Virginia Wesleyan University offers numerous dual degree and preferred and early admission options in cooperation with other colleges and universities. These programs allow students to pursue undergraduate degrees at Virginia Wesleyan while also building connections, and in some cases, beginning graduate coursework. Find out more about the individual programs below.
Chatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment
Master’s in Food Studies (MAFS)
Priority Admission
VWU students that meet certain criteria can apply for Priority Admission into Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment in their Master’s in Food Studies (MAFS) program. Students may also select a combined MSUS+MBA or MAFS+MBA program if they have completed the appropriate business course prerequisites.
Chatham University
Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment
Master of Sustainability program (MSUS)
Priority Admission
VWU students that meet certain criteria can apply for Priority Admission into Chatham University’s Falk School of Sustainability and the Environment Master of Sustainability program (MSUS) program. Students may also select a combined MSUS+MBA or MAFS+MBA program if they have completed the appropriate business course prerequisites.
Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment
Master of Environmental Management (MEM)
Dual Degree 3+2 (3 years at VWU + 2 years at Duke University)
The Cooperative College Program allows students to proceed directly from three years of undergraduate study at Virginia Wesleyan University to two years of study at Duke University's Nicholas School's Master of Environmental Management (MEM) program.
Duke University
Nicholas School of the Environment
Master of Forestry (MF)
Dual Degree 3+2 (3 years at VWU + 2 years at Duke University)
The Cooperative College Program allows students to proceed directly from three years of undergraduate study at Virginia Wesleyan University to two years of study at Duke University's Nicholas School's Master of Forestry (MF) program.
William & Mary
School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Master of Arts in Marine Science (MA)
Preferred Admission
Virginia Wesleyan University's unique partnership with William & Mary's School of Marine Science at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) promotes enrollment of graduating Batten Honors College (BHC) students in the Master of Arts in Marine Science program at VIMS. Each year one seat in the master's program will be reserved for a BHC graduate who meets admission criteria. This seat includes an annual scholarship.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Aerospace Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Biomedical Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Civil Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Computer Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Electrical Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Environmental Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master's in Mechanical Engineering (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Old Dominion University
Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Master’s in Modeling & Simulation (MS)
The Pre-Engineering Program offers students the opportunity to prepare for immediate and guaranteed admission to the Master's degree program in Engineering from Old Dominion University. Students begin to take ODU engineering classes during their second or third year at Virginia Wesleyan.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Doctor of Medicine Program
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Early Admission
This partnership allows qualified students to apply for admission to Eastern Virginia Medical School during the fall semester of their sophomore year. Accepted students must continue to meet the program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. The program lays out a challenging curriculum that will prepare students for the rigors of medical school. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Physician Assistant Program
Master of Physician Assistant (MPA)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Physician Assistant program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Surgical Assisting Program
Master of Surgical Assisting (MSA)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Surgical Assisting program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Anatomical Sciences Program
Master of Anatomical Sciences (MAS)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Contemporary Human Anatomy program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Laboratory Animal Science Program
Master of Science (MS)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Laboratory Animal Science program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Pathologist Assistant Program
Master of Health Science (MHS)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Pathologist Assistant program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Art Therapy and Counseling Program
Master of Science (MS)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Art Therapy program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Public Health Program
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Public Health program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Biomedical Sciences Research Program
Master of Science (MS)
Early Assurance
Through this partnership, students are able to gain early assurance of their acceptance into the Biomedical Sciences Research program at EVMS in their junior year at Virginia Wesleyan. Qualified students will need to complete all program requirements to maintain their eligibility for admission. Upon completion of their Bachelor’s degree at VWU, students go directly into the EVMS program.
Sentara College of Health Sciences
Master’s Entry into Nursing Practice
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Guaranteed Admission
VWU students from any major who have taken the appropriate prerequisite courses may apply for guaranteed admission to the Sentara Entry to Nursing Practice Master's program. This program allows students with a Bachelor's degree to simultaneously complete Nursing certification and receive a Master's degree. A maximum of two VWU students per year who meet the admission criteria may be selected for guaranteed admission, but additional students may apply for admission via the standard track.
Shenandoah University
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Dual Degree 3+3 (3 years at VWU + 3 years at Shenandoah University)
VWU’s partnership with Shenandoah University's Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy gives priority status to a maximum of five Virginia Wesleyan students per year. This program allows students to complete 3 years of study at Virginia Wesleyan and 3 years at Shenandoah University and receive both a Bachelor’s degree from VWU and a PharmD from Shenandoah.
Shenandoah University
Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Dual Degree 3+4 (3 years at VWU + 4 years at Shenandoah University)
VWU’s partnership with Shenandoah University's Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy gives priority status to a maximum of five Virginia Wesleyan students per year. This program allows students to complete 3 years of study at Virginia Wesleyan and 3 years at Shenandoah University and receive a Bachelor’s degree from VWU and a PharmD and an MBA from Shenandoah.
Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine
Master of Science (MS)
Dual Degree 3+2 (3 years at VWU + 2 years at Washington University in St. Louis)
This partnership with one of the nation’s top ranked programs in Occupational Therapy allows students to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis in 5 years.
Washington University in St. Louis
School of Medicine
Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD)
Dual Degree 3+3 (3 years at VWU + 3 years at Washington University in St. Louis)
This partnership with one of the nation’s top ranked programs in Occupational Therapy allows students to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Wesleyan and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 6 years.
Western Atlantic University School of Medicine
Accelerated Combined Bachelor/MD Program, offering highly qualified students the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in as few as six years.
Set to launch in Fall 2026, the program provides a fast-tracked pathway for students pursuing careers in medicine. Participants will spend seven academic terms (2.25 years) at Virginia Wesleyan University, completing at least 90 credits, including all WAUSM prerequisite coursework. Those who meet the program's academic and proficiency standards will then transition to WAUSM, where they will be considered dual-enrolled at both institutions for their first two terms of medical school. Upon successful completion, students will be awarded their bachelor's degree from VWU and continue toward their MD at WAUSM.
Appalachian School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
Dual Degree 3+3 (3 years at VWU + 3 years at Appalachian School of Law)
VWU students that meet program criteria are able to earn a Bachelor’s degree from VWU and a JD from Appalachian School of Law in 6 years.
Regent University
School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD)
Dual Degree 3+3 (3 years at VWU + 3 years at Regent University School of Law)
VWU students that meet program criteria are able to earn a Bachelor’s degree from VWU and a JD from Regent University in 6 years.
University of Virginia
Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
Preferred Admission
Virginia Wesleyan University's unique partnership with the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy promotes enrollment of graduating Batten Honors College (BHC) students in the Master of Public Policy program. Each year one seat in the master's program will be reserved for a BHC graduate who meets admission criteria. This seat includes an annual fellowship.
Duke University
Duke Divinity School
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Early Admission
This program streamlines admission, with scholarship opportunities, to the Master of Divinity program at the Duke University Divinity School. Students who meet the eligibility requirements for admission will be able to apply for an early admissions decision at Duke.
Duke University
Duke Divinity School
Master of Arts in Christian Practice (MACP)
Early Admission
This program streamlines admission, with scholarship opportunities, to the Master of Arts in Christian Practice program at the Duke University Divinity School. Students must meet the eligibility requirements for admission will be able to apply for an early admissions decision at Duke.
Emory University
Candler School of Theology
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Guaranteed Admission
This agreement guarantees admission, with scholarship opportunities, in the Candler School of Theology's Master of Divinity program. To be eligible, VWU graduates must meet Candler admission requirements and must have successfully completed courses in the Department of Religious Studies (or religiously-themed courses in the Departments of History and Philosophy).
Emory University
Candler School of Theology
Master of Religious Leadership (MRL)
Guaranteed Admission
This agreement guarantees admission, with scholarship opportunities, in the Candler School of Theology's Master of Religious Leadership program. To be eligible, VWU graduates must meet Candler admission requirements and must have successfully completed courses in the Department of Religious Studies (or religiously-themed courses in the Departments of History and Philosophy).
United Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity (MDiv)
Dual Degree 3+2 (3 years at VWU + 2 years at United Theological Seminary)
The Cooperative College Program of United Theological Seminary is designed to coordinate the education of students in selected undergraduate schools with the graduate program in divinity offered at United. Qualified students can complete a Bachelor’s degree at Virginia Wesleyan and a Master’s degree at United Theological Seminary in 5 years.