Virginia Wesleyan University

Virginia Wesleyan University is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, the University annually enrolls approximately 1,500 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

Virginia Wesleyan has often been defined by its desirable and unique location in Coastal Virginia. Located in Virginia Beach, the University is just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay on a beautiful 300-acre park-like campus. The area is home to a host of business, governmental, and cultural institutions, as well as rich historical and natural resources that offer tremendous opportunities for students. The University’s setting complements its dual commitment to the development of the intellect and to involvement in society.

Our Mission:

An inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, Virginia Wesleyan University inspires students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.

Quick facts:

• A 300-acre park-like campus just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay
• Over 1,500 undergraduate students and 100 graduate students
• An additional 4,000 continuing studies and lifelong learning students, and 400 students at LUJ/VWU Global collaborative in Tokyo, Japan
• 59 percent female and 41 percent male students
• 13:1 student-faculty ratio
• An average class size of 15
• 67 percent of classes with fewer than 20 students
• 0 classes led by teaching assistants
• 42 undergraduate degree programs, 31 minors, 19 pre-professional tracks, and three master's degree programs
• Most popular majors by degree awarded:
• Traditional and Non-Traditional: Business, Biology, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sport and Recreation Professions
• Traditional Only: Biology, Business, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sport and Recreation Professions
• Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• 146 faculty members within the Batten Honors College, Birdsong School of Social Science, Joan P. Brock School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Susan S. Goode School of Arts and Humanities, D. Henry Watts School of Professional Studies, and VWU Global Campus
• 115 faculty members possess a doctorate or other terminal degree
• Hundreds of internship opportunities in Hampton Roads metropolitan market
• 99 percent of students receive scholarships/grants from all sources.
• 70 percent of students receive awards based on financial need with an average award package of $33,000
• 50+ student organizations and clubs
• 22 intercollegiate sports (Division III) with membership in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, and an esports team
• 96% of first-time, first-year students and 85% of all undergraduates live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing
• 20 residence halls in four campus-based villages and an additional eight mixed-use apartment buildings in Oxford Village on the north side of the campus
• 4 national fraternities and 5 national sororities, with membership in the Interfraternity Council, National Panhellenic Conference, and National Pan-Hellenic Council
• More than 32,000 volunteer and community service hours a year

Accreditation:

Virginia Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and masters degrees.

The University's Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (COART). The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). VWU's Professional Education Program is approved by the Virginia Board of Education (Virginia Department of Education Approved Teacher Education Programs) according to standards set out in the Code of Virginia and Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Program in Virginia.

Virginia Wesleyan University is one of more than 80 colleges and universities in the United States recognized as United Methodist-related by the University Senate of the General Board of Higher Education of the United Methodist Church. The University was chartered in 1961 by a grant from the Virginia Annual Conference of the Methodist Church to create a church-related liberal arts college that would encourage critical and independent thinking among students of all religious and cultural backgrounds. Rooted in these traditions, Virginia Wesleyan offers rigorous academic training, while, at the same time, encouraging students to become ethical, actively engaged citizens.

Undergraduate:

In addition to your transcripts, supplemental application materials including those listed below may be required.

• Recommended Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Average GPA (first-year student): 3.39
• Average GPA (transfer student): 2.97
• Evidence of English Proficiency:
• TOEFL (internet based): IBT - 80 or 550 written;
• IELTS: 6.5;
• PTE: 58;
• Duolingo English Test: 105

Postgraduate:

In addition to your transcripts, supplemental application materials including those listed below may be required.

• Recommended Minimum GPA (MBA): 3.0
• Average GPA (MBA): 3.15
• Evidence of English Proficiency:
• TOEFL: 550 written or 80 iBT (internet-based); 
• IELTS: 6.5;
• PTE: 58;
• Resume/CV: Only by request when additional support documentation is needed
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose: Only by request when additional support documentation is needed

For additional information on admission requirements, kindly contact our admissions counsellor!