Program

Research Administration Program for Higher Education Professionals

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The Research Administration Program is an online, 12-session program built for participants who want to move into research administration roles or who have recently begun a role in this field. Effective administrators can make impactful contributions to key research initiatives and learning the roles and responsibilities of research administration from pre- to post-award is crucial. The program will support administrators and assistants in beginning their careers in this field by teaching the core competencies recognized by several key professional organizations, including:

  • Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI)
  • integrated Translational Health Research Institute of Virginia (iTHRIV)
  • Research Administrator Certification Council Body of Knowledge National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA)

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2025-2026 Topics and Schedule 

This program is offered online in fall 2025 and spring 2026 on Wednesdays from 3:00 – 5:30 pm EST. Participation in the program involves prior reading and completion of some pre-work as well as attendance at all sessions. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a digital badge in research administration and a noncredit course designation on their academic transcript. 

Session Dates

  • September 10
  • September 24
  • October 15
  • October 29
  • November 12
  • December 3
  • January 21
  • February 4
  • February 18
  • March 4
  • March 18
  • April 1

Topics

  1. Introduction to Research Administration
  2. Research Development and Creating a Proposal
  3. Research Ethics and Compliance
  4. Contracts, Confidentiality, and Data Use Agreements
  5. Pre- and Post-Subawards
  6. Research Management and Required Trainings
  7. Patents, Intellectual Property, and Commercialization
  8. Financial Management: Procurement and Cost Accounting Standards
  9. Financial Management: Pre-Award Budgeting
  10. Financial Management: Post-Award Reporting, Financial Interest Reporting
  11. Funding Sources
  12. Communication and Decision-Making Strategies in a Research Team  
  13. Supplemental module: Informational interviewing at UVA to learn more about the variety of roles in research administration
  14. Supplemental module: Research administration development plan
  15. For UVA Employees only: Supplemental module on “Navigating Workday for Pre- and Post-Award Tasks”

This is an exciting program from UVA at a critical time. With the increasing compliance complexity of sponsored research and the fast-paced growth of the profession, this program provides a sound foundation for those wishing to progress.

Stephen Cornelison

Digital Badge

In order to earn the digital badge in research administration, participants must attend all sessions and complete the informational interview and research administration development plan modules. 

Registration and Cost

The cost of the full program is $2000 and can be funded using UVA Education Benefits. The first payment of $1000 is due in October 2025 and the remaining $1000 is due in January 2026. 

Applications will be accepted between January 2 - July 1, 2025. You will receive instructions by email on how to complete the registration process. 

Register for the Program

Register

Learn More

To learn more, please contact Alexa Jeffress, Director of Professional Programs: ajeffress@virginia.edu.

This affordable and comprehensive program provides individuals with essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic field of research and contribute significantly to the growth and success of the workforce.

Kayla Calvo
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Noncredit Programs

Our noncredit classes and programs offer fast, skill-based learning at an affordable cost.