Accreditation
Institutional accreditation (SACSCOC)
The university is committed to continuous improvement of its programs and services to ensure the quality and accessibility of its offerings. Accreditation and academic compliance are essential features of this process.
Statement of accreditation
Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. Virginia Commonwealth University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Virginia Commonwealth University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
The commission should only be contacted concerning an institution’s significant non-compliance with a requirement or standard. Please use the academic strategy and innovation "Help desk" ticket system to submit all other inquiries related to SACSCOC accreditation.
Why accreditation matters
Accreditation by SACSCOC signifies that the institution:
- Has a mission appropriate to higher education
- Has resources, programs and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that mission
- Maintains clearly specified educational objectives consistent with its mission and appropriate to the degrees it offers
- Demonstrates a commitment to the process of self-reflection and evidence-based evaluation toward achieving its stated objectives
Beyond that, accreditation ensures we honor the promises we make to our VCU community. It exemplifies a shared understanding and demonstration of the SACSCOC core values — integrity, peer review, student learning, continuous quality improvement, accountably and transparency — across the university.