Virginia Commonwealth University
- Academics

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Virginia Commonwealth University - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler2.69

Academics

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Full-Time Student Population 24,268
Part-Time Student Population 8,582
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 1,096
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 1,097
Total FT Faculty 2,121
Faculty with Terminal Degree 74%
Average Faculty Salary $74,802
Full-Time Retention Rate 83%
Part-Time Retention Rate 69%
Transfer-Out Rate 27%
Graduation Rate 49%
Programs/Majors Offered 117
Average Course Load 13–16 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? No
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 Students: 44%
  • 20 to 49 Students: 45%
  • 50 or More Students: 11%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

There are common misconceptions about Virginia Commonwealth University, including that it is easy to get into, that it is only an arts school, and that it is not known outside of the Richmond area. These assumptions cannot be further from the truth. While VCU is known for having one of the largest and most comprehensive art schools in the country, there are several other departments that are continually growing and receiving national recognition. The School of Social Work has been established for more than 85 years and is ranked among the nation’s top social work schools. The School of Business has a wide variety of programs with a liberal arts base. The VCU School of Nursing allows students to learn within the Richmond community by integrating them with community leaders to provide education, counseling, outreach, and support services—all essential components to promoting healthy lifestyles.
 

At first it can be overwhelming to attend classes at VCU since most required gen-eds are large lecture hall classes. Classes may seem impersonal due to size. However, there are several classes that are small enough for teachers to learn names and notice when a student is missing. Generally English writing and foreign language classes are the smaller classes that a freshman would be required to take. Once a student is in their desired degree program, it
is much more common to have smaller classes and establish relationships with professors.

See how you stack up against students who were accepted to this school . . .And calculate your chances!Register to get started

Virginia Commonwealth Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Virginia Commonwealth University

raishac92

'16

Physical Education Teaching and Coaching

5.0
A+

Physical Education

I love my major. I'm only a first year but it's already going really well. I'm in the five year program so I basically already have my college career planned out for me.

Feb 08, 2012

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Academics at Virginia Commonwealth University

daciaashley

'15

Biology

4.6
A

Open for Business

In regards to the professors at VCU they are hands on and go above and beyond to make sure you succeed in their class. Almost all of my teachers gave me alternate ways of contact other than email if i am troubled about something. There are almost always teaching assistants who am more accessible if one need help as well as the campus learning center which offers free tutoring services to undergraduates in almost every subject.

Jan 24, 2012

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Academics at Virginia Commonwealth University

petar52

'15

Dance

5.0
A+

Dance at VCU

The dance program at VCU is amazing. The opportunity to excell is readily available. We have master classes every week with well known taechers in the dance world. Their feed back is quite helpful. The faculity at VCU are not just teachers but performers themselves. Offering students the chance to dance during spring break. To take advantage of these opprtunities one must be abel to balance their academics with rehearsal schedules. My academis work load can become over welming if I do not take advantage of the support (suchas the writting center, tuitoring sessions...) that is offered.

Dec 28, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: Yes
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Scores of 3, 4, and 5 will be awarded between 3 and 10 credits
IB Test Score Requirements Higher level 4–7 and standard level 5–7 will be awarded credit.
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Humanities and Sciences
  • Honors College
  • School of Allied Health Professions
  • School of Business
  • School of Dentistry
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering
  • School of Nursing
  • School of Social Work
  • School of the Arts
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Certificate
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Business/Commerce, General: 3%
  • Mass Communication: 3%
  • Psychology: 3%
  • Social Work: 2%
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
  • Weekend/evening college
Best Places to Study
  • Cabell Library
  • Monroe Park
  • University Student Commons
Did You Know?

VCU was the first research university in the nation to have a program in homeland security and emergency preparedness.

Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at VCU

Name: Carrie Lefler

Major: Communications

see all student author bios >

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