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.
14 North Laurel Street
Box 842021
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2021
worldstudies.vcu.edu
Matthew Pawlowicz, Ph.D.
Associate professor and director
The School of World Studies is an interdisciplinary unit that explores the diversity of the human experience and prepares students to contribute to a healthy, equitable and sustainable world. With training in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, school faculty conduct research on culture, religion, film, literature, politics, economics and the environment, and their relationship to local and global movements for racial, social and environmental justice. The school offer majors in anthropology and international studies, as well as a number of minors including anthropology, global environmental humanities, international social justice studies, religious studies and world cinema. Course instruction is enriched by a range of opportunities to gain real-world experience. School of World Studies majors acquire the critical knowledge, analytic abilities, experience and communication skills to succeed in all aspects of life and participate in the project of building a generous world for all.
See what SWS students and alumni are doing to make this vision of the world real.
Study abroad
All School of World Studies students are encouraged to participate in a study abroad program.
Opportunities range from a summer intensive program to a semester or academic year-length experience. Summer study-abroad programs provide students with opportunities for short-term immersion in the language, culture and civilization of the countries they visit. Information about all current study abroad opportunities can be found on the Global Education Office website. For more information about World Studies faculty-led study abroad programs, visit the School of World Studies website.
Students who complete the requirements for the below will receive a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology.
Students who complete the requirements for the below will receive a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in European studies
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in general studies
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in global religions and spiritualities
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in international social justice studies
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in Latin American studies
- International Studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a concentration in world cinema
Students who complete the requirements for the below will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies.