About
Virginia Commonwealth University is home to more than 140 master’s, doctoral and certificate programs; the Graduate School oversees each of these programs, ensuring VCU’s graduate education is of the highest possible standard.
The Graduate School provides support to graduate programs, faculty and staff, and students. We host events for current and future students, organize awards and competitions, offer opportunities for professional development and career readiness, and collaborate with partners across the university to best serve our graduate student community.
Our graduate students come from all walks of life and all areas of the globe to continue their education. We believe that our best work happens when we learn from and with one another, and we strive to make cross-disciplinary connections that strengthen and enrich the student experience.
Our mission & core values
Engage. Advocate. Inspire. Lead.
The Graduate School is committed to cultivating an inclusive environment where we:
Engage: Collaborate with campus partners to enrich the graduate student experience at VCU
Advocate: Champion graduate student success from acceptance to graduation
Inspire: Promote the delivery of high-quality graduate education, scholarship, training, and innovation
Lead: Provide expertise and guidance on graduate policies and best practices, using data-driven decision-making
Affiliations
VCU’s Graduate School is affiliated with four external councils at the state, regional and national levels.
The Virginia Council of Graduate Schools builds awareness of the benefits of higher education, including reduced unemployment and increased income. Its annual Graduate Student Research Forum is an opportunity to present current graduate research that adds to economic, social and civic development in Virginia.
The Conference of Southern Graduate Schools includes more than 200 graduate schools in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The conference promotes standards, encourages research and helps institutions start graduate programs.
The Council of Graduate Schools includes more than 500 member colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, and 25 universities outside North America that are significantly engaged in graduate research and award master’s or doctoral degrees. CGS is a resource for information and research on graduate programs.
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is the commonwealth’s coordinating body for higher education. SCHEV makes public policy recommendations to the governor and General Assembly about capital and operating budget planning, enrollment projections, institutional technology needs and student financial aid.