Frequently asked questions
How much is the tuition fee?
The tuition fee for this Master of Science Programme will be $26,892 US dollars for students starting in 2011. You will need to pay fees per teaching term in US dollars to VCU.
Are there any scholarships available for the program?
In 2009 and 2010 we were able to offer a number of half scholarships to IPAS students. We hope to find resources to offer them again this year. More information can be found under "Scholarships" in the left column.
Can I do this programme as a part-time student?
Yes the programme is offered on both a full-time and part- time basis. We do not recommend that students attempt to take the full-time programme while working full time because of the heavy course load.
Will the program help me to gain licensure or counseling skills?
No, there are no practical components in the IPAS program, so you will no be trained to gain any counseling or medical skills.
How does remote learning work?
Please read more about remote learning here.
Do I have to attend lectures oncampus at any time?
No, there is no on-campus attendance required for any part of this programme. All lectures and materials will be made available online and exams will be arranged near you.
How are exams arranged?
For some of the course, you will take your written exam (one of the test determining your grade) with an independent examiner at a location near you. You can nominate a person based on a number of selection criteria. Several courses use other ways of tesing your knowledge and understanding. Read more about exams.
Will I get one diploma?
Yes you will receive one testamur (diploma) after you have graduated. This testamur will bear the symbols of all three universities, as well as the signature of officials from all participating universities.
Do I need a Visa?
No, you will not need a visa since you do not have to attend any lectures or exams at any of the participating universities. Therefore, this course will not give you grounds to apply for a student visa for any of the three countries.
What English level is required?
A proficient level of English can be demonstrated by completion of a university qualification studied at an approved university where English is the first language or by providing evidence of meeting English language requirements: either an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 600 paper based or 250 computer based. We are very strict in these requirements, since your English proficiency strongly affects your chance of success in the program.
I don't have a university degree but have worked in the addiction field for a long time. Can I apply?
To enter this programme you will need a bachelor level qualification (4 years of full-time under-graduate study). This is a very intensive program, so we have to be quite strict. Check here if your education level is high enough. Because students will be admitted to three universities, we are not able to be flexible about these requirements. You can always contact the IPAS staff to check if you are eligabile if you have a non-standard career path. Please email ipas@vcu.edu. A strong academic training and research experience will improve your changes of doing well in the programme.
Is there a maximum to the number of students that you can admit?
Yes, we can only take 40 new students so apply as soon as possible to increase your chances.
Does online study mean that I can study in my own pace?
No, all students take the same courses and topics at the same time. Online learning offers flexibility in when you study during the week (at night, during weekend), but you will need to study 15-20 hours a week for the part-time programme and 20-40 for the full-time programme.
