Virginia Wesleyan University - Viewbook

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

WHYVWU?

Small Classes–Big Rewards

With an annual enrollment in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs of approximately 1,600 students, you are much more than a face in the crowd or a number on a form. Virginia Wesleyan is a close-knit community where you’ll easily connect and develop meaningful relationships with your professors and classmates in small classes that average 15 students.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Benefit from VWU’s experiential learning, high-impact leadership, and career development programs. Take advantage of our undergraduate research experiences, study away program, and numerous opportunities for internships. Succeed when applying for graduate school or entering the job market.

We’re Growing with You

VWU has seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Projects with a cumulative price tag of more than $110 million include academic buildings, a multi-purpose synthetic turf athletic field, residence hall improvements, new track & field and softball facilities, a dining center facelift, and many more!

GREER ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES CENTER provides unparalleled opportunities for students and fosters regional collaboration with organizations focused on the environment and sustainability. The state-of-the-art facility includes:

• teaching labs related to the Earth’s spheres

• dedicated research labs

• greenhouse and research gardens

• geothermal heating and cooling systems and an extensive green roof

Situated in a 300-acre park-like campus, Virginia Wesleyan University is located just minutes from the Virginia Beach oceanfront and downtown Norfolk—a diverse and vibrant region rich in history, culture, natural resources, and thriving industry.

Taking Center Stage

SUSAN S. GOODE FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

CENTER hosts world-class artists, performers, musicians, and lecturers throughout the year, as well as student musical ensembles, concerts and theatre productions, from student-directed plays to Shakespeare.

Accolades Join the Club

An active student life is an essential part of your college experience. Join a club, or start your own!

Interested in Greek Life? Fraternities and sororities are an integral part of tradition and campus life at Virginia Wesleyan. Influence campus policies with the Student Government Association, or help in the programming of student social events by joining our activities council.

Get your game on!

Participate in esports gaming competitions at the collegiate level.

A real education is about more than books and tests. It’s about life.

From the annual Sud Games and Late Night Breakfast to Greek Life, intramural sports, and 50+ clubs and organizations, there is always something to keep body and soul active and engaged.

The Heart of Campus Life

JANE P. BATTEN STUDENT CENTER is the heartbeat of campus activity. It is the site of many extracurricular and recreational activities and the location of indoor varsity sports and tournaments.

As a student at Virginia Wesleyan, you’ll find yourself gravitating to its expansive facilities for recreation, fitness, swimming, dining with friends, and cheering on your fellow Marlins at athletic events in the new TowneBank Arena.

THE PRINCETON REVIEW

• Best 388 Colleges: 2023 Edition

• Guide to Green Colleges: 2022 Edition Selected among the most environmentally responsible colleges in the country

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

• 2023 Best Colleges guide

• Ranked among the top schools in Ethnic Diversity among liberal arts institutions

• A Best National Liberal Arts College

• A Top Performer on Social Mobility

COLLEGES OF DISTINCTION

• Repeatedly chosen for excellence in student-focused higher education

CARNEGIE FOUNDATION

• One of 119 U.S. colleges and universities to earn Carnegie Foundation’s prestigious Community Engagement Classification

It all adds up...

1600 students

300 acre park-like campus

15:1 student/faculty ratio

15 average class size

70+ areas of study

50+ clubs and organizations

90% of graduates earn their degree in four years or fewer

95% of faculty hold the highest degree in their field

99% of students receive financial aid

$110 million in recent construction projects

92% ofgraduates employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation

24 varsity sports

3 NCAA National Softball Championships

2017/2018/2021

We’re Going Places

BECOME A GLOBAL SCHOLAR – STUDY AWAY

VWU partners with various exchange programs like ISEP and universities in Germany, Italy, Japan, and Mexico, so your VWU financial aid will go where you go! Scholarships and grants are also available for semester, summer, and course study-away experiences.

Reach for the Top

GAIN PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

– COMPLETE AN INTERNSHIP

Internships – available as early as your freshman year – supplement academic preparation with work experience and mentoring from professionals in the field, thereby increasing your marketability to employers upon graduation. At VWU you are strategically positioned to participate in externships and internships with Fortune 500 companies, state and national government agencies, and arts facilities.

EXPLORE DISCOVER

Hands-On

RESEARCH – IT’S NOT JUST FOR GRAD STUDENTS

Our Undergraduate Research Program:

• features 1:1 faculty mentoring

• allows students to research problems of their choice

• encourages students to explore grants to underwrite the costs of research

• offers fully-funded conference grants to attend national and international academic meetings

• provides the opportunity to present or publish research with a VWU faculty member

Career Focused

SKILLS EMPLOYERS SEEK

Regardless of the major you choose to pursue, you’ll find experiential learning is a key element of the liberal arts education offered at Virginia Wesleyan University. When tied to the liberal arts, experiential learning helps students think creatively, solve problems, and communicate clearly. In a recent national survey, most employers said they are more likely to hire an applicant who demonstrates these skills.

Make a Difference

LIFE-CHANGING…That’s how students describe their civic engagement experiences at Virginia Wesleyan. A recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, VWU offers opportunities in volunteer programs and activities such as:

• Marlins Read and Marlins

Count: tutoring and mentoring elementary school students

• Marlins Te(a)ch: a student-led program teaching cybersecurity to seniors

Marlin Spirit

Marlins study and play hard. With nationally ranked teams, All-American athletes, and a truly committed and caring coaching staff, you’ll get the best of both worlds at VWU – academic and athletic.

NCAA DIVISION III

Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)

ENGAGE COMPETE

Beyond the Classroom

Explore and accelerate your path to a degree during January Term and Summer Sessions. Focus on one intensive course, take unique courses, participate in faculty-led travel courses, or catch up on coursework and earn credits to graduate early. We challenge all students to undertake an internship, to study away, and to conduct independent research before graduation. These are crucial experiences that will transform your future.

MEN BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

CHEER

CROSS COUNTRY ESPORTS

GOLF

LACROSSE

SOCCER

SWIMMING

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN

BASKETBALL

CHEER

CROSS COUNTRY ESPORTS

FIELD HOCKEY

GOLF

LACROSSE

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

SWIMMING

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

NATIONAL

NCAA® DIVISION III SOFTBALL

VIRGINIA WESLEYAN

BATTEN HONORS COLLEGE OF VWU inspires, engages, and prepares academically talented students to become impactful leaders and environmental stewards in the global community. Each year, 20 first-year students are awarded full-tuition scholarships.Learn more at vwu.edu/batten.

ARMY ROTC is a demanding and successful leadership program and can be part of your VWU curriculum. Military scholarships pay for college courses and help you focus on earning a degree.

FINANCIAL AID

A world-class private liberal arts education at VWU is within your reach. Use our Scholarship Calculator to evaluate awards and estimate your cost to attend VWU: vwu.edu/scholarship.

MAJORS & MINORS VISIT

MARLIN

(M) &

MAJORS

PRE-PROFESSIONAL

Allied Health

Art Therapy

Dentistry

Environmental Management

Forestry

Law

Medicine

Occupational Therapy

Pharmacy

Physical Therapy

Theology

Veterinary Medicine

EDUCATION

CERTIFICATION

Education Studies

ADVANCED DEGREE PARTNERSHIPS

Appalachian School of Law

Boston University

School of Theology

Chatham University

Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment

Duke University

Nicholas School of the Environment

Divinity School

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Joint Program in Medicine; Early Assurance in EVMS master’s programs

Emory University

Candler School of Theology

Old Dominion University

4+1 Engineering Masters Program

Sentara

Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice

Shenandoah University

Pharmacy

University of Virginia

Frank Batten School of Leadership

& Public Policy

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Marine Science

Washington University of St. Louis

Occupational Therapy

Come and see for yourself! Experience the Virginia Wesleyan difference –observe classes, sample dining options, meet professors and students, attend events, and explore Coastal Virginia.

attend events Virgin Sched vwu.e

Schedule your visit at vwu.edu/visit

Rolling admission: Check for important deadlines that may impact financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Rollin

Chec dead impa and opp Apply nowat vwu.edu/apply