Radford University

What is the history of Radford University?

Radford University is a public university in Radford, Virginia, whose roots are in teacher education. It opened in 1910 as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford, preparing women for teaching and other professional work.

The institution later became a teachers college. It was associated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute during part of the twentieth century, regained its independent identity as Radford College in 1964, began admitting men in the 1970s, and became Radford University in 1979. Those changes help explain its present mix of education, liberal arts, business, health, and professional programs.

A more recent development was the integration of Jefferson College of Health Sciences into the university in 2019. The resulting Radford University Carilion presence in Roanoke expanded its health-professions education beyond the main Radford campus. Applicants to a clinical program should check which campus hosts its classes and placements.

What are the faculties and departments at Radford University?

Radford University offers undergraduate and graduate study across liberal arts, sciences, business, education, the arts, and health professions. Its academic organization includes the Davis College of Business and Economics; colleges devoted to education and human development, humanities and behavioral sciences, science and technology, visual and performing arts, and health and human services; and graduate studies.

Representative undergraduate subjects include accounting, biology, computer science, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology, social work, and the performing arts. Graduate and professional offerings extend into areas such as education, business, health care, and the helping professions. Health-related programs may be based in Radford, Roanoke, or clinical settings, so the location of a particular degree matters.

Program requirements can differ considerably. A student comparing nursing, teacher preparation, or another licensure-oriented major should examine that program's admission sequence, clinical or fieldwork requirements, and applicable state licensing rules - not just the university's general admission requirements.

What is the location of Radford University?

Radford University's main campus is in Radford, a small city in Virginia's New River Valley. The setting is less urban than a large-city campus, while the nearby communities of Christiansburg and Blacksburg add regional shopping, services, and employment options.

The university also has a health-education presence in Roanoke through Radford University Carilion. Students should not assume that a program described as being at Radford University meets on the main campus; class and clinical locations vary by degree.

For travel farther afield, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport serves the region, but getting between the airport and campus generally requires a ground-transportation plan. Students who expect to commute should also account for parking rules and the distance between any classroom and clinical sites.

What is the mission and vision of Radford University?

Radford University describes its mission in terms of accessible public higher education, student learning, and service to its region and beyond. Its stated priorities include teaching, scholarly and creative work, and preparation for professional and civic life.

That mission is reflected in its combination of broad undergraduate study and career-specific programs, particularly in education and health professions. These are the university's stated aims rather than evidence that every student will have the same experience. Prospective students can assess how the mission works in practice by looking at their intended program's curriculum, advising, experiential requirements, and outcomes.