Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Change Management degree is a 100% online, flexible program. The six required core classes will meet synchronously one evening per week (Monday-Thursday). The time of each class will be established by faculty. Recordings or other accommodations can be made available when schedule conflicts arise. Live class sessions are designed to facilitate high-quality learning, deep engagement, and connection.

The four elective courses are also online and may fluctuate between having live, synchronous evening class sessions or being completely asynchronous courses (i.e., not requiring attendance in live sessions). All classes are taught by qualified faculty who give personal feedback to each student. 

Upon completion, graduates and their supporters will be invited to participate in-person in UVA’s historic Final Exercises!

Students can take between 1-5 years to complete the degree. We understand that different students have differing needs so we built flexibility into the program. The speed at which you complete the program is dependent upon the number of classes you take each semester, and whether you apply graduate elective credits earned to the degree. It is possible to complete the degree within one year (three semesters) or you can take up to five years to complete the degree, if you prefer to take classes at a slower rate.  

As a UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies student, you have incredible resources available to you, including: 

• New Student Orientation
• Academic advisor and success staff 
• Career support 
• A powerful network of peers and alumni
• Access to the UVA library system 
• Mental health support through Timely Care
• Technology support 24/7

You will earn a Master of Change Management degree in Change Management from the University of Virginia. 

What you will learn in the Master of Change Management degree program transcends industries, meaning what you learn can apply to many different types of organizations, and will support you as you traverse your career. It will also deliver the core knowledge, skills, and abilities mid- to senior-level management need to guide organizations and teams through complex changes confidently.

A Master's Degree in Change Management provides you a path to pursuing high-demand roles across industries, such as: 

• Change Management Analyst 
• Project Manager 
• Management Consultant 
• Artificial Intelligence/Digital Transformation Director 
• Human Resources Manager 
• Training and Development Manager 
• Chief Executive Officers and Senior Leaders

Our program also offers you the ability to customize your learning plan so you can build unique skillsets relevant to your professional goals and context. You can focus your elective choices in a wide variety of areas like leadership, human resources, project management or public administration. 

The capstone allows you to demonstrate mastery of change management with a comprehensive applied change proposal or project topic that is practically relevant to your work or interest. The capstone supports you in applying theoretical knowledge and practical tools to plan change that meets organizational goals, address stakeholder needs, and use data to inform decision-making and measure success. 

Absolutely. We encourage you to learn more about online learning and see resources for support available to current students. In addition, students can reach out at any time for help acclimating to online instruction. The orientation process will introduce students to the tech tools we use, and strategies for effective online learning. 

Yes! Your diploma will be from the University of Virginia. All graduates are invited to walk the historic UVA lawn during final exercises (graduation). 

When applications are available, you may create an account or sign into your previous account here. You will select the Master of Change Management program, the start term desired, and proceed through the application as guided. Once you submit your application, you will receive an automated confirmation.  

Application deadlines include: 

• To begin in the fall (August): application must be submitted by July 1 
• To begin in the spring (January): application must be submitted by November 1 
• To begin in the summer (June): application must be submitted by April 1 

Applicants must have:  

• A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution  

• Professional experience in the workforce (typically 3 or more years) 

In the application, the following must be provided: 

• Transcript of undergraduate record (and graduate record, if applicable) 
• Professional resume detailing professional experience, education, and other relevant accomplishments 
• Statement of purpose (approximately 500-750 words)   
• Two letters of recommendation that address applicant’s suitability for graduate study 
• TOEFL, IELTS scores (if applicable) meeting the following minimum requirements: 
• TOEFL: minimum total score of 90 on the computer-based portion; section minimums of 22 in speaking, 22 in writing, 23 in reading, and 23 in listening. 
• IELTS: minimum score of 6.5 in each band 

Yes. Federal financial aid is available to students, and the Student Financial Services office helps with this. We also have scholarship opportunities and payment plans. Learn more. 

Yes, you can take a class prior to applying and matriculating to the program. We advise speaking with a recruiter prior to enrolling in a course. Successful completion of coursework prior to application to the program does not guarantee admission to the program. You can learn more about beginning as a Visiting Student on our website.  

You can apply up to 12 graduate credits from a UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies certificate program to the degree, as long as the credit was earned within the past five years and you received a grade of B- or better in the class. You do not need to have earned a full certificate to apply the coursework towards electives in the master’s degree. Credits will apply toward the master’s degree elective options. If you have specific questions, we recommend you reach out to our team: scpscertificates@virginia.edu or the SCPS Certificate Advising Form. 

You may be able to apply 12 graduate credits earned in your certificate program, as long as that program was completed within the past five years and you received a grade of B- or better in the class. Credits will apply toward the master’s degree elective options. If you have specific questions, we recommend you reach out to our team: scpscertificates@virginia.edu or submit the SCPS Certificate Advising Form. 

You may be able to apply up to six credits toward the master’s degree program. To apply, courses must align with a similar elective offered in the master’s degree program, have been earned with a B- or better within the past five years, and not already be applied to a conferred degree.