Welcome
Dear Prospective Student
It’s my great pleasure to welcome you to the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies. There are many reasons to return to school, and we appreciate your willingness to take time to join us for an information session. The prospect of pursuing your degree or academic certificate can be filled with many unanswered questions. Our goal in our information sessions, open house events, and Q&A sessions is to answer those questions and to support you in writing the next chapter in the story of your educational experience. During the event you’ll have the opportunity to hear about the School and the University of Richmond from our faculty and staff. We’ll certainly discuss the process of returning to school, and you’ll have opportunities to interact with faculty, staff and students who are part of the School’s story and experience. Perhaps most importantly, you'll be able to ask questions and interact directly with program, admissions and advising specialists.
Thousands of successful Richmonders have completed our programs and have gone on to celebrate remarkable personal and professional achievements. We hope that you will choose the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies as a place where you can write the next chapter in your story, too.
Thank you for coming, and I hope you will enjoy the Richmond experience.
Sincerely,
Jamelle S. Wilson, Ed.D. Dean
Program Overview
We appreciate your interest in the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies.
The prospect of pursuing a degree or certificate as an adult learner can be filled with many questions. As always, feel free to give us a call to ask any questions you have.
Please visit our Prospective Student website to explore more about our School. There you will find schedules and catalogs, features about our graduates and current students, and a wealth of information:
spcs.richmond.edu/prospective
Degree Programs
The School offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs for adult students and working professionals. Are you interested in pursuing a new professional direction or advancing in your current field? Are you contemplating returning to school to complete your degree, or are you transferring from a community college or another university? No matter what your goals and objectives, we offer degree programs to suit your needs.
Undergraduate Degrees
Many of our undergraduate students are working professionals. Our undergraduate programs are designed with the transfer students in mind, and most SPCS undergraduate students transfer 30-60 semester hours of previous college coursework.
Data Analytics
Human Resource Management
Information Security
IT Management
Paralegal Studies
Liberal Arts (including BALA with an Elementary Education Concentration)
Program Overview
Certificates
Designed to enhance and advance professional skill sets, our undergraduate certificate programs are ideal for those looking for career advancement and transition. All our certificates require a bachelor’s degree.
Data Analytics (Online)
Information Security (Online)
Information Systems
Paralegal Studies
Graduate Degrees
Our graduate programs combine theory and real-world practice to give students the skills and knowledge to move their careers to the next level. Our programs reflect emerging trends, unique opportunities, and innovative strategies in their respective career fields and areas of study. As such, some are also well suited for students interested in a career change.
Master of Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction (M.Ed.)
Educational Leadership and Policy Studies (M.Ed. and Graduate Certificate)
Human Resource Management (MHRM and Graduate Certificate)
Liberal Arts (MLA)
Nonprofit Studies (MNPS and Graduate Certificate)
spcs.richmond.edu/degrees
Tuition Cost
Earning a college degree is more valuable than ever. You can’t afford not to continue your education.
Based on the most recent data collected*, the Department of Labor reports that workers age 25 and over who have less education than a high school diploma have higher unemployment rates and lower median weekly earnings among those at all education levels. Workers with graduate degrees have the lowest unemployment rates and highest earnings. Each level of education you complete may help you develop more skills employers value and give you access to higher paying occupations. Additionally, a bachelor’s degree can be worth millions of dollars over the course of an adult’s working years.
Additionally, salary.com, a technology leader in compensation management, says that the quality of your education can affect your salary. Earning a degree from a top school or program typically has a positive influence on pay. Deciding to return to school can be a difficult decision. Knowing you have a variety of ways to pay for it should help make the decision easier. We encourage students to consider these options in addition to federal financial aid and SPCS scholarships.
Estimated Tuition Costs
The following chart contains the current tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year.
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*Based on 2025-2026 academic year tuition rates. Visit richmond.edu/spcsoa for cost of attendance information. *Source: Allen Chen, "More education: Lower unemployment, higher earnings," Career Outlook, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2017.
Paying for Your Education
Payment Installment Plan
In addition to accepting MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover, UR also offers a interest-free installment payment plan. The QuikPay plan can help you manage your education expenses by allowing you to pay your tuition over the course of several months, rather than in one lump sum. We offer 3- and 4-payment plan options each fall and spring semester.
Employer-provided Tuition Assistance
Many companies and organizations offer tuition assistance programs to retain employees and develop their knowledge and skills. Ask your supervisor or human resources representative whether tuition benefits are available to you.
Military Benefits
Military veterans and active-duty personnel—as well as their spouses or dependents—should explore the education assistance benefits available to them through the Montgomery GI Bill, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), the Post 9/11 GI Bill and Survivors and Dependents Assistance (DEA).
The first step is to start the application process with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). Details regarding the application process can be found at gibill.va.gov. The VA can also be reached by calling 1-888-442-4551.
Private scholarships
Each year, hundreds of thousands of scholarships are awarded by companies and organizations of all types and sizes. The easiest way to find scholarship opportunities is to use online scholarship search engines.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid
A chief concern for adult students as they consider returning to school is “Can I afford it?”
The University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies is committed to helping adult students with their investment in higher education. The goal of all of the financial resources at Richmond is to reduce the cost of college so that the decision to enroll can be based upon what really matters: attending the school that is the best academic fit.
Financial assistance, in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans, is available to SPCS students who need help with their educational expenses. Students must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Richmond and must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. All SPCS academic degree programs are eligible for financial aid consideration. Specific enrollment requirements and application processes vary depending on the aid program and are outlined below. Most applications are available online at financialaid.richmond.edu/spcs.
Scholarships
Numerous scholarships are available for SPCS students who are actively pursuing a planned program of study in the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. The application process is online at spcs.richmond.edu/scholarships, and the deadlines for applications is the preceding June 1 for the fall term and November 1 for the spring term.
Loans
Federal Direct and private loans are available for students who are enrolled in a degree or certificate program on at least a half-time basis (6 credit hours/term). Financial Aid applications and loan applications must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the start of the term for funding to be available by the time classes begin.
Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell grants are available to eligible students enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program for at least three semester hours per term. Students must qualify per the federal need analysis formula. Financial Aid applications must be completed at least six weeks prior to the start of the term for funding to be available by the time classes begin.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG)
The Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG), funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia, provides grant assistance to degree-seeking undergraduate students who are bona fide Virginia residents and who enroll full-time during the regular academic year. (Full-time status is 3.5 units per term for undergraduate students; 12 credit hours per term for SPCS undergraduate students.)
The VTAG application for the academic year must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by July 31. VTAG applications may be submitted after the July 31 deadline but will only be considered if funding is available for late applications. VTAG applications are not accepted after December 1. Only students not currently receiving VTAG need to submit an application.
VTAG is not available to School of Professional and Continuing Studies students enrolled in certificate programs.
For more information regarding financial aid or the necessary applications, please refer to the Financial Aid website at financialaid.richmond.edu/spcs, the Financial Aid office at (804) 289-8438 or finaid@richmond.edu.
Please note that the Financial Aid Office will not review aid applications until a student registers for the term. It takes approximately three weeks after a student registers for financial aid to be processed. Students will receive an e-mail notification from the Financial Aid Office when financial aid is available to be viewed on BannerWeb.
Financial aid is generally disbursed to the student’s account at the beginning of each term. If financial aid exceeds billable charges, then the student has a credit balance and is due a refund. Refunds will not be issued until at least two weeks after the first day of class for each term. Pell grant recipients may receive a partial refund by the first day of class.
Flexible Ways to Earn Undergraduate Credit
The School has a liberal transfer policy, and matriculated undergraduate students can earn credits toward their degree through examination, independent study, or through portfolio assessment of prior learning. Consult your academic advisor or the current catalog for details.
Testing for Credit
One way to expedite your college journey is through CLEP—the College Level Examination Program. If you are a self-directed learner, you can read, study and test out of up to 45 credit hours toward your bachelor’s degree, or 30 hours towards an associate’s degree. To learn more about the program and its implementation, visit clep.collegeboard.org. Use the CLEP Test Center Search to find a testing center near you. For free practice tests, visit the Graduate Education Information Service’s CLEP Exam Practice Tests Website.
American Council on Education (ACE)®
ACE’s College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)® reviews and offers college-level credit recommendations for many training courses, apprenticeship programs and examination. An official ACE CREDIT Recommendations Transcript must be submitted directly to the School of Professional and Continuing Studies for review of the equivalency and transfer. For more information on ACE, or to order a transcript visit the web site at www.acenet.edu/credit.
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
The School of Professional and Continuing Studies participates in the Advance Placement program of the College Board. Students who successfully completed AP examinations prior to their entry in a college-level program may have official scores submitted to the University for review. Scores submitted within ten years of completion of the examination will be considered for the equivalency and transfer of credit. To order test scores contact apstudent.collegeboard.org.
Flexible Ways to Earn Undergraduate Credit
Independent Study
An independent study is a course taken with faculty supervision for knowledge enhancement beyond the courses offered in a particular area of interest. In rare cases, when scheduling or other conflicts exist, a regular course may be taken as an independent study. Independent study courses may be used in the Areas of Study and General Distribution and may be used to enhance courses in the major. Consult with your academic advisor before applying to earn credit by independent study.
Transfer Credit
Courses offered in transfer will be evaluated for acceptance provided the work was taken at an institution accredited as degree-granting by a recognized regional accrediting body for higher education at the time the course work is completed. A grade equivalent to C (2.0) or better must have been earned in the particular course. Course work accepted in transfer shall be applied to specific degree requirements subject to the discretion of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Transfer work will be accepted during the final semester of a program only with prior approval. CLEP exams are considered transfer credits. Additional information on our transfer policy is located in the current edition of our catalog.
Portfolio Assessment of Prior Learning
You may be eligible to earn college credits for learning that has occurred on your job, through volunteer work, or on your own. Every year SPCS students successfully earn credits in topics such as marketing, leadership, English, speech and other disciplines by creating a learning portfolio and having it evaluated for credit. Students can earn up to 15 semester hours toward a bachelor’s degree (with a maximum of three semester hours maximum applied to the major). Students become eligible to submit portfolios after completing 12 credit hours at the University of Richmond. spcs.richmond.edu/portfolio
Resources for Students
At SPCS, you will be challenged to excel and reach your full potential. To help you succeed, the University offers a wealth of student resources to assist you in making the most of your experience.
Library Resources & Services
The University of Richmond Libraries provide services that suit the needs of all learners, on campus and online. Boatwright Memorial Library includes major collections in the sciences, fine arts, music, humanities, film, maps, theater, government documents, and rare books and manuscripts. At present, there are close to half a million volumes of books, more than 100,000 bound periodicals, and thousands of multimedia items including videos in the collection, many available remotely. Electronic resources are available through the library and the campus computer labs, as well as from outside the library through the Library’s web site.
library.richmond.edu
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office assists students and their families in understanding and utilizing the resources available to meet educational expenses at Richmond – including grants, scholarships, loans, and payment plans.
financialaid.richmond.edu/spcs
Resources for Students
Weinstein Learning Center
The Weinstein Learning Center (WLC) integrates the Speech, Writing, Quantitative Resource, Academic Skills, Technology Learning and English Language Learning Centers. It provides next-level academic support services, transforming students’ development in integrated and innovative ways and complementing our robust curricular and co-curricular offerings.
Academic Skills
Equips students with effective learning strategies and engages them in assessing and honing essential skills.
English Language Learning
Provides curricular and co-curricular support for international students, exchange students, and students for whom English is not their first language.
Quantitative Resources
Provides services related to quantitative and computational learning across the curriculum through consultation and training..
Speech
Offers assistance to those who wish to pursue effective speaking and articulate behavior across academic disciplines.
Technology Learning
Offers assistance to those who wish to pursue effective speaking and articulate behavior across academic disciplines.
Content Tutoring
Provides content tutoring for specific courses and subject areas, including practice using effective learning strategies.
wlc.richmond.edu
Next Steps
Congratulations on your decision to continue your education. Thank you for letting us help.
We are pleased that you are considering the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies as the next step in completing your degree.
This checklist should help you have an easy transition to becoming an SPCS student.
Step 1: Complete an online Application
Apply to the School of Professional and Continuing Studies by completing the application for the term you want online at: spcs.richmond.edu/apply
Step 2: Request Official Transcripts
Send request(s) for official transcripts to all your previous colleges or universities. A copy of a transcript request form is located in this booklet and on our website. Photocopy, complete and forward this form to all colleges and universities you’ve attended. Transcripts should be mailed directly to the School of Professional and Continuing Studies address noted on the Transcript Request Form.
Step 3: Make arrangements to submit required supporting materials
Additional requirements vary by program and are detailed in the online application.
Step 4: Schedule an Admissions Advising appointment
Your final step will be to meet with an academic advisor to discuss your educational goals, admissions pathway, and recommended course selections for your first semester.
Date:
Request for Official Transcript
Name of Institution:
Last Name: First Name: Initial:
Street Address:
City: State: ZIP:
Name used when attending the institution listed above:
Last Name: First Name: Initial:
Date of Birth: Social Security Number or Student ID Number:
Number of official copies requested:
Please mail the transcript(s) to the following location: A check for $________ is enclosed to cover transcript fees.
University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies Special Programs Building 490 Westhampton Way University of Richmond, VA 23173
Student’s Signature
Learn More Online
Please visit our Prospective Student section to explore more about our School. There you will find schedules and catalogs, features about our graduates and current students, and a wealth of information:
spcs.richmond.edu/prospective
We offer a wide variety of resources to aid in the success of our students, and you will enjoy the individualized time and commitment you will receive. Join us and see for yourself.