Procurement & Contracts Management (Graduate) FAQ

HOW MANY COURSES PER SEMESTER MAY I TAKE?

We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester. However, we recommend students with a full time work schedule to take no more than two courses per semester.

IS THERE A SEQUENCE I SHOULD FOLLOW?

There is no sequence in this program. However, we recommend starting with required/core courses.

ARE ALL OF THE COURSES IN THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACTS MANAGEMENT OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes.

CAN I ENROLL IN JUST A FEW COURSES? I’M NOT INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR ADMISSION AND EARNING THE CERTIFICATE.

Yes, you can enroll in courses without applying for admission to the certificate.

DO I NEED AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THIS CERTIFICATE?

Yes, an undergraduate degree is one of the requirements for certificate admission.  Please visit Apply for Admission for more information.

CAN I TAKE COURSES BEFORE APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO EARN THE CERTIFICATE?

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn the certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission.

CAN I TRANSFER CREDIT INTO THIS PROGRAM FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course will count towards one elective course in the certificate program, and must have been taken within the last three years. Transfer courses are not accepted for required courses in the certificate. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.  Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services 

WHAT GRADES MUST I EARN TO BE AWARDED THE CERTIFICATE?

Students must earn a B- or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B-, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate.

WILL CREDITS FROM THIS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Selected courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

DOES THIS CERTIFICATE LEAD TO A DEGREE PROGRAM?

The graduate Certificate in Procurement & Contracts Management is designed to be a stand-alone certificate program. However, students interested in completing the certificate program and then pursuing degree programs with other institutions are encouraged to contact those institutions for their specific policies on the acceptance of transfer credit.

WILL THE COURSES IN THIS PROGRAM ALLOW ME TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATIONS AT THE NATIONAL CONTRACT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (NCMA)?

This certificates supports preparation for the NCMA Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) and  Certified Contract Management Associate (CCMA) certifications. In addition, credits earned from this program will help in satisfying the continuing professional education (CPE) requirement in obtaining certifications at NCMA. Please visit NCMA for certification requirements and qualifications.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARNING A CERTIFICATE AND GAINING CERTIFICATION?

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO EARNING A CERTIFICATE VS. A DEGREE?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

Still have questions? Don't hesitate to contact us.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.