Catalog and Accreditation Information

This Web catalog is the official catalog of Longwood University. It describes Longwood’s academic programs, including course numbers, descriptions, and standards for student progress and retention at the time of publication. However, the provisions of this publication are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and Longwood. There are established procedures for making changes to this catalog which protect the institution’s right to make changes as necessary. A change of curriculum or graduation requirement is not made retroactive unless the alteration is to the student’s advantage and can be accommodated within the span of years normally required for graduation.

Longwood University reserves the right to require a series of student proficiency assessment tests prior to graduation. The purpose of these assessment tests is to help individual students develop to their fullest potential and to improve the educational programs of the institution. Students are required to participate; students who fail to participate may lose their priority ranking for registration and housing. The institution may withhold transcripts for three months for graduating seniors who fail to participate.

Longwood University, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is an equal opportunity institution of higher learning. Consistent with Federal and State law, the University promotes equal opportunity for all prospective and current students and employees. The University will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, veteran status, or disability status, except in relation to employment where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. Anyone with questions concerning access or accommodations should contact the Accessibility Resources Office at (434) 395-2391(V); TRS 711.

Two reports, by Virginia Commonwealth University and the FBI, ranked Longwood as one of the safest campuses in Virginia. An annually produced Campus Security Report is available at www.longwood.edu/police/. It contains campus crime statistics as well as university policies and procedures. A printed copy is available upon request. The Longwood University Police Department includes the following sectors: Police Patrol Operations, Investigations, the Communications Center, Crime Prevention, Parking Services, and the Integrated Security Systems office. The administration and operation of the Longwood Police Department is executed to provide essential law enforcement, public safety, and related services to the campus community while utilizing the most up to date, efficient and effective methods available, maintaining established professional standards, and optimizing community support.

Longwood’s graduate catalog is published each academic year. This catalog and related announcements remain in effect until August 1, 2024.

Representation of status with SACSCOC

Longwood University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees.  Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Longwood University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA  30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Contact information for the Commission on Colleges is provided above so that interested parties can learn more about the accreditation status of Longwood University; file a third-party comment at the time of Longwood University’s decennial review; or file a complaint against Longwood University for alleged significant non-compliance with a standard or requirement. Normal inquiries about Longwood University, such as admission requirements, financial aid, and educational programs should be addressed directly to Longwood University and not to the Commission.

Longwood University programs and units are also accredited by the following, with the latest accreditation year in parentheses:

• American Alliance of Museums (2010)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (2023)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (2018)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (2017)
• Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (2020) - Specialty areas in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (2019)
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (2023)
• Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions (2019)
• Council on Social Work Education (2014)
• International Association of Counseling Services (2023)
• National Association of Schools of Music (2016)
• National Association of Schools of Theatre (2023)
• Virginia State Board of Education (2021)

Longwood University Mission

Longwood University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of citizen leaders who are prepared to make positive contributions to the common good of society. Building upon its strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, the university provides an environment in which exceptional teaching fosters student learning, scholarship, and achievement. As the only four-year public institution in south central Virginia, Longwood University serves as a catalyst for regional prosperity and advancement.

- Approved by the Longwood Board of Visitors, July 1997

The Mission of Graduate Studies

Our Mission is to provide leadership in all matters relating to graduate and professional education at Longwood University. In keeping with the university’s mission, the CGPS strives to create a stimulating environment for teaching, learning, research, creative expression and public service.

As part of the mission of a comprehensive institution of higher education supported by public funds, Longwood University is committed to serving the needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia and particularly the Southside and Central Virginia regions. Graduate programs at Longwood support the continuation and development of diverse, innovative programs by building on existing strengths and emerging opportunities.

Approved Off-Campus Instructional Sites

Graduate classes are regularly offered at off-campus locations. A variety of non-traditional course formats are used to meet the needs of the adult student including weekends and nights. All Longwood graduate rules and regulations govern these courses. Registration takes place using myLongwood.com.

The following sites are approved to offer 50% or more of a degree program.  For more information about these locations, and sites where the institution can offer 25-49% of a program, please contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at 434.395.2380 or e-mail at graduate@longwood.edu.

1. The New College Institute is located at 191 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA 24112. Undergraduate programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Teaching, and Liberal Studies (non-licensure) are offered.
2. The Region 10 Community Services Board is located at 500 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.  The graduate program in Counselor Education is offered.