Procurement and Contracts Management Certificate

The online graduate Procurement and Contracts Management Certificate is ideal for mid-level and senior professionals looking to level up in their careers, or people who are in an adjacent field and want to move into contract management. Covering the core competencies recognized by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), coursework focuses on procurement policy and practices, contract management, negotiation methods and the laws and regulations associated with federal government contracting.

After completing this program, you will walk away with a solid foundational knowledge, experience in the industry and the confidence to tackle something new in your field. You will find you can contribute more and are more effective and efficient in your role.

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As part of our shared commitment to our student success as they enter the workforce, UVA considers and uses NCMA’s ANSI-Approved Contract Management Standard™ (CMS) as the basis of its graduate Procurement and Contracts Management Certificate online program and course curricula and is committed to driving student success through its instruction of the phases, domains, competencies and skills that are common across the contract management profession. Through its alignment with the CMS, UVA prepares students for NCMA's CCMA certification which demonstrates proficiency in the CMS and is a strong steppingstone into the contract management profession.

Key Takeaways

• Graduate-level certificate
• 18 graduate credits / 6 courses / 12-24 months to complete on average
• Start dates: January, May, August
• Gain experience and education needed for a career in the quickly growing procurement and contracts management fields
• Gain core competencies recognized by the National Contract Management Association through a flexible online format
• Gain a thorough understanding of the Federal government contracting process

Key Industry Information

Purchasing Managers plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products and services. This category includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Purchasing Manager

SCPS’ Program Offers Advantages:

• Flexible programming: with core courses offered regularly, you can stay on your desired learning journey.
• One tuition rate: you’ll pay the same tution whether you reside in Virginia or out-of-state.
• Expert Faculty who understand adult learners: learn from Faculty who are experts in their industries and are experts at teaching. They understand the demands adult learners need to juggle and structure courses so you can balance your personal and professional life while learning.
• Synchronous learning opportunities: you’ll join online classes and can ask questions, dig deeper, and learn from instructors and classmates.

Tuition & Fees

• Estimated cost: $629 per credit hour or $11,322 for the entire program. Students pay per course, per semester.
• Pay the same tuition rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
• This program is not eligible for financial aid but may be covered by your employer’s education benefits program.
• You may take advantage of an optional, interest-free semester-based payment plan offered by the University to help spread the cost of eligible charges over monthly payment.
• Additional fees may apply, including course materials. Tuition rates are adjusted annually.

See Tuition Details

Scholarships

New and returning students in certificate or degree programs in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies are eligible to apply for the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. 

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

DEADLINE INFORMATION

• 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 (May): application must be submitted by April 1 

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This is a graduate-level certificate course. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree.

To apply:

1. Complete an online application, including:
   1. Submit your unofficial transcripts. Offers of admission are not binding until official transcripts are received and verified.
   2. Application for Virginia In-State Education Privileges to establish residency.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Required Courses (4)

Current and prospective students may contact scpsinquiry@virginia.edu with questions related to their journey and course schedule. 

PC 5010 - PROCUREMENT POLICY & PRACTICES

Covers all subchapters of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), providing an intensive review of practical, technical, business, and contractual issues that the government deals with in establishing and managing a federal contract. Topics such as acquisition process, governmental acquisition plans, inspection, and termination are covered as are some of the basics necessary for contracts and acquisition personnel.  

PC 5040 - ADVANCED CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Reinforces and increases knowledge of the principles of contract formation and administration. Major topics include: market research, acquisition and source selection planning, contract types and financing, RFPs, protests, subcontract administration, contract finance and debt collection, contract payments and prompt payments, termination, delays, quality assurance and changes, claims, and closeout. 

PC 5060 - FEDERAL ACQUISITION CASE STUDIES

Provides a basic understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to federal government contracting. Analyzes case studies dealing with federal contracting. Emphasizes ethical considerations, as well as the current and anticipated regulations and policies affecting federal procurement. 

PC 5100 - ADVANCED CONTRACTING BY NEGOTIATION

Provides a detailed explanation of contracting by the negotiation method as provided in the current Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 15. Reviews the policy and procedures in contracting by negotiation. 

Elective Courses (2)

PC 5020 - ADVANCED COST & PRICE ANALYSIS

Covers basic contract types and how to determine the costs for each. Includes how a business functions financially and how pricing decisions are made for a specific commodity; market versus cost-based pricing decisions; methodologies used in the development of cost analysis studies; and life cycle costing. 

PC 5170 - SEMINAR IN GOVERNMENT CONTRACT LAW AND ANALYSIS

Introduces students to government contract law principles, contract clauses and provisions, and legal aspects associated with the complete life cycle of the federal contracting process. Familiarizes students with government contract law in contract formation, management, and administration and students will gain a deep understanding of the essential elements of federal procurement law and the role of the contracting professional.

PC 5160 - STRATEGIC CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Explores how contractors obtain and retain federal customers with significant emphasis on: analysis, marketing, sales, proposals, and client retention strategies. 

PC 5200 - ADVANCED SUBCONTRACT MANAGEMENT

Designed to cover the technical, business, and contractual issues surrounding subcontract management from both the prime contractor and subcontractor perspectives.  Intended for both commercial and federal students. Covers the entire subcontract relationship from initiation through termination.

PSLP 5300 - FOUNDATIONS OF LEADERSHIP

Introduces students to various styles and theories of leadership. Through self-assessment and guided inquiry, students examine and create their own unique style of leadership. Students will develop approaches to adapt and modify leadership styles to various situations and individual personalities to influence organizational outcomes. 

PSLP 5320 - ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Focuses on the challenging role of leaders in today’s complex organizations. Identifies ways to adapt the organizational structures, policies, and management workforce to enhance competitive advantage. Topics include change management, organizational dynamics, and crisis management. Upon completion of the course students will be able to assess risk, perform root cause analysis, and employ effective decision-making processes. 

PSPM 5030 - INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT

PSPM 5030 Introduction to Project Management Introduces students to the various aspects of the project life cycle and project management. Explores best practices and the application of these best practices for project success.

PSPM 5230 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT: LEADERSHIP & MANAGING THE PROJECT TEAM

Analyzes the difference between leadership and management in the project management environment. Evaluates the role of the project manager as team leader, and reviews the application of various leadership and management techniques to project management. 

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

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