Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

Catalog Year 2025-2027

Based on VCCS Curriculum for LIBERAL ARTS

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• This degree program is covered by VCU Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

• By meeting the following criteria, you are guaranteed admission to the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies:

• Earn the transfer associate degree.

• Earn minimum GPA of 2.5. VCU recognizes cumulative GPA as recorded on VCCS transcript.

• Complete minimum 30 credits at VCCS institution

• Earn grades of C or higher in all community college courses.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://transfer.vcu.edu/.

• Register Intent to Transfer: https://ugradadmissions.vcu.edu/register/letterofinterest.

• Admission Application: By March 15 for fall, November 1 for spring at https://www.vcu.edu/admissions/apply/.

• Financial Aid: https://semss.vcu.edu/our-services/financial-resources-and-guidance/.

• FAFSA: March 1 deadline at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Complete English courses and start math sequence in first year.

• Create schedule for required courses, watch prerequisites. See www.TransferVirginia.org.

• Connect with advisor at community college and VCU Transfer Center in first semester.

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• BA in International Studies is designed for students to acquire historical, theoretical, and methodological knowledge to explore how culture, religion, media, politics, economics, and environment shape each other and human life, and hands-on experience to participate in building sustainable and generous society empowering all persons to live well as responsible global citizens. Program strengthens students abilities to see world from diverse perspectives, communicate across cultures, work with others to address significant challenges facing human beings locally and globally. Offers concentrations in European Studies, General Studies, International Social Justice Studies, Latin American Studies, and World Cinema.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion results in all lower-division general education requirements met.

• Dual Enrollment - Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Results in 60 credits applied and VCU general education satisfied. High school students apply as freshman for orientation purposes.

• Credit for Prior Learning: VCU accepts AP, IB, Cambridge, CLEP, DANTES, military credits.

• Catalog Year: VCU honors degree requirements from Undergraduate Bulletin at time of first post-high-school enrollment. Students stay enrolled at community college max 4 years, enroll at VCU within 1 year of completing associate.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Located in downtown Richmond, within 2 hours of beach, mountains, Washington DC. VCU provides top-ranked programs, research opportunities, urban setting.

• VCU is large public research institution dedicated to student and Richmond community success.

• Diversity, inclusion, equity are core values.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Did You Know That…

• Completing associate transfer degree satisfies lower division general education, increases likelihood of completing bachelor’s degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits could exhaust financial aid?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• If applying through general application instead of GAA, considered with all transfer applicants.

• Learn more at www.TransferVirginia.org.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All students complete at least one VCU REAL experiential learning activity. Examples: internships, research, service learning.

• Learn more at https://real.vcu.edu/.