VUnited Scholars Program
The VUnited Scholars Program is a two-year residential certificate program offered through Villanova's College of Professional Studies. This program merges the following four elements: academic knowledge, social and psychological development, independent living skills, and career and vocational skills.
Pursuing this program in an Augustinian, Catholic, valued-centered, residential environment provides students with a meaningful and unique college experience. The program allows students to explore and realize their learning potential and maximize their personal growth while preparing them for future, meaningful employment.
Targeted to highly motivated young adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities, the program combines academic coursework and supervised employment and career development opportunities. View admissions information.
Through VUnited Scholars, Students Will:
- Develop a variety of skills essential for independent adulthood through practical courses and field placements.
- Learn adaptive life skills through a full on-campus experience, living and learning in a traditional college environment.
- Have a significant field experience in off-campus employment.
- Learn to structure their independent leisure activities and free time under the safety net of the VUnited Scholars Program.
- Have a full Catholic college experience and have access to campus ministry worship and service opportunities.
- Participate in campus activities, clubs, and special events.
- Learn fitness and healthy living choices through structured, supervised activities.
- Eat in campus dining halls and improve social skills through peer-to-peer interactions with the greater student body.
- Learn the rules of good judgment and safety.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Structure
The program involves two years of classroom instruction, internships, group and individual advising, mentoring, and support. Each semester typically consists of four academic class days and one day that is an internship.
Living on Campus
Students will reside in a campus residence hall. As full time Villanova students, they will have access to the same extensive facilities for dining, recreation, study, and worship as do traditional Villanova students.
Curriculum
The VUnited Scholars program promotes the advancement of skills and knowledge in the following areas: Academics; Career Development; Independent Living; and Community Participation. The academic components include the opportunity to enroll in specialized VUnited Scholars Seminar courses detailed below.
Support & Mentorship
Person-centered planning guides the development of a student’s program of study, including course selection, internship placement, and engagement in student activities and other aspects of campus life. Students in the VUnited Scholars Program will be supported and mentored by a variety of peers, faculty and staff to ensure students are comfortable and thriving in all aspects of their Villanova experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
To earn a Certificate in Community and Professional Development, students complete the following:
- Academic Coursework:
- VUnited Seminars (6 hrs/wk)
- Academic Experiences with Traditional Students (minimum of 3 hrs/wk):
- Students are required to participate in an academic experience with traditional students for a minimum of three hours per week.
- These can include formal learning experiences such as:
- An audited and/or credit-bearing Villanova undergraduate course from the Academic Catalog;
- Professional Education courses and workshops offered through the College of Professional Studies;
- Non-credit-bearing leadership training or other courses at the University.
- Career Development and Vocational Experiences: Students will receive career planning, application, coaching and placement in an internship.
- Campus and Community Engagement:
- Student Life programs, clubs, and events
- Campus Ministry
- Residence Hall programming
- Special Campus Events (Lectures, St. Thomas of Villanova Day, MLK Day of Service, etc.)
- Recreational Activities
View the VUnited Scholars Program Curriculum within the Non-Credit Academic Supplement.
View the VUnited Scholars Program Student and Family Handbook
Fall 2025 Cohort Application dates
September 2024 |
Application Opens |
January 31, 2025 |
Deadline to Apply with all Materials |
| February 20-21, 27-28, 2025 |
Final Candidacy Day - Selected students will shadow a current VUnited Scholars student and have lunch. The Admissions Team will meet with parents/guardians while students are shadowing. |
March 21, 2025 |
Decisions Released |
April 11, 2025 |
Accepted Students' Day |
May 1, 2025 |
Deposit Due |
Occasionally, space may become available over the Summer; please inquire cps.info@villanova.edu if the application is re-opened.
TUITION 2025-2026: $35,575 per year
Housing & Meals 2024-2025: ~$18,000* Click here for applicable rates.
The VUnited Scholars Program is a certificate program, not a degree granting program. However, Villanova University is an approved Comprehensive Transition and Postsecondary Program. This designation affords students the opportunity to receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study Programs. Students complete a FAFSA to determine eligibility.VUnited Scholars is PA waiver-approved, and students can access OVR funding.
*Rates vary based on selected meal plan.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
The VUnited Scholars Program seeks new partners who believe in expanding inclusive access to higher education.
GET IN TOUCH
Our enrollment counselors are happy to answer any questions you have about our certificate programs.
Call 610-519-4300
Learn more about financing your professional education and the professional education enrollment terms and conditions.