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

SPCS Educational Journey

SPCS Student Experience

What’s Next for SPCS Students

Faculty & Staff Notes

Hocutt named program co-chair
Dr. Daniel Hocutt, web manager and adjunct professor of liberal arts, has been named program co-chair for SIGDOC 2020, the annual conference of the Association for Computing & Machinery (ACM) Special Interest Group for Design of Communication (SIGDOC) to be held at the University of North Texas October 3-4, 2020.
Laursen co-authors article with SPCS graduate
Dr. Erik Laursen, adjunct associate professor of education, has co-authored with alum Kirsten Logan, GC’18, the article Does Mindfulness Strengthen Self-efficacy in First Grade Students? in the Journal of Teacher Action Research.
Cassada quoted on middle school teacher conferences
Dr. Kate Cassada, assistant chair and associate professor of educational leadership and policy studies, is quoted in Sylvan Source blog in a post titled Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences: What to Know. Cassada encourages parents to attend their middle schooler’s parent-teacher conferences.
Shields co-authors report highlighting value of school diversity
Dr. Tom Shields, SPCS associate dean and associate professor of education & leadership studies, has co-authored a report highlighting the value of school diversity. Written with scholars from VCU and the Virginia Housing Alliance, the report focuses on Richmond’s school rezoning efforts.
Spires publishes article on Hong Kong youth
Dr. Bob Spires, assistant professor of education in SPCS, has published with two co-authors the article Generalized Self-Efficacy of Youth in the New Territories [of Hong Kong] in the Asian Studies & Development Studies journal.
Carpenter named officer on engagement committee
Liza Carpenter, administrative coordinator in the Education department, has been named recording secretary as an officer on the A&S Staff Engagement Committee. In her role, Carpenter engages students, faculty and staff in Schools of Arts & Sciences and Professional & Continuing Studies.
Nielson interviewed about upcoming book release
Dr. Erik Nielson, associate professor of liberal arts and assistant chair of the Master of Liberal Arts program, is interviewed in The Crime Report along with co-author Dr. Andrea Dennis about their upcoming book, Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics and Guilt in America.
Thornton #3 in top 100 ethical leadership Twitter accounts
Linda Fisher Thornton (@leadingincontxt) ranks #3 in the Top 100 accounts on Ethical Leadership on Twitter according to Finster Data. Her book, 7 Lenses: Learning the Principles and Practices of Ethical Leadership (@7lenses), is also on the list at #11.
Haggerty quoted in Style Weekly feature
Dr. Abbi Haggerty, adjunct assistant professor of nonprofit studies and executive director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance (RPAA), is quoted in a Style Weekly feature on the impact of the RPAA in the ten years since the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts opened.
Laing achieves CliftonStrengths Coach certification
Kathy Laing, GC’08, GC’16, program manager for the Institute on Philanthropy at SPCS, has earned the designation of Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach for coaching individuals and groups using their CliftonStrengths.

Programs of Study

Program	Bachelor’s Degree	Undergrad Certificate	Master’s Degree	Graduate Certificate
Education	Available		Available	Available
• Curriculum & Instruction			Available
• Educational Leadership & Policy Studies			Available	Available
• Elementary Licensure (Undergraduate)	Available
• Teaching			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.