failed to get a "No Reasonable Cause"(administrative dismissal) determination in CCHRO during the Mandatory Mediation Conference for his client Quinnipiac University. 82 allegations were filed against his client John Lahey President, Mark Thompson EVP, Donald Weinbach VP of Alumni Affairs, Dianna Pateags Associate VP of Alumni Affairs, Edgar Rodriguez Chief of Public Safety Quinnipiac University for discriminating, harassing, provoking, bullying, extorting, blackmailing, and threatening an Indian alumni's life. Indian National Origin discrimination complaint easily passed a CCHRO Merit Assessment Review. Complainant's CCHRO Lengthy Affidavit and Rebuttal was much stronger than Quinnipiac University's weak response. The QU Indian Alumni and the Indian family pointed out in CCHRO that National Origin discrimination against Indians does exist at Quinnipiac University and in the small little law firm of Conway and Stoughton. Matt Conway wrote a threatening letter to end a QU Indian Alumni's life thinking that it would solve the problem. It made the problem worse for his client QU. Down below is a comment from the Quinnipiac University google page. A pattern of National Origin discrimination toward Indian people does exist at Quinnipiac University. Vinay Patel 5 reviews · 2 photos a week ago The faculty and campus are amazing, but something about the University itself is off-putting. The lack of any diversity may be a problem but the fact that they group ethnic students together on purpose with housing is extremely concerning. Also extremely expensive and the meal plan is limited as well.Rajeev Pahuja, MBA

Went here for 1 year and transferred out. Would’ve dropped out sooner if my loans allowed it. In the middle of no where despite pushing students to not bring cars. Public transportation takes forever. Only way to make friends was through sororities or very specified programs. Nothing to do on campus except watch basketball. Dorm always smelled like weed. Couldn’t take food from the dining hall. Clubs were mediocre and many leaders and participants seemed disinterested. Shared a bathroom with 3 floors of girls because floors were coed but bathrooms were not and every other floor had a different gender bathroom. Very homogenous group of people. Very isolating. Weak history program. Only had 2 dining halls for 15,000 students. And one was closed on the weekends. Dining halls only open until 8:30, even on weekends. RIPTA stops running at 10pm. Commute home on holidays took twice as long via public transportation. Printing was expensive and so was laundry. Met like 2/300 people from my hall. Grounds always had dead grass and beer cans. Quad was always too busy to enjoy. Fine arts center looks like a prison. Many facilities need updating. Academics were too easy and left me feeling unfulfilled. Massive parking problem. Greek life dominates too much. Everyone vapes or juuls or drinks. No sense of community and little school spirit. They overstate concerts, there was 3 the whole year. Feel left out when people go home for holidays since they live so close but you can’t. Never in a million years would I recommend or go back to this school.Anja Schwieterman

Not recommended unless you are interested in pharmacy, engineering, or marine biology/oceanography. Many of their other programs tend to be pretty underfunded and ignored, and it shows. If you take a tour of the campus, you will notice they pretend the Fine Arts Center does not exist, showing off other brand new buildings. That's because it's literally rotting and falling apart, and the school does not care. Their students put so much effort into their work and are left with a disgusting mess of a building to pursue their education. The heavy party school atmosphere and stories of unhelpful staff are also an issue. Talk to someone that goes there that isn't close to you. Get the real story.Rhody Walsh

Nick lopresto who is claiming affiliation with Brown is posting selfies from within Brown establishment and also potential expose of patient information in violation of federal HIPA laws.Silver Angel Shines

My experience with the Graduate Program in History at Providence College was life altering. The greatest strength of this program is the faculty and staff who are beyond generous with their time, resources, and support. I have had countless faculty readily provide letters of recommendation, research suggestions, and opportunities to publish original work. The History Office is always available to help guide you along your course progression and provides countless resources to further your interest in historical studies, often sending out dates for conferences, lectures, and calls for papers on a weekly basis. The content of the program is challenging but the academic environment fosters intellectual thinking on the highest level. This program will reignite your love for learning and your love of history. Professors involved in this program are not only experts in their respective fields, they are also enthusiastic about their course material and will offer engaging readings, writing assignments, and seminar discussions. I have never in any form of educational atmosphere met such a generous and supportive staff. As a history teacher and practicing historian, Providence College afforded me the opportunity to grow and develop beyond expectations. It was a transformative experiences, which I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in.Dettey Bielizna

It is no exaggeration to say that the Graduate History Program at Providence College changed my life. I arrived in 2005 with an undergraduate degree and an MBA but also with a desire to deepen my knowledge of my lifelong avocation, history. I found a welcoming home where excellent instruction, challenging areas of study, and compassionate staff were eager to help me achieve all my goals. I graduated four years later with a Masters in American and Modern European history and with my researching and writing skills honed to new level. Before graduating, I had one of my papers accepted and published by a peer-reviewed journal. I continued into a doctoral program and received my PhD in 2015. Also since graduating I have published three books focused on twentieth-century military history. Without hesitation I can state that any successes I have achieved since the first day I set foot on campus are a direct result of the training and encouragement I received from the professors and staff in the Masters of History program.Stephen Jackson

I have had a great experience in the Graduate History Program at Providence College. The professors are knowledgeable and approachable. The program is flexible with meeting the needs of the individual student and allowing the individual to pursue a course of study that best suits their needs and interests. This program is great, whether you are fresh out of school pursuing your masters degree or you are a professional trying to advance in your profession. As a high school social studies teacher, I have found the courses that I have taken in this program have allowed me to develop professionally and bring back new and fresh material to my students. I have also gained a great perspective and interest in history, overall. As a parent and professional, I have found that class offerings and times are flexible in meeting my needs as a person to be able to balance my life out accordingly. I sincerely recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in history.Michael McParlin

For visitors, this is a great place to start a leisurely stroll of the campus and take photos of the scenic surroundings and beautiful buildings. We visited during the winter break and the place was quiet and tranquil, making for an enjoyable experience.G Aquino

It was beautiful day when I dropped boy in campus. And it happened to be the open day for graduate students. So lots of clubs and organizations were there trying to recruit new members .JAMES H.

I really liked the Campus Green. A great large space to chill on the grass or even walk around. Personally I like the Green during the night because the lighting makes it beautiful.Barb Shimechero