mastering your phd uva

Mastering Your PhD

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Doctoral program admission request

As soon as you are appointed, you can register to be admitted to the doctoral program, for which the form can be found here . After you and your supervisor have signed, please send the form to [email protected] or Renate for further processing with the faculty. Please send a copy of your Master diploma as well as a copy of passport along with the document. You have 4 years after starting your PhD to register, but we recommend you to do this in your first year, as you cannot plan your promotion if you are not in the datebase. A complete overview of the doctorate regulations is available online .

T raining and S upervision P lan

Upon appointment, the PhD student together with the supervisor(s) (i.e. promotor and -if not the same- the daily supervisor) prepare a Training and Supervision Plan ('TSP' and in Dutch: 'O pleidings- en Begeleidingsplan', OBP ) that will be evaluated and adjusted where necessary during the regular progress meetings. If necessary, the HIMS management shall ensure that this plan is drafted within the first 6 months of starting. The HIMS management will inform supervisor and PhD student when these meetings should be organized. The template for the TSP can be found here . 

Mandatory courses

Please also register for the following mandatory courses in year 1 and include their dates in your TSP.

Mastering your PhD

The mandatory course Mastering your PhD consists of seven meetings spread over three years, aiming to prepare PhD candidates in the best possible way for their PhD career at the Faculty of Science. It is designed with the help and input of PhD candidates as well as senior researchers/teachers.

This course will help you develop your transferable skills; skills that have been proven to be influential during a career inside and outside of academia. In the first year, you will learn about time management, effective communication skills and your own skills and strengths. In the second year, we will focus on scientific integrity and intervision with your peers. Lastly, in year three, you will focus on career development and you will receive more information about the dissertation procedures.

It is not possible to sign up for this course yourself, you will be invited. For other PhD candidates, such as bursarials, guests, external candidates or PhDs under contract with FOM, participation is optional.

Didactic skills

The Teaching and Learning Centre organizes several modules helping you to acquire the skills you need. The following modules are obligatory if you will be teaching groups:

Module 1:  You as a teacher

Module 2:  Didactical skills: the basics

Module 3:  The learning environment you create

Module 4:  You and the group

You can sign up for this module via Didactical Modules TLC 2 3 . The available dates are on the registration form.

Do you have any questions? Please contact [email protected]

9-months evaluation

After 9 months, the first assessment takes place. A negative assessment leads to the premature termination of the temporary appointment. The file for the 9-months evaluation can be found here . 

Once you and your supervisor have signed the form, please submit it to [email protected] for further signature and uploading into your HR dossier.

Joint docorate

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PhD Program Overview

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The PhD Program

A Letter from the Director of Graduate Studies

Thank you for your interest in our PhD program.  (Please note: UVa does not offer a terminal M.A. degree in economics. The AEA provides a  list of U.S. programs in economics for those seeking a master's degree.)

The Economics Department is one of over 30 programs within the  Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . The Ph.D. program in Economics provides training for careers in both teaching and research by emphasizing theory, quantitative methods, and early involvement in research.

The success of the program is reflected in our graduates'  job placements , which include highly ranked universities, such as Chicago, Columbia, UCLA, Cornell, Penn State, as well as excellent undergraduate institutions, such as Carleton and Brandeis. In a recent survey, UVA ranked fourteenth among graduate programs in academic placement. Many students also find summer or permanent employment in the nearby Washington area, e.g., at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Congressional Budget Office.

About 20 students enter our program each year. At any given time there are approximately 100 students in residence. Classes are small and students are able to work closely with faculty. Graduate students are provided with two computer labs, both equipped with up-to-date PCs and a wide selection of software.

In addition to taking the core courses in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics, doctoral students choose two fields of specialization from: Industrial Organization, International Economics, Macroeconomics, Public Economics, Econometrics, Theory, Development, and Labor. Virtually all graded courses can be completed by the end of the second year, so that students can begin dissertation research at an early stage (in the summer after the second year).

During the third and fourth years, students are active in one or more of the regularly scheduled workshops: Theory, Applied Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Public Economics, Econometrics, Development, and International Economics.

Applications and all credentials must be submitted through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences'  online application . The non-refundable application fee must be paid online via credit card. If you are eligible for an application fee waiver, please contact the Graduate School when you are ready to apply. The School's Dean of Admissions may waive the fee to members of certain  organizations . However, you should contact me directly if you think that your application may arrive later than the December 15th deadline.

All students who are admitted are offered the same aid package. Financial need will not affect your chances for admission.

Financial assistance to students admitted for Fall 2024 includes $30,600 per year ($24,480 during the academic year, and $6,120 during the summer), along with full tuition remission, and health insurance coverage. The offer is guaranteed for 5 years, conditional on maintaining good standing in the program. Full details are available in the  Financial Aid  section of our admission instructions.

In addition, the Graduate School administers a competitive fellowship program to support a sixth year of study for doctoral students who are poised to complete distinguished dissertations and enter the job market. In 2024-2025, 9 such fellowships will be offered, and the Graduate School plans to increase this number significantly in the coming years.

Your application and all supporting documents should reach the Graduate Admissions Office byDecember 15. (We admit students only for the fall semester.) Please note that you will need to present scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), but the advanced test in economics is not required. Complete details on our admission requirements are provided in the  Admission  section of this web site. If your question is not answered in the following pages, please e-mail Kristina Johnson , the Graduate Program Coordinator.

James Harrigan , Director of Graduate Studies

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N.B. In what follows, there is a distinction between ‘academic level’ and ‘term-in-residence.’ ‘Term-in-residence’ refers to the number of semesters you have enrolled in the PhD program at UVa. ‘Academic level,’ by contrast, refers to your progress through the curriculum.  For students entering without an M.A., these two coincide. However, students entering with an M.A. are usually granted ‘advanced standing’ for prior graduate coursework, which accelerates their progress through curriculum by one semester.  In such cases, your first term in residence is actually the second semester of academic level one.  Where students with advanced standing are concerned, a requirement that needs to be completed by the end of the sixth semester, for example, must be completed by the end of the  fifth  term-in-residence.

Corcoran Department of Philosophy, University of Virginia

Graduate Program

I. Degree Requirements

All graduate students should be familiar with the degree requirements specified in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Record. These include requirements concerning the payment of fees, due dates for degree applications, the submission of title pages for theses and dissertations, and the submission of approved copies of theses and dissertations. In addition, there are several departmental requirements for degrees in Philosophy that are not included in the general Graduate School requirements. Students should consult the Graduate Record for further details and requirements. This and other valuable resources are available at https://graduate.as.virginia.edu . The following summarizes the main requirements for the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees.

M.A. in Philosophy

• Two semesters of full-time residential study.
• 30 hours of graduate-level courses.  No transfer credits are accepted. Up to 6 hours may be satisfied through Non-Topical Research.  Students who previously enrolled in courses offered through GSAS while completing an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Virginia may count up to six credits of such coursework towards a master’s degree as long as those credits were not used to fulfill requirements for the prior degree.
• Completion of one qualifying paper.  Each student must submit a qualifying paper to the Director of Graduate Studies, who will convene a committee of 2-3 faculty members to evaluate each paper.  Students are allowed two submissions, and missing a deadline will count as a failed submission.

Guidelines for qualifying papers.  The qualifying paper requirement is intended to help students transition from coursework to dissertation research by ensuring that they first undertake professional-level research projects on a smaller scale.  A successful qualifying paper will identify a promising research question; demonstrate an understanding of the current state of the literature; make a substantive philosophical contribution; and be written to appropriate professional standards.

Qualifying papers must be between 4,000 and 10,000 words in length (including footnotes and bibliography).  When determining the appropriate length for their submission, students should consider both the needs of their particular project and the typical length of published papers in the relevant subfield.

Qualifying papers are typically significantly revised graduate seminar term papers. A student considering developing a term paper into a qualifying paper should consult the instructor of the seminar for advice. (Upon initially submitting a term paper, the student may ask the instructor to read the paper with an eye towards whether it might serve as the basis for a qualifying paper.) The instructor will provide guidance as to whether the project is promising and may suggest possible changes the student might make to the paper to render it suitable. Such changes may be substantial. In addition to altering the existing argument of the paper, the instructor may suggest that the paper address works not read in the seminar; that it respond to further objections; etc. The instructor’s guidance is advisory only; following this advice does not guarantee that the paper will be accepted as a qualifying paper.

Ph.D. in Philosophy

• Two qualifying papers, including the qualifying paper for the M.A.  A total of four submissions will be allowed.  The first qualifying paper must be submitted by the first day of class of the 3rd semester of graduate study, and the second by the first day of class of the 5th semester.  Missing a deadline counts as a failed submission.  The qualifying paper requirement must be completed by the end of the 6th semester; to allow readers ample time to evaluate the paper, students must submit their final attempt(s) by November 15th or April 15th of their sixth semester.            Students entering the program with an MA from another university and who are provided a semester of advanced standing need write only one qualifying paper.  Two submissions are allowed.  Students with advanced standing begin the program in the second term of study instead of the first and are exempt from the first qualifying paper due the following term.  Instead, they submit their sole qualifying paper by the first day of class of the fourth semester, which is their third term in residence.  Missing the deadline counts as a failed submission.  The qualifying paper requirement must be completed by the end of the fourth term in residence; to allow readers ample time to evaluate the paper, students must submit their final attempt by November 15th or April 15th of their fourth term in residence.  Note: if the Qualifying Paper is a revision of a prior submission, it must be accompanied by a 1-2 page explanation of the changes that have been made, detailing how they respond to the comments made on the previous submission (along with page numbers in case of minor, localized changes).”
• Six semesters of full-time residential study.
• 36 hours of graded courses at or above the 5000-level.  The department may approve counting graduate courses taken elsewhere toward satisfying this requirement (see below). The Graduate School requires 72 hours of graduate course work for the Ph.D. The 36 hours over and above the department’s requirement of 36 graded course hours can be fulfilled through PHIL 7995: see Section III.
• Qualification for the Ph.D in four areas (see Section II).
• PHIL 9700, the Dissertation Seminar.This non-credit course is taught every spring.It combines discussions of the central aspects of professional life with multiple opportunities for students to present and receive peer feedback on their work-in-progress.It is mandatory for all third-year students in residence, and optional for others.
• Ph.D. dissertation proposal approved by a committee of three faculty members, including the dissertation director.  A proposal may take one of two forms: a summary or a sample chapter. Which form the proposal takes is to be determined by the student in consultation with the advisor. A summary proposal should provide an outline of what the dissertation will accomplish.  It should specify: the key questions that the dissertation will address; the scope of the philosophical literature that the dissertation will examine; the central thesis or theses that the dissertation will advance; and at least one of the main lines of arguments that will be used to advance these theses. Dissertation proposals of this type must be no longer than 2500 words (excluding bibliography).  Proposals of the second form must consist of a substantive sample chapter. This chapter cannot be a student’s Qualifying Paper. In either case, approval is given upon successful completion of an oral examination of the proposal by the committee.  Dissertation proposals should be approved by the end of the sixth semester. The committee will be formed by the DGS, in consultation with the student and the dissertation director.  Committee members are expected to read and examine the proposal, and to be involved with the writing process from that point on.    
• Ph.D. dissertation and successful oral defense of the dissertation.  The Examining Committee for the oral defense will normally consist of four faculty members:  the dissertation director, the other two members of the dissertation proposal examination committee, and an examiner from outside the philosophy department.

*Students who entered the program in or before AY 2015-2016 may choose to have their proposals examined by the entire department if they wish.  Students who entered the program in AY 2016-2017 have until September 15 of their 7th semester to have their proposals approved.

Degree credit for graduate courses taken elsewhere . A student entering the Ph.D. program with an M.A. from another university may be allowed to count up to 12 hours of coursework for the M.A. toward the 36 hour total. All students must complete at least 24 hours of graduate courses at the University of Virginia in order to receive the Ph.D.

Degree credit for graduate courses taken in other departments. Students are sometimes allowed to count graduate courses offered by other departments at the University of Virginia in the 24 and 36 hour totals required for the M.A. and Ph.D. A maximum of 6 hours of outside coursework may be counted toward the M.A. requirement, or 9 hours toward the Ph.D., provided the student is able to demonstrate (to the Director of Graduate Studies) the relevance of these courses to his or her philosophical pursuits.

II. Qualifying for the Ph.D.

1.   Qualifying in Metaphysics and Epistemology, Ethics, and History of Philosophy.

For each of these three areas, a student must qualify in the area by achieving an average grade of at least B+ in two courses in that area. No more than one course in each of the following areas can be counted towards satisfying the requirement in History:  Ancient Philosophy, Medieval Philosophy, Modern Philosophy. The Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the faculty, will determine the areas that courses fall under. There will be no double counting; a course can be used to satisfy only one area requirement. Courses taken at the University of Virginia outside the Philosophy Department cannot be used to satisfy area requirements.

For students entering the program with an M.A. from another university, no more than one of the two courses in each area may be from the student’s course work for the M.A.; the Director of Graduate Studies determines whether a course taken outside the University of Virginia satisfies a distribution requirement. The requirement for a B+ average applies only to courses taken at the University of Virginia.

2.   Qualifying in Logic. 

Students are expected to demonstrate qualification in logic by achieving a grade of at least B in PHIL 2420, a grade of at least B on the final exam of PHIL 2420, or a grade of at least B- in PHIL 5420. 

Students must qualify in Metaphysics and Epistemology, Ethics, History of Philosophy, and Logic by the end of their sixth semester.

Special Note about Incompletes : Course instructors may (but need not) allow students to receive a grade of “incomplete” in a course. Missing work for incompletes from Fall courses must be submitted by January 15th; missing work for incompletes from Spring courses must be submitted by June 30th. Instructors may impose earlier deadlines. The department strongly encourages students to avoid taking incompletes (grades of IN) in their courses. A student with two or more outstanding incompletes on his or her record at the beginning of a semester will not be allowed to register for classes, to teach, or to receive funding.

III. Special Courses

PHIL 7500 (First-Year Seminar): This seminar, offered in the fall, is required for (and ordinarily limited to) entering students. The course involves frequent, short writing assignments intended to develop students’ skills in writing philosophy papers. From year to year, different courses will be designated as ‘first year seminars’.

PHIL 7530 (Readings in Philosophy): With the permission of the instructor, a student may arrange to take an undergraduate course for graduate credit under this designation. The student would attend lectures and cover the subjects of the undergraduate course, but would do additional reading and/or written work; the student’s work in the course would be graded on a scale appropriate for graduate course work.

PHIL 7995 (Supervised Research): This course has variable credit (more than three hours can be taken in a given semester) and can be taken in successive semesters. PHIL 7995 is in effect a ‘dummy course’: one is not expected to do any work in the course, but it is a credit course which counts towards the Graduate School’s 54 hour requirement. (Students should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies before enrolling in PHIL 795; see Appendix 2 for more information on research courses.)

PHIL 8995 (Supervised Research):  Students may arrange with a willing faculty member to take a course of directed research on some philosophical topic. This allows students to do course work in areas (or approach topics in ways) not covered in regular graduate seminars. The instructor for each such course will set the schedule and requirements which the student must satisfy. Supervised Research courses count for regular degree credit.

PHIL 8998, 8999, 9998, 9999 (Nontopical Research): These are non-credit research courses and may not be counted toward the 24 or 36 hours degree requirements. Their purpose is to allow the student to do supervised or unsupervised research toward a degree, without the restrictions or requirements of ordinary course work. Generally, a student will take more hours of Nontopical Research as he or she spends more time on the preparation of a thesis or dissertation.

PHIL 9700, the Dissertation Seminar.  This non-credit course is taught every spring.  It combines discussions of the central aspects of professional life with multiple opportunities for students to present and receive peer feedback on their work-in-progress.  It is mandatory for all third-year students in residence, and optional for others.

IV.  Reviews of graduate student progress.

The department as a whole meets to assess graduate student progress.  Thorough reviews are conducted

• at the end of the first year of study,
• at the end of the second year of study, and
• when a student has either completed her qualifying paper requirement or exhausted all attempts without passing.

Reviews are intended both to provide constructive feedback and to determine whether the student should be allowed to continue in the program.  Graduate students are informed of the results of their review by the DGS.

Reviews are holistic, taking into account course grades, performance in seminars, qualifying paper submissions, professional engagement, performance as a teaching assistant, and any other relevant factors.

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PhD Programme / ILLC

Skills development

PhD candidates are able to attend a range of activities designed to go beyond academic and scientific training and to build skills that improve employability, from a compulsory programme of transferable skills courses, to learning Dutch or getting support on their next career move.

Transferable skills programme: an overview

The ILLC PhD Programme includes a number of courses in 'transferable skills'. Please see the table below. These courses are mandatory, except for those indicated with a *.

Registration for all these courses, except for the Introduction and the Teaching skills courses, is handled by the ILLC office.

In your personal tracking page you can see in which year you are supposed to take which course/workshop.

ILLC Office

Personal tracking page

Introduction

Both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities provide introductory sessions for all their new PhD candidates shortly after they start.

Introduction at Faculty of Humanities

A link to information about these sessions at the Faculty of Science will be provided later.

Mastering your PhD

At the beginning of your PhD, you have four years ahead of you and one big goal: writing your thesis. Such a long-term goal requires planning and setting subgoals and milestones. It is no secret that working in an academic situation as a PhD candidate can get very stressful if your time is not managed well. This is especially the case when you are near the moment of a deadline or when your PhD thesis has to be handed in. Experience learns that a lot of students feel there is plenty of time in the beginning of their project, and then get in trouble later on when the end of the four years comes faster than expected.

The course will present a number of (evidence-based and practice based) strategies that are helpful in dealing with issues such as prioritizing, goal setting, attention problems, dealing with distractors, procrastination, project planning, combining different projects or different roles (such as teaching and research), communication with your supervisor, etc. You will also receive help with personal feedback and guidance to incorporate the ideas in your behavior to ensure transfer into new and more effective routines.

The course consists of 5 sessions of 4 hours each and is best taken when your about halfway of your first year. 

It is organised by the Faculty of Science. PhD candidates employed by the Faculty of Humanities are welcome as well.

You can register yourself for this course as soon as an appropriate date is available on the PhD agenda of the Faculty of Science.

Mastering your PhD (Faculty of Science)

PhD agenda (Faculty of Science)

Scientific Integrity

Against the background of ILLC's "Academic Practice Code of Conduct", this training encourages PhD candidates to reflect on a number of dilemmas and problems that deal with research integrity. We focus on dilemmas that are directly related to a PhD candidate's research situation. Such dilemmas trigger different possible choices and answers.

The participants will reflect upon these choices and their possible consequences. In case of disagreement, the participants will debate upon the best course of action. In this training we play the "dilemma game", designed by Erasmus University Rotterdam.

The course consists of 1 session of 3 hours.

Presentation Skills

At a seminar for colleagues, in a lecture hall for students, at a major congress in front of an audience of peers, in front of a small committee to support your grant application, for a radio, tv or printed press interview or even at an open day or to a family audience; as a scientist, you will have to speak in public.

Maybe you're a natural, maybe not. Speaking in public can be a daunting experience. But everyone can learn it, and learn to enjoy it. There are hundreds of books and blogs with plenty of useable tips and sound advice. But there's one thing a book can't give you: the experience of getting up and doing it.

In this course, in a relaxed and stimulating learning environment you'll be doing just that, standing up and speaking. Live, in front of colleagues. Again and again. You'll learn to use voice and gesture, how to structure a story, and how to present with clarity and confidence. You'll learn by doing, but also by observing others, and giving feedback. You'll get tools and tips, but most of all, you'll get experience.

The first class is a 2,5 plenary session. It will cover essential presentation skills, like vocal clarity and articulation, body language, use of gesture and storyline. The next two 1-hour sessions are individual, where you will be working towards developing two very different kinds of presentations; a 5-minute pitch for a general public and a 10-minute scientific talk. During the final 1-hour session you will be working in pairs on either the pitch or the scientific talk.

Academic Writing

This course is offered via Stanford online Lagunita and via Coursera . The course teaches scientists to become more effective writers, using practical examples and exercises. Topics include: principles of good writing, tricks for writing faster and with less anxiety, the format of a scientific manuscript, and issues in publication and peer review.

The full course is organized into 8 learning units. Each unit takes 2 to 6 hours to complete. ILLC PhD candidates are required to audit at least the first 5 units. The remaining units are optional but they are also strongly recommended, in particular the discussion in Unit 6 on plagiarism and on writing a peer review.

You will get three full months (November, December, January) to complete those course parts that are necessary for the ILLC. By the end of January, you are then required to email a short summary (between 250 and 400 words).

Career Development

Your PhD is a career stage where you as a young researcher carry out a number of years of research to deliver a high quality thesis. Whereas daily work is mostly content focused and leads to specialisation, your future may not necessarily be in the same role or field as your PhD project.

This workshop challenges you to put your PhD in perspective in order to learn how you can make the most of your PhD for the future.

• What do you (want to) gain from your PhD?
• The professional value of a PhD
• How can you increase your professional attractiveness?
• How to deal with career development as a PhD student?

This training session takes 3 hours.

Grant Applications

This course is a non-mandatory workshop aimed at PhD candidates and postdocs who are planning to pursue a career in academia.

It consists of a presentation on grant opportunities and a workshop on the writing of grant proposals. The presentation on grant opportunities will be organised by IXA which provides support for applications, training and advice to several research institutes of the Faculty of Science. The grant proposal writing workshop will be taught by an ILLC staff member, experienced and successful in applying for grants.

The whole workshop is one 3-hour session.

Career orientation support

Are you entering the last year of your PhD? If so, on top of the workshops and lunches offered as part of the Transferable Skills Programme, consider getting in touch with the career service of the Faculty of Science, also available for PhD's employed by the Faculty of Humanities. They offer training as well as individual career advice.

Career service Faculty of Science

ProActief of the University of Amsterdam also organises coaching and guidance programmes, courses and workshops focused on the future career of PhD candidates, postdocs and other employees at the UvA.

ProActief (UvA)

Teaching Skills

Before or at the start of your first task as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Science, you  are required to follow the training  "Teaching Skills for PhD candidates"   organised by this Faculty.  This is irrespective of the faculty you are employed by. The compulsory part of this training for PhD candidates consists of four 3-hour modules:

• 1. You as a teacher
• 2. Didactical skills
• 3. The learning environment you create
• 4. You and the group

You can be exempted from taking (parts) of this training if you have taken some training before or already have experience.

In case you are going to supervise a research project or assist in the supervision of a master thesis, you are advised to also take module 6. Tailor your supervision style .

Important note: there is a no-show policy , which means you should contact tlc-training-science  at  uva.nl as soon as possible, but at least three working days in advance if you cannot make it to a session you registered for. If you are ill on the day of, please also send them an email at your earliest convenience.

Modules are organised several times a year and you can join when it suits you best. See herefor the modules and the agenda of Teaching/ didactic skills.

Skills development Faculty of Science

Further Skills Courses

Optional additional skills courses can also be followed via the Faculty at which you are employed.

Skills development Faculty of Humanities

English language training

The UvA usually has on offer a few courses designed to help improve English language skills. Consult the Course Catalogue and search for "English" in the "Course" search.

Course Catalogue

UvA Talen, the language centre of the University of Amsterdam, organises English language courses, such as Academic English and English Fluency . Take a look at their website for more information about their courses and programme. UvA Talen also organizes tailor-made courses for specific groups of people, designed for the needs of that group, using exercises the people in this group deal with in their work.

Learning Dutch

If you wish to learn Dutch, you may start by following the free online introduction to Dutch organised by the University of Groningen.

Introduction to Dutch

You can also take one or several courses at the Institute for Dutch as a second language (INTT). For the programme and the application form, email them through the link below. It will be sent to you by regular mail. PhD candidates are eligible for a reduced tuition fee. To make sure you get this reduced fee, please have the form signed by someone of the ILLC PhD management team.

The ILLC pays for the first two Dutch courses followed by foreign PhD candidates. PhD candidates at the Faculty of Humanities should first ask their Faculty contact for reimbursement. If you want to take further courses you either pay yourself or you can ask your supervisor if they can provide funding from a project budget. If they agree, please let ILLC's PhD team know and they will arrange that the fee is paid directly through UvA channels.

website INTT

• Contact INTT
• Email ILLC PhD management team
• Contact FGw PhD

Other Courses

In case you and your supervisor agree you ought to follow a skill course that can't be found in any of the skills development programmes (ILLC, Faculty of Humanities, or Faculty of Science) or you need a more tailored skills course, please contact the ILLC PhD management team.

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• How to Prepare and Present a Scientific Talk
• Guidelines for Final Report
• Distinguished Majors
• Study Abroad
• First and Second Years
• Third and Fourth Years
• Graduation Information
• Undergraduate Resources
• Upcoming Seminars
• Seminar Archive
• Named Lectures
• Summer 2024 Newsletter

Graduate Chemistry Program

Our mission, nurturing the development of the next generation of scientific leaders by providing financial, educational, social, and emotional support tailored to each student’s needs and dreams..

Graduate study is important for the individual seeking a rewarding and productive career in science, and this is particularly the case for those whose interests center on chemistry. Both academic and professional positions in industry and government demand study and experience beyond that usually found in undergraduate programs.

The University of Virginia is typically ranked as one of the top public universities in the nation and provides an excellent environment for study and scholarship. At the University of Virginia, graduate students are an integral part of a community of scholars dedicated to research, teaching, and lively intellectual inquiry. The major focus of a student’s graduate program is research on a significant problem under the guidance of an experienced faculty mentor. However, it is also important that a student develops a broad intellectual awareness of frontier research encompassing many areas of chemistry, and acquires a knowledge base and technical skills that will enhance their versatility and self-confidence as an independent research scientist. Our graduate program at the University of Virginia combines intensive research and specialized scholarly inquiry with diverse opportunities for broad professional development . Over the last 5 years, the mean/median time to Ph.D. degree has been 4.9/4.7 years with a 0.5 year standard deviation of the mean. The Department and UVA strives to provide competitive salary to Ph.D. students and to recognize our students' excellence by providing fellowships and awards .

Apply to Graduate School  

Why should you enroll in our program?

The following video, produced by our graduate students, will answer this question:

• Affiliated Faculty
• Emeriti Faculty
• Postdoctoral and Research Scientist
• Graduate Students
• Ainsworth FAQ
• Development in the Lifespan
• Quantitative Methods and Data Science
• Social Determinants of Health
• Innovation and Advancing Clinical Treatments
• Molecules, Neuronal Circuits and Behavior
• Theories and Applications in Social Psychology
• Faculty Publications
• Faculty Bookshelf
• Participate in Research at UVA Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Community Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Quantitative Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Fellowship in QNB
• Quantitative Psychology Concentration
• 1+MA in Psychology Research Methods
• Financial Aid
• What are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)?
• Graduate FAQ
• Distinguished Majors Program (BA)
• Distinguished Majors Program (BN-BS)
• Psychology Minor
• Transfer Students FAQ
• Double Majors FAQ
• Masters in Psychology Research Methods (1+MA)
• Student Support
• Recent Grads
• Course Planning
• Working in a Lab
• 4th Year Thesis Project - Distinguished Major
• Present Your Research
• Internships
• Student Organizations
• Education Abroad
• Reid Conference

Graduate Education Guidance

• Career Guidance
• Graduation Ceremony
• Mission Statement
• Diversifying Psychology Visit Day
• Psychology Research on Diversity
• Diversity and Inclusion Spotlights
• Ways to Get Involved
• Bridge to the Doctorate
• Funding Opportunities
• Excellence In DEI Awards
• Contact DEI
• Psychology Outreach Program (POP)
• UVA Brain Camp
• UVA Living Lab
• Resources | Internal Links
• Give to Psychology Department
• Gilmer Gazette

Graduate Education in Psychology

Becoming a professional psychologist requires graduate training leading to careers in research, academia, or clinical psychology.  Traditional research areas include Cognitive, Developmental, Quantitative, Sensory and Systems Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. Persons interested in these areas usually pursue a doctoral degree.  Applied areas include Clinical, Community, Industrial/Organizational, Counseling, Educational Psychology and School Psychology. Careers in these areas are usually possible at the master's or doctoral levels. Graduate programs in Counseling, Educational Psychology, and School Psychology may be offered in Education or Educational Psychology Departments instead of traditional Psychology Departments.

General Graduate Program Resources

• Graduate School Guide  (UVA Career Center - graduate school start to finish guide)

Advanced Degrees in Psychology

Visit these American Psychological Association resources:

• Graduate and Postdoctoral Education
• Applying to Graduate School
• Frequently Asked Questions about Graduate School
• Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different?​  Clarifying key distinctions between the PhD and PsyD degrees
• Find accredited programs through the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP)

Becoming a Psychological Scientist - Video Series 

A Series to Successfully Apply to Grad School and Help Diversify the Field.  ​

APA is excited to present  Becoming a Psychological Scientist: A Series to Successfully Apply to Grad School and Help Diversify the Field.  The series will walk through the grad school application process step-by-step.   

The application process for doctoral programs for psychological science has several steps. Join APA for a series of 6 videos and live question and answer sessions with psychological scientists and current graduate students from different subfields with lived experience and expertise in the application process. Sessions will offer advice and strategies for navigating all the steps of the application process, discuss important considerations for selecting a program, and highlight resources for funding your graduate education. The series will address challenges and systemic barriers for students and is free and open to all. It is of particular interest to students applying to graduate school for the Fall 2023 term. 

Watch the Video Series

Help Applying to Graduate Programs in Psychology

• Before You Apply to Graduate Programs in Psychology : Knowing When You’re Ready and Gaining Post-Baccalaureate Experiences, Casey D. Calhoun, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  
• Psych Research List : Visit the  Psych Research List  and learn more about  paid internships ,  virtual graduate school information sessions , and  resources for applying to and succeeding in graduate school , a resource created by Meltem Yucel, a PhD graduate in developmental psychology area at the University of Virginia.
• Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience Ph.D. virtual info sessions/prep programs
• UCLA UGSP: Psychology Graduate School Application Resources
• Harvard Psychology’s PhD Resources and Online Tips Page (PRO-TiP)

About Counseling Careers

About clinical psychology.

• Clinical Psychology Overview
• A Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology
• Guide to getting into Clinical Psychology Graduate School : The Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology ( CUDCP ) has assembled the most useful links and resources on the web to guide you through the process of choosing and applying to graduate school. 
• Learn what you need to know
• Academy of Psychological Clinical Science  

About School Psychology

• National Association of School Psychologist  ( Who are School Psychologists? )

About Forensic and Legal Psychology

• The American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS)  is an interdisciplinary organization devoted to scholarship, practice, and public service in psychology and law. It functions as both a free-standing organization as well as a division (Division 41) of the American Psychological Association (APA).

About Becoming a Licensed Psychologist

• What you need to know to get licensed? 
• ASPPB Handbook on Licensing and Certification Requirements

About Psychiatry

Meet with UVA Pre-health  to prepare for medical school. Visit psychiatry.org to learn more about a career in Psychiatry.

UVA Psychology Graduate Programs

• Fellowship in QNB 
• Quantitative Psychology Concentration Add-On in PhD 
• +1 Master's (MA) in Psychology with a Research Methods Concentration

Graduate Education Outside of Psychology

Psychology majors are not limited to graduate studies in psychology. Some majors use their background to pursue careers in Social Work and Education.  Other students go on to Medical School or Law School. Careful preparation will ensure the proper background.  Review the following helpful resources to learn more:

• Pre Health Advising
• Pre Law Advising
• UVA School of Education and Human Development - Academic Program

Letters of Recommendation

Regardless of whether you plan to get a job or go to graduate school following graduation, you probably will find that you need letters of recommendation. Because the majority of lower-level courses in the psychology program are large lecture courses, many students reach their fourth year and find they have not established close relationships with faculty members. No matter how good a student you are, a letter written by an instructor who can only discuss your in-class performance will not be as strong or convincing as a letter written by someone who knows you better. You must plan ahead! Some tips: Take your relationship with your major advisor seriously. Schedule an appointment outside class with an instructor whose class you really enjoy. Sign up for an independent research project. Sign up for smaller psychology classes  so you can begin building relationships with your professors.

• Visit the UVA Career Center for advice on Letters of Recommendation and Professional References.

PhD in Nursing

Preparing students for careers as scholars, nurse scientists, and academics ready to contribute to nursing science, knowledge, theory, and practice through systematic inquiry..

PhD in nursing students will, by graduation, demonstrate advanced knowledge of nursing, related sciences and humanities, and methods of inquiry, expand the research base of nursing theory and practice, and work with others to serve the Commonwealth, the nation, and the world by addressing major nursing and healthcare issues through research and in a scholarly manner. Every year, UVA's PhD nursing students earn grants to support their doctoral studies, and many publish and present around Virginia, the U.S., and internationally.

wide-ranging professional opportunities for PhDs

$108,306 average nurse faculty salary

PhD program is fully-funded

ranked among the nation's best

UVA's PhD in nursing program is focused on research, and the curriculum includes courses in qualitative, quantitative, and historical research. Over the course of the program, all PhD students submit a research proposal for peer review, and many submit proposals to the NIHNR's annual service awards competition.

Because research is a critical element of the PhD program, we seek to admit students whose scholarly interests are congruent with those of our faculty who pursue nursing science across topics in aging, health disparities and health equity, and healthcare technology. A list of faculty eligible to chair PhD student committees is available on the School's Faculty Directory page .

• World-class scholar-mentors exploring a rich variety of research
• 4 years' free tuition + generous annual stipends for ALL admitted students
• Powerful development of students' grant and scholarly writing, and ample opportunities and funding to present at major conferences
• Loan forgiveness programs if pursuing full-time careers in academia
• Deadline to apply:   December 1  (for entry the following fall)

Upcoming PhD Info Sessions

Phd info session sept 18.

Register for the live virtual info session on September 18th, 2024 at 5:30 PM

PhD Info Session Oct 23

Register for the live virtual info session on Oct 23rd, 2024 at 5:30 PM

PhD, Years 1 to 3 [full-time] - Fall and Spring Terms

PhD Tuition, Year 4+ [full-time] - Fall and Spring Terms

Supplemental Fees

PhD Tuition - January Term

PhD Tuition - Summer Term

All applicants for the PhD must possess at least a BSN. Many also possess an MSN and are nurse practitioners. Nurses who have earned other graduate degrees, including master's of public health, MBAs, or MS in health administration degrees, are also encouraged to apply.

To be considered for the PhD program, applicants must:

• Submit a completed application to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (not the School of Nursing) and pay an $85 application fee
• Have at least a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program and a minimum "B" average
• Submit transcripts for all post-secondary work
• Submit three letters of reference that speak to the applicant's ability to pursue doctoral studies (two must be from doctorally-prepared nurse educators and one may be from a current or recent employer)
• Submit a CV reflecting professional achievements and productivity
• Submit an essay (1,000 words or fewer) describing the applicant's educational, research, and professional goals, including a specific description of the planned focus of study and a researchable topic for development
• Have completed a recent course in statistics (with software applications) and a statistics prerequisite (one option is to complete courses 1 to 3 of this series and submit a certificate of completion) 
• Be available for an interview with one or more faculty members (conducted in Charlottesville or via Zoom as needed)
• International applicants have  additional requirements  
• The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is no longer required to apply to the PhD program but applicants may provide scores if they choose (UVA's institutional code is R-5820)

All students admitted to the PhD program are eligible for four years of scholarship to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, in exchange for serving as a graduate teaching assistant for 10 hours per week. 

The School also offers financial support programs to students considering full-time faculty positions through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program and the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan. Through the Nurse Faculty Loan Program, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, an arm of the federal government, doctoral students may borrow funds for their academic expenses (tuition and books). If they become a full-time faculty member at any accredited institution, up to 85% of the loan (principal and interest) is forgiven.

Doctoral students enrolled in UVA’s PhD or DNP programs who are planning on teaching full-time in Virginia can apply to the Virginia Nurse Faculty Loan program. Students may be eligible to borrow up to $25,000 per year during the coursework phase of their programs. This loans is eligible for cancelation if graduates go on to teach full-time at any public or private nursing education program in Virginia for four years.

Required courses (32-33 credits)

• GNUR 8000: Seminar in Nursing Science (2 credits)
• GNUR 8110: Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• GNUR 8120: Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• GNUR 8130: Statistical Methods for Health Care Research I (3 credits)
• GNUR 8140: Statistical Methods for Health Care Research II (3 credits)
• GNUR 8210: Scholarly Writing for Nursing Science (3 credits)
• GNUR 8220: Philosophy of Science and Development of Nursing Knowledge (3 credits)
• GNUR 8230: Historical Inquiry in Nursing (3 credits)
• GNUR 8410: Grant Writing Seminar (3 credits)
• GNUR 8435: Scholarship in Research Ethics (1 creditGNUR 9110: Research Practicum (1-4 credits; total of 4 credits are required)
• GNUR 9890: Dissertation Seminar (enroll post-comprehensive exam; 1 credit)
• GNUR 9998: Doctoral Research (enroll pre-dissertation proposal defense; 1-12 credits)

GNUR 9998: Dissertation Research (enroll post-dissertation proposal defense; 3-12 credits. A total of 12 credit hours of GNUR 9999 are required.)

Cognates (9-12 credits)

Requirement includes course work in a single field or combination of fields outside of nursing that complement the student’s major scholarly focus. Cognates plus electives must total at least 15 credits.

Electives (3-6 credits)

Electives are selected on the basis of individual interest and should complement the total program of study. Cognates plus electives must total at least 15 credits.

Research Practicum (4 credits)

Requirement includes a total of 4 credit hours in GNUR 9110. All 4 credits do not need to be completed in the same semester.

Dissertation (12 credits)

Dissertation is a culminating experience that requires the student to plan and implement a research study of significance to nursing.

Austin Stajduhar, M.Ed.

Assistant dean for admissions (434) 924-0066 [email protected]

Set up a one-on-one admissions advising meeting

Kathryn Laughon, PhD, RN, FAAN, SANE-A/SANE-P

PhD Program Lead (434) 924-1985 [email protected]

Book a half-hour, one-on-one PhD admissions advising session

Want to learn more?

News & Events

Employees: Earn a master’s while making a positive impact on your workplace and the world

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From: Virginia Tech Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability

Do you want to improve your performance at work, advance your career, and lead change that matters? If your answer is “Yes!” then Virginia Tech’s Executive Master of Natural Resources (XMNR) , an accelerated graduate program focusing on leadership for sustainability may be right for you.

The XMNR program combines the best of in-person and online learning into a hybrid, cohort-based format that is completed within one year.  

The program includes:

11 class weekends (6 online, 5 in the Washington, D.C. area)

10-day Global Study international trip

A custom cohort experience with integrated curriculum with individualized learning

1:1 career coaching during cohort year and for two years after graduation

Real-world projects that engage cross-sector partners leading change on climate, energy, water, food and agriculture, urbanization and infrastructure, and related social and environmental systems

XMNR students gain:

Valuable credentials (a master’s degree in natural resources and a graduate certificate in global sustainability)

Practical competencies (knowledge, skills, and abilities)

Strategic connections (professional networks for career change and/or advancement)

• Grounded confidence (to make a difference and lead change)

Virginia Tech employees are eligible for tuition assistance that can cover a majority of the program’s cost.

The next XMNR cohort will begin classes in January 2025 and graduate in December 2025. We are currently accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.

Join an upcoming virtual Q&A Session

If you think the XMNR program might be a good fit for you, we invite you to join us for an informal, virtual Q&A session with program director David Robertson on the date and time below. Come prepared with your questions and we look forward to meeting you!

Register for an upcoming Q&A Session:

Tuesday Sept. 17 at 12 p.m.

For more information or questions about the program, contact XMNR program coordinator and admissions advisor Amy Hubbard at [email protected] .

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation to participate in the virtual Q&A session, please contact Amy Hubbard at [email protected] .

• Career Development
• Employee Notices
• Graduate Education
• Information for Employees

Larissa de Ruijter

Graduate MSc Artificial Intelligence

Why did you choose this AI Master's programme?

During my mathematics bachelor's, I enjoyed the abstract thinking and problem-solving aspects—it felt like working on puzzles. However, due to the high abstraction-level, I missed the sense of applying these skills in the real world, and do something to help other people. Reading about Artificial Intelligence applications in fields such as climate, biomedical sciences and neuroscience inspired me a lot. Compared to other universities, the Artificial Intelligence Master's program at UvA stood out because it is very technical. By choosing this program, I could continue working with mathematics while also learning skills that can have a real-world impact.

Does the Master's program meet your expectations?

Yes, the Master's program meets my expectations. I anticipated a focus on mathematics behind AI, and that’s definitely been the case. This is important for future students to know: having a solid mathematical foundation (or being interested in developing one) is important. The program dives deep into the theory and mathematics behind Artificial Intelligence. What I found enjoyable and different compared to my mathematics bachelor's is the level of engagement with new research in the Artificial Intelligence Master's. Since it’s a research-focused program, there are many opportunities to work on research projects during courses and your thesis. In mathematics, reading new research papers is often challenging without deep specialization. In Artificial Intelligence, however, it's different because it’s a rapidly advancing field. After the first semester, you’re generally equipped to understand new research.

Which course perfectly matched your interests or from which you learned a lot?

I found the course Deep Learning I to be a very good and interesting course. It provides a rapid overview of the most important theory behind neural networks and the key architectures. You also learn how to implement and train neural networks. This taught me a great deal and gave me a strong foundation for the rest of the program. It was also incredibly fun.

Good memories?

I enjoy that the Master's program is very fundamental. It focuses on theory and mathematics, which is important in a fast-evolving field like Artificial Intelligence. Having a solid theoretical foundation makes it easier to understand new research and continue learning. I also liked that the program offers a lot of freedom to tailor the curriculum to your interests. You get the most out of it if you choose projects and courses that align with what you want to learn and plan your approach carefully.

What did you find challenging?

Due to my mathematics background, I had less programming experience compared to some other students. This is something that I found challenging sometimes, I had a lot to learn about how to structure code well and efficiently, for example.

What would you like to do afterwards?

I'm still figuring out what I want to do next. I’m considering a PhD, but I’m not sure yet. The Artificial Intelligence Master's program provides a strong foundation for various paths. Since I focused slightly more on more theoretical courses and projects, I've mainly developed theoretical / research skills. However, you can also choose more applied courses and, for example, do your thesis research at a company. This way, you can decide for yourself which skills you want to develop.

What tip would you give to students who still need to choose a Master's program?

If you can, talk to current Master's students about their experiences. Check the study guide to see the courses and projects in the programs you’re considering, and look at the content of those courses and projects. This will give you a good idea of what you’ll be learning. If you choose this Master's program, try to plan ahead and select courses and projects that align with your interests. This way, you’ll get the most out of your Master's experience!

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UVAccelerate

Accelerate your time to completion of a non-thesis Master’s degree by getting started now!

Who can apply?

Current UVA undergraduate and Sweet Briar College engineering science students can apply to a Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Computer Science (M.C.S.), or Master of Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) degree program in the third year of your undergraduate studies. These programs require 30 credits of coursework (35 credits for biomedical engineering) as part of an approved plan of study, and with the right planning, you may be able to get a head start on taking graduate-level courses while finishing your bachelor’s degree. 

Save time and money by accelerating your time to completion of a master’s degree!

How it works

Interested UVA undergraduate students should apply to UVAccelerate in March of your third year. Once admissions decisions are released, students admitted through the UVAccelerate program will be offered academic advising from graduate program faculty to identify the fastest path to your master’s degree. While applying in your third year of undergraduate studies may seem early, getting an early admissions decision and personalized advising allows you to minimize your time to degree by taking advantage of things like advanced placement credit and undergraduate electives. Some students who participate in UVAccelerate are able to earn a master’s degree in as little as one additional semester beyond their bachelor’s degree.

Benefits to you 

By earning your master’s degree in engineering, you have access to more interesting and challenging job opportunities, accelerated career advancement, and higher earning potential throughout your career. UVA Engineering graduate students report an average starting salary $30,000 higher than bachelor’s graduates in their first job after finishing their degree. UVAccelerate can help you get there as quickly as possible!

How to apply

Complete a graduate application through our online application system starting as early as December 1st . On the Program page of the online application, be sure to check the box indicating that you’re applying through the UVAccelerate program. We also made it easier for you to apply by waiving two of the three required letters of recommendation, making the GRE test-optional, and waiving the $85 application fee for UVA Engineering and BACS undergraduates who apply to UVAccelerate!

Degree Programs and Contacts:

• Biomedical Engineering  (M.E.) |  Don Griffin
• Chemical Engineering (M.E.) |  Gary Koenig
• Civil Engineering (M.E.) |  Jose Gomez
• Computer Engineering (M.E.) | Mircea Stan
• Computer Science (M.C.S.) |  Felix Lin
• Electrical Engineering (M.E.) |  Zongli Lin
• Materials Science and Engineering (M.M.S.E.) |  Leo Zhigilei
• Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (M.E.) |  Gavin Garner
• Systems Engineering (M.E.) |  Robert Riggs  

UVA Engineering Partners with Sweet Briar College on Accelerated Path to Graduate Degree

Through the new UVAccelerate partnership, Sweet Briar engineering students can get a jump start on a Master of Engineering graduate degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

Completing the application.

Can I apply to a different graduate program than my undergraduate major?  

Yes. You are not limited to your undergraduate major and are free to apply to any graduate program of your choosing.

Am I eligible to apply for UVAccelerate in my second year if I plan to complete my program in three years?

No. The program is designed specifically for third-years. If you are a second-year interested in pursuing an M.E., we encourage you to apply for your program of interest during the standard admissions cycle.  

How many letters of recommendation are required as part of my UVAccelerate application?   

Only one letter of recommendation is required; however, you are welcome to submit additional recommendation letters if preferred.

Does my letter of recommendation need to be from a faculty member?   

Your letter of recommendation does not need to be from a faculty member. However, if you request a faculty member write your recommendation letter, consider including faculty with whom you have taken more than one course or worked closely with on projects. For tips on applying to a graduate program, please visit our Graduate Admissions website here .

What is the cost associated with applying to UVAccelerate?   

The UVA Engineering graduate application fee is $85; however, the application fee is automatically waived for all SEAS and BACS undergraduate students applying to the program.

Admissions Decisions

How soon will I be notified of my admissions decision?   

Admissions decisions are typically made within 30 days of the March 1st application deadline. Once a decision has been made, you will receive an email that will direct you to the application portal.

I just received a letter stating that I have been admitted to UVAccelerate. What are my next steps?  

Congratulations! Please log in to the application portal, respond to your offer of admission, and look forward to ‘next steps’ emails from the Office of Graduate Programs. 

Cost and Tuition

How much does the master’s program cost?   

For information regarding Tuition & Fees, please visit the SEAS Graduate Admissions website here .  Some graduate programs do offer scholarships; however, the Master of Engineering program in the Engineering School is self-funded. 

Do I have to pay to take graduate courses as a UVAccelerate student?   

Graduate courses are typically covered by undergraduate tuition. However, this is not the case for all undergraduate students. Please contact Student Financial Services ( [email protected]) to verify that graduate courses will be covered by your tuition and/or financial aid.

Students using VA benefits should contact UREG-Veterans Benefits ( [email protected]) to verify if your benefits will cover the tuition costs for graduate courses.  

Prospective Student Inquiries

Can I be a part-time student in the master’s program?   

Yes. Once you’ve matriculated into the master’s program, you can switch enrollment status from full-time to part-time. 

Can I transfer to a different graduate program within the Engineering School?   

If you're a current UVAccelerate student and you decide to transfer to another program within UVA Engineering before starting the master’s program, you will need to receive approval from both programs. Please contact [email protected] to notify them of your request, and they will assist you with the program transfer process.  

Once you start your master’s program, you may not transfer to a new program within UVA Engineering until you have spent at least one semester in your current program. Any student wishing to transfer after this minimal time period must complete the Request Program Plan Change Form . Graduate Student forms are on the Office of Graduate Programs website here .

Can I work and still pursue a master’s degree?   

Yes. If you cannot take courses on-ground and have matriculated into the master’s program, you may want to consider applying to the Virginia Engineering Online (VEO) program instead. VEO is designed for working professionals looking to receive their Master of Engineering degree online. For more information about this option, please visit the VEO website here .    

Can I take online graduate courses?   

If you are an on-grounds undergraduate student or a master’s student, you will not be able to enroll in online courses. Online courses are offered only to VEO students.  

Current Student Inquiries

I’m on track to graduate with my undergraduate degree and master’s degree. Can I graduate with both degrees in the same semester?   

Per university policy, you cannot graduate with two degrees in the same semester. If you’re on track to graduate with both degrees, please contact [email protected] , and we will assist you with the next steps. 

I am a current UVAccelerate student that will soon be graduating and (1) have decided to attend another university for graduate school or (2) received a job offer that will impact my ability to matriculate in the fall semester as expected. What steps should I take?  

The program is created to be nonbinding as we are very understanding that plans can change. Please inform your graduate advisor and contact [email protected] once you receive this information so the update to your admissions status can be reflected in our records.

How do I transfer graduate courses I’ve taken as an undergraduate student to my master’s program?  

In the final semester of your undergraduate studies, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Programs regarding the process for transferring graduate courses you’ve taken as an undergrad to your master’s program. Please note course credits cannot be counted toward both your undergraduate and graduate record.

Enrollment Inquiries

How many graduate courses can I enroll in as a UVAccelerate student?  

Each school has its policy on how many credit hours an undergraduate student can enroll in each semester. SEAS students are not to exceed the max of 19 credit hours  without special permissions, and BACS students are limited to 15 credits during initial  course enrollment and 17 credits during open enrollment. For more information regarding guidelines for course enrollment, please visit the University Registrar's website here or refer to your school's undergraduate record. 

Please note, most UVAccelerate students take an average of 1-3 graduate-level courses per semester. 

Is the graduate course enrollment process the same for both SEAS and BACS students admitted to UVAccelerate?  

Yes. Enrollment for graduate courses is handled for both SEAS and BACS students by the SEAS Undergraduate Registrar. 

What is the process for enrolling in graduate courses as a UVAccelerate student?  

5000-Level Graduate Courses  

UVAccelerate students planning to enroll in 5000-level courses do not need special approvals to enroll. 

6000-Level Graduate Courses  

UVAccelerate students planning to enroll in 6000-level graduate courses will require special approvals and will need to submit the “Undergraduate Request to Take Graduate Course Form” to the SEAS Undergraduate Registrar by the date provided in the ‘registration next steps’ email. You should expect to receive this email from the Office of Graduate Programs at least two weeks prior to ENU open enrollment.  

Please note, open enrollment will vary depending on the semester in which you plan to take graduate-level courses. We ask that you refrain from submitting the referenced form until you receive communication on the next steps from the Office of Graduate Programs. 

I have been admitted to the program but plan to enroll in graduate courses in my final semester. What steps should I take?  

UVAccelerate provides you with the opportunity to take graduate courses where there is space in your course schedule regardless of semester. If you decide to take graduate courses during one semester and not the other, please reach out to us at [email protected] so we can ensure the most updated information is reflected in our records.