Graduate Beginnings
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. Robust services like the Graduate School’s Professional Development office, Career services, and the National Scholarship Office are dedicated to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals. I encourage you to take full advantage of the wide range of academic and extracurricular activities available and to engage with your peers and mentors. Additionally, as one of the few universities highly recognized for fostering a 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.
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 work closely with partners across the university to best serve our graduate student community.
Our graduate students come from all walks of life and every corner 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 foster crossdisciplinary connections that enrich the student experience.
Virginia Commonwealth University is a vibrant cultural hub located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Richmond offers access to diverse cultural, educational, and professional opportunities—just steps away from theaters, art galleries, music venues, the James River, and a short drive to Washington, D.C., the beach, and the mountains. VCU is home to more than 140 master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs, with 10 of our graduate programs ranked in the U.S. News and World Report's Top 50.
Graduate Studies at VCU MAKE THE UNIMAGINABLE POSSIBLE.
Graduate Studies at VCU
VCU is a community of more than 300,000 Rams each a unique mix of style, story and attitude that is forging a future that is built by us. The Graduate School at VCU is here to support your success as you advance your education. We champion and empower both students and faculty, cultivating an inclusive environment for teaching, learning, research, creative expression and public service.
College of Engineering
College of Health Professions
College of Humanities and Sciences
School of the Arts
School of Business
School of Dentistry
School of Education
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
School of Medicine
School of Nursing
School of Pharmacy
School of Public Health
School of Social Work
University College
Wright Center for
Clinical and Translational Research
Click here or Scan the QR code to browse a full list of our graduate programs
Accelerated Programs
VCU offers a number of accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs that allow academically talented undergraduate students to earn both degrees in a minimum of five years by taking approved graduatelevel courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program
For more information about the accelerated bachelor's to master's programs, visit the VCU Bulletin, the official source for academic course and program information.
Click here or Scan the QR code to explore accelerated programs
Graduate Education Innovation Program (GEIP)
The Graduate Education Innovation Program (GEIP) offers a distinctive tuition and fee structure for out-of-state and international students, designed to make our prestigious graduate programs more accessible and affordable.
Cost estimates are based on the following:
The program is completed over three semesters
Students with insufficient academic background may need early additional courses, increasing overall cost and duration.
30-credit hour master's program completed over three consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer) range from $26,000 to $27,600 For a 12-credit hour certificate program completed in one semester, costs are estimated between $10,000 and $10,500.
Participating programs
*Denotes STEM OPT-designated degree programs as determined by the Department of Homeland Security.
College of Engineering
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering*
Master of Science in Computer Science*
Master of Science in Computer and Information Systems Security*
Master of Science in Data Science*
Master of Science in Engineering (all 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 Regenerative Medicine*
Master of Science in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering*
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Cybersecurity
Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Data Science
College of Humanities & Sciences
Master of Arts in English
Master of Arts in History
Master of Science in Bioinformatics*
Master of Science in Biology*
Master of Science in Chemistry*
Master of Science in Health and Movement Sciences
Master of Science in Mathematical Sciences*
Master of Science in Physics & Applied Physics*
Master of Science in Environmental Studies*
Master of Environmental Studies*
School of Public Health
Master of Science in Biostatistics*
Master of Public Health
School of Education
Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction
Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Administration and Supervision
Culturally Responsive Leadership
Higher Education Administration
Leadership Studies
Master of Education in Reading
Master of Education in Special Education
Early Childhood
General Education
Adapted Curriculum
Graduate Certificate in Culturally Responsive Leadership
Graduate Certificate in Medical Education
Graduate Certificate in Teaching
Elementary Education
Graduate Certificate in Preparing Future Faculty
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Disability Leadership
Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Leadership
School of Business
Master of Arts in Economics*
Master of Accountancy
Master of Business AdministrationEvening/Flexible Format
Master of Decision Analytics-Evening Format*
Master of Supply Chain Management
Master of Science in Business (only in concentrations listed)
Finance
Marketing Management Real Estate
Master of Science in Computer and
University College
Master of Interdisciplinary Studies
Master of Product Innovation
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs
Master of Science in Biostatistics*
Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Planning
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Public Management
Post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Urban Revitalization
Scan the QR code to learn more about Graduate Education Innovation Program (GEIP)
Academic Resources
VCU Libraries offers many resources 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
geo.vcu.edu (804) 828-8471
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.
The Writing Center offers writing appointments, consultations, and workshops that assist with brainstorming, collaborating, feedback, writing development and more.
writing.vcu.edu (804) 828-4851
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 graduate.vcu.edu (804) 828-2233 gradprofdev@vcu edu
ssor.vcu.edu (804) 828-0001 ssor@vcu edu
Transportation Resources
The Dean of Student Advocacy Office aims to help students chart a path toward success.
advocacy.vcu.edu (804) 828-8940 (MPC) (804) 828-0525 (MCV)
RamSafe provides safe and free transportation to on-campus locations and nearby residences and buildings within defined boundaries on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. parking vcu edu/transportation/ramsafe
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 on parking at VCU and alternative transportation options to get to and around campus.
Accessibility and Inclusion
Multicultural Student Affairs offers diversity, inclusion and social justice dialogues; presentations and workshops; cultural heritage month events; mentorship and leadership engagement opportunities; and identity-based discussion groups.
omsa.vcu.edu (804) 828-6672
omsa@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
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
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
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
uccounseling@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.
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 advocacy.vcu.edu advocacy@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.
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-andcoming 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.
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 this QR code to learn more about VCU Athletics and to buy tickets
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
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
The VCU Graduate School Professional Development Office provides a full range of training opportunities, research- and grantrelated 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
Leveraging LinkedIn
Connecting Across Cultures
Goal Setting for Success
Job Readiness Boot Camp Just Write!
Approaches to Writing How to Disseminate Your Research
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.
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.
*The Professional Development Office hosts many events in collaboration with Career Services, Global Education Office (GEO), VCU Libraries, and VCU School of Business,
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.
Click here or 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.
Financial aid
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.
National Scholarship Office
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.
Graduate assistantships and fellowships
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.
Military Student Services
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.
Rams Scholarship Hub
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.
VCU
libraries: pivot
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.
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