Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Must I complete all foundation and/or prerequisite courses prior to applying to the graduate program?
A. If you have not completed all prerequisite and foundation courses prior to your admission, you will be required to complete them prior to beginning advanced core courses in your graduate program.
Q. Can I apply to more than one graduate program at the same time?
A. Yes, but you must submit a separate and complete application for each program, including separate application fees. Admission to a program is not dependent on whether you intend to pursue the degree on a full or part time basis.
Q. Can I transfer previously taken graduate courses?
A. It is possible to transfer a maximum of six semester hours of acceptable graduate credit toward your degree program. The credit must have been earned in a degree program that is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and must not have been used to satisfy requirements for another degree program. Acceptance of transfer credit hours is made on an individual basis.
Q. Can I take graduate courses without being enrolled in a graduate program?
A. To maintain the high quality of students studying in our programs as well as address accreditation issues, we limit and monitor the number of non degree-seeking students who are permitted to take graduate business courses. Please contact the Graduate Studies in Business Office at 804-828-4622 for more detail regarding our special permit and transient student procedures.
Q. I am currently enrolled in a graduate business degree program at another institution, and I have recently been relocated to the greater Richmond area. Can I take graduate business courses at VCU and transfer them back to my home institution?
A. When determining whether non-VCU business students will be permitted to enroll in our courses, we give priority to those who are transient students from other institutions. Please submit a Request for Special Permit Form, complete with official transcript and a letter of support from your home institution. The letter should indicate you are a student in good standing in the graduate program and that you have been given permission to transfer the requested course(s) back to your graduate program.
Q. Does the School of Business offer financial aid to students?
A. All domestic students are eligible to apply for financial aid through the VCU Office of Financial Aid. In addition, the School of Business offers a limited number of graduate assistantship positions to full-time students pursuing graduate degrees in our programs and other scholarship opportunities exist for graduate students after they have completed at least one semester of study. Contact the Graduate Studies in Business Office at 804-828-4622 for details on assistantship positions.
Q. What type of career placement services are available to students?
A. Graduate students have access to career counselors located in the School of Business and the University Career Center. These counselors assist our students with resume preparation and interviewing skills, as well as placement for internships, cooperative education and final job placement.
Q. How long will it take to process my application?
A. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed.