A group of MFA students and faculty sit at a table reading

Graduate

The College of Humanities and Sciences offers a breadth of graduate degrees and certificates that originate from the sciences, social sciences and humanities disciplines.

Graduate programs in the College play a critical role in supporting VCU’s mission to advance our status as an urban public research university. Our programs directly or indirectly address society’s 21st century challenges with a focus on the development of knowledge through scientific investigations, scholarly contributions and creative works.

Graduate students have access to all the resources necessary for academic success, including technology and equipment, office and research space, and graduate assistantship support (contact specific program for information regarding stipend and tuition support).

Most importantly, our programs are committed to:

  • Providing a supportive positive mentoring relationship between faculty and students
  • Developing programs for graduate students that bridge graduate degrees to professional opportunities
  • Enhancing an appreciation for the critical importance of the cross fertilization of ideas and interdisciplinary approaches

Our Grad Students in the News

Raven Bacchas, a second-year developmental psychology Ph.D. student, advises undergrads interested in research to “find what you’re most passionate about and really pursue any and all opportunities that get you closer and closer to your goals.” (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Sept. 22, 2026

How I found my research: Raven Bacchas thrives in the EMPOWER Youth Lab

The developmental psychology Ph.D. student, whose research focuses on the experiences of Multiracial and Multiethnic LGBTQIA+ people, has proven to be a prolific researcher and impactful mentor at VCU.

Professor Daeha Joung and Ph.D. student Udena Epitawala Arachchige standing in a lab

July 14, 2026

From bulky to body-ready: Reimagining vibration therapy as a wearable platform

Daeha Joung and his research team are transforming rigid vibration therapy devices into comfortable, wearable tech for patients with Parkinson's and other neurological disorders.

After completing her Ph.D., Milan Marsh hopes to begin a career in industry, applying mathematical modeling to real-word problems. (Contributed image)

June 16, 2026

VCU and math have long been part of the equation for systems modeling student Milan Marsh

A high school program on campus helped propel her Ph.D. studies, which touch on biology and disease.