Graduate Beginnings
Scan the QR code to visit Graduate Student Journey document, an outline and stages of the various requirements for graduate students at VCU.
A MESSAGE FROM VICE PROVOST AND DEAN MANU GUPTA, PH.D.
Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University! It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to each of you as you embark on this exciting journey of academic and personal growth Our university, a Top 50 public research university as recognized by the National Science Foundation and a Top 20 most innovative public university according to US News & World Report 2024, is a place of discovery, innovation, and intellectual rigor We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant community of over 5,500 graduate students. Your decision to pursue graduate studies here is a testament to your dedication, ambition, and passion for advancing knowledge in your respective fields.
As you begin this new chapter, you will find a wealth of resources and support at your disposal. Our distinguished faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and dynamic research opportunities are all designed to help you succeed and thrive. I encourage you to take full advantage of the diverse array of academic and extracurricular activities available and to engage with your peers and mentors. Additionally, as one of the few universities designated as a Diversity Champion a special honor for schools that rank in the top tier of Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award recipients VCU is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Remember, the journey of graduate education is not just about academic achievement, but also about personal development and building lifelong connections
Once again, welcome to VCU We are excited to see the unique contributions you will bring to our community and look forward to supporting you in your endeavors Best wishes for a successful and fulfilling academic year
GRADUATE STUDIES AT VCU
VCU is located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Richmond gives students access to a wide range of cultural, educational, and professional opportunities. We’re steps away from theaters, art galleries, music venues, restaurants, and the James River, and only two hours from Washington, D.C., the beach, and the mountains Some of the University’s highlights are:
Top 20 Most Innovative Public Universities in the U.S.
Top 3 Virginia Research University
$460+ million in sponsored research in fiscal year 2023
The VCU Graduate School provides support to graduate programs, faculty and staff, and students. We collaborate with your academic unit and other central offices here at VCU to support your success as a graduate student. We host events for current and future students, organize awards and competitions, offer opportunities for professional development and career readiness, and collaborate with partners across the university to best serve our graduate student community.
Our graduate students come from all walks of life and all areas of the globe to continue their education We believe that our best work happens when we learn from and with one another, and we strive to make cross-disciplinary connections that strengthen and enrich the student experience.
To stay up-to-date on the latest information regarding graduate education at VCU, visit our website, graduate.vcu.edu.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The VCU Graduate School recognizes that in order to maintain and deliver high-quality graduate education, we must embrace and celebrate the unique differences among the graduate community on our campus.
We take pride in striving to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusive practices resonate in every facet of our work. It is this diversity that makes VCU a vibrant and engaging laboratory for a well-rounded graduate education experience for all members of our treasured community.
Our commitment is to collaborate with schools and colleges to ensure increased enrollment and retention of graduate students from historically underserved and underrepresented populations, remain inclusive in practice, and demonstrate an appreciation and respect for all in every aspect of their identities.
GRADUATE STUDIES AT VCU
Virginia Commonwealth University is a vibrant cultural hub. The National Science Foundation recognizes our institution as one of the Top 50 public universities in the United States for research excellence. VCU is home to more than 140 master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs with 22 of our graduate programs listed in the U.S. News and World Report's Top 50.
College of Engineering
College of Health Professions
College of Humanities and Sciences
da Vinci Center for Innovation
School of the Arts
School of Business
School of Dentistry
School of Education
School of Medicine
School of Nursing
School of Pharmacy
School of Public Health
School of Social Work
University College
VCU Life Sciences
VCU Wilder School
Scan the QR code to browse a full list of our graduate programs
Use the university tuition and fees calculator to estimate your cost
Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research
Graduate Education Innovation Program
The Graduate Education Innovation Program features a distinct tuition and fee structure for out-of-state and international students. You can benefit from these cost savings by completing one of the participating programs below in three semesters.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MS in Biomedical Engineering
MS in Computer Science
MS in Data Science
MS in Mechanical and Nuclear
Engineering
MS in Engineering (select from these concentrations)
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical and Life Science
Engineering
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Engineering Management
Environmental and
Sustainable Engineering
Rehabilitation Engineering
Systems Engineering
Tissue Engineering and
Regeneration Medicine
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
MA in Economics (STEM)
Master of Decision Analytics (select from these concentrations)
Accounting Analytics (STEM)
Data Science in Business (STEM)
Financial Analytics (STEM)
Marketing Analytics (STEM)
Master of Accountancy
MS in Business (select from these concentrations)
Finance
Marketing Management
MS in Information Systems (STEM)
Estimated tuition and fees as low as: $26,100 for engineering programs $27,200 for business programs
UNCOVER
Richmond, Virginia is a vibrant community that offers a blend of historic and contemporary culture. This city also has diverse culinary offerings, from fine dining to local food trucks to iconic gourmet spots, offering more than 1,000 restaurants to choose from. Richmond also offers plenty of recreational opportunities with a dynamic arts scene, a thriving music community, a variety of galleries, multiple theatres, outdoor and fitness opportunities, and world-class museums!
ART
First Fridays: On the first Friday of every month, Richmonders take to the streets of the Arts District to explore local galleries, murals, and local restaurants.
Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at Monroe Park: Right on VCU’s Monroe Park Campus, the ICA is a beautiful art museum that exhibits a variety of up-and-coming artists to promote meaningful conversations
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art, to encourage the study of the arts, and thus to enrich the lives of all
EAT LOCALLY
People travel from all over to experience Richmond’s food scene Yelp named us one of the “Top 10 Foodie Cities” in 2019 and Forbes called it a ”hidden culinary gem“in 2021
RICHMOND SPORTS
Show your Richmond pride by supporting some of our local, professional, and school teams
Basketball: VCU Rams’ Basketball
Baseball: Richmond Flying Squirrels and VCU
Soccer: Richmond Kickers
Intramural Sports and Esports (VCU RecWell)
ENTERTAINMENT
Altria Theatre
Scan
Trivia (Buddy’s, Bingo Beer, Penny Lane, Pizza & Beer, Vassar)
Restaurant Week (April and October)
Karaoke (Ipanema, Sticky Rice, Babes of Carytown)
Dominion Energy Riverrock (end of spring)
Belle Isle/James River
CAMPUS
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
for graduate students including researcher support, a dedicated space in Cabell Library, a graduate student guide, subject guides, and more.
MCV Campus
509 N 12th St , Box 980582 library@vcu edu
Monroe Park Campus 901 Park Ave , Box 842033 library@vcu edu
The Graduate School offers a number of professional development courses, programs and opportunities specifically for graduate students
The Global Education Office (GEO) team assists international students and scholars traveling to the U S to participate in an academic experience Through a wide range of specialized services and engagement opportunities, provides direct support to international students and scholars throughout their time at Virginia Commonwealth University
The Writing Center offers writing appointments, consultations, and workshops that assist with brainstorming, collaborating, feedback, writing development and more
The Dean of Student Advocacy Office aims to help students chart a path toward success
Statistics and Analytics Consulting Lab in the Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research is to offer a variety of consulting services which enhance both the educational experiences and research projects of VCU students and faculty
writingctr1@vcu edu (804) 828-4851 ssor.vcu.edu
VCU’s Office of the Ombudsperson is a designated confidential and informal dispute resolution practitioner for faculty, classified staff, postdoctoral trainees, and students The ombudsperson is an advocate for fairness. The ombudsperson is independent of VCU's normal reporting and managerial processes
ombudsperson.vcu.edu weking@vcu edu (804) 827-4357
TRANSPORTATION
Students, faculty, and staff can ride any GRTC Richmond City Bus for free, including the Pulse and Route 5, both of which provide an easy way to travel between VCU’s two campuses
Visit parking.vcu.edu or scan the QR code for more information
RESOURCES
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success offers workshops, presentations and courses that enhance understanding of diversity, in addition to mentoring, seminars and groups
inclusive.vcu.edu
804-828-0352 inclusive@vcu edu
Division for Academic Success [MCV Campus] offers disability and academic support services to students in the VCU Health Sciences schools.
das.vcu.edu (804) 828-9782 acadsuccess@vcu edu
Multicultural Student Affairs offers diversity, inclusion and social justice dialogues; presentations and workshops; cultural heritage month events; mentorship and leadership engagement opportunities; and identitybased discussion groups
omsa.vcu.edu (804) 828-6672 omsa@vcu edu
Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (Monroe Park Campus) fosters an environment where all students have equal access to the university's programs, services and activities
saeo.vcu.edu (804) 828-2253
saeo@vcu edu
The Office of the President provides Equity and Access Services for ADA and accessibility services, equal opportunity services, and Title IX information
equity.vcu.edu equity@vcu edu
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
Counseling Services offers mental health counseling and screening, skills and support groups, advocacy services, well-being resources, identity-based resources, referral services, and workshops
counseling vcu edu (804) 828-6200 inuccounseling@vcu.edu
Student Health Services offers primary care services to VCU students, including laboratory services and an on-site pharmacy at the Monroe Park campus clinic.
health students vcu edu (804) 828-8828
ushs@vcu.edu
Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell) offers wellness events and resources, gym access, fitness programs and training, and outdoor adventure resources.
Suit Yourself Closet: Have an upcoming interview or need to update your work wardrobe? The Suit Yourself Closet offers free gently used professional clothing and styling services to VCU students.
recwell.vcu.edu recwell@vcu edu
The Student Health Insurance Program offers a comprehensive health insurance package for visible VCU students through our partners, United Health Care.
provost.vcu.edu/insurance gradhealthins@vcu.edu
RamPantry’s mission is to ensure food security, human dignity, and well-being on campus by providing in-need VCU students with food
advocacy.vcu.edu advocacy@vcu edu
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
The VCU Graduate School Professional Development Office provides a full range of training opportunities, research- and grant-related workshops, well-being, and career support, as well as other events curated to empower and support graduate students as they pursue their academic and professional goals Through our programming, we aim to ensure that all VCU graduate students are equipped with the necessary foundational skills to succeed as transformative and innovative leaders in their respective career spaces. Our mission is to prepare graduate students for academic and professional success.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Getting to Know Richmond
Graduate Teaching Assistant Orientation and Series
Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Graduate Research Symposium
Fellowship Sessions: Fulbright, Critical Language Scholarship, Boren Fellowship, Presidential Management Fellowship, National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Beyond Graduate School/Beyond the Professoriate Demos
Applying to Graduate School.
Mentoring Series
Preparing Future Faculty Series
Leveraging LinkedIn
Connecting Across Cultures
Goal Setting for Success
Career Gap Analysis
Job Readiness Boot Camp Just Write!
Approaches to Writing How to Disseminate Your Research
Professional Headshots
Graduate Teaching Assistant Support: Throughout the year, the Graduate School provides ongoing support and resources for students serving as Graduate Teaching Assistants. This includes a self-paced, online orientation in Canvas that provides important information and resources to ensure GTAs successfully support student learning. Additional synchronous, virtual workshops provide ongoing opportunities for support. Topics may include inclusive teaching, Canvas, and critical reflection. Students can register for these workshops through the Graduate School Rams Connect page
Mentoring: The Graduate School is relaunching the Graduate School Mentoring Program (GSMP), a program that pairs graduate students with undergraduate students interested in graduate studies Graduate student mentors will receive training, support, and a small stipend for their efforts Interested students should email embbrown@vcu.edu for more information.
The Graduate Student Travel Grant program provides funds to support students presenting their research or academic work at conferences, summits, and other professional events. Through this program, the Graduate School will provide financial support of up to $500 for eligible graduate students. The grant can be used to cover conference costs, travel, lodging, or other related expenses incurred for participation as a presenter.
The Preparing Future Faculty Program offers a series of short courses and professional development opportunities for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in higher education
Opportunities for Research
Presentations: The 3MT Competition and Graduate Research Symposium are research presentation opportunities sponsored by the Graduate School that provide students with opportunities to share their research with the broader VCU community.
Scan the QR code to stay updated on the Richmond Series Events hosted by the Professional Development Office
RESEARCH IN GRADUATE SCHOOL
Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation
The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation’s mission is to foster transformative research, discovery, and innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University through excellence in service.
This office partners with faculty in all colleges, schools, and departments and departments as they seek funding, plan studies, establish collaborations, calculate budgets, submit grant applications, negotiate industry contracts, and secure patents and licensing agreements.
Scan this QR code to learn more about the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation at VCU
GRADUATE FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
There are many ways to fund your graduate studies, and we have highlighted a selection of key resources below.
The VCU Student Financial Services team is available to support you through the process of applying for financial aid and budgeting for your education Visit the SFS website to estimate your tuition, connect with a peer money coach or learn more about financial aid and expense planning
The VCU National Scholarship Office supports students in discovering and applying for competitive national and international scholarships and fellowships. These opportunities can support graduate students by funding their studies, research, fieldwork and more The NSO offers information sessions, workshops, individual advising and for-credit courses, which are free to current students and VCU alumni
Financial aid Graduate assistantships and fellowships national scholarship office rams scholarship hub MILITARY STUDENT SERVICES
A number of graduate teaching and research assistantships and fellowships are available to current and incoming graduate students. The criteria and award amounts vary across departments and disciplines. For information on specific opportunities, connect with your graduate program of interest
VCU's Military Student Services works with veterans, active service members, spouses and dependents to support their transition from military life to academics MSS provides advocacy, counseling, connections to resources, and information on the GI Bill, educational assistance and scholarship opportunities.
The RAMS Scholarship Hub is a centralized, searchable database where students can browse available scholarship opportunities offered through various VCU colleges, schools and departments. The Hub features a streamlined application process; current students can apply for several scholarships using a single application, supplemented by answering additional award-specific questions
Students can access Pivot, a funding opportunities and collaborators database, through VCU Libraries Research Guides. Pivot combines the most comprehensive, editorially maintained database of funding opportunities worth an estimated $33 billion with a unique database of 3 million pre-populated scholar profiles.
UPCOMING EVENTS THE YEAR AT
A GLANCE
Please be advised that the dates provided are tentative. More detailed information will be shared through the Graduate School Weekly Announcements every Wednesday at 2 pm, RamsConnect, and our social media accounts.
AUGUST
New Graduate Student Orientation
Free Professional Headshots
Mentoring Program Information Session
3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
Richmond Series Event: Squirrels Game
Richmond Series Event: RVA Big Market
September
3MT Preliminary Session
Meet the Dean
Richmond Series Event: Walking the Ward (Learn about Richmond history and tour Jackson Ward)
Richmond Series Event: Dinner and Discussion with Rev. Ben Campbell
October
Graduate Education Week
Free Professional Headshots
November Career Exploration Week
Meet the Dean Fall Snack Break event
APRIL
Graduate Student Appreciation Week
Graduate Research Symposium Research Week
Free Professional Headshots
Richmond Series Event: Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) at VCU tour
January
MLK Day of Service (in collaboration with the Office of Engagement)
February
Experiential Learning Week
Meet the dean
Winter Ball 2025
Free Professional Headshots
May
Spring Snack Break Event
Richmond Series Event: Maymont Scavenger Hunt
Wearetheuncommon