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Official Academic Catalog — 2026–28 Edition

Academic Catalog 2026–28.

The complete reference for programs, policies, financial information, academic standards, and the community of Peace University, USA.

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.

Peace University serves a global community of learners through flexible, technology-enabled undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs.

University Details

Registered Address

26895 Slash Pine Cir,
Ruther Glen, VA 22546-3500, USA

Contact

+1 202 681 3535

admissions@peace.university

Website

www.peace.university

Program Overview

Seven levels. One pathway.

Peace University offers programs spanning seven academic levels. Each program is designed with flexibility, innovation, and real-world applicability through four approved learning pathways: Research, Equivalency/Experience Evaluation, Challenge Exam, and Coursework.

Non-Degree

Certificate

15 Credits

Non-Degree

Diploma

24 Credits

Undergraduate

Associate

60 Credits

Undergraduate

Bachelor's

120 Credits

Postgraduate

PG Diploma

24 Credits

Graduate

Master's

36 Credits

Graduate

Doctorate

76 Credits
Our Purpose

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 aligned with the goals and objectives of the institution.

To collaborate, build alliances, partnerships, and global relationships with institutions sharing the same mission and vision.

The philosophy behind these offerings is to prepare citizens to face the challenges of our times with a balanced and 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.

Admissions

Entrance Requirements & Admissions

Begin your journey at Peace University with a simple and transparent admission process.

Entrance Requirements

  • Submit an online application with all required documents.
  • High school diploma or GED required for Diploma, Associate, and Bachelor's programs.
  • Bachelor's degree required for Postgraduate programs.
  • No prerequisite required for Certificate programs.
  • Competency tests or interviews may be required when applicable.
Apply Online →

Credit Transfer & Experience

  • Transfer credits may be accepted after academic evaluation.
  • Additional courses may be required to meet program standards.
  • Professional, military, and trade experience may qualify for credits.
  • Credits are awarded based on evaluations, exams, projects, and faculty recommendations.

Financial Information

Tuition & Fees

Affordable tuition plans with scholarship opportunities for eligible students.

Program App Fee Credits Per Credit Tuition Total Scholarship 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

A $50 application fee applies to all programs. Transfer and prior learning evaluations require a $50 fee. Scholarships up to 90% of tuition may be awarded. Total minus scholarship amount equals the final amount due to the University.

Student Policies

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Guidelines regarding withdrawals, refunds, and enrollment termination.

Enrollment Cancellation

Students may cancel the Enrollment Agreement without penalty by notifying the school in writing within three business days after signing.

Withdrawal & Refunds

After the cancellation period, refunds are determined according to the Enrollment Agreement and applicable State of Virginia policies.

Registration Fee

The school may retain a registration fee up to $200 after the three-business-day cancellation period.

School Termination

Termination may occur due to non-payment, misconduct, or failure to achieve required academic progress.

Program Withdrawal

Peace University reserves the right to withdraw programs. In such cases, all paid amounts will be refunded.

Special Circumstances

Students unable to complete studies due to serious circumstances may receive a satisfactory settlement from the school.

Any excess payments made by a student who withdraws or discontinues studies will be refunded within 45 days from the date of notification. Withdrawal requests must be submitted in writing to the Dean.

Academic Structure

Program Requirements

Flexible learning pathways designed to recognize knowledge, experience, and academic achievement.

Credit Hours

Certificate 15
Diploma 24
Associate 60
Bachelor's 120
Post Graduate Diploma 24
Master's 36
Doctorate 76
🔬 01

Research

Earn your degree through original scholarly inquiry and academic investigation.

💼 02

Experience

Convert professional and life experience into accredited academic credit.

📝 03

Challenge Exam

Demonstrate your knowledge through exams and earn credits for existing skills.

📚 04

Coursework

Complete structured academic study with advisor-guided coursework.

Academic Programs

Concentrations & Majors

Explore flexible fields of study designed around leadership, research, professional growth, and personal development.

Leadership * Spirituality * Marketing * Ethics * Media * Divinity * Activism & Lobbying * Theology * FundRaising * Interfaith Studies * Holistic Healing * Faith Administration * Non Profit Management * Faith-Based Management * Government Programs * Project Management * Financial Management * Research Methods * Instructional Technology * Social Media * Technology * Management * Counseling * Peace Administration *

* Available for faith-based institutions. Contact the Academic Dean for additional information and research areas.

Program Description

Peace University offers innovative and flexible academic programs designed to enhance learning potential, critical thinking, and independent research skills beyond traditional education models.

Flexible Learning Path

Students work with academic advisors to select subjects, create personalized programs, and build career pathways through modular learning options.

Research-Based Education

All programs promote scholarly research, analysis, creativity, and practical application through modern distance learning technologies.

Academic Progression

Students may progress from Certificate (15 credits), Diploma (24), Associate (60), Bachelor's (120), Master's (36), and Doctorate (76) with advisor approval.

Academic Pathways

Program Objectives

Each program level is designed to support academic growth, professional development, and research excellence.

Certificate

Provides an opportunity to explore knowledge in a selected concentration. Certificate programs are independent modules and may serve as a foundation for Diploma or Bachelor's studies. Academic advising is required.

Diploma

Helps learners develop deeper understanding and specialized knowledge in a chosen field. Diploma programs may support progression toward Bachelor's studies with academic guidance.

Associate & Bachelor's Degrees

Develops scholastic ability and in-depth expertise within a chosen discipline. These programs prepare students for professional pathways through theory, research, and practical application.

Master's Degree

Designed to achieve advanced mastery, academic excellence, and professional advancement through specialized study and research within a knowledge area.

PhD

Doctorate

The highest academic achievement focused on advanced investigation and research. Students explore specific problems related to industry or society and demonstrate exceptional scholarly and research capabilities.

Academic Catalog

Program Descriptions

Flexible academic pathways designed through collaborative learning and advisor-guided study.

Learning Structure

Each subject carries 3 credit hours and approximately 50 clock hours of study. Programs follow collaborative learning unless otherwise specified.

Academic Approval

Faculty and academic advisors review and approve programs, prerequisites, and enrollment requirements.

Subject Selection

Students select subjects according to their study level and career goals with advisor guidance.

Course Levels

100–400 level subjects support undergraduate programs, while 500–900 level subjects are designed for graduate and postgraduate studies.

English Proficiency Requirement

Students who have not studied in English-medium schools may need TOEFL/IELTS testing or completion of required English language credits before beginning their program.

Degree Requirements

Certificate 15 Credits
Diploma 24 Credits
PG Diploma 24 Credits
Associate 60 Credits
Bachelor's 120 Credits
Master's 36 Credits
Doctorate 76 Credits

Learning Framework

Mode of Instruction

Flexible, technology-driven learning designed for modern students and working professionals.

Collaborative Learning Platform

Peace University uses CLIP, VLIP, and PLEP learning environments combined with traditional methods to provide flexible education at the student's own pace, time, and terms.

Flexible Adult Learning

Students can continue professional activities while earning Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees through innovative learning technologies and global education partnerships.

Structuring a Study Plan

01

Academic Advisor and Dean approval is required before starting any program.

02

Students may combine subjects according to program level, goals, and academic requirements.

03

Challenge exams, previous learning, and work experience require supporting documentation and approval.

04

Programs are designed to be flexible, focused, and aligned with individual career objectives.

05

Research, thesis, seminars, and advanced projects require approved proposals before enrollment.

06

Students must prepare study outlines and submit materials for review before starting their program.

Students are encouraged to suggest innovative programs, subjects, or learning plans. Each approved contribution can become part of their academic journey.

Course Catalog

Subject List 100–400 Series

Associate & Bachelor's level subjects. Each subject carries 6 credit hours unless otherwise specified.

111 6 Credits

Special Topics I

Contemporary or historical topics aligned with academic and career goals through seminars, projects, or independent study.

222 6 Credits

Special Topics II

Advanced exploration of selected topics as a continuation of Special Topics I or independent study.

333 6 Credits

Special Topics III

Seminar, project, or independent learning based on approved academic objectives.

444 6 Credits

Special Topics IV

Advanced subject option through research, seminars, projects, or independent study.

190 6 Credits

Research Project I

Academic research project aligned with student goals and advisor approval.

290 6 Credits

Seminar I

Student-led academic presentation and knowledge development with advisor approval.

390 6 Credits

Research Project II

Advanced research development as continuation or independent academic work.

490 6 Credits

Seminar II

Advanced seminar subject focused on academic presentation and research.

Internship I & II

Practical workplace learning experience applying classroom knowledge in real environments.

398 / 498 • 6 Credits

Independent Studies I–IV

Student-selected topics studied under advisor supervision through papers, exams, or research work.

112 • 212 • 312 • 412

Student Resources

University Library

Comprehensive academic resources supporting research, learning, and scholarly activities.

📚

Knowledge & Research Center

Peace University continuously develops information resources and services that support students, faculty, and staff, including books, professional journals, periodicals, audiovisual materials, digital resources, workstations, and other academic materials.

A wide range of online information sources is available to assist with research, scholarly activities, and academic excellence.

Academic Guidelines

Policies & Procedures

Academic standards, grading policies, progress requirements, and student support information.

Grading System

Grade Description Points
A Superior 4
B Good 3
C Average 2
D Below Average 1
F Failed 0
I / W Incomplete / Withdrawn 0

GPA Formula: Total Quality Points Earned ÷ Total Units of Credit Attempted = Grade Point Average.

Scholarships

Peace University provides academic excellence, work-based, and need-based scholarships with support opportunities of up to 100% tuition assistance.

Contact the admissions office for scholarship, financial aid, loans, and available support programs.

Standards for Satisfactory Progress

✓ Complete tests and assignments with at least 60% overall performance.

✓ Maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0 throughout the program.

✓ More than two D grades require subject repetition.

Academic Standards

Academic Probation

Policies supporting student success, academic improvement, and credit evaluation standards.

Academic Requirements

Students must maintain a minimum CGPA of 2.0. More than two D grades require subjects to be repeated until satisfactory completion.

Academic Support

Students on probation are encouraged to seek assistance from faculty and academic staff to improve performance.

Failed Grades

An "F" grade requires a meeting with the instructor or Dean to develop a corrective academic plan.

Readmission

Students dismissed for academic or attendance reasons may reapply with Dean approval.

Credit Evaluation

Previous education, professional experience, projects, internships, and accredited coursework may be evaluated for academic credit.

  • ✓ Official transcripts required
  • ✓ Subject descriptions must be provided
  • ✓ Case-by-case academic review
  • ✓ Transfer fees may apply

Peace University maintains high academic standards. All awarded credits must meet academic excellence requirements, and students must complete all required subjects and program conditions for graduation.

University Policies

Academic Rules & Regulations

Guidelines for academic standing, student conduct, enrollment, and graduation requirements.

Academic Suspension

Students failing to meet satisfactory progress may face suspension or termination. Appeals may be submitted to the Dean within two weeks.

Student Conduct

Professional behavior, honesty, academic integrity, and compliance with university rules are required at all times.

Re-Entrance

Former students may request readmission within one year through Dean approval, interview, and completion of required conditions.

Attendance

Online learners must maintain regular communication with faculty and demonstrate academic responsibility.

Leave of Absence

Students requesting a break from studies must obtain prior approval from the university.

Graduation Requirements

Students must maintain CGPA 2.0, complete assignments, projects, and successfully pass all subject requirements.

Student Records

Academic records and evaluations are securely maintained, with transcripts preserved permanently online.

Enrollment

Students may enroll at convenient times and complete studies at their own pace with academic guidance.

Dropout & Withdrawal

Withdrawal requires written notice to the Dean. Eligible refunds are processed according to university policy.

Grievance Procedure

Students should first discuss concerns with the concerned person or Dean's office. If unresolved, a written complaint may be submitted for review by the Dean or grievance committee. The final decision will be communicated in writing after evaluation.

University Community

The Peace Family

A global community of educators, advisors, volunteers, and partners working together through shared purpose and service.

Peace University includes full-time faculty, adjunct and visiting faculty, volunteers, interns, consultants, and community partners. Together they support academic growth and the university mission worldwide.

Organizational Structure

Chancellor / President

Position Open

Board Chair

Volunteer

Academic Dean

Position Open

Director of Operations

Position Open

Admissions Director

Position Open

Registrar

Position Open

Student Services

Position Open

Chief Financial Officer

Position Open

Faculty & Staff Directory

Academic Dean

Office of the Dean

Position Open

Director of Admissions

Admissions Office

Position Open

Registrar

Academic Records

Position Open

Student Services

Student Affairs

Position Open

Faculty and staff positions are updated as appointments are confirmed. For full-time, adjunct, visiting, volunteer, or consultant opportunities, contact the Dean's office.