FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Justin-Mychal White
Senior Writer, Virginia Union University
jcwhite@vuu.edu
RICHMOND VA – Virginia Union University celebrates approval to offer a new Master of Science (MS) in Biology, beginning Spring 2021. This raises the number of new graduate programs at the University, now including a masters in Hospitality Management and Political Science.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission (SACSCOC) has approved Virginia Union University to offer this new graduate degree program. This decision enables VUU to continue living out its mission and moves the institution further toward a more research-focused academic environment.
“I’m excited about the growth of our graduate degree offerings at Virginia Union University—we’re a research-driven institution with an invigorating vision, historic mission, experiencing accelerated growth in an era marked by academic innovation,” said Dr. Terrell Strayhorn, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The new masters in Biology draws upon the expertise, research, and scholarship of our faculty in the School of Arts and Sciences and Department of Natural Sciences specifically, where faculty are conducting experiments that advance new frontiers in scientific and health knowledge.”
The MS in Biology is a 39-credit hour program, offering both a thesis and non-thesis option. The thesis option requires an oral examination through a 3-member faculty committee. The non-thesis option requires advanced coursework in a specified sub-discipline. The Department of Natural Sciences within the School of Arts & Sciences has developed into a premiere, award-winning academic unit of VUU, recognized for the groundbreaking research of its faculty and staff. The MS in Biology is supported by fully equipped laboratory facilities, state-of-the-art curriculum, and upon graduation, positions our students for leadership in science, health, and biological/biomedical or related fields.
“The new masters in biology will help us recruit new and retain existing students and faculty at the University and I look forward to the possibilities ahead,” said Dr. Ted Ritter, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.
The addition of these programs brings the total number of degree programs at Virginia Union to.37 bachelors, 7 masters, and doctoral degrees.
For more information, please contact The Division of Academic Affairs, Office of the Provost, at academic_affairs@vuu.edu or (804) 354-5609.
Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advance liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.