History
For over 100 years, the University of Virginia’s extension programs have reached beyond Grounds to support our neighbors. Early in its history, the School loaded rail cars with books and brought the library to remote corners of the Commonwealth. It also offered a “School of Citizenship” across the Commonwealth to prepare women for voting when they won the right to vote.
It is an approach to higher education that erases distinctions of class, and race, and geographic distance. The School’s name has changed over time, but its mission has remained consistent: to provide life-long learning to the people of Virginia.
The School Today
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) helps working adults finish their degrees and advance in their careers. The School offers a variety of online and in-person programs designed for part-time, non-residential students. There are many paths to a great education, and SCPS serves the millions of students who pursue their studies part-time while balancing other obligations, like work and family.
SCPS offers Bachelor’s degree completion programs, professional certificates, a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical program, and career-focused, noncredit programs.
Contact Information
Off Grounds
Many of the School’s programs are offered online and are accessible throughout the Commonwealth. The School also has locations in: Abingdon, Charlottesville, Falls Church, Richmond, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach 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 region.
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies
Academic and Administrative Offices in Charlottesville
Alex Hernandez, B.A., M.A., M.B.A., Dean
Zehmer Hall
104 Midmont Lane
P.O. Box 400764
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764
(434) 982-5206
Fax: (434) 982-5550
Cynthia C. Reed, B.A., M.B.A., Associate Dean for Administration
(434) 982-5207 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
George DiGiacomo, B.A., M.S., Associate Dean, Chief Information Officer
(434) 243-2588 Fax: (434) 982-5550
Additional Information
Certificate Programs
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers programs in specialized fields such as business, government, healthcare, 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, 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/CoursesPrograms/Courses section of this Record for more information about certificate programs or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu
