L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

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VCU Wilder School ranked top 15% in public affairs by U.S. News.
Top 15% Public Affairs programs nationwide – U.S. News & World Report
No. 6 in the nation for Homeland Security – U.S. News & World Report
No. 33 in the nation for Public Management and Leadership – U.S. News & World Report
187 Online and in-person courses offered in the past academic year
12k+ Wilder School alumni
1.4k current students
83% Of new VCU graduates find a job related to their major

Explore Our Programs

We offer interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at the intersection of scholarship and governance.

Undergraduate Degrees

Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

Criminal Justice

Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Public Administration

Public Policy and Administration

Public Policy and Administration students interact at orientation

Urban and Regional Studies/Planning

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“My academic pursuits, as well as my extracurricular activities during my time at VCU, absolutely prepared me for this type of work.”

Sesha Joi Moon Chief Diversity Officer, U.S. House of Representatives (117th & 118th Congress)

Class of 2025

Congratulations to the Wilder School Class of 2025 Graduates 

It’s always a thrilling moment to see our students recognized on stage as they transition into the Wilder School alumni family. We proudly welcomed 242 new alumni (163 undergraduate and 79 graduate students)! 

View the Spring 2025 Commencement photo album

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Signature Events

Explore our annual Signature Events

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Jun 18, 2025

Fueling the Future of Workforce Development with Shannon Pierce, President and CEO, Virginia Natural Gas

Latest News

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Commonwealth Leadership Academy: Empowering leadership to transform Virginia

Commonwealth Leadership Academy: Empowering leadership to transform Virginia

Alumni changemaker: From MPA grad to Richmond City Council

Alumni changemaker: From MPA grad to Richmond City Council

Ringing the bell: Governor Wilder’s career of service honored by the Richmond Bar Association

Ringing the bell: Governor Wilder’s career of service honored by the Richmond Bar Association

Master of Urban and Regional Planning students compete at Plan-Off!

Master of Urban and Regional Planning students compete at Plan-Off!

Class of 2025: Wilder School’s Tiffani Vasco envisions human impact through urban planning

Class of 2025: Wilder School’s Tiffani Vasco envisions human impact through urban planning

Policy Pathways Accepting 2025 Summer Academy in Public Policy Applications

Policy Pathways Accepting 2025 Summer Academy in Public Policy Applications

Class of 2025: U.S. Navy veteran Mitchell Watkins honed his experiences with a degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness

Class of 2025: U.S. Navy veteran Mitchell Watkins honed his experiences with a degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness

Blue Wooldridge, longtime public service educator at the Wilder School, dies at 86

Blue Wooldridge, longtime public service educator at the Wilder School, dies at 86

A conversation for the ages: Wilder School students meet public administration giant Dr. Laurin Henry

A conversation for the ages: Wilder School students meet public administration giant Dr. Laurin Henry

Class of 2025: After pausing her studies, Chanté Holt found fulfillment on a fresh academic path

Class of 2025: After pausing her studies, Chanté Holt found fulfillment on a fresh academic path

Recognizing leadership and legacy, Excellence in Virginia Government Awards honor six who have been powered by public service

Recognizing leadership and legacy, Excellence in Virginia Government Awards honor six who have been powered by public service

Leading with purpose: Wilder School rises in national rankings, excelling in public affairs, homeland security, and public management and leadership

Leading with purpose: Wilder School rises in national rankings, excelling in public affairs, homeland security, and public management and leadership

A scholar who changed the conversation

A scholar who changed the conversation

Sensational six: Wilder School faculty, students, and alumnae earn national recognition at 2025 ASPA

Sensational six: Wilder School faculty, students, and alumnae earn national recognition at 2025 ASPA

Commencement: congratulations to our Wilder School graduates!

Commencement: congratulations to our Wilder School graduates!

Belief in AI as a ‘Great Machine’ could weaken national security crisis responses, new VCU research finds

Belief in AI as a ‘Great Machine’ could weaken national security crisis responses, new VCU research finds

World@VCU: Ximena Motta Hernandez from Colombia

World@VCU: Ximena Motta Hernandez from Colombia

Fighting international corruption begins with ethics

Fighting international corruption begins with ethics

VCU Wilder School announces recipients of 17th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards

VCU Wilder School announces recipients of 17th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards

VCU researchers assess land impacts of Virginia’s solar industry — now and in the future

VCU researchers assess land impacts of Virginia’s solar industry — now and in the future

VCU Wilder School Annual Legislative Reception celebrates dialogue and community building in public service

VCU Wilder School Annual Legislative Reception celebrates dialogue and community building in public service

Fire and EMS assessment report informs the General Assembly

Fire and EMS assessment report informs the General Assembly

62% of Virginians support abortion rights constitutional amendment

62% of Virginians support abortion rights constitutional amendment

L. Douglas Wilder School Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory survey informs 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan

L. Douglas Wilder School Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory survey informs 2024 Virginia Outdoors Plan

Commonwealth Poll: Virginians overwhelmingly concerned about cost of living

Commonwealth Poll: Virginians overwhelmingly concerned about cost of living

Governor L. Douglas Wilder: I won't stop at 94 and I'll continue to be a voice for Virginians

Governor L. Douglas Wilder: I won't stop at 94 and I'll continue to be a voice for Virginians

With court ruling near, the potential TikTok ban’s wide-ranging implications come into focus, VCU homeland security expert says

With court ruling near, the potential TikTok ban’s wide-ranging implications come into focus, VCU homeland security expert says

Celebrating Governor L. Douglas Wilder's 94th birthday

Celebrating Governor L. Douglas Wilder's 94th birthday

In the C-suite at Commonwealth Savers, Carolyn Bishop and Vivian Shield invest their Ram pride

In the C-suite at Commonwealth Savers, Carolyn Bishop and Vivian Shield invest their Ram pride

Holding all the keys: Tina Braden, VCU Monroe Park building manager of the year

Holding all the keys: Tina Braden, VCU Monroe Park building manager of the year

Around the world and back again with Jay Albanese

Around the world and back again with Jay Albanese

Commonwealth Leadership Academy: empowering leaders to shape the future of Virginia

Commonwealth Leadership Academy: empowering leaders to shape the future of Virginia

Virginia Executive Institute Fall 2024 Cohort Graduates: Leaders Shaping Virginia's Future

Virginia Executive Institute Fall 2024 Cohort Graduates: Leaders Shaping Virginia's Future

Class of 2024: In a military pivot, Ashley Van Buskirk rediscovered her love of learning at VCU

Class of 2024: In a military pivot, Ashley Van Buskirk rediscovered her love of learning at VCU

2024 election explained: political analyst Bob Holsworth breaks it down

2024 election explained: political analyst Bob Holsworth breaks it down

To drive or not to drive? Victor Dover reimagines the future of intentional neighborhood design

To drive or not to drive? Victor Dover reimagines the future of intentional neighborhood design

L. Douglas Wilder: a strong mayor, a stronger legacy

L. Douglas Wilder: a strong mayor, a stronger legacy

Fortifying the future: Wilder School homeland security and emergency preparedness program ranks No. 6 in the nation

Fortifying the future: Wilder School homeland security and emergency preparedness program ranks No. 6 in the nation

Virginia Commonwealth Poll by VCU Wilder School proves prescient in predicting tight race

Virginia Commonwealth Poll by VCU Wilder School proves prescient in predicting tight race

Why have conspiracy theories and fringe rhetoric become increasingly mainstream?

Why have conspiracy theories and fringe rhetoric become increasingly mainstream?

Wilder School shines at NASPAA annual conference in Washington, D.C.

Wilder School shines at NASPAA annual conference in Washington, D.C.

Hurricane Helene’s mark in North Carolina might endure in unexpected ways, VCU professor says

Hurricane Helene’s mark in North Carolina might endure in unexpected ways, VCU professor says

Is AI the beginning of a fourth industrial revolution?

Is AI the beginning of a fourth industrial revolution?

Earning an associate degree has varying value for workers based on demographics, VCU researchers find

Earning an associate degree has varying value for workers based on demographics, VCU researchers find

Alumnus Dre'mon Miller ('15 B.S.) recognized with VCU 10 Under 10 award

Alumnus Dre'mon Miller ('15 B.S.) recognized with VCU 10 Under 10 award

Kamala Harris’ edge over Donald Trump slips slightly as she leads 43% to 37% in Virginia

Kamala Harris’ edge over Donald Trump slips slightly as she leads 43% to 37% in Virginia

Wilder School Center for Public Policy summit fosters collaborative solutions for Virginia state agency leaders

Wilder School Center for Public Policy summit fosters collaborative solutions for Virginia state agency leaders

Wilder Symposium 2024: The fragile state of democracy and the role of leadership

Wilder Symposium 2024: The fragile state of democracy and the role of leadership

Analyzing Virginia’s eviction crisis

Analyzing Virginia’s eviction crisis

Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump 46% to 36% in Virginia, Cost of living is the top concern for voters (38%) heading into election season

Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump 46% to 36% in Virginia, Cost of living is the top concern for voters (38%) heading into election season

Wilder School Commonwealth Poll: 75% of Virginians agree history of race should be taught in K-12 schools and a high percentage of Virginians agree VCU President Michael Rao should provide public acco

Wilder School Commonwealth Poll: 75% of Virginians agree history of race should be taught in K-12 schools and a high percentage of Virginians agree VCU President Michael Rao should provide public acco

Project ReConnect to support individuals involved in criminal justice system who have substance use and mental health needs

Project ReConnect to support individuals involved in criminal justice system who have substance use and mental health needs

Financial aid expert Jill Desjean explains the consequences and challenges of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes

Financial aid expert Jill Desjean explains the consequences and challenges of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes

Challenging philanthropic whiteness: Addressing racial inequities in funding public and nonprofit organizations

Challenging philanthropic whiteness: Addressing racial inequities in funding public and nonprofit organizations

A turning point for entrepreneurial diversity: Elsie Harper-Anderson on the impact of the Fearless Fund ruling

A turning point for entrepreneurial diversity: Elsie Harper-Anderson on the impact of the Fearless Fund ruling

Former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden by 3 points in Virginia, with Biden’s approval level among commonwealth voters at 36%

Former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden by 3 points in Virginia, with Biden’s approval level among commonwealth voters at 36%

Towards a people’s history of landscape: The National Endowment for the Humanities program facilitates Richmond geography as a critical window to the past

Towards a people’s history of landscape: The National Endowment for the Humanities program facilitates Richmond geography as a critical window to the past

Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School celebrate students' accomplishments at a Summer Academy capstone showcase

Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School celebrate students' accomplishments at a Summer Academy capstone showcase

Wilder Fellows stand out as students, researchers and policy experts

Wilder Fellows stand out as students, researchers and policy experts

Two years after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, inequities in women’s health intensify for the most vulnerable

Two years after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, inequities in women’s health intensify for the most vulnerable

Meet Policy Pathways’ 2024 Summer Academy participants

Meet Policy Pathways’ 2024 Summer Academy participants

Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs co-sponsor 2024 Summer Academy in Public Policy

Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs co-sponsor 2024 Summer Academy in Public Policy

Virginia’s top public service leadership program continues a tradition of excellence and problem-solving

Virginia’s top public service leadership program continues a tradition of excellence and problem-solving

"Navigating Nervousness" - Wilder School dean addresses racial equity in government at federal webinar

"Navigating Nervousness" - Wilder School dean addresses racial equity in government at federal webinar

Discovery Camp establishes bonds – and refines visions – for VCU students who have yet to declare majors

Discovery Camp establishes bonds – and refines visions – for VCU students who have yet to declare majors

Identifying opportunities to improve immigrants’ lives in the commonwealth

Identifying opportunities to improve immigrants’ lives in the commonwealth

Class of 2024: Sean Sukol’s journey from policy to public service

Class of 2024: Sean Sukol’s journey from policy to public service

50 years strong: Master of Urban and Regional planning program builds to the future

50 years strong: Master of Urban and Regional planning program builds to the future

Building bridges beyond Capitol Hill: L.F. Payne on the ongoing work of Former Members of Congress

Building bridges beyond Capitol Hill: L.F. Payne on the ongoing work of Former Members of Congress

2024 Pi Alpha Alpha induction ceremony celebrates excellence in public service with keynote speaker RaJade Berry-James

2024 Pi Alpha Alpha induction ceremony celebrates excellence in public service with keynote speaker RaJade Berry-James

Class of 2024: Deja Cooke returned to college to pursue a dream of a career in criminal justice

Class of 2024: Deja Cooke returned to college to pursue a dream of a career in criminal justice

Wilder School Achieves Historic Rankings in 2024 USNWR

Wilder School Achieves Historic Rankings in 2024 USNWR

Election year: exploring Virginians’ key perspectives through Commonwealth Poll insights

Election year: exploring Virginians’ key perspectives through Commonwealth Poll insights

Beyond penalties: unpacking the largest Clery Act fine and the path forward for campus safety

Beyond penalties: unpacking the largest Clery Act fine and the path forward for campus safety

At VCU session, Virginia emergency management leader stresses resiliency and responsibility

At VCU session, Virginia emergency management leader stresses resiliency and responsibility

Alumni Changemaker: Yolanda Macklin Crewe’s Journey in Workforce Development

Alumni Changemaker: Yolanda Macklin Crewe’s Journey in Workforce Development

Wilder School faculty honored with inaugural NIRA for distinguished contributions

Wilder School faculty honored with inaugural NIRA for distinguished contributions

Wilder School students advocate for change at Virginia's Capitol

Wilder School students advocate for change at Virginia's Capitol

Wilder School Commonwealth Poll: Over half of Virginians would vote to give every individual the right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions

Wilder School Commonwealth Poll: Over half of Virginians would vote to give every individual the right to make and carry out one’s own reproductive decisions

92% of those familiar with VCU Health development deal want answers from the VCU Health System board

92% of those familiar with VCU Health development deal want answers from the VCU Health System board

Jada Whitley: the making of an aspiring change-maker

Jada Whitley: the making of an aspiring change-maker

In focus: Tarnika Edmunds and the enduring impact of Dr. Velma Ballard

In focus: Tarnika Edmunds and the enduring impact of Dr. Velma Ballard

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Sofhia Pineda Garay explores legislation in action

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Sofhia Pineda Garay explores legislation in action

VCU Wilder School’s Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn connects equity and outcomes as a ‘pracademic’ – a practitioner-academic

VCU Wilder School’s Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn connects equity and outcomes as a ‘pracademic’ – a practitioner-academic

Meet our new Wilder School faculty: Luisa Nazareno Aguiar and Charity Scott

Meet our new Wilder School faculty: Luisa Nazareno Aguiar and Charity Scott

VCU Master of Urban and Regional Studies students’ online story maps highlight the history of Richmond’s Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries

VCU Master of Urban and Regional Studies students’ online story maps highlight the history of Richmond’s Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries

Braving the future of international cybersecurity: expert Christopher Whyte explores new U.S. cyberstrategies and establishing international humanitarian rules for hackers

Braving the future of international cybersecurity: expert Christopher Whyte explores new U.S. cyberstrategies and establishing international humanitarian rules for hackers

A new VCU-led project will support high-risk youth transitioning out of incarceration

A new VCU-led project will support high-risk youth transitioning out of incarceration

Three Wilder School alumni honored with 10 Under 10 Awards

Three Wilder School alumni honored with 10 Under 10 Awards

Exploring the Labor Landscape: Analyzing Workforce Challenges with Byran Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor

Exploring the Labor Landscape: Analyzing Workforce Challenges with Byran Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor

North Korea: What you need to know with Wilder School expert Benjamin Young

North Korea: What you need to know with Wilder School expert Benjamin Young

Sesha Joi Moon, Ph.D., establishes landmark endowed scholarship to unlock the potential of the next generation of leaders

Sesha Joi Moon, Ph.D., establishes landmark endowed scholarship to unlock the potential of the next generation of leaders

Class of 2023: With a mind on crime, Olive Blackstone pursues justice and understanding

Class of 2023: With a mind on crime, Olive Blackstone pursues justice and understanding

Exploring the Labor Landscape: Analyzing Workforce Challenges with Byran Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor

Exploring the Labor Landscape: Analyzing Workforce Challenges with Byran Slater, Virginia Secretary of Labor

Boots on the ground: Chernoh Wurie adds Army National Guard to a growing list of professional experiences

Boots on the ground: Chernoh Wurie adds Army National Guard to a growing list of professional experiences

A house divided: international organized crime expert reveals how the Russian war against Ukraine is transforming the operations of Europe’s largest criminal ecosystem

A house divided: international organized crime expert reveals how the Russian war against Ukraine is transforming the operations of Europe’s largest criminal ecosystem

Exploring North Korea’s history and evolving threats

Exploring North Korea’s history and evolving threats

What can the motivations of terrorists teach us about Afghanistan?

What can the motivations of terrorists teach us about Afghanistan?

Faculty spotlight: Brittany ‘Brie’ Haupt, Ph.D.

Faculty spotlight: Brittany ‘Brie’ Haupt, Ph.D.

Alumni spotlight: Curtis Brown

Alumni spotlight: Curtis Brown

Future-focused: Gennaro Milo helps set the stage for a safer future

Future-focused: Gennaro Milo helps set the stage for a safer future

South of the (Virginia) border, VCU alum Keith Rogers Jr., '10 M.P.A., takes the lead as city manager

South of the (Virginia) border, VCU alum Keith Rogers Jr., '10 M.P.A., takes the lead as city manager

Out of the Past: Sisters Enjoli and Sesha Joi Moon are using their nonprofit, the JXN Project, to explore the lost grandeur of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood

Out of the Past: Sisters Enjoli and Sesha Joi Moon are using their nonprofit, the JXN Project, to explore the lost grandeur of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood

Wilder School Alumni Changemaker: Leah Fremouw

Wilder School Alumni Changemaker: Leah Fremouw

Wilder School doctoral student Amidu Kalokoh awarded highly competitive scholarship for public administration, public policy and public affairs

Wilder School doctoral student Amidu Kalokoh awarded highly competitive scholarship for public administration, public policy and public affairs

Future-Focused: Amy Clifton-Mills takes an innovative approach to criminal justice research

Future-Focused: Amy Clifton-Mills takes an innovative approach to criminal justice research

Alumni Changemaker: Najmah Thomas, Ph.D., merges history, equity and policy

Alumni Changemaker: Najmah Thomas, Ph.D., merges history, equity and policy

Changemakers Alumni Spotlight: LeQuan Hylton

Changemakers Alumni Spotlight: LeQuan Hylton

Investigating Richmond’s history of displaced communities

Investigating Richmond’s history of displaced communities

Wilder School in Action: Bringing equity to emergency management and disaster response

Wilder School in Action: Bringing equity to emergency management and disaster response

Connecting equity and sustainability: Damian Pitt drives research to advance the long-term future of energy policy

Connecting equity and sustainability: Damian Pitt drives research to advance the long-term future of energy policy

Wilder School Master of Urban and Regional Planning program receives accreditation renewal

Wilder School Master of Urban and Regional Planning program receives accreditation renewal

Why I give to the Wilder School

Why I give to the Wilder School

Why I give to the Wilder School

Why I give to the Wilder School

Meet Paula Gulak

Meet Paula Gulak

Wilder School alumni changemaker: Steven Keener

Wilder School alumni changemaker: Steven Keener

Alumnus spotlight: Anthony Starke

Alumnus spotlight: Anthony Starke

From chains to change: Joy Bogese's transformation from addiction to advocacy

From chains to change: Joy Bogese's transformation from addiction to advocacy

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Laila Barnes unlocks future career opportunities

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Laila Barnes unlocks future career opportunities

Wilder School academic advisor Nicolette Zbell helps navigate students to graduation and beyond

Wilder School academic advisor Nicolette Zbell helps navigate students to graduation and beyond

‘A form of modern-day slavery’: examining the effects of human trafficking

‘A form of modern-day slavery’: examining the effects of human trafficking

Bridging perspectives, one shared experience at a time

Bridging perspectives, one shared experience at a time

Unequal Distribution of Pharmacies in Virginia Leaves Vulnerable Populations at Risk, Study Shows

Unequal Distribution of Pharmacies in Virginia Leaves Vulnerable Populations at Risk, Study Shows

Wilder School receives top national accolades in U.S. News and World Report graduate program rankings

Wilder School receives top national accolades in U.S. News and World Report graduate program rankings

Professor’s project aims to grow equity, opportunity for entrepreneurs in former ‘Black Wall Street of the South’

Professor’s project aims to grow equity, opportunity for entrepreneurs in former ‘Black Wall Street of the South’

Future-focused: Melani Monje Riberth gains hands-on experience through Summer Jailor Academy

Future-focused: Melani Monje Riberth gains hands-on experience through Summer Jailor Academy

Future-focused: Undergraduate Eva McDonnell pursues lifelong goal of a career in criminal justice

Future-focused: Undergraduate Eva McDonnell pursues lifelong goal of a career in criminal justice

Future-focused: Julia Tracy takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmentalism

Future-focused: Julia Tracy takes an interdisciplinary approach to environmentalism

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Edvard Evans gains an inside perspective on Virginia government

Wilder School Virginia Capitol Semester program: Edvard Evans gains an inside perspective on Virginia government

In Focus: Tarnika Edmunds & The Enduring Impact of Dr. Velma Ballard

In Focus: Tarnika Edmunds & The Enduring Impact of Dr. Velma Ballard

Empowering tomorrow's leaders: The 2023-24 Wilder Graduate Scholars’ Fellowship Cohort at the Forefront of Public Affairs

Empowering tomorrow's leaders: The 2023-24 Wilder Graduate Scholars’ Fellowship Cohort at the Forefront of Public Affairs

Keandra Davis: A Guiding Force for Racial Equity in Housing

Keandra Davis: A Guiding Force for Racial Equity in Housing

VCU urban planning student helps ‘a very hopeful experiment’ take root in Richmond

VCU urban planning student helps ‘a very hopeful experiment’ take root in Richmond

Wilder School Students, Graduates Leading Effort to Restore Pump House

Wilder School Students, Graduates Leading Effort to Restore Pump House

VCU Master of Urban and Regional Studies students’ online story maps highlight the history of Richmond’s Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries

VCU Master of Urban and Regional Studies students’ online story maps highlight the history of Richmond’s Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries

Alumni changemaker: D. Pulane Lucas, Ph.D. paves the way for future policy leaders with Policy Pathways, Inc.

Alumni changemaker: D. Pulane Lucas, Ph.D. paves the way for future policy leaders with Policy Pathways, Inc.