Roberts Wesleyan College - Overview
An Affordable, Practical, Christian Education
Founded in 1866, Roberts Wesleyan College is a small academic community of 1,900 students in Rochester, New York, that is guided by its Christian worldview. Recognized as a "U.S. News and World Report" Best Value, Roberts offers an affordable education that is uniquely designed to prepare students for today's workplace. Its offerings include cutting-edge programs and innovative majors such as management and social entrepreneurship, economic crime investigation, and biology/medical technology.
Wide-ranging Academic Offerings
More than 50 undergraduate programs are offered through Roberts' wide-ranging academic divisions, which include business, general education, music and performing arts, natural science and mathematics, nursing, religion and humanities, social work, social sciences, teacher education, and visual arts. There is also a special division geared toward professional studies for adult learners.
An Emphasis on General Education
Roberts places a strong emphasis on a broad-based education; therefore, students are required to take classes from a number of disciplines, including behavioral science, Bible studies, speech and writing, fine arts, history, literature, mathematics, physical education, and philosophy. The school's philosophy is to empower students to "cultivate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them to be thoughtful, spiritually mature, service-oriented persons who will have a transforming impact on society."
As an added strength to its general education focus, the college recently introduced two interdisciplinary degrees: the B.A. in Liberal Arts and the B.S. in Cross-Disciplinary Studies.
Specialized Social Sciences Offerings
The social sciences discipline at Roberts offers 3 specialized programs for undergraduates. The criminal justice program features hands-on learning through internships beginning at the freshman level and culminating in a 15- to 20-hour-per-week, semester-long internship at the senior level. The economic crime investigation program is a unique interdisciplinary program that blends accounting, computer, and investigative skills to address "white-collar" crimes. The psychology program integrates Christian theology with psychology and provides internship and research opportunities for its students.
Pre-Professional Programs
Students have a choice of 10 pre-professional programs, including pre-dentistry, pre-law, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-physical therapy, pre-veterinary medicine, engineering, pharmacy, library science, and medical technology. Roberts Wesleyan has cooperative agreements with outside institutions that allow students in the engineering, medical technology, and pharmacy departments to earn accelerated and/or combined degrees.
Honors Program
Roberts' honors program continues the school's dedication to a well-balanced liberal arts education. Participants are required to complete 12 honors elements which include "Today's World and Its Great Issues," honors courses in general education and in their academic majors, and a senior honors project, which includes a written report/thesis and a 20-minute oral presentation.
Study Abroad Opportunities
In addition to its own "home grown" study abroad program in Murcia, Spain, Roberts Wesleyan College offers a multitude of programs through its affiliation with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Houghton College, and Eduventure. Overseas educational programs are available in Australia, China, Indonesia, Latin America, the Middle East, England, Russia, and Africa.
Short term study abroad courses, known as On Location, are also available. These classes are taught by Roberts faculty and culminate in a travel program to places such as Japan, Italy, Jamaica, Guatemala, or China.
Students may also opt for domestic off-campus learning experiences in subjects such as American studies or journalism (Washington D.C.), music (Martha's Vineyard, MA), and film (Los Angeles).
Adult Professional Studies
Roberts Wesleyan offers special undergraduate programs which are geared toward working adults. Students may earn Bachelor of Science degrees in either organizational management or health administration. The programs are delivered within a cohort format, whereby a group of students are enrolled as a group which remains together for the entire length of the program. Courses are completed in 5 or 7 weeks. The organizational management degree may also be earned online, or through an accelerated program.
A notable Roberts innovation is its "Modular RN to BS Program," a 15-month program designed to enable registered nurses to earn their bachelor's degrees while continuing to work.
In addition to the professional degree option, adult learners may also take advantage of Roberts' Pathway Program, which offers shortened liberal arts courses to adults 25 years and older preparing to enter a degree program or working towards completing a degree.
Campus Ministry Opportunities
Spiritual life is highly important at Roberts, and students have many options for expressing their faith. There are many ministries to choose from, including Campus Crusade for Christ; chapel ministries which serve through chapel programming; Dance Ministry, which brings together those who wish to glorify God through the art of dance; Drama Ministry, which present the gospel through plays; Foot of the Cross, which fosters spiritual growth through group worship and community service; In Jesus' Name, a "street ministry," which helps the homeless of Rochester; and men's and women's small groups. Roberts also sponsors summer ministry programs and overseas missions.