About the University
Where purpose
meets academic excellence.
Peace University, USA is a pioneering institution of higher learning committed to academic excellence, holistic human development, and the advancement of peace, justice, and interfaith understanding. Managed by Peace, a Virginia nonstock corporation, the University is a religious institution exempt by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) from state regulations and oversight in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Peace University serves a global community of learners — across faith traditions, professional backgrounds, and geographic boundaries — offering undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs through fully flexible, technology-enabled learning pathways.
Registered Address: 26895 Slash Pine Cir, Ruther Glen, VA 22546-3500, USA
Phone: +1 202 681 3535 · Email: admissions@peace.university · Web: www.peace.university
Program Overview
Seven levels. One pathway.
Peace University offers programs spanning seven academic levels. All programs are designed with flexibility, innovation, and real-world applicability at their core, available through four approved learning pathways: Research, Equivalency/Experience Evaluation, Challenge Exam, and Coursework.
Section 1
Mission, Goals
& Objectives
- To promote academic excellence by offering quality academic degree and non-degree programs.
- To conduct projects, workshops, seminars, symposia, and other activities in sync with the goals and objectives of the institution.
- To collaborate, make alliances, partnerships, and collaborations, and team up globally with institutions sharing the same mission and vision.
The philosophy behind such offerings is to prepare citizens to deal with the challenges of our times with a balanced, healthy mind by promoting peace, harmony, mutual coexistence, spirituality, and holistic healing.
Equal Opportunity Statement: Peace University is an equal opportunity institution with no regard to ethnicity, creed, faith, race, color, age, sex, origin, familial status, or physical condition.
Section 2
Admissions
Entrance Requirements
& Admissions
- Applicants must submit an online application with all required and supporting documents.
- Applicants must be high school graduates or hold a GED to pursue Diploma, Associate, or Bachelor's Degree programs; must hold a Bachelor's Degree to pursue a Postgraduate Degree or Diploma program.
- There is no prerequisite for pursuing a Certificate program.
- Based on the information and credentials, faculty or staff may ask certain candidates to take a competency, entrance, or equivalency test to determine their academic standing, depth of knowledge, and experience (for credits based on experience) in their area of interest.
- A personal interview may be required.
Credit for Previous Education,
Training & Experience
- The school accepts transfer credits from other schools after evaluating the subject(s) and may allow credits for subjects with similar content and academic goals.
- We may ask students to take additional subjects to make up for any deficiency.
- The school, based on equivalency tests, challenge exams, projects, and assignments by the faculty, or on the faculty's recommendation, may grant credits for certain professional training, trade-related, professional, or military work experience.
- The school staff determines credits to be awarded, if any, based on their review of previous education, training, and experience.
Section 3
Financial
Information
Tuition & Fees
| Program | App Fee | Credits | Per Credit | Tuition | Total | Scholarship | Total Due* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | $500 | 15 | $50 | $750 | $1,250 | Varies | — |
| Diploma | $600 | 24 | $50 | $1,200 | $1,800 | Varies | — |
| Associate | $1,500 | 60 | $50 | $3,000 | $4,500 | Varies | — |
| Bachelor's | $3,000 | 120 | $50 | $6,000 | $9,000 | Varies | — |
| Post Graduate Diploma | $1,000 | 24 | $50 | $1,200 | $2,200 | Varies | — |
| Master's | $2,000 | 36 | $100 | $3,600 | $5,600 | Varies | — |
| Doctorate | $3,000 | 76 | $100 | $7,600 | $10,600 | Varies | — |
For every program, the application fee is $50. A per-credit evaluation and transfer fee of $50 applies to all transfer, prior learning, education, and experience credits. Scholarship of up to 90% of tuition may be awarded. Total – Scholarship Amount = Total Due* to the University.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
In the event of notification by a student of withdrawal from the school, or termination by the school before the completion of a program, Peace University utilizes the refund policies of the State of Virginia to determine the obligation of the student as follows:
- A student may cancel the Enrollment Agreement at no penalty by notifying the school in writing three (3) business days after midnight of the day on which the enrollment agreement was signed, even if instruction has begun.
- After the three (3) business day period, if the student cancels this agreement, the school will retain a registration fee not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200). A student may cancel or voluntarily terminate the enrollment agreement at any time. A refund, if any, will be as stated in the enrollment agreement. The student shall notify the Dean in writing of the intention to withdraw.
- Termination by the School may occur for non-payment of tuition; unsatisfactory attitude and conduct; or failure to achieve passing grades by the end of the probationary period.
- Peace University reserves the right to withdraw a program for any reason. In this case, all monies paid will be refunded.
- Any monies paid to the school in excess of the sum due to the school by the student who cancels, withdraws, or discontinues will be refunded within 45 days from the date of notification.
- If a student cannot complete a program of studies for such reasons as prolonged illness or death in the family, the school shall endeavor to make a satisfactory settlement.
Section 4
Academics
Program Requirements
| Program | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Certificate | 15 |
| Diploma | 24 |
| Associate | 60 |
| Bachelor's | 120 |
| Post Graduate Diploma | 24 |
| Master's | 36 |
| Doctorate | 76 |
All programs can be completed using any of the four approved methods:
Research
Earn your degree through original scholarly inquiry and investigation.
Experience
Convert professional or life experience into accredited academic credit.
Challenge Exam
Demonstrate mastery by examination and earn credits for what you already know.
Coursework
Earn credits through structured, advisor-guided academic study.
Concentrations & Majors
| Concentration | Concentration |
|---|---|
| Leadership * | Spirituality * |
| Marketing * | Ethics * |
| Media * | Divinity * |
| Activism and Lobbying * | Theology * |
| FundRaising * | Interfaith Studies * |
| Holistic Healing * | Faith Administration * |
| Not for Profit Management * | Faith-Based Management * |
| Government Programs * | Tolerance and Anger Management * |
| Financial Management * | Comparative Studies of World Faiths * |
| Collaborative Learning * | Project Management * |
| Instructional Technology * | Research Methods * |
| Social Media * | Technology * |
| Management * | Counseling * |
| Peace Administration * |
* Available for faith-based institutions. Contact the Academic Dean at dean@peace.university for more information. Please review the detailed courses list in this catalog to explore research areas and fields of study across all program levels.
Program Description
Peace University has developed innovative, breakthrough academic learning programs of excellence that enhance a student's ability and learning potential tremendously. These programs are very flexible, intuitive, and organic in nature and push a learner's boundaries beyond traditional learning.
- Peace University has evolved an extensive list of related topics and subjects that students will deal with during the course of studies and practical life thereafter.
- We continue to update the list of subjects and topics continuously by adding and modifying them according to the changing needs of and situations in the contemporary world, employability, and personal development of our students.
- With the help of their academic advisors, students pick topics and subjects from the list and compile a program that best matches their career objectives and interests.
- The program is then presented to the Dean for formal approval.
- Once approved, the student may start their academic endeavor as per the guidelines laid in the University policies and procedures and by the student's academic advisor.
- As long as students meet the criteria, they can choose any given subject or topic and proceed with their studies and research.
- Each subject and topic is 3 credit hours – 50 clock hours, unless otherwise specified.
- The level of research and depth in each subject, depending upon the program, is discussed with the academic advisor.
- Students are expected to exceed the minimum level of each program.
- All programs are modular in nature, and hence a career path can be built incrementally; for example, a student may choose to pursue a Certificate program — 15 credits, and afterward, with the approval of the program advisor, may continue with the Diploma — 24 credits, Associate — 60 credits, or Bachelor's Degree — 120 credits.
- Master's — 36 credits, and Doctoral — 76 credits programs must be applied for as separate degree programs and cannot be built on junior programs.
- Pursuing a higher level of the program as a modular program is not automatic; students must get prior written approval from their respective academic advisors.
- All Peace University programs are research-based in nature and are designed to inspire and promote scholastic aptitude, in-depth analyses, and critical thinking.
- While academic advising and help is available, students — especially those of higher learning programs — are expected to develop independent academic and research skills.
- Students are expected to make use of nontraditional, contemporary, emerging distance learning tools and techniques like electronic media, the World Wide Web, digital conferencing, Video on Demand, and other such electronic and audiovisual platforms for research, submitting projects and assignments, delivering seminars, cohort and group study, interactive learning, and research and archival storage of their academic-related data.
- A list of, and help in using, these tools and techniques is available to students as an academic service at no extra charge.
Program Objectives
Certificate
The objectives of the Certificate program are to provide an opportunity to learn and explore the body of knowledge in one of the concentrations offered by the University. The Certificate program enables individuals to channelize different sources of knowledge and learn in a certain area. Certificate programs are stand-alone modules but can be used as a foundation to build a Diploma or Bachelor's program of learning. Academic advising required.
Diploma
The objectives of the Diploma program are to provide learners with an opportunity to build insight into a specific body of knowledge in one of the concentrations offered by the University. The Diploma program enables individuals to channelize different sources of knowledge and build an in-depth domain in a certain area. Diploma programs are stand-alone modules but can be used as a foundation to build a Bachelor's program of learning. Academic advising required.
Associate & Bachelor's Degrees
The objectives of the Bachelor's Degree program are to explore and develop scholastic aptitude and provide learners with an opportunity to build in-depth expertise in a specific body of knowledge in one of the concentrations offered. Associate and Bachelor's Degree programs prepare individuals to learn in-depth about a certain field of study and progress towards a certain professional or career path. They encourage the application of scientific theory across different bodies of knowledge. Not all programs are available; academic advising is required before formulating a program of study.
Master's Degree
The objectives of higher learning, postgraduate, Master's Degree programs are to excel in a specific subject within a knowledge area, develop mastery, and achieve academic excellence. Our Master's Degree programs prepare individuals to achieve the highest standards of academic learning and help in progress towards a certain professional or career path. Not all programs are available as the Master's Degree program; academic advising is required before formulating a program of study.
Doctorate
The ultimate achievement in an academic environment is the Doctorate Degree. The objective of the Doctorate program is to enable students to investigate and research a very specific problem within a certain area or field of study as applicable to industry or society-related problems and issues. Every student is expected to pick a relevant, useful topic for research, as suggested by previous or fellow researchers. The doctoral degree is an acknowledgment of a student's ultimate scholarly and research-based capabilities and achievements.
Program Descriptions
All subjects are 3 credit hours – 50 clock hours of study unless otherwise specified. All programs are based on collaborative learning unless otherwise specified. Due to the unique nature of our programs, relevant faculty/academic advisors must approve a program, including prerequisites, before enrollment.
- Students can pick and choose any combination of subjects from the following list based on their level of study and all other requirements in consultation with their academic advisors.
- Students pursuing an Associate Degree may not register for 300 and 400-level programs without the permission of the academic advisor.
- All subjects within the 100–400 series are for Certificate, Diploma, Associate, and Bachelor's Degree programs.
- Advanced subjects within the 500–900 series are for graduate and postgraduate programs.
- All Level II, III, and IV programs with the same subject and topic are progressively more advanced and are designed to explore a more applied side of the subject.
- All degree-seeking students whose native language is not English, or who have not studied in schools with English as a medium of instruction, will be required to take English language proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS, or will be required to complete 24 credits of English language before starting the rest of their respective programs.
Degree Requirements
Mode of Instruction
We adopted the Collaborative Learning Instructional Platform (CLIP), Virtual Learning Instructional Platform (VLIP), and use the Personal Learning Environment Platform (PLEP) as a preferred mode of instruction, even though we use traditional mediums of learning as well. We believe our method is best suited to most adult learners who want to pursue educational Certificates, Diplomas, and Degree programs — or seek academic knowledge on certain subjects — at their own pace, time, and flexible terms while keeping their job or other activities. We team up with world leaders in collaborative learning and education technologies to bring the best possible content, curriculum, technology, and platform to our students.
Structuring a Study Plan
Following is a partial list of programs and subjects of study. We ask students to think out of the box, be creative, innovative, and original — not to limit their potential and pursuits — and yet be practical. Students should put a program together that is best suited to their academic and career goals and objectives, and is acceptable to the academic advisor.
Keep the following points in mind while devising a program:
- The academic advisor and the Dean's approval is required before pursuing a program.
- All subjects can be taken as I, II, III, and IV additive series for the Certificate, Diploma, Associate, and Bachelor's programs, and V, VI, VII, and VIII for Postgraduate Diploma, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.
- Any subject may be included as long as it matches the goals of the student.
- Challenge exam, work experience, previous learning, and program equivalence will require extra documentation to the academic advisor, program department, and the Dean's office for approval.
- We have kept the program structure open to provide students with an opportunity to create focused, relevant, and most beneficial programs best suited to their needs, goals, and objectives.
- Seminars, Research, Thesis, Special or Advanced Projects, Current Issues, and Independent Studies are all 6-credit programs.
- Students must prepare a proposal for each of these programs and get it approved by the Academic Advisor and the Dean's office.
- Internship and Externship may be up to 12 hours, solely based on the Academic Advisor's recommendation and the Dean's official approval.
- All of these subjects may not be available to all students in every program.
- Every student must work with their academic advisor to devise the details of each program. Students are expected to research and develop an outline of their programs with suitable study material and submit it 4 weeks before their start date for review and approval.
- Suggest a program, a subject, or a plan for yourself or for the benefit of other students, and you will get credit for that.
Subject List — 100–400 Series
Associate & Bachelor's Level — each subject is 6 credit hours unless noted.
At any given time, the school, faculty, students, or other elements of academia, industry, or society deal with contemporary or historical topics of interest that align with a student's academic or career goals. Students may take this subject as a seminar, project, independent study, or group/cohort format subject, as advised by the academic advisor.
The school, faculty, students, or other elements of academia, industry, or society deal with such contemporary or historical topics of interest that align with a student's academic or career goals. May be taken as a build-on of Special Topics I or as an independent subject.
Students may take this subject as a seminar, project, independent study, or group/cohort format subject, as advised by the academic advisor. May be taken as a build-on of Special Topics II or as an independent subject.
Students may take Special Topics IV as a build-on subject on Special Topics III or as an independent subject. Administered as a seminar, project, independent study, or group/cohort format subject, as advised by the academic advisor.
A research area of academic value that adds to the student's body of knowledge, scholastic goals, and is in sync with study objectives. Must get approval from the academic advisor.
Students may choose this subject to deliver a seminar on an area of academic value that adds to the student's body of knowledge and scholastic goals. Must get approval from the academic advisor.
A research area of academic value that adds to the student's body of knowledge, scholastic goals, and is in sync with study objectives. Research Project II can be a build-on of Research Project I or an independent subject. Must get approval from the academic advisor.
Students may choose this subject to deliver a seminar on an area of academic value that adds to the student's body of knowledge and scholastic goals. Must get approval from the academic advisor.
An extended classroom experience that provides practical application of classroom learning in a real-life work environment. A maximum of 24 credits of Internship may count towards graduation.
An extended classroom experience that provides practical application of classroom learning outside of the campus. A maximum of 24 credits of Internship may count towards graduation.
Students select topics of their choice and interest that help in moving their academic and career goals forward, and study under the supervision of their academic advisor. Students may write a paper, an exam, or both for successful completion, depending on the arrangement with the academic advisor.
Students select topics of their choice and interest that help move their academic and career goals forward, studied under the supervision of their academic advisor. Depending on the arrangement with the academic advisor, students may write a paper, an exam, or both for successful completion of this subject.
Students select topics of their choice and interest that help move their academic and career goals forward, studied under the supervision of their academic advisor. Depending on the arrangement with the academic advisor, students may write a paper, an exam, or both for successful completion of this subject.
Students select topics of their choice and interest that help move their academic and career goals forward, studied under the supervision of their academic advisor. Depending on the arrangement with the academic advisor, students may write a paper, an exam, or both for successful completion of this subject.
Library
Peace University maintains and keeps developing information resources and services that support the learning pursuits of our students, faculty, and staff, including but not limited to a collection of books, professional journals and periodicals, audiovisuals, and other digital information formats, workstations, and other materials. A vast array of online information sources is available to assist students, faculty, and staff for research and scholastic purposes.
Section 5
Policies
& Procedures
Grading System
| Grade | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | Superior | 4 |
| B | Good | 3 |
| C | Average | 2 |
| D | Below Average | 1 |
| F | Failed | 0 |
| I | Incomplete | 0 |
| W | Withdrawn | 0 |
All points are per subject. Grade-point average (GPA) is computed using the following formula:
Formula: Total Quality Points Earned ÷ Total Units of Credit Attempted = Grade Point Average
Example: A student enrolls in 3 subjects of 3 credits each and earns grades A, B, and C. GPA = (4 + 3 + 2) ÷ 3 = 3.0
Standards for Satisfactory Progress
- Completion of all tests and assignments at an overall 60% level.
- Students get their grades after completing all the subject requirements, while final grades and evaluations are issued at program completion.
- A student must maintain a CGPA of 2.0 and may not receive more than two D grades in the entire program. Subjects with D grades in excess of two during the entire program must be repeated as fresh subjects.
- There may be additional requirements set by each financial aid, loan, or scholarship offering entity, which should be consulted before considering their offerings.
Scholarships
With the help of its support system, Peace University offers a very generous range of academic excellence, work, and need-based scholarships of as much as 100% of tuition. Please consult the admissions office at the time of enrollment about scholarships, financial aid, loans, and other available support programs.
View ScholarshipsAcademic Probation
- A student must maintain a CGPA of 2.0 and may not receive more than two D grades in the entire program. Subjects with D grades in excess of two during the entire program must be re-enrolled and repeated as fresh subjects. Until successfully repeated, the student is to be placed on academic probation.
- All students — especially those in the above-mentioned situation — are advised to seek extra help from faculty and staff as needed. Interfaith faculty and staff are always willing to help in an effort to exceed the expected level of performance.
- A student dismissed from school for attendance or academic reasons may reapply for admission. The student may be readmitted by approval of the Dean or on recommendation of a committee appointed by the Dean, and will be allowed to complete all subjects necessary for graduation.
- Receiving a failing grade ("F") requires a meeting with the instructor/Dean, who determines the cause(s) of such failure and devises a corrective plan of action.
- The admissions department, on the recommendation of faculty, evaluates and considers awarding academic credits for credits earned at institutions accredited by agencies recognized by the United States Department of Education, or international institutions of similar profile, for relevant experience in the field, projects, volunteering, internships, or cooperative attachments.
- The admissions and academic departments conduct all such evaluations on a case-by-case basis and award appropriate credits. Peace University maintains the highest level of academic standing, and all credits awarded on any basis must reflect academic excellence.
- A student requesting such credits is to produce official transcript(s) and subject description(s) from their previous institution. Once the evaluation is complete, the Dean formally communicates the transferability of the credits to the student.
- Evaluation of such credits, projects, experience, and other options is an extensive and costly process requiring significant time and resources. Credit equivalency and transfer fees apply.
- Peace University requires that students complete all subjects and other stipulations in order to graduate from any program.
Academic Suspension & Termination
At the end of probation, if the student's grades do not meet the satisfactory academic progress policy, the student will be suspended or terminated, depending on the recommendation of the academic review committee. The student has a right to appeal the decision to the Dean in writing within two weeks of the decision.
Student Conduct & Conditions for Dismissal
Students who do not conduct themselves in an orderly, professional, and business-like manner, knowingly furnish false information to the school, exhibit dishonesty, are involved in cheating, plagiarism, forgery, profanity, excessive tardiness, insubordination, violation of safety rules, intentional disruption or obstruction of teaching, drug usage, other illegal substance or alcohol on school premises, alteration or use of school documents of identification with intent to defraud, or who do not abide by the school rules, are subject to either probation or dismissal.
Re-Entrance
- Any student who has dropped out of a program may be readmitted within one year by completing program requirements at the time, a personal interview with the Dean, and paying all dues at the time of readmission.
- Any student terminated academically may be readmitted within one year by completing a personal interview with the Dean and paying all fees due at the time of readmission. The student will be on probation for their first term. Any student terminated for misconduct may not be readmitted.
Attendance
While attendance as such is not required and students may study online or at a distance at their convenience, they are required to regularly communicate with their faculty and school staff, and are expected to demonstrate responsibility and promptness. If the school identifies a student demonstrating excessive tardiness or casual behavior regarding academic work, he/she may be subject to an interview with the faculty, Dean, review by the staff, or disciplinary action as appropriate.
Leave of Absence
Students who do not want to enroll in corresponding subjects or wish to take a sabbatical must get prior permission from the school.
Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain a CGPA of 2.0, complete all the work, assignments, projects, and pass all exams for each subject in order to receive the certificate of completion.
Student Records
The school maintains all student evaluations and grades for a period of three years. Student transcripts are kept securely online at redundant places permanently and are protected from fire, theft, and other perils.
- Upon enrollment, the enrollee receives a copy of the "Enrollment Agreement."
- Students receiving financial aid will receive copies of all documents about the financial aid as mandated by law.
- Students receive progress reports at the conclusion of each program.
- Upon successful completion of a program of instruction, the graduate receives a corresponding diploma provided the requirements for graduation have been met.
Enrollment
Students schedule their classes per their convenience, and may enroll at any time and continue studying at their own pace. Advisement and counseling sessions are scheduled with the faculty or relevant staff.
Dropout & Withdrawal
- A student will be determined to have dropped out if the student is not attending to the work, assignments, and projects, or is unresponsive when contacted by the faculty or staff three consecutive times, and all of the instances are unexcused.
- A student choosing to withdraw from the school is to provide a signed and dated notice to the Dean with the expected last date of attendance.
- All refunds must be submitted within 30 days of the withdrawal date.
Grievance Procedure
- A student who has a complaint against any school-related matter, staff, faculty, or fellow student should first discuss the problem with the concerned person or the Dean's office. If a resolution is not reached, the student should make a written complaint and submit it to the Dean, including their full name, social security number, and current address; stating the concern with dates, times, instructors, or other students involved; and indicating three dates for a meeting with the Dean and/or an appointed member.
- The Dean or the appointed grievance committee will notify the student in writing of the appointment date, will hear the student and other concerned parties, will arrive at an appropriate solution, and will notify the student of the outcome in writing. The decision of the Dean or the appointed committee is final.
Section 6
The Peace Family
Apart from the regular full-time faculty and staff, adjunct and visiting faculty, volunteers, interns, temporary staff, and consultants are invited and involved as and when needed. Peace University is a community-driven institution guided by shared purpose and a commitment to service. Our organizational family spans administrators, educators, advisors, and community partners across the globe.
Organizational Structure
All positions reflect Peace University's zero-budget community model. Appointments are made on a volunteer basis by the Dean/Chancellor.
Faculty & Staff Directory
The following directory will be updated as appointments are confirmed. All personnel serve in a volunteer capacity consistent with Peace University's community institution model.
To inquire about faculty or staff positions — full-time, adjunct, visiting, volunteer, or consultant — please contact the Dean's office at dean@peace.university.