L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Criminal Justice

Social justice and individual rights in the criminal justice system

Students study the causes of criminal offenses and victimization; prevention and treatment; the history and management of the criminal justice system; and victim support services, to balance social justice and human rights.

Nancy Morris, Program chair

Sarah Jane Brubaker, Assistant chair

187 Wilder School Online and in-person courses offered in the past academic year

71k opportunities posted in the VCU job and internship database in 2021

83% of new VCU graduates find a job related to their major

Learn more about our statistics

Complete our application information request form

Explore our programs

Basic Jailors Academy 2024 Graduates

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

This program prepares students for professional careers in criminal justice, forensic crime scene investigation, public policy, substance use treatment, victim assistance programs, social services and other related professions, and/or prepare them to pursue studies in law and other related graduate programs.

Audience listens to speaker

Certificate Programs

The Certificate in Criminal Justice is a post-baccalaureate graduate program designed to help facilitate career advancement in the criminal justice and/or criminology field.

The Gender Violence Intervention Certificate is a post-baccalaureate graduate program designed to prepare individuals for positions related to understanding, studying, responding to and preventing sexual and domestic violence in a variety of communities and settings.

Hands-on forensics: Crime scene investigation in the classroom

Join Virginia Commonwealth University students, assistant professor of criminal justice Chernoh Wurie, Ph.D., and Wilder School alumna and Richmond Police Department forensic technician Jessica Bourne ('15 B.S.) for a criminal investigation. In the Violent Crime Scene Investigation (CRJS 425) capstone course, students follow Wurie, a former Prince William County, Va., police officer, step-by-step, investigating his former cases. Building an artificial crime scene, conducting fingerprinting, foot molds, evidence measurements and alternative light sources, Wuris and Bourne equip students with real-world experience to prepare them with career skills for a spectrum of criminal justice careers.

Career Outcomes

As a student, you’ll work with faculty experts in the fields of criminal justice, criminology,
sociology and psychology, including but not limited to:

Advocacy and criminal justice policy reform
Criminal justice research and policy agencies
Community-based social service, treatment, reentry and/or mental health agencies
Correctional-based treatment and reentry agencies
Homeland security agencies
Law enforcement, correctional and sentencing
Substance use and overdose prevention and treatment
Victim service, advocacy and assistance agencies

Where are recent Wilder Criminal Justice alumni working?

Olive B

“My career goal has always been to work for the FBI. And that’s still my goal, but I now can see myself in a career in research or nonprofit work or federal law enforcement. There’s just so much you can do with the degrees I’ve pursued”

Olive Blackstone ’23, dual major in criminal justice and psychology

Bridging Perspectives

The Bridging Perspectives course immerses criminal justice students in dialogue and experiential learning with local police officers.

Explore our courses

Meet our Criminal Justice faculty

Susan Gooden, Ph.D.

Wilder School Dean and Professor

L. Douglas Wilder

Distinguished professor

RaJade M. Berry-James, Ph.D.

Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs and Professor

David Dearden

Assistant Dean of Student Services

Robyn Diehl McDougle, Ph.D.

Associate Dean of Research and Outreach, Professor

Nakeina Douglas-Glenn, Ph.D.

Director, Research Institute for Social Equity, Associate Professor

Stevan Dozier

Senior Director of Development

Ross Losapio

Director of Recruitment

Timothy M. O'Dell

Director of Finance and Administration

David Slipher

Director of Communications and External Relations

Franklin Wallace

Director of Human Resources and Operations

Susan White, Ph.D.

Director of Research Services

John Accordino, Ph.D.

Jay Albanese, Ph.D.

Jose Alcaine, Ph.D.

Adjunct faculty

Mark Bittner, AICP

Curtis Brown

Term Faculty Instructor

Sarah Jane Brubaker, Ph.D.

Professor, Director of the Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention, Assistant Chair, Criminal Justice programs

Hayley Cleary, Ph.D.

Amy Cook, Ph.D.

Professor and Senior Consultant, Center for Public Policy

Lindsey Evans, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Claudia Flores, Ph.D.

Program Term Faculty Instructor

Meghan Gough, Ph.D.

Interim chair - Urban and Regional Studies and Planning program and associate professor

Elsie Harper-Anderson, Ph.D.

Associate professor, director of the Ph.D. program

Brittany 'Brie' Haupt, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Assistant Director of the Public Policy and Administration doctoral program

Myung Hun Jin, Ph.D.

Associate professor, chair - Master of Public Administration program

Brittany Keegan, Ph.D.

Director of Research and Outreach, Center for Public Policy and Assistant Professor

Saltanat Liebert, Ph.D.

Assistant chair - Master of Public Administration program and associate professor

Brad Lehmann, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Hans Louis-Charles, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Patrick Lowery, Ph.D.

Associate professor

D. Pulane Lucas, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty

Christina Mancini, Ph.D.

Associate professor, criminal justice graduate coordinator

Mary Moore, Ph.D.

Senior Field Research Director, Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory

Nancy A. Morris, Ph.D.

Associate professor, Program Chair, Criminal Justice

Maureen Moslow-Benway, M.A.

Associate professor, program chair - Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Carolyn Naoroz, Ph.D.

Visiting Term Faculty Instructor

Luisa Nazareno, Ph.D.

Assistant professor

William Pelfrey Jr., Ph.D.

Damian Pitt, Ph.D.

Associate professor

Larry Prokop

Sarah Raskin, Ph.D.

Assistant program chair - Urban and Regional Studies and Planning program and Associate professor

Jennifer Reid, Ph.D.

Director of Evaluation, Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory

Grant Rissler, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Organizational Studies

Charity Scott, Ph.D.

Assistant professor

Avrum Shriar, Ph.D.

Distinguished Career Professor Emeritus

James Smither, M.U.R.P.

Associate professor

Anthony Starke, Ph.D.

Assistant professor

I-Shian (Ivan) Suen, Ph.D.

Associate professor

Shruti Syal, Ph.D.

Assistant professor

Benjamin Teresa, Ph.D.

Director of the RVA Eviction Lab, assistant chair - Urban and Regional Studies and Planning program, associate professor

Niraj Verma, Ph.D.

David Webber, Ph.D.

Associate professor, homeland security and emergency preparedness assistant chair

Christopher Whyte, Ph.D.

Associate professor

Chernoh Wurie, Ph.D.

Assistant professor

Gina Barber

Director of Administration and Senior Consultant, Center for Public Policy

Noah Bateman

Research Administrator, Survey and Evaluation Research Lab

Brian Biggio

Program Coordinator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute (GEHLI)

Tina Braden

Human resources and building manager

Bradford Bryant

Alexia Brown

Research Specialist, Center for Public Policy / Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory

Jason Burkett

Senior Research Analyst, Center for Public Policy

Nancy Calkins

Training Facilitator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Victoria Carter-Johnston

Program Coordinator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Julie Charbonnier, Ph.D.

Consultant and Facilitator

Collin Cox

Administrative coordinator, Office of Research and Outreach

Pam Cox

Senior Special Projects & Communications Manager and Executive Assistant, Distinguished Faculty

Katie Crump

Senior Academic Advisor

Tivoli Dabney

Executive Assistant, Research Institute for Social Equity

Keandra Davis

Doctoral Student

Lauren Floyd

Communications Specialist

Kim Hunter

Project director

Katherine Huynh

Senior events manager

Wendy Hyland

Academic Advisor

Sarah Jackson

Consultant and Facilitator, Center for Public Policy

Adrienne K. Jones

Assistant Director of Student Services

Leona Jones

Administrative assistant/travel coordinator

Ron Jones

Event and Administrative Support Coordinator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Sharon Kelly

Financial Specialist

Cydney Lowenstein, Ph.D.

Research Support Specialist, Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory

Molly Lumsden

Research Specialist, Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory (SERL)

Bridget Lyons

Doctoral Program Academic Advisor

Tammy Martin

Senior Program Assistant

Angela McGrath

Business Manager, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Erin McGhee

Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Student Services

Karen Meister

Training Facilitator, Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute

Tiffany Murray-Robertson

Associate Director of Communications & External Relations

Mae Oetjens

Communications Specialist

Yali Pang, Ph.D.

Senior Research Associate, Research Institute for Social Equity (RISE)

Luke Parker

Assistant Director of Research Services

Carolyn Patterson

Procurement Officer

Frank Pitchford

Catherine Poarch

SERL Production Supervisor

Candace Price-Stafford

Senior project manager

Sah Ara Sanu-t

Executive Assistant to the Dean

Danielle Shutt

Program Manager, Center for Public Policy

Jess C. Smith, Ph.D.

Project Director, Evaluation of the Virginia Violent Crime Initiative, Center for Public Policy

Matthew R. Smith

Senior Academic Advisor for Graduate Students

Shinique Smith

Executive Assistant to the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs

Rhonda Snead

Student Services Program Assistant

Alexandra Stonte

Project Administrator, Survey and Research Laboratory

Sofia Tortolero Calanche

Consultant and Facilitator

Steph Vennetti

Director of Academic Advising and Student Services

Wheeler Wood

Director of Operations and Senior Consultant, Center for Public Policy

Morgan Woodle, Ph.D.

Research Associate

Wenli Yan, Ph.D.

Associate professor

Kamal Alhassan

Doctoral Student

Gina Abena Amedeka

Doctoral Student

Victor Amuzu

Doctoral Student

Shannon Arnette

Doctoral Student

Manika Avasthi

Doctoral Student

Emily Avesian

Doctoral Student

Devin Bowers

Doctoral Student

Leslie "Les" Carter

Doctoral Student

Sidi Cheng

Doctoral Student

Lilian Chineme-Ugwu

Doctoral Student

Amy Clifton-Mills

Doctoral Student

Nick Devlin

Doctoral Student

Joseph Faulk

Doctoral Student

Kathryn J. Genthon

Doctoral Student

Grady Hart

Doctoral Student

Laura Herrmann

Doctoral Student

Zehra Sahin Ilkorkor

Doctoral Student

Amidu Kalokoh

Doctoral Student

Arnold "Chip" Kramer

Doctoral Student

Nancy Kent Smith

Doctoral Student

James Lambert

Doctoral Student

Kapria Lee

Doctoral Student

Ricardo Lopez

Doctoral Student

Monali Mal

Doctoral Student

James Jay McConville

Doctoral Student

Corey Miles

Doctoral Student

Heather Millar

Adjunct Faculty

Karimjon Mullaboev

Doctoral Student

Corey Nolan

Doctoral Student

Michael O'Grady

Doctoral Student

Rajendra Pandit

Doctoral Student

Michael Rutz

Doctoral Student

Shelly Smith

Doctoral Student

Anila Smriti Surin

Doctoral Student

Meagan Sok

Doctoral Student

Mary Strawderman

Doctoral Student

Jeff Thomas

Doctoral Student

Christine Wengloski

Doctoral Student

Isaac Yeboah

Doctoral Student

Ashley Zehrt

Doctoral Student

Dominic Zicari

Doctoral Student

Criminal Justice News

94% of VCU community members feel safe on campus

94% of VCU community members feel safe on campus

VIDEO - Hands-on forensics: A crime scene investigation in the classroom

VIDEO - Hands-on forensics: A crime scene investigation in the classroom

Uncounted no more: How D. Pulane Lucas is creating a system of accountability and empowering citizens to report in-custody deaths

Uncounted no more: How D. Pulane Lucas is creating a system of accountability and empowering citizens to report in-custody deaths

From Shockoe to Stuttgart: How the Wilder School’s Trans-Atlantic Seminar is shaping the next generation of planners

From Shockoe to Stuttgart: How the Wilder School’s Trans-Atlantic Seminar is shaping the next generation of planners

In latest Commonwealth Poll, Virginians are split on state direction but cite concern over cost of living, potential Medicaid cuts and Trump orders

In latest Commonwealth Poll, Virginians are split on state direction but cite concern over cost of living, potential Medicaid cuts and Trump orders

Engineering global excellence in urban planning

Engineering global excellence in urban planning

VCU’s criminal justice programs among the nation’s best, earning top endorsement

VCU’s criminal justice programs among the nation’s best, earning top endorsement

Commonwealth Poll: In Virginia governor’s race, Democratic candidate Spanberger leads GOP’s Earle-Sears, 49% to 37%

Commonwealth Poll: In Virginia governor’s race, Democratic candidate Spanberger leads GOP’s Earle-Sears, 49% to 37%

Virginia Executive Institute project spurs mental health legislation impacting students statewide

Virginia Executive Institute project spurs mental health legislation impacting students statewide

Meet-a-Ram: Sarah Abubaker brings lessons from VCU to Richmond City Council

Meet-a-Ram: Sarah Abubaker brings lessons from VCU to Richmond City Council

Breaking down barriers: How gender, crime and justice empower students to think critically

Breaking down barriers: How gender, crime and justice empower students to think critically

Fueling the future of workforce development: Industry support powers education and job readiness

Fueling the future of workforce development: Industry support powers education and job readiness

The cost of computing: Public perceptions of data center growth

The cost of computing: Public perceptions of data center growth

Wilder School assistant professor awarded student mobility research grant

Wilder School assistant professor awarded student mobility research grant

Soaring to new heights: Transforming travel and economic growth at Richmond International Airport

Soaring to new heights: Transforming travel and economic growth at Richmond International Airport

The courage to intervene: Building trust in law enforcement

The courage to intervene: Building trust in law enforcement

A legacy preserved: The Governor L. Douglas Wilder Library and Digital Collection

A legacy preserved: The Governor L. Douglas Wilder Library and Digital Collection

Why I give: Chris Grosenick, Leigh E. Grosenick Scholarship in Public Administration founder

Why I give: Chris Grosenick, Leigh E. Grosenick Scholarship in Public Administration founder

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

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.