History
Thomas Jefferson envisioned that his University of Virginia would prepare the young citizens of the Commonwealth and the nation to pursue productive careers in public service, agriculture and commerce. Since its founding, the University has educated students in a residential setting designed by Jefferson himself.
By 1915, however, it became apparent that the Founder’s vision extended to students who were not able to study and learn in Charlottesville. Therefore, a “Bureau of Extension” was organized to provide outstanding public service and continuing and professional studies programs to the citizens of Virginia and the nation.
Today, the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies annually serves thousands of nontraditional adult learners in credit and non-credit courses of study, as well as degree and certificate programs. The School creates opportunities for non-traditional students to study and learn with distinguished faculty across a number of academic disciplines on Grounds and across the Commonwealth. While some programs of study are focused on applied studies, SCPS students are also exposed to the traditional disciplines which serve as the foundation for all learning and scholarship.
On Grounds
The administrative and primary academic programming offices of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are housed in Zehmer Hall. Zehmer Hall also functions as a nonresidential center for conferences, seminars, workshops, and as a classroom building for degrees and courses offered in the Charlottesville region.
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Academic and Administrative Offices in Charlottesville
Steven E. Laymon, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Interim Dean
Zehmer Hall
104 Midmont Lane
P.O. Box 400764
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764
(434)982-5338 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Cynthia C. Reed, B.A., M.B.A., Associate Dean for Administration
(434) 982-5207 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Catherine Anderson, B.S., Ph.D., Interim Associate Dean for Academic Programs & Services
(703) 536-1127 (434) 982-5241 Fax: (434) 982-5550
George DiGiacomo, B.A., M.S., Associate Dean, Chief Information Officer
(434) 243-2588 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Off Grounds
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies has Academic Centers located in Abingdon, Charlottesville, Falls Church, Newport News, Richmond, and Roanoke, as well as the FBI National Academy Program in Quantico.
Certificate Programs
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers programs in specialized fields such as business, education, and other professions that lead to the award of certificates. Generally, certificate programs require 12 to 24 credits of instruction. Admission requirements for graduate certificate programs include an on-line application, transcripts, a resume, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, an application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, and payment of the application fee. Only courses completed with a grade of B- or better will count towards meeting the requirements of a graduate certificate.
Please consult the Programs/Courses section of this Record for more information about certificate programs or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu
