Professional Learning

Why consider a graduate certificate?

• Advance your career: Our certificates are designed to help you gain specialized skills and credentials that can open doors to new roles or leadership opportunities—without the time commitment of a full degree.
• Build new skills: Whether you're looking to sharpen your expertise or explore a new area, our programs provide focused, high-impact learning experiences aligned with industry needs.
• Enjoy flexible learning: Designed with working professionals in mind, our certificate programs offer flexible scheduling options so you can balance learning with your other commitments.
• Stack your credentials: Many of our certificates can serve as a stepping stone toward a full graduate degree, allowing you to earn credit now and apply it later.
• Pivot to a new path: If you're exploring a career change, our certificates can help you gain foundational knowledge and confidence in a new field.
• Pursue your interests: Sometimes, learning is its own reward. Our programs let you dive into topics you're passionate about, with the support of expert faculty and a collaborative community.

Why consider enrolling in a course series?

• Gain focused expertise: Our course series are designed to provide in-depth learning on a specific topic or skillset—giving you practical tools you can apply right away.
• Stay current in your field: Whether you're in education, healthcare, business, or another profession, our course series help you keep pace with evolving practices, research, and technology.
• Learn at your pace: With flexible formats and schedules, you can choose the pace that works for you—whether you want to move quickly or take your time.
• Boost your resume: A completed course series can demonstrate continued professional development and initiative, helping you stand out to employers.
• Try something new: Course series are a great way to explore a new subject area without a long-term commitment, and may even spark interest in further study.
• Connect with a learning community: You’ll engage with faculty and peers who share your interests, creating opportunities for discussion, networking, and collaboration.

Endorsements

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) sets the requirements for adding an endorsement. Teachers with a current Virginia teaching license who wish to add an endorsement may take a course series to prepare them to add an endorsement, whether through the full course series or the exams. Teachers should consult with a UVA advisor to plan the best pathway for them.

Open Enrollment Courses

Not sure about committing to a graduate degree or certificate program? Sample our courses by enrolling as a non-degree seeking student. Most of our courses are fully online. Students should fill out the non-degree student application at least a week prior to the start of the desired term. Early submission is recommended to secure spots in desired classes.

We offer open-enrollment courses in topics such as:

• Administration and Supervision
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Early Childhood Education
• English as a Second Language
• Gifted Education
• Higher Education/Sports Administration
• Human Development
• Instructional Technology
• Licensure and Endorsements
• Reading Education
• Social and Emotional Learning
• Social Foundations
• Special Education