Procurement & Contracts Management - Graduate

Is this course being offered this semester?  You can check on the availability of a course through our course offering directory. Select the appropriate semester as well as the Northern Virginia Center.

Where can I get a course description?  Click on the course links to view a course description. 

How do I register for a course?  You can register for a course using our online registration form, or you can print the form and fax/mail it to the Northern Virginia Center. 

I’m interested in earning the certificate.  Must I have a degree and experience in the field of Federal procurement and contracting to apply to the program? Yes.  Both a degree and a minimum of two years of experience in the field of Federal contracting are required. 

I have a degree, but I do not meet the experience requirement.  Do I need to go through the entire U.Va. undergraduate certificate?  Students with an undergraduate degree who do not meet the experience requirement should begin with PC 401: or PC 401W Procurement and Contracts to become familiar with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.  PC 402 or PC 402W Contract Administration is also recommended prior to enrolling in the graduate certificate.  These 400-level courses will not be included in the credits needed to earn the graduate certificate.

I’m interested in earning the certificate.  Must I apply to the program? Yes, you must apply to earn the certificate.  You must apply to the program prior to enrollment in your last class. You can download an application.  You must provide a copy of your undergraduate transcript indicating that you have earned an undergraduate degree. Students intending to earn the certificate must maintain an average grade of C or better to continue in the program. Students without an undergraduate degree may take courses at the graduate level for electives within the undergraduate certificate (link to UG certificate).

I have credits from another institution that I would like to transfer to this certificate.  How do I know if they will transfer?  Transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted for this certificate. 

Can I enroll in just a few courses?  I’m not interested in earning the certificate.   Yes, you can enroll in courses without applying for the certificate. 

Will the 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 these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

Can I earn an MBA at the Northern Virginia Center?  No.  The U.Va. MBA is a residence-only program offered through the Darden School of Business in Charlottesville.  However, we do have articulation agreements with Strayer University and Mary Washington University.  U.Va. and Strayer have the 6+6 program in which students may take 6 graduate certificate courses at U.Va. and 6 MBA courses at Strayer, earning both the U.Va. certificate as well as the Strayer MBA.

Are your courses equivalent to the DAU (Defense Acquisition University) courses? We have several equivalencies.  Please contact the program director for details.

How many courses per semester may I take?  We do not have limits on the number of courses you can take each semester. 

What is the average length of time to complete the certificate?  The average is two years,  taking one course per semester. 

Is there a time limit on completing the certificate?  The time limit is five years.  However, students may request permission to extend the time limit due to personal circumstances.  

Is it possible to offer this program in my region?  Five of the six required courses and several electives are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere.  A substitution for PC 502 may be allowed for individuals that live outside of the Northern Virginia area. 

This certificate is available for on-site delivery on a contractual basis to businesses and government agencies.  Contact Stefan Gunther at 703-536-1144 or email sgunther@virginia.edu.

How can I find out more about this program?  Please contact the program director.  You can also join us for one of our information sessions, offered every semester.