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 and beyond.
The School Today
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) helps working adults finish their degrees and/or 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 thousands of students who pursue their studies part-time while balancing other obligations, like work and family.
SCPS offers Bachelor degree completion programs, professional certificates, a Master of Public Safety, a Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical program, a Post-Baccalaureate Accounting program and career-focused noncredit programs.
Off Grounds
Many of the School’s programs are offered online and are accessible throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. The School has locations in: Charlottesville, Virginia Beach and 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 Charlottesville. SCPS also hosts many conferences, seminars, workshops, credit and noncredit classes offered in the Charlottesville area.
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/Courses section of this Record for more information about certificate programs or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu
Degree Program
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies offers a Master of Public Safety (MPS) degree program. This online program is designed for working public safety professionals who want to improve their leadership skills.
Please consult the Programs/Courses section of this Record for more information about this program or the School of Continuing and Professional Studies website: www.scps.virginia.edu
Post Baccalaureate Offerings
The University of Virginia Post Baccalaureate Pre-Medical course series offers a collaborative environment and structured experience for career-changers with a strong undergraduate record who have not completed the medical school prerequisites.
In 11 months, UVA Post Bacc Pre-Med students take required science courses while being guided by dedicated advisors in the preparation of medical school application materials. Students augment their clinical exposure through shadowing and volunteer opportunities at the UVA Health System and other regional sites and attend regular class sessions taught by a physician focusing on the US healthcare system, professionalism, and bioethics. The course series also includes MCAT materials and guidelines for students to prepare for the medical school admissions test.
The Post Bacc Pre-Med course series is not designed to help students strengthen an otherwise weak academic record or to repeat pre-medical science course requirements. For more information visit online at www.scps.virginia.edu.
The Post Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate Program is a 30-credit program intended to prepare students to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The certificate will provide a foundation in accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial finance. Upon completion of the certificate program, graduates will be able to apply financial and accounting principles and develop and interpret financial statements. Graduates will have the accounting background, knowledge, and skills to become a public accountant or work within an organization as an accountant. For more information visit www.scps.virginia.edu
