Programs
Five great fields
Take advantage of our innovative blend of programs to major in one area while learning from others.
We are proud to announce historic achievements in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings. For the first time, the Wilder School has been recognized as the nation's sixth-leading institution for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in public affairs.
This year, the Wilder School continues to be ranked among the nation's top schools:
- Ranked No. 39 in the top 40 Graduate Schools of Public Affairs
- Ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs
- Ranked No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership Programs
The Wilder School is also recognized for demonstrating exemplary commitment in four areas recognized by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.
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The Wilder School is also recognized for demonstrating exemplary commitment in four areas recognized by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.
Degree options
Criminal justice: Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs
Homeland security and emergency preparedness: Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs
Public administration: M.P.A., accelerated B.A./M.P.A., certificate and dual-degree programs
Public policy and administration: Doctoral program
Urban and regional studies/planning: Undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs
These areas are available as both majors or minors. See each program’s page for details.
Graduate certificates
In addition to our main academic programs, we also offer the following certificates:
Gender violence intervention
Designed for pre-career and mid-career professionals, this program examines the social causes, consequences and responses to gender violence. Graduates often pursue careers in advocacy, research, policy or prevention.
Post-Bachelor's Certificate program
Designed for those interested or involved in professions in the criminal justice system, this certificate facilitates career advancement to help you develop skills in criminal justice policy, program evaluation and management.
Graduate certificate program
Our online certificate program helps you develop managerial competencies in the homeland security and emergency preparedness field. Courses with grades of “B” or better are fully transferable to the master’s program.
Nonprofit management
Learn to lead, govern and manage nonprofit organizations collaboratively, thoughtfully and ethically. Earn this 15-credit certificate separately or simultaneously with the M.P.A.
Nonprofit management certificate requirements
Public management
Tailored for government and nonprofit professionals, this program allows you to gain skills in public administration without pursuing a full master’s degree. An off-campus location is available in Chesterfield County. This 18-credit certificate includes coursework from the M.P.A. curriculum.
Public management certificate requirements
MSW and Certificate in Nonprofit Management
The VCU Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CPG-NMC) is a collaborative effort between the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs and the School of Social Work.
The Certificate requires a total of 15 credit hours comprised of four required courses and one related elective. How to apply
Urban Revitilization
Learn the techniques and processes of city and neighborhood revitalization, including adaptive reuse of buildings, historic preservation, real estate market analysis and the role of private-public partnerships in financing development projects. Grades of “B” or better are fully transferable to the master’s program.
Program requirements for Urban revitalization
Geographic information systems
Gain specialized training in operations and techniques related to the creation, analysis, modeling, visualization, interpretation and management of geographic information.
Program requirements for Geographic information systems
Sustainability planning
Acquire analytical and professional skills to identify and address barriers to sustainability, and to develop plans and policies for more sustainable lifestyles, systems and institutions.
Program requirements for sustainability planning.
Combined and accelerated programs
Combined bachelor’s and master’s of public administration
Earn a combined B.A. and M.P.A. in five years by taking certain master’s-level courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program.
Master of Urban Studies/Planning and J.D.
Earn a J.D. from the law school at the University of Richmond and a master’s in urban and regional planning from VCU in four years rather than five.
Master of Public Administration and J.D.
Earn a J.D. from the law school at the University of Richmond and an M.P.A. from VCU.