Located in the heart of Richmond and just two hours from our nation’s capital, the Wilder School at Virginia Commonwealth University is one of the largest and most comprehensive institutions of its kind in the nation. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University produces leaders who can move beyond their areas of expertise to solve complex problems loc
ally, nationally and globally. Graduates who hold degrees from our programs are well known for successful careers that focus on the well-being of citizens and serve in roles that span the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Curricular offerings within the school include master’s degree programs in criminal justice, homeland security and emergency preparedness, public administration, and urban and regional planning. We offer a variety of undergraduate programs, eight mid-career certificate programs, four combined or dual-degree programs — including the Master of Urban Studies and Planning/Juris Doctor and the Master of Public Administration/Juris Doctor — and a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. The Wilder School is also the intellectual home of VCU’s Center for Public Policy, an umbrella organization comprised of six policy, research, training and consulting units. Center for Public Policy units are devoted to meeting the organizational needs of public, private and nonprofit organizations. Unit activities include applied research and analysis, organizational capacity building and the enrichment of public service through training and leadership development.
