This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. 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.

901 West Main Street
Temple Building, Room 2216
Box 842034
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2034
(804) 828-2660
robertson.vcu.edu

Brian G. Smith, Ph.D.
Professor and director

Scott Sherman
Associate professor and associate director

Veronica Garabelli
Assistant professor and director of graduate studies

Natasha Long
Coordinator of student services

The Robertson School of Communication prepares effective and skilled communicators through quality instruction, advising and student services, based on real-world applications. Through research, professional service and scholarship in applied communications, the school advances the knowledge and practice of a multidisciplinary and evolving media environment. The school values truth, ethics, creativity, innovation, collaboration, cultural diversity, shared governance and community engagement.

The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with specialization in one of four concentrations: advertising, journalism, media production or public relations. The school also awards the Master of Science in Mass Communications, with concentrations in the areas of integrated communication and media leadership along with a graduate Certificate in Media and Leadership.

Undergraduate information

Admission guidelines and requirements

Incoming students can declare mass communications as their major through the last day of add/drop. VCU students in other programs who wish to declare mass communications as their major must complete MASC 101 with a minimum grade of C and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. In addition, students planning to major in advertising must complete MASC 201 with a minimum grade of C; students planning to major in public relations must complete MASC 210 with a minimum grade of C; and students planning to major in media production must complete MASC 255 with a minimum grade of C. 

Full-time students can spend no more than two academic years in the foundation from the time of enrollment. If they have not advanced to a concentration, then they will be separated from the major.

Admittance to a concentration in the Robertson School of Communication is contingent on meeting the following requirements: an overall minimum GPA of 2.5 in all courses and completion of the required mass communications foundation courses. Transfer students will be evaluated on an individual basis but generally will be required to meet the prerequisites for admission during the second semester they are enrolled at VCU.

Once admitted to a concentration, students must maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.5. If a student’s GPA falls below 2.5, he or she will have one year to meet the GPA requirement. Students who fail to do so will be separated from the program. This does not preclude the student from completing another major at VCU.

Certification of these requirements must accompany a formal petition for admission to a concentration. Students at this time must select a concentration and, if available, a sub-concentration.

Students who have been separated from the major may appeal to the school’s Undergraduate Studies Committee by following the process described on the school’s website.

Students who complete the requirements for the below will receive a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications.