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 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.
The School Today
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.
Contact Information
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.
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 area.
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
George DiGiacomo, B.A., M.S., Associate Dean, Chief Information Officer
(434) 243-2588 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Damon R. Wade, B.S., M.A., M.P.A., Ph.D., Associate Dean for Student Services and Enrollment Management
(434) 982-5345 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Vacant, Interim Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services
Additional Information
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 undergraduate certificate programs include an on-line application, 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 C or better will count towards meeting the requirements of an undergraduate certificate.
Please consult the Departments/Programs section of this Record for more information about certificate programs or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu
Degree Information
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers two undergraduate degree programs, Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) and Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management (BPHM).
Please consult the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies or the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Health Sciences Management section of this Record or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website for additional information: www.scps.virginia.edu
Non-credit Courses and Programs
Non-credit programs are designed for individuals interested in substantive intellectual activities, but who do not require additional credit or degree study. These offerings explore complex issues in formats suited to the distinctive educational agenda of each program of study.
The flexibility of non-credit programming permits faculty from different disciplines to share insights on subjects in a way that would not be possible in a traditional class format.
Non-credit programming fosters collaboration between University of Virginia faculty and renowned scholars from other institutions; political, cultural, and business leaders; and noted artists and authors. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies program developers work closely with other University faculty and with representatives of the client audience in designing programs to ensure that the University extends its teaching and research resources to the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond.
Organizational representatives and individuals are encouraged to discuss their education and training needs with the SCPS directors of academic outreach, who can respond rapidly and effectively. For further information, contact one of our SCPS regional academic outreach directors or consult our website at www.scps.virginia.edu
SCPS Custom Education
Overview
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) works with organizations to educate the workforce of the future and to leverage its resources for the benefit of the citizens of the Commonwealth. In today’s knowledge-driven economy, SCPS is committed to actively engaging industry, government, and community groups to identify solutions that it is uniquely positioned to address.
With custom programs and courses, SCPS helps organizations maintain their competitive edge by addressing their unique professional development needs and challenges. For decades, SCPS has utilized this customized approach to respond to the professional development needs of a wide variety of professions, including:
- businesses and organizations
- federal, state, and local government agencies
- international organizations
Customized Educational Solutions
With a customized educational program from SCPS, your employees will receive content based on expertise in curriculum development and taught by UVA faculty and experienced instructors who understand the importance of combining critical theories and concepts with practical, immediately implementable solutions.
Content can be delivered in a variety of learning environments including classroom (at UVA or onsite at your business or organization), online, or in a blended approach that combines classroom and online learning. Depending on the depth and breadth of the content, SCPS will work with you to determine how best to structure the instruction through half-day or full-day workshops, week-long or semester-long courses, or multi-semester courses leading to the completion of a credential, such as a University certificate. Please consult the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu.
UVA Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program
The UVA Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program is designed for individuals with exceptional academic records who have not fulfilled their pre-medical prerequisites as an undergraduate and seek the science coursework which will enable them to apply to medical school. This full-time, twelve month program’s focus is the education and immersion of students in the pre-medical science curriculum and the medical field through volunteering and shadowing opportunities. The Program includes MCAT preparation materials and support and individual guidance throughout the medical school application process. The Post-Bac Pre-Med Program is not designed to help students strengthen an otherwise weak academic record or to repeat premedical science course requirements. For more information visit the program online at www.scps.virginia.edu.
Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program - Curriculum
The program curriculum engages students in the prerequisite science education necessary to apply to medical school as well as to prepare students to sit for the MCAT examination. The program is completed in one year of study, beginning with the summer session, followed by courses in the fall and spring semesters. Opportunities for engaging in volunteer experiences are also built into the program. The core Post-Bac Pre-Med curriculum includes an established series of science courses and labs that are required for application to medical school. This includes two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses, along with associated labs. A biochemistry course is offered in the spring semester. Additionally, Post-Bac Pre-Med students take a course on the U.S. Health Care System taught by the medical director of the program.
Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program - Admissions
College graduates from an accredited college or university who seek the requisite science courses for medical school admission may apply. Program admission is highly selective and competitive. Exceptional academic grades and letters of recommendation, along with strong commitment to and motivation for medicine are characteristic of program students. In addition, the admissions committee will give preference to applicants with work experience and/or relevant volunteer experience in a clinical setting. Acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis so it is recommended to apply early.
Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for admission, applicants must submit the following materials:
- A completed online application
- Two letters of recommendation
(Preferably one faculty reference highlighting the applicant’s academic abilities and another work-related or volunteer reference.)
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges and/or universities, demonstrating excellent academic performance
- A current resume reflecting education as well as work and volunteer experiences
- Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges, if seeking in-state tuition eligibility
- Standardized ACT or SAT scores previously submitted to your undergraduate institution; GRE scores may be substituted–UVA Testing Codes: ACT: 4412 / EST (SAT I and SAT II): 5820 / GRE R5820
Applications for admission will be accepted annually beginning August 1. The application deadline is February 15. Review of completed applications begins each September 1 and acceptances are issued on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged. The student cohort size is approximately 35 students.
