Program accreditation
Many of Virginia Commonwealth University’s degree and certificate programs are accredited by specialized and programmatic accreditation bodies ensuring they meet established quality standards. Below is a list of VCU’s accredited programs and the bodies that recognize them.
Please note: Units preparing for an upcoming programmatic accreditation review must make the provost office aware by filling out the review notification form below. Please also review the guidelines for this process.
Please note: VCU represents itself accurately to all the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) recognized accrediting agencies with which it holds accreditation, and it informs those agencies of any change to its accreditation status. In order to comply with SACSCOC requirements, please use the language below for your accreditation and/or external review documentation.
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 may also 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).
University Mission
Virginia Commonwealth University and its academic health sciences center serve as one national urban public research institution dedicated to the success and well-being of our students, patients, faculty, staff and community through:
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- Real-world learning that furthers civic engagement, inquiry, discovery and innovation
- Research that expands the boundaries of new knowledge and creative expression and promotes translational applications to improve the quality of human life
- Interdisciplinary collaborations and community partnerships that advance innovation, enhance cultural and economic vitality, and solve society’s most complex challenges
- Health sciences that preserve and restore health for all people, seek the cause and cure of diseases through groundbreaking research and educate those who serve humanity
- Deeply ingrained core values of diversity, inclusion and equity that provide a safe, trusting and supportive environment to explore, create, learn and serve
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VCU Campus
VCU’s two main campuses are located a mile away from each other in downtown Richmond, Virginia. VCU’s Monroe Park Campus (MPC) is home to most of its undergraduate students and their classes. The University’s six health sciences schools/colleges, as well VCU’s national leading academic health center, are located at the University’s health sciences or MCV campus. VCU has seven approved off-campus instructional sites, including a campus in Doha, Qatar.
Need help? Submit a Help Desk inquiry
VCU departments or programs who have questions about program accreditation can submit an inquiry to the Academic Strategy and Innovation Help Desk.
VCU programmatic accrediting agencies
Below is a complete list of VCU’s programmatic accrediting agencies and accredited programs. Certain specialized accreditations are monitored by the U.S. Department of Education, and require SACSCOC reporting.
Program | Accreditor |
---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BS) | ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Life Science Engineering (B.S.) | ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering (BS) |
ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BS) | ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BS) | ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BS) |
ABET |
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in nuclear engineering (BS) | ABET |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography (BS) | Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs | 2021 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation with a concentration in nuclear medicine technology (BS) | Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology | 1983 – Present | 2022 | 2028 |
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation with a concentration in radiation therapy (BS) | Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology | 1972 – Present | 2021 | 2029 |
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation with a concentration in radiography (BS) | Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology | 1987 – Present | 2021 | 2029 |
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BS) | National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences | 1976 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Certificate in Patient Counseling |
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Accreditation Commission | 2000 – Present | 2019 | 2026 |
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) | Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs | 1968 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education | 1931 – Present | 2017 | 2027 |
Master of Health Administration (MHA) | Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education | 1968 – Present | 2024 | 2031 |
Master of Science in Gerontology with a concentration in geriatric care management (MS) | National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Health Administration (MSHA) | Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education | 1968 – Present | 2024 | 2031 |
Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MS) |
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences | 1976 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Master of Science in Patient Counseling (MS) |
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Accreditation Commission | 2000 – Present | 2019 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in clinical mental health counseling (MS) |
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs |
2016 – Present |
2024 | 2032 |
Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in clinical rehabilitation counseling (MS) |
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs | 2016 – Present | 2024 | 2032 |
Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) | American Occupational Therapy Association Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education | 2018 – Present | 2018 | 2026 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science (BS) Concentrations in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Physical Evidence |
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission | 2007 – Present | 2022 | 2027 |
Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications (BS) Concentrations in advertising, journalism, media production and public relations |
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications |
1976 – 2000; 2005 – Present |
2018 | 2024 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in behavioral medicine (PhD) | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation | 1975 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in clinical child (PhD) | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (Pre-doctoral internship) | 1975 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology (PhD) | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation | 1980 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Master of Science in Forensic Science (MS) Concentrations in Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Physical Evidence |
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission | 2011 – Present | 2022 | 2027 |
Pre-doctoral internship - Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in behavioral medicine (PhD) | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation | 1975 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Pre-doctoral internship - Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology (PhD) | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation | 1980 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Doctoral Internship in Health Service Psychology | American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (Pre-doctoral internship) | 1984 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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English Language Program | Commission on English Language Program Accreditation | 2014 – Present | 2019 | 2029 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Master of Public Administration (MPA) | Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation | 1981 – Present | 2024 | 2031 |
Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) | Planning Accreditation Board | 1977 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in environmental planning (MURP) | Planning Accreditation Board | 1977 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in housing and community development (MURP) | Planning Accreditation Board | 1977 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Master of Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in regional planning (MURP) |
Planning Accreditation Board | 1977 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Bachelor of Arts in Art History (BA) - Monroe Park Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Arts in Art History (BA) - VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Arts in Cinema (BA) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA) |
National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation | 1950 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (BA) |
National Association of Schools of Theatre Commission on Accreditation | 2000 – Present | 2019 | 2029 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Arts with a concentration in Art Education (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Arts (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus Concentrations:
|
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Craft and Material Studies (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography (BFA) | National Association of Schools of Dance Commission on Accreditation | 1999 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion with a concentration in fashion design (BFA) Monroe Park Campus & VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Arts in Fashion with a concentration in fashion merchandising (BA) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus |
Council for Interior Design Accreditation | 1973 – Present | 2022 | 2028 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA) - VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus |
Council for Interior Design Accreditation | 2005 – Present | 2018 | 2024 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (BFA) Monroe Park Campus & VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA) Monroe Park Campus & VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus
|
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Printmaking (BFA) Monroe Park Campus & VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and Film (BFA) Monroe Park Campus
|
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture (BFA) - Monroe Park Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre (BFA) Concentrations:
|
National Association of Schools of Theatre Commission on Accreditation | 2000 – Present | 2019 | 2029 |
Bachelor of Music (BM) Concentrations:
|
National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation | 1950 – Present | 2018 | 2028 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in art education (PhD) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2026 |
Master of Art Education (MAE) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2026 |
Master of Arts in Art History with a concentration in historical studies (MA) - Monroe Park Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2026 |
Master of Fine Arts in Design with a concentration in design studies (MFA) - VCU Qatar, Doha, Qatar Campus | National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2026 |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Monroe Park Campus Concentrations:
|
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2026 |
Master of Fine Arts in Design with a concentration in interior environments (MFA) - Monroe Park Campus |
Council for Interior Design Accreditation | 2009 – Present | 2022 | 2025 |
Master of Fine Arts in Design with a concentration in interior environments (MFA) - Monroe Park Campus |
National Association of Schools of Art & Design Commission on Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2016 | 2025-2026 academic year |
Master of Fine Arts in Theatre (MFA) Concentrations:
|
National Association of Schools of Theatre Commission on Accreditation | 2000 – Present | 2019 | 2029 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Bachelor of Science in Information Systems (B.S.) | Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET) – Computing Accreditation Commission | 2001 – Present | 2019 | 2024 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Business with a concentration in accounting (Ph.D.) |
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
1975 – Present |
2021 | 2026 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Business with a concentration in information systems (Ph.D.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Business with a concentration in management (Ph.D.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Business with a concentration in marketing (Ph.D.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Accountancy with a concentration in data analytics (M.Acc.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1984 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Arts in Economics with a concentration in financial economics (M.A.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Arts in Economics with a concentration in health economics (M.A.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Arts in Economics with a concentration in statistics (M.A.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) -Executive | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Decision Analytics (M.D.A.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Business with a concentration in finance (M.S.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Business with a concentration in marketing management (M.S.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Business with a concentration in real estate (M.S.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business | 1975 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Information Systems (MS) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
1975 – Present |
2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in data science in business (M.S.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
1975 – Present |
2021 | 2026 |
Master of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in information risk, security and assurance (M.S.) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
1975 – Present |
2021 | 2026 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency Program - (12- month/optional 2nd year) |
Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1980 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Advanced Dental Education Residency Program in Endodontics | Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1974 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BS) |
Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1969 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Oral and Maxillofacial surgery Residency Program | Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1953 – Present | 2024 | 2029 |
Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Residency Program | Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1966 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program | Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1964 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Periodontics Graduate Residency Program | Commission on Dental Accreditation | 1973 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Advanced Preparation Programs (ADV) - Advanced-Level; Post baccalaureate or Graduate levels | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation | 2013 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a concentration in counselor education and supervision (Ph.D.) | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs | 2007 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Initial Teacher Preparation (ITP) - Initial-Licensure Level;Baccalaureate or Post-baccalaureate levels |
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation | 2013 – Present | 2021 | 2028 |
Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in college counseling and student affairs (M.Ed.) | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs | 2007 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Master of Education in Counselor Education with a concentration in school counseling (M.Ed.) | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs | 2007 – Present | 2017 | 2025 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Liaison Committee on Medical Education | 1942 – Present | 2016 | 2023 |
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Physics (Ph.D.) | Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc | 2010 – Present | 2020 | 2025 |
Master of Public Health (MPH) | Council on Education for Public Health | 1996 – Present | 2023 | 2030 |
Master of Science in Genetic Counseling (M.S.) | Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling | 1994 – Present | 2022 | 2030 |
Master of Science in Medical Physics (M.S.) | Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs, Inc | 2010 – Present | 2020 | 2025 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.) | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Certificate in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner |
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.) | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education | 2016 – Present | 2021 | 2031 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) | Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education | 1981 – Present | 2023 | 2031 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation | 1975 – Present | 2019 | 2027 |
Master of Social Work (MSW) | Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation | 1919 – Present | 2019 | 2027 |
Program | Accreditor | Accredited | Latest review | Next review |
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Dietetic Internship (Master of Science; Non-degree Option) | Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 1929 – Present | 2020 | 2028 |
Emergency Medical Services Program – (Paramedic Certificate) *Non-credit EMS courses option. |
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs | 2003 – Present | 2021 | 2026 |