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.
Minimum admission requirements for graduate study at VCU are outlined below. Individual departments and programs may set more stringent requirements as described in relevant sections of the Graduate Bulletin. Each department/program determines how to evaluate the individual requirements in a holistic assessment of the applicant’s potential for success in graduate study in a particular field. Additional factors, such as prior professional experience, may also be taken into consideration.
- Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent. Departments may admit graduate applicants with three-year bachelor’s degrees provided these three-year degrees allow the students to pursue graduate studies in their countries. Further, the department will require prerequisite/foundation courses as needed to fill in any gaps in the student’s educational background.
- Required grade point average. For admission to graduate study at VCU, the Graduate School requires an undergraduate GPA of 3.0. or better, however, an individual department may waive this requirement as identified through a holistic review of an application. For students with earned graduate degrees from accredited institutions, the graduate GPA may be the primary basis for consideration.
- Entrance examinations. Submission of standardized graduate-level test scores (fewer than five years old) may be required by the individual program/department. Note: Not all programs require standardized test scores. Applicants are encouraged to visit individual department and program sections of the Graduate Bulletin for information about specific test score requirements.
- Letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study may be required. Applicants are encouraged to visit individual department and program sections of the Graduate Bulletin for information about specific requirements.
- Statement of intent. Applicants are encouraged to visit individual department and program sections of the Graduate Bulletin for information about specific requirements.
- Such additional requirements as may be established by individual programs and schools. These may include personal interviews, auditions, submission of a portfolio or other materials.
An exception to the general admissions requirements is made for students entering through the Guaranteed Admissions Programs of the VCU Honors College. (See the heading Guaranteed admission through The Honors College in this section.)
Revised 4/8/2014; 5/12/2015; 5/10/2016; 12/19/2023
University Graduate Council