Types of admissions

Students may be admitted to graduate study under one of the following classifications:

Degree-seeking student

An applicant who meets all requirements for admission to a degree program and who has been recommended by the department or school in which the applicant proposes to study may be admitted as a degree-seeking student.

In order to finalize admission, an official transcript showing degree(s) awarded and any other required documentation must be provided by the end of the fourth week of the first semester of matriculation in the program. Holds will be placed by the Office of Admissions on all future registrations for students who do not submit required documentation by this deadline.

Revised 4/8/2014; 12/19/2023
University Graduate Council

Nondegree-seeking student

An individual who wishes to take graduate courses without formal admission to a degree or certificate program is classified as a nondegree-seeking student. There is no limit to the total number of credits a nondegree-seeking student may take, as long as the student’s academic performance is credible. In courses where enrollment is limited, first priority is given to students admitted to the program, followed by other VCU graduate degree-seeking students. Nondegree-seeking students are not exempt from any prerequisite that may be specified for a course.

In order to enroll in graduate courses as a nondegree-seeking student, students must have graduated (or be in the final term expecting to graduate) from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent.

With program approval, a nondegree-seeking student who is later admitted as a degree-seeking student will be allowed to apply a maximum of 12 credits earned as a nondegree-seeking student toward a degree. Program contacts are listed in the bulletin for students considering entering a degree program. Please reach out to the program for assistance with advising and utilize the “what if” function on the degree audit to explore how earned credits can be applied to a degree.

Revised 3/22/2023
University Graduate Council