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.

Program mission/purpose

The program will provide experienced health professionals with advanced knowledge and skills so that they may assume positions in teaching, research and administration upon graduation. It offers a curriculum with an interdisciplinary core of courses. The program emphasizes use of distance-learning technologies combined with traditional didactic methods. The curriculum is relevant, timely and meaningful to a multidisciplinary cohort of students.

Program goals

  1. The program will provide students with the ability to understand and conduct research in health-related sciences.
  2. The program will provide the student with the ability to analyze alternatives and develop responses in their disciplines to address the current and future challenges in health care.
  3. The program will provide students with the skills to educate health professionals in their discipline using current principles of teaching and curriculum development.

Student learning outcomes

Students completing this doctoral program will:

  1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research, understand issues, design and execute research plans, analyze research results, and present conclusions in the area of interdisciplinary health care using the appropriate methods
  2. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge in the area of specialization
  3. Exhibit competency in translating research knowledge and principles into applied practice perspectives and skills
  4. Display educational expertise in current principles and content of the allied health sciences and teach in the area of interdisciplinary health care practice
  5. Display the ability to examine current issues and future changes in the health care environment from an interdisciplinary perspective
  6. Exhibit knowledge and understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and conduct in the allied health professions
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the importance of cultural diversity in the delivery of health care and the formulation of health policy

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.

Degree candidacy requirements

A graduate student admitted to a program or concentration requiring a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation, must qualify for continuing master’s or doctoral status according to the degree candidacy requirements of the student’s graduate program. Admission to degree candidacy, if applicable, is a formal statement by the graduate student’s faculty regarding the student’s academic achievements and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program.

Graduate students and program directors should refer to the following degree candidacy policy as published in the VCU Graduate Bulletin for complete information and instructions.

Visit the academic regulations section for additional information on degree candidacy requirements.

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.

Other information

Student handbook

A student handbook will be made available to all admitted students in their cohort organizations in Canvas.

Facilities

The administrative offices for the program are located on the MCV Campus at 900 E. Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23298. The Dean’s Office is on the 2nd Floor. 

Advising

Upon admission to the program, students will be assigned an interim adviser to guide them through the core courses and assist them as they consider their areas of research. All program advisers will have an earned doctorate and be members of the university’s graduate faculty.

Students may change their interim advisers as their programs of study and interests evolve, if approved by the program director. 

After successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, students will work with the program director and assigned adviser on identifying a dissertation chair that will serve as adviser and guide them through the research/dissertation process.

Computer requirements

All students admitted to the program must have a personal computer manufactured within the past two years and access to a high-speed Internet connection.