This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership is a 12-credit hour program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in communications organizations. Students will learn about the principles of leadership and results-driven decision-making. The certificate program will educate students in the legal and ethical issues affecting media industries. Students will learn to foster diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Graduates will be prepared to lead communications’ organizations across a variety of sectors. All courses are offered online. 

Student learning outcomes

Upon completion of this certificate, graduates will be able to demonstrate the following skills. 

SLO1: Core skills

Students graduating with this certificate will demonstrate an understanding of practical skills necessary in media law and ethics.

SLO2: Leadership skills

Students graduating with this certificate will demonstrate leadership skills necessary in contemporary media fields.

SLO3: Tailored skills

Students graduating with this certificate will master written and multimedia platforms, including modern tools and technologies, to communicate clearly and effectively to inform and engage audiences in mass communication fields such as journalism or strategic communication.

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs

The VCU Graduate Bulletin website documents the official admission and academic rules and regulations that govern graduate education for all graduate programs at the university. These policies are established by the graduate faculty of the university through their elected representatives to the University Graduate Council.

It is the responsibility of all graduate students, both on- and off-campus, to be familiar with the VCU Graduate Bulletin as well as the Graduate School website and academic regulations in individual school and department publications and on program websites. However, in all cases, the official policies and procedures of the University Graduate Council, as published on the VCU Graduate Bulletin and Graduate School websites, take precedence over individual program policies and guidelines.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on academic regulations for graduate students.

Graduation requirements

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following graduation requirements as published in the Graduate Bulletin for a complete list of instructions and a graduation checklist.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on graduation requirements.