Academic Division
Certificate programs provide a means for improving and increasing skills in a particular area or exploring a career in a different field. Criteria have been established that govern credit and non-credit certificate programs at the University of Virginia.
A student who is enrolled in a credit or non-credit certificate program at the University.
An academic program offered by one of the University’s schools in which all instruction is offered on a for-credit basis and which culminates in the conferral of a certificate by the University. There are three types of credit certificate programs:
A professional certification credential offered by one of the University’s schools in which all instruction is offered on a non-credit basis and which culminates in the conferral of a professional certificate by the University and recognized by a relevant professional organization.
A certificate program at the University must meet the criteria as established below and receive all required approvals as noted.
A professional (non-credit) certificate program at the University meets the following criteria:
A professional (non-credit) certificate program must be approved by the school’s faculty (according to the established academic review procedures of the school), the school’s dean, and the executive vice president and provost. Professional (non-credit) certificate programs offered through distance education or at locations away from Grounds (e.g., employer facilities, etc.) may require additional approvals beyond those noted above.
Certificate programs do not require the approval of the University’s Board of Visitors.
Review and Approval Processes Related to Academic Programs and Academic Organization
This is the first version of this policy.