University of Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies

Rigorous and challenging, but flexible.

We understand how important education is in today’s world, but we also understand how life can sometimes get in the way. Our degree programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals and adult students, balancing academic rigor with flexibility and value. You can attend part time in the evening at a pace that supports your other life commitments and earn your Richmond degree on your terms.

Convenient admissions process.

We offer rolling admission for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Our undergraduate programs require a high school diploma or GED but no standardized test scores, and we provide undergraduate admissions pathways to match incoming students’ preparedness for college-level work. Our graduate programs require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university but no standardized test scores. And our online application takes just a few minutes to complete.

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Relevant and marketable.

We offer degrees in several in-demand career fields as well as options in the liberal arts. More importantly, our degree programs integrate the liberal arts with professional studies. Students will be exposed to the latest theory and real-world practice to give them the skills and knowledge to move their careers to the next level. Career goals aside, our programs develop well-rounded professionals. Students develop a variety of transferable skills that employers desire, including written and verbal communication skills, the ability to solve complex problems, to work well with others, and to adapt in a changing workplace.

Accessible and affordable.

We make a University of Richmond education attainable for working professionals. We don’t require standardized test scores for admission. And our tuition — starting at $465 per semester hour — ranks among the most competitive in Richmond for adult students. You owe it to yourself to do the math. Compare our tuition to other adult education providers. We think you’ll be surprised.

Respected and valued.

Where you earn your degree does make a difference. As one of the five schools at the University of Richmond, we maintain high academic standards. You study with Richmond professors and seasoned professionals, gaining specialized knowledge. At graduation, you receive a University of Richmond diploma. And you’ll be part of an institution that pioneered professional education in Richmond fifty years ago.

It’s never too late to return to school.

At the School of Professional and Continuing Studies, our students are serious about what they do. They have goals in mind and unbelieveable drive to achieve them. But sometimes life gets in the way, and that’s okay. In any given semester, our students range in age from 20-65. Many are returning to school to complete bachelor’s degrees they started years earlier. Some are transferring from community colleges and other universities. And a growing number are pursuing graduate study.

Regardless of your educational goals or age, you’ll feel right at home as part of one of only a few true college campuses in Richmond with dedicated programs for adult students and working professionals just like you.

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Post-Bachelor's Programs

Post-bachelor’s programs include undergraduate certificates, graduate certificates and non-degree study options. Our programs combine the latest theory with practical applications to provide valuable knowledge or a credential to help you advance or change your career or prepare for graduate school.

Post-Bachelor's

Bachelor's Programs

Our bachelor’s degrees are designed for those who want an interdisciplinary degree. You’ll be exposed to some of the best thinking from around the world through a broadly based educational experience. Through your major, you’ll gain valuable industry knowledge while further developing your critical thinking, writing and analytical skills.

Bachelor's Degrees

Master's Programs

Our master’s degrees combine theory and real-world practice to give students the skills and knowledge to move their careers to the next level. As a graduate student, you’ll explore emerging trends, unique opportunities, and innovative strategies in your respective career fields and area of study. As such, some of our degrees are well suited for students interested in career change.

Master's Degrees

Student Reflections

Proud UR Graduate (SPCS Night 2016)

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Reflection on SPCS (SPCS Night 2016)

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Gratitude (SPCS Night 2016)

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Faculty & Staff Notes

Nielson quoted in Buzzfeed article
Dr. Erik Nielson, Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of Liberal Arts in SPCS, is quoted in a BuzzFeed article titled A Bad Rap as an expert on the use of rap lyrics in court cases. The article addresses accusations against a high schooler based on a rap posted to SoundCloud.
Shields quoted in Williams column
Dr. Tom Shields, Associate Professor & Chair of Graduate Education, is quoted in a Richmond Times-Dispatch column by Michael Paul Williams titled High-Stakes Standardized Testing is Cheating the Students about SOL testing “irregularities” at Carver Elementary School.
Taylor-White book reviewed by Richmond Magazine
Alyson L. Taylor-White’s 2017 history of Shockoe Hill Cemetery, Shockoe Hill Cemetery: A Richmond Landmark History, was recently reviewed in Richmond Magazine. Taylor-White is an SPCS personal enrichment and Osher Institute instructor. Hers is the only history of Richmond’s first city-owned burial ground.
Lane named state's public schools chief
Dr. James F. Lane, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education, has been appointed Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction by Gov. Ralph Northam effective June 1, 2018. Lane formerly served as superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Maurakis publishes journal article
Dr. Eugene E. Maurakis, Visiting Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor, recently co-authored an article titled Microstructure of Attachment Mechanisms of Newly Hatched Larvae of Four Cyprinid Species with Comments on Terminology published in the Virginia Journal of Science.
Myers named Region I Superintendent of the Year
Dr. David Myers, Adjunct Association Professor of Education and Superintendent of New Kent County Public Schools, has been named Virginia Region I Superintendent of the Year by the Virginia School Boards Association.
Hocutt publishes conference paper
Daniel L. Hocutt, Adjunct Professor of Liberal Arts and SPCS Web Manager, co-authored a conference paper on using Google Drive for collaborative classroom composing published in the inaugural Proceedings of the Annual Computers & Writing Conference.
Thornton mentioned in Personnel Today The lenses of ethical leadership in Prof. Linda Fisher Thornton’s 2013 book, 7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership, were mentioned in an article on occupational health sustainability in Personnel Today.
Shields named SPCS associate dean
Dr. Tom Shields, Associate Professor of Education, Graduate Education program chair, and Center for Leadership in Education director, has been named the SPCS Associate Dean for Academic & Student Affairs, effective July 1, 2018.
Stern interviewed by WVTF RadioIQ about Beer Brewing
Garrett Stern, SPCS Senior Program Manager for Professional Development programs, was interviewed in Beer Boom Leads to More Classes about the School’s new Professional Brewers Series.

Programs of Study

	Bachelor’s Degree	Undergrad Certificate	Master’s Degree	Graduate Certificate
Education			Available	Available
Teacher Licensure				Available
HR Management	Available		Available	Available
Information Systems		Available
Information Security	Available	Available
IT Management	Available
Liberal Arts	Available
Master (MLA)			Available
Weekend College	Available
Nonprofit Studies			Available	Available
Paralegal Studies	Available	Available
Public History			Available in MLA	Available

Review information about certain certificate program graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information.