Policies

ADMISSION GUIDELINES FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS Transfer applicants are considered for admission to the university provided they present evidence of good standing at all previous institutions of higher learning; to be competitive for admission consideration into VCU, they should present a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all accredited institutions. All transfer applicants are eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA (unless required by the applicant’s intended degree program.) Transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 24 semester (36 quarter) credits will be reviewed on the basis of their high school performance; they must submit their high school transcripts in addition to their credentials from all accredited institutions of higher learning. Transfer applicants who are not admitted with degree status may be eligible to enroll as nondegree-seeking students as determined by the Office of Admissions. University undergraduate transfer credit policy An official evaluation of transferable credits for applicants to both Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus programs is made by the VCU Transfer Center after the applicant has accepted an offer of admission to the university. The Transfer Center will provide an unofficial evaluation of transferable credits to prospective transfer applicants upon request. The acceptance of transfer credits is based on the following guidelines. Accreditation 1. Collegiate work will be considered for transfer credit from postsecondary institutions that are accredited by one of the six institutional accrediting associations. 3. Collegiate work will be considered for transfer credit for courses completed at colleges and universities outside of the U.S. Students seeking transfer credit from international institutions are required to submit an official transcript and a course- by-course evaluation completed by a member of one of the following organizations: • National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Governing policies 1. The evaluation and award of transfer credit will be based on official transcripts. Once awarded, transfer credit will not be removed from a student’s VCU record for any reason, unless requested by the Office of the University Registrar. Transfer credits graded as pass/fail will not be included in the computation for determination of academic honors at VCU. For example, the conversion rate for quarter-hour credits is one quarter-hour credit to two-thirds of a semester-hour credit 4. Whenever possible, courses accepted for transfer are evaluated and posted on the VCU transcript as VCU course equivalents to ensure those credits apply to VCU degree requirements.

will be evaluated based on a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Evaluators, Inc. In addition to a course-by-course evaluation, students with international credit may be required to provide course information such as a syllabus (translated into English, if necessary) to the VCU Transfer Center for the purposes of determining VCU course equivalents. 7. In support of the state-level Transfer Virginia initiative that seeks to improve degree completion outcomes for community college students, VCU will accept transfer elective credit (TREL 1XX) for prior learning credit awarded through institutionally administered exams or portfolio-based reviews that have been posted as course equivalent credit on official transcripts from the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College up to a maximum of 30 transfer credits. Credit granted for prior learning and posted as course equivalent credit on official transcripts from all other institutions will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. VCU will evaluate prior learning credit for external equivalencies such as ACE recommendations, AP, CLEP or IB examinations based on VCU’s policy on Additional sources of academic credit. However, time limits exist in some academic programs, such as in information systems or accounting, to ensure that transfer credits meet present-day academic standards. However, due to certain programmatic accreditation requirements, students in the natural sciences may be required to complete in-person labs for major- specific science course requirements after transfer. 11. Accepted transfer credit contributes to hours earned and toward fulfillment of degree requirements at VCU. 12. Accepted transfer credits are not included in the transfer student’s overall GPA at VCU. However, the grades and quality points of transferred courses are evaluated in the computation determining graduation honors. 13. A maximum of 90 total undergraduate transfer credits will be accepted. Regardless of how many transfer credits are accepted, students must satisfy all VCU graduation requirements noted in the graduation checklist, including the following: • Completion of at least 25 percent of the semester-hour credits required for their bachelor’s degree program at VCU • Completion of at least 30 of the last 45 semester-hour credits required for their bachelor’s degree program at VCU • Completion of at least 45 upper-level credits (courses numbered 300 or higher) No more than half (50 percent) of the courses applied to the major requirements can be transferred from another college. General education requirements for transfer students 1. Transfer students who earn a Uniform Certificate of General Studies, a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.& S.), an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment at VCU will be considered to have met all lower-division general education requirements with the exception of certain lower-level and upper-level degree program requirements that also apply to native students. 2. Transfer students from Virginia community colleges and Richard Bland College who have completed approved courses through the Virginia-based Passport or Uniform Certificate of General Studies, with a minimum grade of C, will be considered to have met the comparable general education requirements at VCU. 3. VCU provides students the option of reverse transfer of credit earned at VCU back to their former college. Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College transfer students who are eligible for the awarding of an associate degree through reverse transfer of credits within one semester of enrollment at VCU will be considered to have met all lower-division general education requirements.

Academic policies The School of Business has special academic policies (http://bulletin.vcu.edu/ undergraduate/business/undergraduate- information/academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research requires that students demonstrate the following: • Have computing/technology skills that would allow the student to learn and use several statistical software packages A maximum of three equivalent, graduate-level transfer credit hours at the 500-level or higher may count toward the certificate. The transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine course equivalency.

Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: 1. Depth of knowledge Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of management that relate to the shaping of employee behaviors toward the achievement of organizational goals 2. Communication skills Communicate a personal leadership vision that reflects self- awareness, knowledge of leadership theories and concepts, and appropriate oral communication skills 3. Analytic skills Use knowledge of human resource management concepts and data to suggest solutions to management problems 4. Quantitative skills Identify and use relevant data to help make informed decisions about management issues Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: 1. Depth of knowledge Demonstrate an understanding fundamental concepts of management that relate to the shaping of employee behaviors toward the achievement of organizational goals 2. Communication skills Communicate a personal leadership vision that reflects self- awareness, knowledge of leadership theories and concepts, and appropriate oral communication skills 3. Analytic skills Use knowledge of human resource management concepts and data to suggest solutions to management problems 4. Quantitative skills Identify and use relevant data to help make informed decisions about management issues Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ (B.S.) with a concentration in management/international management 1 academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: 1. Depth of knowledge Demonstrate an understanding fundamental concepts of management that relate to the shaping of employee behaviors toward the achievement of organizational goals 2. Communication skills Communicate a personal leadership vision that reflects self- awareness, knowledge of leadership theories and concepts, and appropriate oral communication skills 3. Analytic skills Use knowledge of human resource management concepts and data to suggest solutions to management problems 4. Quantitative skills Identify and use relevant data to help make informed decisions about management issues 5. Entrepreneurship concentration-specific skills Science (B.S.) with a concentration in management/entrepreneurship 1 Develop an individual belief, or self-efficacy, that he or she is capable of successfully performing the roles and tasks of an entrepreneur Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply all undergraduate degrees.

Students who received transfer credit for these 3 courses shall submit transcripts from previous institutions with their 3 application so that performance in these classes can be evaluated.

Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: 1. Depth of knowledge Demonstrate an understanding fundamental concepts of management that relate to the shaping of employee behaviors toward the achievement of organizational goals 2. Communication skills Communicate a personal leadership vision that reflects self- awareness, knowledge of leadership theories and concepts, and appropriate oral communication skills 3. Analytic skills Use knowledge of human resource management concepts and data to suggest solutions to management problems 4. Quantitative skills Identify and use relevant data to help make informed decisions about management issues (B.S.) with a concentration in management/business administration 1 Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate School Admissions Office: • Application form and application fee • Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A personal statement of purpose outlining career goals • A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Transfer credit hours for graduate work at other institutions will be evaluated after the completion of nine semester hours in the department. 3. Master’s-level candidacy and requirements: All students in the Department of Psychology are required to complete a department core curriculum (17 credit hours) or its equivalent for students entering with a master’s degree.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate School admissions office: • An earned undergraduate degree related to genetics, biology or psychology • Application form and application fee • One letter of recommendation, professional and/or academic • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A statement of purpose outlining career goals and previous experience A maximum of three equivalent, graduate-level transfer credit hours at the 500-level or higher may count toward the certificate. The transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine course equivalency.

Minimum qualifications for admittance to the program include completion of 90 undergraduate credit hours (including transfer credits); an overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA of 3.5 in criminal justice course work.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office: • Application form and application fee • Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A statement of purpose outlining career goals • A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for the program.

Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ Economics, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) [School of Business] 1 academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

To be admitted to the program a student must have earned a minimum grade of C in ECON 210 and ECON 211 or their equivalents. 3. Transfer credits may be applied to no more than 12 hours in the major requirements at the 300-level or above.

Admission with advanced standing The VCU School of Dentistry International Dentist Program (http:// www.dentistry.vcu.edu/programs/internationaldentists/) offers internationally trained dentists an opportunity to enter the D.D.S.

Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/study/admission-graduate- study/admission-requirements/), the prerequisites and general criteria of eligibility for admission to the GIS certificate program include: 1. Completion of an official application form 2. Three letters of reference 3. Letter of intent describing interest in applying for the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems 4. An official transcript showing successful completion of baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 2.7 (out of 4.0) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study At any time, students in the GIS certificate program may apply for admission into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, the Master of Public Administration or the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree programs. If accepted into a master’s program, students may then transfer credits earned in the GIS certificate program toward partial fulfillment of the master’s degree.

Degree requirements In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/academic-regs/grad/graduation-info/), students are required to complete a total of 59 credit hours (including transfer credit hours, if any) to qualify for the Master of Health Administration degree.

Health Administration, Master of Science in (M.S.H.A.) 3 In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/academic-regs/grad/graduation-info/), students are required to complete 14 courses, a total of 41 credit hours (including transfer credit hours, if any), to qualify for the Master of Science in Health Administration degree.

No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Students may wish to choose their upper- level information systems electives to gain enhanced proficiency in the following areas: Course Title Ho Application development INFO 450 Programming for Business Analytics INFO 452 AI Services for Business Business analysis INFO 462 Design of AI Systems INFO 511 Practical and Structural Data Improvements with AI INFO 532 Practical Process Rethinking with AI Information and communications technology INFO 472 Infrastructure Services INFO 474 Advanced Networking and Security Program educational objectives The major in information systems provides a curriculum in which graduates will be able to: • Develop and manage business capabilities using digital technologies • Stay relevant in a changing world by being lifelong learners in the information systems field • Create value in organizations by supporting information-based decision making Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will have an ability to: • Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions • Design, implement and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program discipline • Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts • Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles • Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline • Support the delivery, use and management of information systems within an information systems environment Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ Information Systems, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) 1 academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Students must take at least 21 credits total of upper-level (300- or 400-level) courses within the major, with a minimum of nine credits at the upper level earned at VCU (not through transfer credit).

Marketing communication and analytics concentration- specific outcome Demonstrate research design and analysis skills needed to conduct impactful marketing research Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

in Marketing program: • Provides students with a broad knowledge of marketing concepts and practices needed in the increasingly diverse domestic and global marketplace • Prepares students to apply analytical tools to creatively solve marketing problems Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: Understand and apply fundamental marketing concepts and strategies in the international marketplace Product and brand management concentration-specific outcome Identify marketing problems and evaluate alternative solutions Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies, including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

in Marketing program: • Provides students with a broad knowledge of marketing concepts and practices needed in the increasingly diverse domestic and global marketplace • Prepares students to apply analytical tools to creatively solve marketing problems Student learning outcomes Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following: Understand and apply fundamental marketing concepts and strategies in the international marketplace General marketing concentration-specific outcome Know and apply consumer behavior concepts and the factors that affect consumer decision-making Special requirements The School of Business has special academic policies (http:// bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/ academic-policies/), including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office: • Application form and application fee • Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic o • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A statement of purpose outlining career goals • A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for the certificate program.

• Application form and application fee • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A resume stating relevant work experience • An undergraduate degree in a relevant field or a degree in a non- related field with relevant work experience • Three work samples • Responses to five questions from the admissions committee • URL where committee members can learn more about the applicant For international students, the following is required: • An official transcript evaluation from a recognized foreign educational credentials evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the American Association of o Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers • A Test of English as a Foreign Language minimum composite score of 100 for the Internet Based Test or 600 for the paper-based test; or an International English language Testing System minimum score of 6.5 on the academic exam • A minimum score of 68 on the VCU English Language Program Compression test (Students who do not achieve a score of 68 will be placed in the appropriate level English language proficiency courses.) Note: No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to o the Graduate School Admissions Office: • Application form and application fee • Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic • Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended • A personal statement of purpose outlining career goals • A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Transfer in advanced standing The VCU School of Medicine does not typically consider applications for transfer admission.

Transfer in advanced standing VCU School of Pharmacy does not typically consider applications for transfer admission, as the curriculum across colleges and schools of pharmacy can differ significantly. The decision to transfer in advanced standing is at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Readmission in advanced standing will be considered on a space-available basis. Dual-enrollment credit earned during high school will be evaluated on an individual basis for prerequisite completion.

5. Transfer credits are not accepted.

(https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/graduate/) Admission requirements Degree: Semester(s) of Deadline dates: Test entry: requirements: Certificate Fall Jul 1 Spring Dec 1 In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/graduate/study/admission-graduate- study/admission-requirements/), the following requirements represent the minimum acceptable standards for admission: • Undergraduate exposure to history and humanities courses • A GPA indicative of the ability to successfully complete a graduate program • Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to provide information concerning the applicant’s probable success in graduate school • Submission of a written statement of intent, indicating why the applicant wishes to pursue a graduate certificate in history Three graduate-level transfer credits will be accepted toward the certificate with the department’s approval.

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work 2. Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work 3. Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: h a concentration in criminal justice policy a. Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program b. Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests c. Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration d. Is well-written and error-free 4. All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): a. Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623/GVPA 623/CRJS 623/URSP 623) b. Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624) c. Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work 2. Standardized examination scores less than five years old (GRE preferred) 3. Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work 4. Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: a. Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program b. Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests c. Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration d. Is well-written and error-free 5. All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): a. Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623/GVPA 623/CRJS 623/URSP 623) b. Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624) c. Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work 2. Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work 3. Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: h a concentration in urban and regional policy a. Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program b. Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests c. Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration d. Is well-written and error-free 4. All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): a. Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623/GVPA 623/CRJS 623/URSP 623) b. Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624) c. Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work 2. Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work 3. Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: h a concentration in public administration a. Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program b. Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests c. Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration d. Is well-written and error-free 4. All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): a. Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623/GVPA 623/CRJS 623/URSP 623) b. Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624) c. Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

Transfer credit , A maximum of 12 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another VCU graduate program or outside institution if not applied previously to another degree. Transfer credit hours must carry a minimum grade of B from an accredited institution. Acceptance of transfer credit hours is made at the level of the department chair and dean of the College of Health Professions. Transfer credit hours earned as a nondegree- seeking graduate student are limited to six credit hours. Credit hours earned as deficiency hours or to demonstrate the ability to compete at the graduate level, though transferable, may not be applied to the 60- credit-hour program of study.

1. Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work 2. Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work 3. Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: h a concentration in public policy a. Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program b. Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests c. Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration d. Is well-written and error-free 4. All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): a. Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623/GVPA 623/CRJS 623/URSP 623) b. Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624) c. Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

Transfer of credits from other colleges or universities or from other programs at VCU is determined on an individual basis.

Students qualifying for the advanced standing option may complete the social work administration, planning and policy practice concentration tion, planning and policy practice in the on-campus or online modality. Admission to the advanced standing format The advanced standing option leads to a Master of Social Work degree upon completion of 42 credit hours. The advanced standing option for the social work administration, planning and policy practice concentration is available to those in the on-campus and online modalities. Advanced standing begins in late May, continues through the summer and culminates with graduation the following May. The advanced standing option is offered full-time only. Admission to the advanced standing format is available to students with a bachelor’s degree (B.S.W.) from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, completed no more than five years prior to the date of application to the M.S.W. The minimum requirement for admission to the advanced standing format is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale from the undergraduate degree-granting institution.

For applicants to the advanced standing option who have not completed a senior field placement, one of the three references must possess the capacity to evaluate the applicant’s potential to succeed in a field placement. No more than 30 credit hours will be accepted in transfer, and transfer credit will be awarded in accordance with university policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. A maximum of six credit hours of elective course work may be accepted in transfer from non- social work graduate programs in accordance with Graduate School policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. Only courses that have not been applied to another degree or certificate program will be eligible for transfer. programs (but not in the advanced standing format), and from B.A., B.S. Credit may be awarded only through transfer of graduate courses (see Transfer Policy). Students who are granted waivers but not transfer credit hours must take elective courses to fulfill the number of credit hours that have been waived. degree in the advanced standing option requires 42 credits of full-time graduate study. Students in advanced standing do not complete the generalist curriculum but instead, take 12 credit hours the semester prior to entering the concentration curriculum. Concentration options After completion of the generalist year of study or the advanced standing option, M.S.W.

Electives from outside the School of Social Work are accepted as part of the combined offerings for dual degrees and certificates (SEDP 630, GVPA 635, SEDP 501, EDUS 673, EDUS 607, SEDP 631, GRTY 601, GRTY 602, GVPA 635, and GRTY 603). The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is ours 60. 3 Advanced standing option In the advanced standing option students do not take the generalist 3 courses outlined above, but instead, take 12 credit hours prior to their concentration year. 3 The following advanced standing courses are taken during the semester prior to concentration courses. Curriculum requirements for advanced standing 3 Course Title Hours Advanced standing bridge courses 6 SLWK 607 Social Work Practice with Individuals, 3 Families and Groups for Advanced- standing Students SLWK 608 Social Work Practice in Organizations 3 15 and Communities for Advanced- standing Students SLWK 611 Social Work Research for Advanced- 3 standing Students SLWK 612 Advanced Standing Field Instruction 3 Concentration courses SLWK 709 Specialization Research for 3 Understanding and Assessing Social Work Interventions and Services SLWK 710 Concentration Social Policy 3 SLWK 711 Strategies for Social Work Planning and 3 Administrative Practice 6 SLWK 712 Social Work Planning and 3 Administrative Practice I SLWK 713 Social Work Planning and 3 Administrative Practice II 9 Field instruction Select one of the following: 6 SLWK 793 Specialization Field Instruction I & SLWK 794 and Specialization Field Instruction II 1 SLWK 795 Specialization Block Field Instruction

Advanced standing on-campus applicants are admitted for the summer session and online advanced standing applicants are admitted for the summer and fall sessions. At the time of application, prospective students may apply for one of the following: full-time or part-time on-campus, full-time or part-time online, or full-time advanced standing (on-campus and online). Admission to the advanced standing format The advanced standing option leads to a Master of Social Work degree upon completion of 42 credit hours. On-campus advanced standing begins in the summer semester. Online advanced standing begins twice a year, in the fall and summer semesters. The advanced standing option is offered full-time only. Admission to advanced standing is available to a select group of students with a bachelor’s degree (B.S.W.) from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, completed no more than five years prior to the date of application to the M.S.W. The minimum requirement for admission to the advanced standing format is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale from the degree- granting institution. For applicants to the advanced standing option who have not completed a senior field placement, one of the three references must possess the capacity to evaluate the applicant’s potential to succeed in a field placement.

No more than 30 credit hours will be accepted in transfer, and transfer credit will be awarded in accordance with university policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. A maximum of six credit hours of elective course work may be accepted in transfer from non- social work graduate programs in accordance with Graduate School policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. Only courses that have not been applied to another degree will be eligible for transfer. programs (but not in the advanced standing format), and from B.A., B.S. Credit may be awarded only through transfer of graduate courses (see Transfer Policy). Students who are granted waivers but not transfer credit hours must take elective courses to fulfill the number of credit hours that have been waived. degree in the advanced standing option requires 42 credits of full-time graduate study. Students in advanced standing do not complete the generalist curriculum but instead take 12 credit hours prior to entering the concentration curriculum. Concentration options After completion of the generalist year of study or advanced standing course work, M.S.W.

Electives from outside the School of Social Work are accepted as part of the combined offerings for dual degrees and certificates (SEDP 630, GVPA 635, SEDP 501, EDUS 673, EDUS 607, SEDP 631, GRTY 601, GRTY 602, GVPA 635, and GRTY 603). The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 60. Hours Advanced standing option 3 In the advanced standing option students do not take the generalist courses outlined above, but instead, take 12 credit hours of course 3 work prior to their concentration year. 3 The following advanced standing courses are taken prior to the concentration courses. 3 Course Title Hours Advanced standing bridge courses 3 SLWK 607 Social Work Practice with Individuals, 3 Families and Groups for Advanced- 6 standing Students SLWK 608 Social Work Practice in Organizations 3 and Communities for Advanced- standing Students 15 SLWK 611 Social Work Research for Advanced- 3 standing Students SLWK 612 Advanced Standing Field Instruction 3 Concentration courses SLWK 703 Psychopathology 3 SLWK 704 Clinical Social Work Practice I 3 SLWK 705 Clinical Social Work Practice II 3 SLWK 709 Specialization Research for 3 6 Understanding and Assessing Social Work Interventions and Services SLWK 710 Concentration Social Policy 3 Field instruction Select one of the following: 6 SLWK 793 Specialization Field Instruction I & SLWK 794 and Specialization Field Instruction II 1 SLWK 795 Specialization Block Field Instruction SLWK 796 Specialization Field Instruction 9 & SLWK 797 Extended Semesters I & SLWK 798 and Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters II and Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters III Electives 60

2. Transfer credits: A maximum of six credit hours of elective credit taken at another university or in another department can be applied to the M.S.

For transfer students, grade point average will be a compilation of grade points from transfer credits and courses taken at VCU.

Students who received transfer credit for these courses shall submit transcripts from previous 15 institutions with their application so that performance in these classes can be evaluated.

Enrollment requires admission to the advanced standing program. Prerequisite: admission to the advanced standing program. Required advanced standing program core curriculum course.

Advanced Standing Field Instruction. Enrollment is restricted to students admitted to the advanced standing program. Requires application, refinement and the active use of content from the advanced standing curriculum through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison.

Grade Meaning Grade-point letter values per semester credit A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 F 0.0 FI Incomplete changed to fail 0.0 AP Advanced Placement (_) AU Audit (_) CO Continued (_) CR Credit (_) H Honors (_) HP High Pass (_) I Incomplete (_) IB International Baccalaureate (_) IM Incomplete Military (_) M Marginal (_) NC Administrative grade with no credit (_) NR/NG Administrative grade assigned when no (_) grade is submitted by the instructor P Pass (_) PL Placement exam/waiver (_) PP Pass (conversion from grade of A-C) (_) PR Progress (_) PS Pass (conversion from grade of D) (_) S Satisfactory (_) TR Transfer Credit (_) U Unsatisfactory (_) W Withdrawn (_) WM Withdrawn Military (_) DN D grade excluded from GPA (_) FN F grade excluded from GPA (_) Grades designated by a blank, (_), in the grade-point column are not considered in the computation of grade points earned or GPA.

TRANSFER CREDIT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS A maximum of 50 percent of the didactic hours required for a graduate degree or any graduate certificate program may be transferred from another institution and, if not applied previously toward another degree, may be applied toward a degree. Prerequisite course work that does not count toward the VCU degree may not be transferred. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the program and academic school levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School. Revised 5/11/2010; 5/10/2011 5/10/2016 University Graduate Council Transfer credit for graduate students 1 Credit for military service, career or life experience The Graduate School does not grant graduate-level credit for any type of military service or career or life experience. The Graduate School may grant credit for formal military service school graduate-level courses that have received positive recommendation by the Commission on Accreditation of Service Experiences of the American Council on Education as stated in the ACE’s “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services.” (http://www.acenet.edu/ news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx) Recommendations regarding the transfer of military course work are initiated at the program and academic school levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School and must meet all other criteria for transfer credit as articulated in the transfer credit policy.

• Student must have earned a minimum of 120 credits, including transfer credits.

2. Transfer credit for 300- and 400-level business courses will only be given for courses completed in a business program that is accredited by AACSB International. 3. Credits earned at other institutions carrying a grade of D (or equivalent) are not accepted for transfer. 4. Transfer credits may be applied to no more than 12 hours of credit in the major. Laptop computer requirement Entering freshmen and transfer students are required to purchase a laptop computer capable of meeting School of Business specifications.

Transfer credits are not accepted for the two UNIV courses after a student is enrolled at the university.

Transfer credit School of Business policy allows for a maximum of 30 percent of the didactic hours required for a graduate degree or any graduate certificate program to be transferred in from another AACSB-accredited institution toward the degree. Acceptance of transfer credit is made at the discretion of the director of graduate studies in business. Transfer credit shall not be older than seven years at the time the degree is awarded.

Undergraduate major Freshman students who plan to become early and elementary education teachers through the extended teacher preparation pathway are required to have completed the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies liberal studies for early and elementary education major. Credits are accepted if they conform to specific program guidelines; course equivalents from accredited colleges and universities are accepted if the grade earned is a minimum of C. From the extended program, 60 semester hours of acceptable undergraduate course work are required to be admitted to a teacher preparation program. After the initial student transcript evaluation, the assigned adviser reviews the accepted transfer credits with the student, determining what additional course work will be necessary at VCU to address state licensure requirements. An adviser is not required to use all the accepted transfer credits in a student’s program of study.

Students are required to consecutively complete 101, 102 (beginning), 201, and 202 or 205 (intermediate) levels, or be waived through placement or earned transfer credit. Foreign language requirement and native speaker information Students in some majors within the College of Humanities and Sciences are required to meet a foreign language requirement either through the 102 level or through a higher level as specified by the individual program.

Students who are unsuccessful in demonstrating completion of designated clinical pastoral education outcomes in any program will be required to develop with a faculty mentor an individualized plan of study toward their completion. A maximum of eight credits may be transferred from another university toward the Master of Science course requirements provided these credits have not been applied to a previous degree. A maximum of one-third of the didactic hours may be transferred from another VCU program. Students who have been admitted to the graduate certificate program may be admitted to the Master of Science degree with advanced standing after the completion of at least 18 credits with a B or better.

Only students who meet minimum requirements and submit the major declaration with all required components by the deadline will be guaranteed their major choice; late submissions will not be accepted. Admitted first-year students with 100-level studio dual enrollment transfer credit will have their portfolios, course descriptions and transcripts evaluated individually to determine any art foundation course equivalents.

Because of the sequence in which course work is arranged, only transfer students will be considered for mid-year admission. Internship arrangements are coordinated by the individual department or program and are considered university-supported activities involving enrolled students and faculty. Undergraduate credit by examination Recognizing that VCU enrolls students of varying backgrounds and experiences, the School of the Arts provides its students the opportunity to accelerate their education through “credit by examination.” The conditions under which credit by examination (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/ undergraduate/undergraduate-study/admission-university/additional- sources-of-credit/) may be given as well as the procedures are outlined in the “Admission to the university” section of this bulletin.

Transfer credits for graduate work at other institutions will be evaluated after the completion of nine semester hours in the department. All students are required to complete a core curriculum of 15 credits (or its equivalent for students entering with a master’s degree).

Check with the individual departments to confirm whether full- time status is required or part-time status is permitted. Transfer credit and graduate study A maximum of nine graduate credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions and applied to any of the graduate degree programs in the School of the Arts. However, transfer credit is not typically granted to incoming students and is approved at the discretion of the department chair.

GRADUATE INFORMATION Transfer credit Graduate-level course work completed prior to matriculation into the program, including course work taken in another program at VCU or at another institution, shall be evaluated to determine whether it can be used to fulfill degree requirements of this program. A maximum of six credit hours earned at an institution other than VCU can be accepted for transfer into the program if not previously applied toward another degree. A minimum grade of B is required for transfer of credits.

Transfer credit With the consent of the admission committee or program coordinator, a maximum of six semester hours of appropriate graduate credit may be transferred and applied toward the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, the Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Master of Public Administration or the Master of Urban and Regional Planning. For consideration to transfer, classes: • Must be from a regionally accredited university • Have been completed with a minimum grade of B • Be no more than five years old • Have not been applied to another degree Schoolwide master’s-level requirements In addition to the program-specific requirements of the Master of Public Administration, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice and the Master of Urban and Regional Planning as outlined elsewhere in this bulletin, the Wilder School requires all master’s-level graduate degree-seeking students to acquire competence in four broad areas: 1. Research methods 2. Planning and/or policy analysis 3. Public administration 4. Ethics Competence can be demonstrated by completion of the following: Course Title Hours Research methods URSP/CRJS/GVPA/ Applied Research Methods PADM 623 Planning/policy analysis Select one of the following: 3 PADM/GVPA 625 Policy Insights: Assessing Public Policies URSP/GVPA 632 Planning Theory and Processes Public administration PADM/GVPA 601 Introduction to Public Service and 3 Administration Ethics Select one of the following options: 3 Option A: PADM/GVPA/PHIL Administrative Ethics 683 Option B: A program-specific course through which ethical issues are imbedded and discussed within a public sector context.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF ACADEMIC CREDIT VCU awards advanced standing and credit, with qualifying scores or grades, for additional sources of academic credit. 10, 2011.) Credit for Advanced Placement tests of the College Board AP tests passed with scores of 3, 4 or 5 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

History 3,4,5 HIST 103, 6 HIST 104 World History 3,4,5 HIST 1XX 6 (History elective) 3 Credit for International Baccalaureate diplomas and courses 6 IB Higher Level tests passed with scores of 4-7 and Standard Level tests passed with scores of 5-7 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

Cambridge tests passed with a minimum final grades of E will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

academic credit GRMN 101- 12 GRMN 102, GRMN 201- GRMN 202 HIST 103 3 HIST 104 3 EDUS 301 3 TREL 1XX 3 INFO 360 3 BUSN 323 3 PSYC 101 4 SOCY 101 3 ECON 211 3 ECON 210 3 TREL 1XX 3 MATH 151 4 TREL 1XX 3 MKTG 301 3 TREL 1XX 3 SPAN 101- 6 SPAN 102 SPAN 101- 9 SPAN 102, SPAN 201 SPAN 101- 12 SPAN 102, SPAN 201- SPAN 202 SPAN 101- 6 SPAN 102 SPAN 101- 9 SPAN 102 SPAN 101- 12 SPAN 102, SPAN 201- SPAN 202 HIST 101 3 HIST 102 3 ivalents were made in consultation w Undergraduate credit by examination or faculty- based alternative assessment Recognizing that VCU enrolls students of varying backgrounds and experiences, the university provides its students the opportunity to accelerate their education through credit by examination or other forms of faculty-based alternative assessment (such as portfolio review). The following outline describes conditions under which credit by examination may be given and the procedure for doing so. 1. With the approval of the dean, each department or program shall: a. Determine which, if any, courses shall be available for credit by examination or alternative assessment. The student should check with the department offering course work in the area in which he or she wishes to take credit by examination or alternative assessment for a list of the courses so designated. 3. The student wishing to take credit by examination or alternative assessment must meet the following requirements: a. Not have received a grade listed in this bulletin, including AU or W for the course for which credit by examination is sought. Also, the student should not have been granted transfer credit for a similar course taken elsewhere. 4. After consultation with the major adviser and within the first four weeks of a fall or spring semester, the student must complete the Credit by Examination Approval Form with the department chair.

Other types of approved credit by alternate assessment methods 1. The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program offers a portfolio- based process that provides students the opportunity to earn up to 30 credits for prior learning. To add the credits to their academic record, students must use the credit by examination process, which requires a $30 fee per credit hour. Furthermore, upon demonstrating proficiency in the language by successful completion of a 300-level language course at VCU (with a minimum grade of C), VCU will award six additional credit hours (equivalent to the 201 and 202 levels of the language) in partial fulfillment of undergraduate graduation requirements. VCU will recognize ACE or NCCRS recommendations and award transfer credit for workplace training programs if comparable courses are offered at VCU and VCU faculty teaching those courses approve those recommendations. VCU recognizes the ACE recommendations from the JST and awards transfer credit for military training courses into college credit as determined by VCU faculty if a comparable course is offered at VCU. Examples of the type of transfer credit awarded for military training are listed in the table below. VCU awards transfer credit from the Air University transcript as transfer credits according to VCU’s transfer evaluation guidelines.

Examples of transfer credits awarded for military service training courses (as reported on JSTs) based on ACE recommendations (Additional credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis.

5. Transfer credit: a. Transfer credit, including courses from VCU to be applied after acceptance in the program, is accepted at the discretion of the associate dean for academic programs and student success upon the recommendation of the student’s adviser.

All students who need financial aid funding must successfully complete at least 67 percent of all credit hours attempted (transfer credit hours are included).

• Montgomery – GI Bill® Active Duty (Chapter 30) • Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab, Chapter 31) • Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP, Chapter 32) • Post 9-11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) • Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (DEA, Chapter 35) • Montgomery – GI Bill Selected Reserves (Chapter 1606) • Tutorial Assistance Program • VA Work-Study Program • Virginia Military Survivors and Dependants Education Program • Post 9-11 – Active Duty (Chapter 33)/Yellow Ribbon Program • Yellow Ribbon Program • Transferability of Benefit Eligibility requirements Eligible veterans/spouses/dependents must comply with the following requirements to receive educational benefits as students: 1. The veteran/spouse/dependent must be accepted into a degree or certificate program or be matriculating as a nondegree-seeking student for only two semesters before having to declare a major. 5. The veteran/spouse/dependent is responsible for ensuring that transcripts are evaluated for transfer credits to be accepted by VCU.

Credits Except for specific VCU short-term programs offered for VCU credit, all credit received through study abroad will appear on the students’ transcripts as transfer credit (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/ undergraduate-study/admission-university/additional-sources-of-credit/). Participants can earn VCU and/or transfer credit and study subjects from various academic disciplines.

EVALUATION OF TRANSFER CREDIT An evaluation of transferable credits for applicants to both Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus programs is made by the Transfer Center (or appropriate program) after the accepted applicant’s final official transcript has been received by the Office of Admissions and the applicant has accepted an offer of admission. See the University undergraduate transfer credit policy (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/ undergraduate/undergraduate-study/admission-university/transfer- admission-guidelines/) and Additional sources of academic credit (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/undergraduate-study/ admission-university/additional-sources-of-credit/) for transferable credit information. Accepted transfer credit contributes to hours earned and toward fulfillment of degree requirements at VCU. Accepted transfer credits are not included in the transfer student’s overall GPA at VCU. The grades and quality points of transfer courses are evaluated in the computation determining graduation honors (https://bulletin.vcu.edu/academic-regs/ugrad/ugrad-graduation- app/). Credits earned at other institutions carrying a grade of D are not accepted for transfer Courses taken on the pass/fail or pass/no pass systems or courses taken for grades of satisfactory or unsatisfactory that receive earned credits and a satisfactory grade (or comparable passing grade) from the transfer institution receive equivalent semester credit. Transfer credits graded as pass/fail will not be included in the computation for determination of academic honors at VCU. Applicants to degree programs that are competitive are not guaranteed admission but will be evaluated on the same basis as currently enrolled VCU students. This evaluation is determined by the equivalencies shown in the Transfer Course Equivalents (https://transfer.vcu.edu/transferring-credits/transfer-course- equivalents/) for the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College courses that may be accepted, including not more than 50 Evaluation of transfer credit 1 percent in the major field of study. Transfer credit appeal process VCU recognizes the right of students to appeal the decision not to accept credit for transfer. The Transfer Credit Appeals Committee will meet at least once per semester to consider student appeals.

Because of the sequence in which course work is arranged, only transfer students will be considered for mid-year admission. Internship arrangements are coordinated by the individual department or program and are considered university-supported activities involving enrolled students and faculty. Undergraduate credit by examination Recognizing that VCU enrolls students of varying backgrounds and experiences, the School of the Arts provides its students the opportunity to accelerate their education through “credit by examination.” The conditions under which credit by examination may be given as well as the procedures are outlined in the “Admission to the university” section of this bulletin.

Transfer credit: Transfer credit, including courses from VCU to be applied after acceptance in the program, is accepted at the discretion of the associate dean for academic programs and student success upon the recommendation of the student’s adviser.

Collegiate work will be considered for transfer credit from postsecondary institutions that are accredited by one of the six institutional accrediting associations. Collegiate work will be considered for transfer credit for courses completed at colleges and universities outside of the U.S. Students seeking transfer credit from international institutions are required to submit an official transcript and a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of one of the following organizations: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

for transfer students Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin.

Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. Transfer applicants are considered for admission to the university provided they present evidence of good standing at all previous institutions of higher learning; to be competitive for admission consideration into VCU, they should present a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all accredited institutions. All transfer applicants are eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA (unless required by the applicant’s intended degree program.) Transfer applicants who have earned fewer than 24 semester (36 quarter) credits will be reviewed on the basis of their high school performance; they must submit their high school transcripts in addition to their credentials from all accredited institutions of higher learning. Transfer applicants who are not admitted with degree status may be eligible to enroll as nondegree-seeking students as determined by the Office of Admissions.

Admission guidelines for transfer students Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. When an applicant is tentatively accepted to the university, a final transcript is required to complete the individual’s admission file.

Freshman application deadlines Admission notification Admission guidelines for transfer students Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. All transfer applicants are eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA.

The Department of Statistical Sciences and Operations Research requires that students demonstrate the following: Have computing/technology skills that would allow the student to learn and use several statistical software packages A maximum of three equivalent, graduate-level transfer credit hours at the 500-level or higher may count toward the certificate. The transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine course equivalency.

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate School Admissions Office: Application form and application fee Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A personal statement of purpose outlining career goals A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Transfer credit hours for graduate work at other institutions will be evaluated after the completion of nine semester hours in the department.

All applicants to the graduate certificate program are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School . Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate School admissions office: An earned undergraduate degree related to genetics, biology or psychology Application form and application fee One letter of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A statement of purpose outlining career goals and previous experience A maximum of three equivalent, graduate-level transfer credit hours at the 500-level or higher may count toward the certificate. The transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine course equivalency.

All applicants to the graduate certificate program are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School . Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office: Application form and application fee Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A statement of purpose outlining career goals A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for the program.

No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Application form and application fee Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A resume stating relevant work experience An undergraduate degree in a relevant field or a degree in a non-related field with relevant work experience Three work samples Responses to five questions from the admissions committee URL where committee members can learn more about the applicant For international students, the following is required: An official transcript evaluation from a recognized foreign educational credentials evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers A Test of English as a Foreign Language minimum composite score of 100 for the Internet Based Test or 600 for the paper-based test; or an International English language Testing System minimum score of 6.5 on the academic exam A minimum score of 68 on the VCU English Language Program Compression test (Students who do not achieve a score of 68 will be placed in the appropriate level English language proficiency courses.) Note: No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Transfer credits will be allowed. or equivalent professional program) from an accredited college or university, with a degree in a discipline related to pharmaceutical engineering, including but not limited to pharmacy, chemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and molecular biology, may petition to transfer up to nine credits of elective courses. If the students have produced a thesis during their advanced studies, they may be eligible to transfer another nine credits of research.

All applicants to the graduate certificate programs are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School . Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate School admissions office: Application form and application fee Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A personal statement of purpose outlining career goals A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for this certificate program.

Degree: Semester(s) of entry: Deadline dates: Test requirements: Certificate Fall Jul 1 Spring Dec 1 In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School , the following requirements represent the minimum acceptable standards for admission: Undergraduate exposure to history and humanities courses A GPA indicative of the ability to successfully complete a graduate program Three letters of recommendation from persons qualified to provide information concerning the applicant’s probable success in graduate school Submission of a written statement of intent, indicating why the applicant wishes to pursue a graduate certificate in history Three graduate-level transfer credits will be accepted toward the certificate with the department’s approval.

Degree: Semester(s) of entry: Deadline dates: Test requirements: Certificate Fall Jul 1 Spring Nov 1 Summer Mar 1 All applicants to the graduate certificate program are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School . Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office: Application form and application fee Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A statement of purpose outlining career goals A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for the program.

Transfer credits for graduate work at other institutions will be evaluated after the completion of nine semester hours in the department.

Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration Is well-written and error-free All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623 / GVPA 623 / CRJS 623 / URSP 623 ) Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624 ) Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

Cumulative minimum GPA of 3.6 (on a four-point scale) or equivalent for graduate-level work Standardized examination scores less than five years old (GRE preferred) Three references – a minimum of one academic recommendation attesting to the applicant’s ability to succeed in doctoral-level work Personal statement, resume, curriculum vitae that: Clearly articulates the applicant’s academic research interests whereby a decision can be made as to the applicant’s “fit” with the program Shows a clear indication of a faculty match and expertise for the applicant’s research interests Displays enthusiasm for the field of public policy and administration Is well-written and error-free All students admitted to the program must have completed prior to admission, or are required to complete during the first year, the following graduate-level courses (or their equivalents): Research methods (equivalent of PADM 623 / GVPA 623 / CRJS 623 / URSP 623 ) Statistics (equivalent of PADM 624 ) Public policy, economics or administration/management The primary admission deadline is Jan. Also, transfer credit hours are only considered for elective courses.

Admission to the advanced standing format is available to students with a bachelor’s degree (B.S.W.) from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, completed no more than five years prior to the date of application to the M.S.W. program. The minimum requirement for admission to the advanced standing format is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale from the undergraduate degree-granting institution. If a student has completed a field practicum, they must have a minimum grade of B or pass. For applicants to the advanced standing option who have not completed a senior field placement, one of the three references must possess the capacity to evaluate the applicant’s potential to succeed in a field placement. This reference should submit a letter of recommendation that articulates their estimation of the applicant’s capacity to succeed in a field placement based on the applicant’s performance in a work environment (e.g., in undergraduate field placements, or current or former place of employment). Potential references for this requirement include social work professors, field liaisons, field instructors and current or former employment supervisors. Please note this requirement only applies to applicants who have not yet graduated or completed a senior field placement. For applicants who have graduated, a minimum grade of B is sufficient to discharge this requirement and the third letter of recommendation should be solicited from a normal source and in the same format as other letters. Please direct any questions about this requirement to M.S.W. admissions or refer to the M.S.W. website for more information.

Admission to the advanced standing format The advanced standing option leads to a Master of Social Work degree upon completion of 42 credit hours. On-campus advanced standing begins in the summer semester. Online advanced standing begins twice a year, in the fall and summer semesters. The advanced standing option is offered full-time only. Admission to advanced standing is available to a select group of students with a bachelor’s degree (B.S.W.) from an undergraduate social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, completed no more than five years prior to the date of application to the M.S.W. program. The minimum requirement for admission to the advanced standing format is a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale from the degree-granting institution. If a student has completed a senior field practicum, they must have a minimum grade of B or pass. For applicants to the advanced standing option who have not completed a senior field placement, one of the three references must possess the capacity to evaluate the applicant’s potential to succeed in a field placement. This reference should submit a letter of recommendation that articulates their estimation of the applicant’s capacity to succeed in a field placement based on the applicant’s performance in a work environment (e.g., in undergraduate field placements, or current or former place of employment). Potential references for this requirement include social work professors, field liaisons, field instructors and current or former employment supervisors. Please note this requirement only applies to applicants who have not yet graduated or completed a senior field placement. For applicants who have graduated, a minimum grade of B is sufficient to discharge this requirement, and the third letter of recommendation should be solicited from a normal source and in the same format as other letters. Please direct any questions you might have about this requirement to M.S.W. admissions or refer to the M.S.W. website for more information.

Advanced standing option In the advanced standing option students do not take the generalist courses outlined above, but instead, take 12 credit hours prior to their concentration year. These courses include courses in practice/human behavior, policy and research, in addition to completing a field education course with a field placement that will extend throughout their concentration year of study. The purpose of this curriculum is to enhance and restore an understanding of the generalist curriculum content for entering B.S.W. students prior to entering the concentration year. The following advanced standing courses are taken during the semester prior to concentration courses. For M.S.W. courses, the terms concentration and specialization are used interchangeably.

Advanced standing option In the advanced standing option students do not take the generalist courses outlined above, but instead, take 12 credit hours of course work prior to their concentration year. These courses include classes in practice/human behavior, policy and research. Students will also complete a field education course with a placement that will extend throughout their concentration year of study. The purpose of this curriculum is to enhance and restore the understanding of the generalist curriculum content for entering B.S.W. students prior to entering the concentration year. The following advanced standing courses are taken prior to the concentration courses. Course Title Hours Advanced standing bridge courses SLWK 607 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 608 Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 611 Social Work Research for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 612 Advanced Standing Field Instruction 3 Concentration courses SLWK 703 Psychopathology 3 SLWK 704 Clinical Social Work Practice I 3 SLWK 705 Clinical Social Work Practice II 3 SLWK 709 Specialization Research for Understanding and Assessing Social Work Interventions and Services 3 SLWK 710 Concentration Social Policy 3 Field instruction Select one of the following: 6 SLWK 793 & SLWK 794 Specialization Field Instruction I and Specialization Field Instruction II SLWK 795 Specialization Block Field Instruction 1 SLWK 796 & SLWK 797 & SLWK 798 Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters I and Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters II and Specialization Field Instruction Extended Semesters III Electives Complete nine additional credit hours of electives chosen from SLWK 717 - SLWK 792 . Electives from outside the School of Social Work are accepted as part of the combined offerings for dual degrees and certificates ( SEDP 630 , GVPA 635 , SEDP 501 , EDUS 673 , EDUS 607 , SEDP 631 , GRTY 601 , GRTY 602 , GVPA 635 , and GRTY 603 ). Other electives from outside the school may be accepted with prior approval from the M.S.W. program director. 9 Total Hours 42 1 Students have the option of selecting a block field placement in lieu of a course sequence, but only one field placement may be taken as a block. The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree option is 42.

CLEP scores of 50 or higher will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

A maximum of eight credits may be transferred from another university toward the Master of Science course requirements provided these credits have not been applied to a previous degree. A maximum of one-third of the didactic hours may be transferred from another VCU program. Students who have been admitted to the graduate certificate program may be admitted to the Master of Science degree with advanced standing after the completion of at least 18 credits with a B or better.

programs (but not in the advanced standing format), and from B.A., B.S. Credit may be awarded only through transfer of graduate courses (see Transfer Policy). Students who are granted waivers but not transfer credit hours must take elective courses to fulfill the number of credit hours that have been waived.

Readmission in advanced standing will be considered on a space-available basis.

Courses taken at other institutions Students enrolled in degree programs at VCU must receive prior approval to take courses at other institutions to ensure credits earned concurrently at another institution are accepted for transfer at VCU. After enrolling in the VCU undergraduate mechanical engineering program, a student must receive prior approval to complete any course at another institution, and the following policies apply. A student will not be approved to take an EGMN-equivalent course at another institution in a semester when the VCU course is offered. The department chair may approve an exception to this policy in extraordinary circumstances. A total of no more than two EGMN-equivalent courses can be taken at another institution after enrolling in the VCU mechanical engineering program. The department chair may approve additional courses in exceptional circumstances. A student may not transfer an EGMN-equivalent course from another institution for an EGMN course in which the student has a VCU honor code violation. The department chair may approve an exception to this policy in extraordinary circumstances. Courses other than EGMN-equivalent courses (EGRE, MATH, PHYS, etc.) may be approved to be taken outside of VCU if the student receives prior approval for each course using the appropriate VCU form. What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.

AP tests passed with scores of 3, 4 or 5 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

Cambridge tests passed with a minimum final grades of E will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

IB Higher Level tests passed with scores of 4-7 and Standard Level tests passed with scores of 5-7 will, depending on the test, be considered for advanced standing and credit for the corresponding courses at VCU.

Except for specific VCU short-term programs offered for VCU credit, all credit received through study abroad will appear on the students’ transcripts as transfer credit . Students must earn the equivalent of a C, at minimum, for credit to be awarded.

Course Title Hours Biological principles of genomic science Select one from: 3 BIOL/BNFO 540 Fundamentals of Molecular Genetics BIOL 516 Population Genetics HGEN 501 Introduction to Human Genetics Data analysis/statistical training Select one from: 3 BIOS 543 Graduate Research Methods I BIOS 601 Analysis of Biomedical Data I HGEN 651 Statistics for Genetic Studies I STAT 641 Applied Data Analysis Principles of sequencing and bioinformatics analysis Select one from: 3 BIOS 658 Statistical Methods for High-throughput Genomics Data I BNFO 601 Integrated Bioinformatics Computational principles and software tools Select two from: 6 BNFO 600 Basic Scripting Languages HGEN 611 Data Science I HGEN 612 Data Science II Suggested electives Select three credits from: 3 BIOS/STAT 513 Mathematical Statistics I BIOS/STAT 514 Mathematical Statistics II BIOS 516 Biostatistical Consulting BIOS 544 Graduate Research Methods II BIOS 602 Analysis of Biomedical Data II BNFO 653 Advanced Molecular Genetics: Bioinformatics BIOS 668 Statistical Methods for High-throughput Genomic Data II CMSC 610 Algorithmic Foundations of Bioinformatics HGEN 502 Advanced Human Genetics HGEN 603 Mathematical and Statistical Genetics HGEN 652 Statistics for Genetic Studies II STAT 543 Statistical Methods I STAT 544 Statistical Methods II Total Hours 18 The minimum total of graduate credit hours required for this certificate is 18. A maximum of six equivalent, graduate-level transfer credit hours at the 500 level or higher may count toward the certificate. The transfer credits are evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine course equivalency.

Curriculum requirements for advanced standing Course Title Hours Advanced standing bridge courses SLWK 607 Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Groups for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 608 Social Work Practice in Organizations and Communities for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 611 Social Work Research for Advanced-standing Students 3 SLWK 612 Advanced Standing Field Instruction 3 Concentration courses SLWK 709 Specialization Research for Understanding and Assessing Social Work Interventions and Services 3 SLWK 710 Concentration Social Policy 3 SLWK 711 Strategies for Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice 3 SLWK 712 Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice I 3 SLWK 713 Social Work Planning and Administrative Practice II 3 Field instruction Select one of the following: 6 SLWK 793 & SLWK 794 Specialization Field Instruction I and Specialization Field Instruction II SLWK 795 Specialization Block Field Instruction 1 Electives 9 Complete nine additional credit hours of electives chosen from SLWK 717 - SLWK 792 . Electives from outside the School of Social Work are accepted as part of the combined offerings for dual degrees and certificates ( SEDP 630 , GVPA 635 , SEDP 501 , EDUS 673 , EDUS 607 , SEDP 631 , GRTY 601 , GRTY 602 , GVPA 635 , and GRTY 603 ). Other electives from outside the school may be accepted with prior approval from the M.S.W. program director. Total Hours 42 1 Students have the option of selecting a block field placement in lieu of a course sequence, but only one field placement may be taken as a block. The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree option is 42.

To be admitted to the program a student must have earned a minimum grade of C in ECON 210 and ECON 211 or their equivalents. Transfer credits may be applied to no more than 12 hours in the major requirements at the 300-level or above.

Transfer of credit hours will be limited to those allowed by the university. A minimum grade of B is required for credit hours to transfer.

The number of credits that may be transferred by students pursuing an M.S. All transfer credits must be approved by the graduate committee and the Graduate School using the graduate course transfer form.

In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements , students are required to complete a total of 59 credit hours (including transfer credit hours, if any) to qualify for the Master of Health Administration degree.

In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements , students are required to complete 14 courses, a total of 41 credit hours (including transfer credit hours, if any), to qualify for the Master of Science in Health Administration degree.

Transfer credits are not accepted.

Transfer credit A maximum of 12 graduate credit hours may be transferred from another VCU graduate program or outside institution if not applied previously to another degree. Transfer credit hours must carry a minimum grade of B from an accredited institution. Acceptance of transfer credit hours is made at the level of the department chair and dean of the College of Health Professions.

degree in the advanced standing option requires 42 credits of full-time graduate study. Students in advanced standing do not complete the generalist curriculum but instead, take 12 credit hours the semester prior to entering the concentration curriculum. Concentration options After completion of the generalist year of study or the advanced standing option, M.S.W.

degree in the advanced standing option requires 42 credits of full-time graduate study. Students in advanced standing do not complete the generalist curriculum but instead take 12 credit hours prior to entering the concentration curriculum. Concentration options After completion of the generalist year of study or advanced standing course work, M.S.W.

Transfer credits: A maximum of six credit hours of elective credit taken at another university or in another department can be applied to the M.S.

The veteran/spouse/dependent is responsible for ensuring that transcripts are evaluated for transfer credits to be accepted by VCU.

Students who received transfer credit for these courses shall submit transcripts from previous institutions with their application so that performance in these classes can be evaluated.

Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education 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. An evaluation of transferable credits for applicants to both Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus programs is made by the Transfer Center (or appropriate program) after the accepted applicant’s final official transcript has been received by the Office of Admissions and the applicant has accepted an offer of admission. See the University undergraduate transfer credit policy and Additional sources of academic credit for transferable credit information. Accepted transfer credit contributes to hours earned and toward fulfillment of degree requirements at VCU. The grades of accepted transfer courses are recorded as TR on the student’s VCU transcript, and hours attempted and quality points earned are not recorded. Accepted transfer credits are not included in the transfer student’s overall GPA at VCU. The GPA for fulfillment of VCU degree requirements is computed only from courses taken at VCU. The grades and quality points of transfer courses are evaluated in the computation determining graduation honors . Accepted quarter-hour credits recorded on the VCU transcript are converted to semester-hour credits at a conversion rate of two-thirds. Credits earned at other institutions carrying a grade of D are not accepted for transfer Courses taken on the pass/fail or pass/no pass systems or courses taken for grades of satisfactory or unsatisfactory that receive earned credits and a satisfactory grade (or comparable passing grade) from the transfer institution receive equivalent semester credit. Transfer credits graded as pass/fail will not be included in the computation for determination of academic honors at VCU. Degree candidates must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 45 credit semester hours required for their bachelor’s degree program at this institution. Attainment of the college/school or department minimum GPA and any other standard requirements is required of all students, including, in the case of the School of the Arts, a portfolio evaluation for visual arts applicants and an audition for performing arts applicants. Applicants to degree programs that are competitive are not guaranteed admission but will be evaluated on the same basis as currently enrolled VCU students. Students who have earned the A.A., A.F.A., A.S. or A.A.&S. degree or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from a VCCS institution or Richard Bland College should refer to the articulation agreement information in this bulletin. Students from VCCS institutions, Richard Bland College or other two-year institutions who have not completed the college parallel A.A., A.F.A., A.S. or A.A.&S. degree will have the exact designation of their status determined after an evaluation of acceptable credits. This evaluation is determined by the equivalencies shown in the Transfer Course Equivalents for the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College courses that may be accepted, including not more than 50 percent in the major field of study. However, the applicant should realize that more than two additional years may be necessary to complete the degree requirements in certain curricula. Credits earned in occupational or technical programs will be judged on their own merits to determine their applicability toward VCU degree requirements.

Examples of transfer credits awarded for military service training courses (as reported on JSTs) based on ACE recommendations (Additional credit may be awarded on a case-by-case basis. 1 ) ACE Course Recommended credit VCU equivalent Credit Physical conditioning/fitness 1-3 HPEX 1XX 1-3 First aid 1-3 HPEX 1XX 1-3 Military science/leadership 1-3 MILS 101 1-3 Personal/community health 1-3 HPEX 1XX 1-3 Oral communications 1-3 SPCH 121 1-3 Personnel supervision/management 1-3 MGMT 1XX 1-3 Basic math 1-3 MATH 1XX 1-3 Computer technology 1-3 INFO 1XX 1-3 Technical writing 1-3 ENGL 1XX 1-3 Human resources management 1-3 MGMT 1XX 1-3 1 Decisions regarding VCU equivalents were made in consultation with the VCU departments.

Students are required to consecutively complete 101, 102 (beginning), 201, and 202 or 205 (intermediate) levels, or be waived through placement or earned transfer credit.

2 A minimum grade of C is required in UNIV 200 . Transfer credits are not accepted for the two UNIV courses after a student is enrolled at the university.

Students who would like to apply transfer credits toward the general business minor will be limited to no more than one-half the total required number of credits.

Transfer students who earn a Uniform Certificate of General Studies, a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.& S.), an Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) or a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to enrollment at VCU will be considered to have met all lower-division general education requirements with the exception of certain lower-level and upper-level degree program requirements that also apply to native students. Transfer students from Virginia community colleges and Richard Bland College who have completed approved courses through the Virginia-based Passport or Uniform Certificate of General Studies, with a minimum grade of C, will be considered to have met the comparable general education requirements at VCU. VCU provides students the option of reverse transfer of credit earned at VCU back to their former college. Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College transfer students who are eligible for the awarding of an associate degree through reverse transfer of credits within one semester of enrollment at VCU will be considered to have met all lower-division general education requirements.

The evaluation and award of transfer credit will be based on official transcripts. Once awarded, transfer credit will not be removed from a student’s VCU record for any reason, unless requested by the Office of the University Registrar. Transfer credits graded as pass/fail will not be included in the computation for determination of academic honors at VCU. For example, the conversion rate for quarter-hour credits is one quarter-hour credit to two-thirds of a semester-hour credit Whenever possible, courses accepted for transfer are evaluated and posted on the VCU transcript as VCU course equivalents to ensure those credits apply to VCU degree requirements. will be evaluated based on a course-by-course evaluation completed by a member of either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services or the Association of International Evaluators, Inc. In addition to a course-by-course evaluation, students with international credit may be required to provide course information such as a syllabus (translated into English, if necessary) to the VCU Transfer Center for the purposes of determining VCU course equivalents. In support of the state-level Transfer Virginia initiative that seeks to improve degree completion outcomes for community college students, VCU will accept transfer elective credit (TREL 1XX) for prior learning credit awarded through institutionally administered exams or portfolio-based reviews that have been posted as course equivalent credit on official transcripts from the Virginia Community College System and Richard Bland College up to a maximum of 30 transfer credits. Credit granted for prior learning and posted as course equivalent credit on official transcripts from all other institutions will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. VCU will evaluate prior learning credit for external equivalencies such as ACE recommendations, AP, CLEP or IB examinations based on VCU’s policy on Additional sources of academic credit . The following types of credit are not transferable and will not count toward a degree: Credits earned at other institutions carrying a grade of D or passing/satisfactory grade equivalent to a D (unless the D grade is earned at a European institution and converted to a C grade through the European Credit Transfer System) Placement credit granted by another institution Remedial or developmental courses Technical, occupational, vocational and some workforce courses from two-year institutions (unless approved for transfer within an approved articulation agreement of transfer pathway of study) VCU will accept credits for transfer regardless of when they were completed. However, time limits exist in some academic programs, such as in information systems or accounting, to ensure that transfer credits meet present-day academic standards. However, due to certain programmatic accreditation requirements, students in the natural sciences may be required to complete in-person labs for major-specific science course requirements after transfer. Accepted transfer credit contributes to hours earned and toward fulfillment of degree requirements at VCU. Accepted transfer credits are not included in the transfer student’s overall GPA at VCU. However, the grades and quality points of transferred courses are evaluated in the computation determining graduation honors . A maximum of 90 total undergraduate transfer credits will be accepted. Regardless of how many transfer credits are accepted, students must satisfy all VCU graduation requirements noted in the graduation checklist , including the following: Completion of at least 25 percent of the semester-hour credits required for their bachelor’s degree program at VCU Completion of at least 30 of the last 45 semester-hour credits required for their bachelor’s degree program at VCU Completion of at least 45 upper-level credits (courses numbered 300 or higher) No more than half (50 percent) of the courses applied to the major requirements can be transferred from another college.

Admission requirements Degree: Semester(s) of entry: Deadline dates: Test requirements: Certificate Fall Jul 1 Spring Nov 1 Summer Mar 1 All applicants to the graduate certificate program are required to meet the admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School . Applicants will be required to submit the following materials to the Graduate Admissions office: Application form and application fee Three letters of recommendation, professional and/or academic Official undergraduate transcripts from all schools attended A statement of purpose outlining career goals A resume stating relevant work experience No transfer credit hours are accepted for the certificate program.

Transfer credit School of Business policy allows for a maximum of 30 percent of the didactic hours required for a graduate degree or any graduate certificate program to be transferred in from another AACSB-accredited institution toward the degree. Acceptance of transfer credit is made at the discretion of the director of graduate studies in business. Transfer credit shall not be older than seven years at the time the degree is awarded.

program reflect on how their career and prior learning experiences have led to skill development worthy of college credit. program to receive college credit for prior learning experiences and interdisciplinary career skills.

Only students who meet minimum requirements and submit the major declaration with all required components by the deadline will be guaranteed their major choice; late submissions will not be accepted. Admitted first-year students with 100-level studio dual enrollment transfer credit will have their portfolios, course descriptions and transcripts evaluated individually to determine any art foundation course equivalents.

Print/Download Options Bulletin Navigation About VCU Undergraduate study Admission to the university Admission guidelines International admissions Admission procedures Freshman application deadlines Admission notification Admission guidelines for transfer students Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. The first time a student registers as a nondegree-seeking student, he or she must meet one or more of the following conditions of eligibility as appropriate to his or her status: Be a high school graduate or GED holder for one year before the intended semester of entry Be an applicant who meets established admission requirements Be a transfer student who is eligible to return to the former institution or has been out of school for at least one year for a first suspension or five years for the second suspension incurred at any institution Be a former VCU student who is eligible to return (If the student has been suspended from VCU for academic reasons, eligibility for future enrollment must be re-established in accordance with procedures outlined in the Readmission guidelines section of the “Admission to the university” chapter and the suspension policies outlined in this chapter.) Be a bachelor’s degree holder taking undergraduate courses Be an eligible transient student (A transient student must present, before or at the time of registration, a letter from the home institution, which states that the student is in good standing, has permission to study at VCU for transfer back to the home institution and which outlines the courses to be studied at VCU.) Be a non-U.S.

GPA Grade letter Meaning Grade-point values per semester credit A 4.0 B 3.0 C 2.0 D 1.0 F 0.0 FI Incomplete changed to fail 0.0 AP Advanced Placement (_) AU Audit (_) CO Continued (_) CR Credit (_) H Honors (_) HP High Pass (_) I Incomplete (_) IB International Baccalaureate (_) IM Incomplete Military (_) M Marginal (_) NC Administrative grade with no credit (_) NR/NG Administrative grade assigned when no grade is submitted by the instructor (_) P Pass (_) PL Placement exam/waiver (_) PP Pass (conversion from grade of A-C) (_) PR Progress (_) PS Pass (conversion from grade of D) (_) S Satisfactory (_) TR Transfer Credit (_) U Unsatisfactory (_) W Withdrawn (_) WM Withdrawn Military (_) DN D grade excluded from GPA (_) FN F grade excluded from GPA (_) Grades designated by a blank, (_), in the grade-point column are not considered in the computation of grade points earned or GPA.

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program offers a portfolio-based process that provides students the opportunity to earn up to 30 credits for prior learning. To add the credits to their academic record, students must use the credit by examination process, which requires a $30 fee per credit hour. Furthermore, upon demonstrating proficiency in the language by successful completion of a 300-level language course at VCU (with a minimum grade of C), VCU will award six additional credit hours (equivalent to the 201 and 202 levels of the language) in partial fulfillment of undergraduate graduation requirements. VCU will recognize ACE or NCCRS recommendations and award transfer credit for workplace training programs if comparable courses are offered at VCU and VCU faculty teaching those courses approve those recommendations. VCU recognizes the ACE recommendations from the JST and awards transfer credit for military training courses into college credit as determined by VCU faculty if a comparable course is offered at VCU. Examples of the type of transfer credit awarded for military training are listed in the table below. VCU awards transfer credit from the Air University transcript as transfer credits according to VCU’s transfer evaluation guidelines.

Open to graduate students and to undergraduate students with advanced standing.

Students may not repeat courses for which they have previously received transfer credit. Students who choose to repeat a course must do so before the awarding of their undergraduate degrees from VCU, or from any other college to which VCU course work is transferred.

All students who need financial aid funding must successfully complete at least 67 percent of all credit hours attempted (transfer credit hours are included).

Home / Undergraduate Bulletin / Undergraduate study / Admission to the university / Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Print/Download Options Bulletin Navigation About VCU Undergraduate study Admission to the university Admission guidelines International admissions Admission procedures Freshman application deadlines Admission notification Admission guidelines for transfer students Transfer application deadlines Evaluation of transfer credit Nondegree-​seeking student guidelines Additional sources of academic credit Senior Citizens Higher Education Program Enrichment and acceleration opportunities Orientation Readmission guidelines The Honors College and guaranteed admission Tuition, fees and expenses Financial aid Academic advising Learning support General education curriculum REAL initiative Accelerated bachelor’s-​to-​master’s degree programs College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry School of Education L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy School of Public Health School of Social Work University College da Vinci Center for Innovation Office of Research and Innovation Graduate School Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Global Initiatives Division of Student Affairs Global Education Office The Honors College VCU Continuing and Professional Education This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 VCU Bulletin. No limit is placed on the number of terms, quarters or semesters in which a senior citizen who is not enrolled for academic credit may register for courses, but the individual can take no more than three noncredit courses in any one semester.

Corequisites: SLWK 608 , SLWK 611 and SLWK 612 . Enrollment requires admission to the advanced standing program. Prerequisite: admission to the advanced standing program. Required advanced standing program core curriculum course. Advanced Standing Field Instruction. Corequisites: SLWK 607 , SLWK 608 and SLWK 611 . Enrollment is restricted to students admitted to the advanced standing program. Requires application, refinement and the active use of content from the advanced standing curriculum through practice under the direction of an agency-based field instructor, monitored by a faculty field liaison. Prerequisites: SLWK 693 and 694 , or SLWK 695 , or SLWK 612 , each with minimum grade of C. Concurrent prerequisite: SLWK 703 . Provides a multitheoretical orientation to intervention across fields of practice with individuals, families, couples and groups.

The following courses must be completed before the student may declare a specific business major: ACCT 203 , ACCT 204 , BUSN 201 or BUSN 205 , BUSN 212 or MATH 200 , BUSN 225 , ECON 210 , ECON 211 , UNIV 111 , UNIV 112 and UNIV 200 . The School of Business has special academic policies , including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

The School of Business has special academic policies , including policies on transfer credits, that apply to all undergraduate degrees.

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School , the prerequisites and general criteria of eligibility for admission to the GIS certificate program include: Completion of an official application form Three letters of reference Letter of intent describing interest in applying for the Certificate in Geographic Information Systems An official transcript showing successful completion of baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 2.7 (out of 4.0) in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study At any time, students in the GIS certificate program may apply for admission into the Master of Urban and Regional Planning, the Master of Public Administration or the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree programs. If accepted into a master’s program, students may then transfer credits earned in the GIS certificate program toward partial fulfillment of the master’s degree.

One course must be transfer credits to successfully complete the minor.

Students qualifying for the advanced standing option may complete the social work administration, planning and policy practice concentration in the on-campus or online modality.

Advanced standing on-campus applicants are admitted for the summer session and online advanced standing applicants are admitted for the summer and fall sessions. At the time of application, prospective students may apply for one of the following: full-time or part-time on-campus, full-time or part-time online, or full-time advanced standing (on-campus and online).

Students with experience in interior design or related fields may challenge some interior design courses based on regulations for “ Undergraduate credit by examination ” as stated in this bulletin.

Each application will be evaluated based on compliance with university degree requirements as well as IDS curriculum and individualized program requirements. This document records all transfer credits applicable to the B.I.S.

Credits are accepted if they conform to specific program guidelines; course equivalents from accredited colleges and universities are accepted if the grade earned is a minimum of C. From the extended program, 60 semester hours of acceptable undergraduate course work are required to be admitted to a teacher preparation program. After the initial student transcript evaluation, the assigned adviser reviews the accepted transfer credits with the student, determining what additional course work will be necessary at VCU to address state licensure requirements. An adviser is not required to use all the accepted transfer credits in a student’s program of study.

No more than 30 credit hours will be accepted in transfer, and transfer credit will be awarded in accordance with university policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. A maximum of six credit hours of elective course work may be accepted in transfer from non-social work graduate programs in accordance with Graduate School policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. Only courses that have not been applied to another degree or certificate program will be eligible for transfer.

No more than 30 credit hours will be accepted in transfer, and transfer credit will be awarded in accordance with university policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. A maximum of six credit hours of elective course work may be accepted in transfer from non-social work graduate programs in accordance with Graduate School policies governing transfer credit and time limits for degree completion. Only courses that have not been applied to another degree will be eligible for transfer.

Transfer credit hours earned as a nondegree-seeking graduate student are limited to six credit hours. Credit hours earned as deficiency hours or to demonstrate the ability to compete at the graduate level, though transferable, may not be applied to the 60-credit-hour program of study.

Transfer credit Graduate-level course work completed prior to matriculation into the program, including course work taken in another program at VCU or at another institution, shall be evaluated to determine whether it can be used to fulfill degree requirements of this program. There is no limit to the number of credits that can be transferred from another program at VCU as long as they have not been previously applied toward another degree. A maximum of six credit hours earned at an institution other than VCU can be accepted for transfer into the program if not previously applied toward another degree. A minimum grade of B is required for transfer of credits.

Transfer credit With the consent of the admission committee or program coordinator, a maximum of six semester hours of appropriate graduate credit may be transferred and applied toward the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, the Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the Master of Public Administration or the Master of Urban and Regional Planning. For consideration to transfer, classes: Must be from a regionally accredited university Have been completed with a minimum grade of B Be no more than five years old Have not been applied to another degree

Transfer credit and graduate study A maximum of nine graduate credits may be transferred from other accredited institutions and applied to any of the graduate degree programs in the School of the Arts. However, transfer credit is not typically granted to incoming students and is approved at the discretion of the department chair.

Transfer credit appeal process VCU recognizes the right of students to appeal the decision not to accept credit for transfer. The Transfer Credit Appeals Committee will meet at least once per semester to consider student appeals. For information about the appeals process, contact the VCU Transfer Center. Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia 23284 Phone: (804) 828-0100 bulletin@vcu.edu All Bulletins © 2026-2027 Virginia Commonwealth University Back to Top

Transfer credit for graduate students Laudatory honors and remedial work Change of graduate program Dismissal from a graduate program and appeal process Time limit for completion Repeated courses Graduate registration policies Withdrawal from a graduate program Graduate degree requirements Graduate advising and student responsibilities Graduation information Courses search Archive (PDFs) 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. A maximum of 50 percent of the didactic hours required for a graduate degree or any graduate certificate program may be transferred from another institution and, if not applied previously toward another degree, may be applied toward a degree. Prerequisite course work that does not count toward the VCU degree may not be transferred. Grades for course work taken at VCU, either as a nondegree-seeking student or in a previous graduate matriculation for which a degree was never awarded, are included in the calculation of the VCU graduate grade-point average and all other graduate statistics. Grades for course work taken at another institution are not recorded on the VCU transcript (only the names of courses, source institutions and credit hours) and are not included in the calculation of the VCU graduate grade-point average and other graduate statistics. Recommendations regarding transfer credit are initiated at the program and academic school levels and reviewed and approved by the Graduate School. All matriculated students must obtain final written approval from the Graduate School for course work approved for transfer before registering for course work at another institution. Individual schools/programs may have more stringent requirements. Requests for transfer of course work must include an official copy of the transcript from the college or university where the course work was taken and a VCU Graduate School transfer equivalency form. Graduate credit hours earned toward a VCU certificate may be applied one time to degree requirements for master’s or Ph.D. programs. Graduate credit hours earned toward a VCU certificate may be applied toward only one certificate. The determination of the acceptability of specific courses to be used for both the certificate and the graduate degree will be the responsibility of that master’s or Ph.D. program or school. All transfer work must be at the A or B grade level from a regionally accredited college or university. “Credit” or “pass” grades can be accepted only if approved by petitioning the graduate advisory committee or equivalent of the student’s school or college. Students must be in good standing both at VCU and at the institutions from which the credits were earned. Some programs will not accept credits earned as a nondegree-seeking graduate student for transfer. VCU will not accept credits that do not apply to a graduate degree at the offering institution for transfer, nor will it accept credits from unaccredited institutions for transfer. These criteria apply to all domestic and international institutions. Course work taken under the auspices of any study abroad program, including the study abroad program at VCU, is classified as course work taken at an international institution for purposes of determining if the course work may count toward a VCU graduate degree. Registration for such course work does not guarantee that the course work will count toward a VCU graduate degree. All study abroad graduate course work is subject to the same review and approval process if the course work is to count toward a VCU graduate degree. Revised 5/11/2010; 5/10/2011 5/10/2016 University Graduate Council

Transfer in advanced standing Disability support services Admissions medschool.vcu.edu/admissions The School of Medicine participates in the American Medical College Application Service. The AMCAS application forms can be obtained from AMCAS, 2450 N. St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037-1126. The electronic application is available on the AMCAS website . Updated information is available at the School of Medicine website . Application for the School of Medicine should be made during the first week of June of the year preceding intended matriculation. Letters of recommendation can now be submitted with the AMCAS application. The closing date for filing applications for this institution is Oct. 15 of the year preceding the enrollment date. Priority for admissions is given to Virginia residents; however 45 percent of each class is from out of state. Members from disadvantaged populations are encouraged to apply to the School of Medicine. Students previously dismissed from a medical school will not be considered. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S. or Canadian citizens at the time of application. Permanent residents must submit their cards prior to file review. A nonrefundable $80 application fee and supplemental information, including letters of recommendation, are required with all applications accepted for further consideration. The final date for returning supplemental information is Jan. 31 of the year of possible enrollment in the School of Medicine. Students are given individual deadlines which are 60 days from the date the Supplemental Application is granted. The School of Medicine will not matriculate students from other health sciences schools at VCU or any other school until such students have completed the degree program for which they are enrolled. The School of Medicine participates in the Early Decision Plan. This program permits an applicant to file a single application through AMCAS by Aug. 1. All applicants filing under the Early Decision Plan will receive consideration for admission and a response on or before Oct. 1. All applications for the Early Decision Plan must be supported by the results of the new MCAT test at the time the application is made. The early notification date of this plan ensures that those who are unsuccessful have ample time to request further distribution of their applications to other medical schools. Further information on the Early Decision Plan is available with the AMCAS application. Requirements for entrance The MCAT is required as part of the application. It is necessary that the test be taken no later than September of the year of application. This test is produced by the American College Testing Program, P.O. Box 414, Iowa City, IA 52240, and is administered in colleges and universities throughout the country. Information about the MCAT is available through premedical advisers or directly from the American College Testing Program. Applicants may be admitted on the basis of 90 semester hours of outstanding achievement. The majority of successful candidates have a college degree at the baccalaureate level or higher. The college major for premedical students should be selected in accordance with the individual student’s aptitude and interest. The prerequisites for the School of Medicine have been reduced to a minimum in order to permit the widest possible latitude in preparation for medical education. Prerequisites for admission include a minimum of 90 semester hours (or the equivalent) in a U.S. or Canadian college or university accredited by the regional accrediting agency. This program of study must include a minimum of: English – two semesters (one semester to include grammar and composition); College mathematics – two semesters; Biological science – eight semester hours, including laboratory experience. This requirement may be satisfied by general biology, general zoology or botany. No more than half may be botany; General or introductory chemistry – eight semester hours, including laboratory. An appropriate portion of this requirement may be met by courses in analytical chemistry or physical chemistry; Organic chemistry – eight semester hours, including laboratory. This course should be equivalent to and acceptable for continued studies in a chemistry major; General or introductory physics – eight semester hours, including laboratory experience. Students are encouraged to pursue their own intellectual interests in college in order to obtain a broad education consistent with their major program. Courses in medically related science areas will not relieve the student of his/her responsibility for these subjects in the medical curriculum. Selection factors Demonstrated academic ability, as well as attributes of character and personality, are of significance to the admissions committee in the selection process. A review of academic achievement as represented by the standard academic record and summaries, MCAT scores, evaluations and interviews are all sources of information on which the comparative evaluation process is based. A review of the completed application file and interviews with members of the admissions committee are an integral part of the admissions process. Noncognitive variables also are sought in all candidates. These qualities include, but are not limited to, health care experience, community service and social concern, communication skills both written and oral, leadership, ethical and moral behavior, creativity, compassion and empathy, altruism, personal maturity, self-confidence without arrogance, appropriate motivation, the ability to realistically self-appraise, and a demonstrated ability to work as a team member. These qualities and characteristics are judged by references within the letters of recommendation and from a careful review of the student’s essays and extracurricular activities, as well as the interviewers’ assessment during the interview. The School of Medicine hopes to create a learning environment where students will meet colleagues whose life experiences and views differ significantly from their own. A physician must be at home and at ease in a wide variety of environments and with a wide variety of people. Students frequently comment that the aspect of the school they appreciate most is the diversity of their class. The admissions process seeks to foster that diversity of perspective and background by admitting students from a wide range of backgrounds — socioeconomic, cultural, geographic and educational. Health care experience is also examined as a true evaluation of the motivation of the candidate for a career in medicine. The interview is an opportunity for the applicant to become acquainted with the institution and it offers additional information for the selection process. Only on-campus interviews in Richmond are available. Each year more applicants are interviewed than can be accepted in the class. Therefore, an interview is not an indication of acceptance to the School of Medicine. Offers for admission are made in the Early Decision Plan on Oct. 1 and on the uniform acceptance date after Oct. 15, with admissions occurring at several points thereafter until the class selections have been completed. The approximate dates for acceptance decisions are Oct. 16, Dec. 15, Feb. 1 and March 15. At the time the class is filled, an alternate list of applicants is compiled from which replacements are drawn for any vacancies that may occur in the selected class between notification and the third week of class attendance. Since selections are made in advance of actual attendance, all acceptances are made on condition of satisfactory completion of courses planned or in progress. It is expected that candidates will maintain acceptable standards of deportment. Students offered acceptance into a class are expected to respond within two weeks of the offer. If such a response presents a problem, extension of the time for the response should be requested. After March 31, students are selected from a wait list of very good candidates until the first day of orientation in August. The enrollment of accepted candidates is considered complete only after payment of the $100 deposit toward the first tuition payment. This deposit will be returned to the candidate should withdrawal occur prior to May 15 of the year of attendance. By the act of matriculation into the School of Medicine, the student accepts the responsibilities related to this opportunity and agrees that during the time that he/she is a registered student he/she will follow the rules and regulations established by the governing bodies of the School of Medicine and the university. Transfer in advanced standing The VCU School of Medicine does not typically consider applications for transfer admission. In the rare instance where a transfer student would be considered, the student must demonstrate rare and extraordinary personal or educational circumstances. Applicants for transfer admission will only be considered for transfer into the clerkship (M3) year of the curriculum.

Transfer in advanced standing VCU School of Pharmacy does not typically consider applications for transfer admission, as the curriculum across colleges and schools of pharmacy can differ significantly. Students who are interested in transferring into the Doctor of Pharmacy program should first meet with the associate dean of admissions to discuss their individual situation and prior completed coursework. Such meetings can be requested by emailing pharmacy@vcu.edu . Any applications for transfer must be submitted to PharmCAS during a normal application cycle. The decision to transfer in advanced standing is at the discretion of the admissions committee.

In addition to meeting the general requirements of the university and the School of Business, transfer students who plan to enroll in an undergraduate program in business must comply with the following requirements: Transfer of business and economics courses from two-year institutions is limited to courses offered by the School of Business as 100- and 200-level courses. Transfer credit for 300- and 400-level business courses will only be given for courses completed in a business program that is accredited by AACSB International. Credits earned at other institutions carrying a grade of D (or equivalent) are not accepted for transfer. Transfer credits may be applied to no more than 12 hours of credit in the major.

Undergraduate credit by examination or faculty-based alternative assessment Recognizing that VCU enrolls students of varying backgrounds and experiences, the university provides its students the opportunity to accelerate their education through credit by examination or other forms of faculty-based alternative assessment (such as portfolio review). The maximum number of credits awarded by this process is 30 credits. The following outline describes conditions under which credit by examination may be given and the procedure for doing so. With the approval of the dean, each department or program shall: Determine which, if any, courses shall be available for credit by examination or alternative assessment. The student should check with the department offering course work in the area in which he or she wishes to take credit by examination or alternative assessment for a list of the courses so designated. Determine the types of assessments, standards of evaluation and evaluators for the courses so designated. Determine the qualifications for students to be eligible to take the examinations. Ensure that all degree-seeking students seeking credit for the courses, regardless of major or program, are provided the same opportunity to be assessed for credit. The examinations or alternative assessment, if available and approved by the department or program, may be taken by new admitted degree-seeking transfer students and any enrolled degree-seeking student during the fall and spring semesters of their first year of enrollment at VCU. The student wishing to take credit by examination or alternative assessment must meet the following requirements: Not have received a grade listed in this bulletin, including AU or W for the course for which credit by examination is sought. Also, the student should not have been granted transfer credit for a similar course taken elsewhere. Be a new admitted degree-seeking or currently enrolled degree-seeking student as certified by the examining department. Meet departmental and school eligibility requirements as evidenced by the written approval of the chair of the examining department. After consultation with the major adviser and within the first four weeks of a fall or spring semester, the student must complete the Credit by Examination Approval Form with the department chair. The form, available from the department, should be left with the chair when it is completed. Within two weeks, the student is notified by the dean’s office of the time and format of the assessment. After notification, but before completing the assessment, the student must pay the university cashier the fee established by VCU for each credit being sought. As verification of payment, the student presents the receipt to the department chair before the assessment is completed. After the assessment is complete, the results of the assessment are sent to the dean’s office, which notifies the student of the results. If the student passes the assessment, the course title, credits earned and the grade CR are recorded on the student’s permanent academic record. Credits so earned are applied toward the graduation requirement for total credits. However, these credits are not included in the computation of the student’s GPA.

Enrollment is restricted to freshmen or by override for students with advanced standing. Enrollment is restricted to freshmen or by override for students with advanced standing.

University undergraduate transfer credit policy An official evaluation of transferable credits for applicants to both Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus programs is made by the VCU Transfer Center after the applicant has accepted an offer of admission to the university. The Transfer Center will provide an unofficial evaluation of transferable credits to prospective transfer applicants upon request. The acceptance of transfer credits is based on the following guidelines.