This school appears in our ranking 20 Most Affordable Master's in Liberal Studies Degrees Online: Private College 2018.
Although many know it because of its unique spider mascot, the University of Richmond (UR) deserves to be better known for other things. U.S. News & World Report ranks it 23rd spot on their list of "Best Liberal Arts Colleges." Plus, UR is number 18 on Kiplinger's Personal Finance list of 100 best value private liberal arts colleges. Clearly, UR has earned a reputation for academic excellence.
UR was founded in 1830. Since then, it has grown to admit 4,350 graduate and undergraduate students across five schools. These are the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Law and the School of Professional & Continuing Studies. UR prides itself on the diversity of its more than 60 undergraduate programs and their small class sizes.
Additionally, the institution is known as being dedicated to lifelong learning. This means that they provide many distance, flexible and continuing education programs so that everyone has the potential to increase their knowledge. UR attracts top faculty who are respected experts in their fields. With academic rigor and quality instruction, students can be proud of the work they complete at UR.
University of Richmond Accreditation Details
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited all Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees that are conferred by the University of Richmond. Accreditation was first conferred in 1910, with a review and reaffirmation taking place in 2008. The next review and reaffirmation occurs in 2018. Currently, the accreditation covers all on-campus degree programs as well as those that are offered online or at satellite locations. The individual schools and programs at UR have received accreditation as follows:
- Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business Internationa
- American Bar Associatio
- Virginia State Board of Educatio
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparatio
- American Chemical Societ
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Richmond Application Requirements
Applicants to the School of Professional & Continuing Studies may choose from among bachelor's degrees, undergrad certificates, master's degrees and graduate certificates. Each program may have a different application process. Those who are applying must comply with deadlines. July 15 is the deadline for fall term while November 30 is the deadline for spring. For those staring in the summer, April 15 is the application deadline.
Applications are completed online, and a fee must be submitted for processing. Original transcripts for all studies at the college level must be sent to the University of Richmond. Most programs require specific supporting materials. The online application for each program details the sort of supporting materials that are needed. Applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-admission advising appointment, which can greatly ease the transition back to school for adult learners. Individuals who are interested in a specific program may contact an advisor for that program so that they get the most relevant information regarding curriculum and requirements.
Because many of the applicants who consider attending the School of Professional & Continuing Studies have been in the workplace for several years, it may be advantageous to consider completing a Prior Learning Portfolio. This program allows adult students to earn college credit for on-the-job learning. A maximum of 15 semester hours may be applied toward a bachelor's degree.
International students may be required to demonstrate their proficiency with English and obtain a student visa before being formally admitted. More information concerning this process can be obtained from an advisor.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students who attend the School of Professional & Continuing Studies may expect to pay $495 per semester hour at the undergraduate level and $620 per semester hour at the graduate level. Anyone who elects to participate in the Prior Learning Portfolio program must pay an additional application fee of $200 and tuition at the rate of $300 per hour awarded.
On an annual basis, the school distributes some $100,000 in scholarships. Eligibility requirements include filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and enrollment in a minimum of six semester hours each term. Awards are permitted once for each academic year per student.
Financial aid also is available to qualifying students. Grants and loans may be used, with the type and amount of assistance varying according to programs of study. The annual deadline to apply for financial aid is July 31.
Online Degrees Available
The University of Richmond's School of Professional & Continuing Studies provides a wide selection of degree programs for adult students. Programs may be wholly completed in an online environment while some degrees are earned in a hybrid environment that includes online and classroom learning. Six bachelor's degree programs and five master's degrees programs are available online. Additionally, a variety of graduate and undergraduate certificates may be earned. Small class sizes, reputable professors and well-defined learning goals create an ideal educational atmosphere.
Bachelor in IT Management
With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics routinely finding that the information technology sector is one of the fastest growing in the nation, many students are excited about this respected undergraduate program. Students will dive into the management and implementation of IT with some of the most respected educators in the field. The result is a degree that is eminently marketable, especially as IT becomes more prevalent in virtually every aspect of day-to-day life. A total of 120 semester hours must be completed to earn this degree, with 30 of those hours being focused on IT Management.
Master of Human Resource Management
Designed for professionals who are eager to take their career farther, students will take courses related to the recruitment of quality employees and the retention of valuable team players. Development, compensation and benefits also will be covered. In addition to this more traditional subject matter, students will explore cutting-edge concepts like HR information systems and how globalization and workforce diversity impact the workplace. Leadership theory coursework prepares students to assume a supervisory role post-graduation. Class sizes are approximately 12 to 15 students, giving enrollees a wealth of one-on-one time with instructors during their 36 semester hours of coursework.
Students at the University of Richmond further may seek degrees in Paralegal Studies, Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, Nonprofit Studies and Liberal Arts.
University of Richmond website