In today’s evolving marketplace, businesses need experts who can navigate the complexities of procurement and contracts strategically and effectively. Professionals in procurement and contract management are responsible for sourcing goods and services, negotiating terms and ensuring compliance with legal and financial requirements.
Procurement and contract management are increasingly in-demand fields, with overall employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. There are strong career prospects in both the federal government and the private sector, in industries like healthcare, tech and manufacturing. If you’re a strategic thinker who enjoys negotiation and relationship building, contract management roles may be a promising choice for you.
Enhance your career potential with a graduate certificate
Whether you’re a mid-level or senior professional looking to level up your career, or you’re in an adjacent field and want to pivot into contract management, a graduate certificate in Procurement and Contracts Management can help you achieve your goals. Earning a graduate certificate signals to employers that you have the commitment, specialized knowledge, and practical skills to handle the full contract lifecycle, from negotiation to execution and oversight.
Why is this certificate relevant today?
With globalization and digital transformation reshaping how businesses operate, demand for skilled contract managers is on the rise. In the next 10 years, the job growth is expected to outpace many other professions, with an estimated 61,100 job openings each year for purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents. Many of those openings will result from the need to replace workers in the federal and private sectors who exit the labor force (such as baby boomers retiring).
A graduate certificate demonstrates expertise in procurement regulations, risk mitigation, and compliance—capabilities that are especially valuable as organizations navigate increased federal spending and regulatory scrutiny. This credential not only enhances your resume but also helps you stand out in a landscape where employers seek candidates who can hit the ground running.
Learn more about UVA's online Procurement and Contracts Management certificate program
What will I learn?
The UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies’ graduate Procurement and Contracts Management Certificate program is based on the core competencies recognized by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and prepares students for the NCMA certification.
The graduate certificate provides focused, career-relevant training that gives you confidence to lead procurement initiatives and contribute to organizational success. Continuous learning is built into the contract management profession, because it crosses several disciplines like finance, accounting, IT, and more. Whether you’re on the industry or federal side, or newly breaking into the field, everyone has their own experiences and viewpoints. It is a very fluid profession with variations and challenges that make it unique, inspiring, and rewarding. As such, instructors at our school stress interactive learning and discussion during their classes so that students can share insights, knowledge and perspectives. The collaborative platform allows students to benefit from each other, as well as their instructors’ own professional experience.
Our curriculum was designed by active professionals in the contract management and procurement professions to include essential topics like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), procurement policy and practices, contract management, and negotiation.
