Project management experts are capable and reliable leaders who ensure a company achieves its set goals. If you possess skills in leadership, strategizing, and problem-solving, then a career in this field may be for you.
An experienced project management professional (PMP) is a master of planning, executing, and achieving team goals. Although on-campus studies have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several online project management courses that could deliver you certification in this field conveniently and quickly.
A project management certificate is a great way to earn a credential in the field and demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of knowledge. In this article, we’ll show you everything you need to know to earn a certificate in this field and launch a career as a project manager. Whether it’s the best online courses, project management training, or degree programs available today, CareerKarma has got you covered.
Things to Know Before Choosing a Project Management Program
It is important to carefully look through each program and find one that suits your needs. Can you afford to spend generously on a certain program? If not, then it is essential to look for a program that does not require excessively high tuition or arbitrary fees.
Furthermore, you should try to find an online project management course that is asynchronous (self-paced). This means you can finish it on your own time and not worry about deadlines. These kinds of programs are often perfect for people who work part-time or have to take care of a family member.
Though most certificate programs are often short, you should make sure the one you’re choosing fits your career goals. While part-time courses may be more flexible, they take longer to complete. On the other hand, full-time courses can be completed much more quickly, which means you can get certified more quickly.
Moreover, you should make sure your program has legitimate accreditation, such as PMI registered education. The Project Management Institute (PMI) serves as the primary accrediting body for project management studies. PMI certifications ensure a program meets standards of excellence of the institute. Most PMI registered institutes allow you to transfer your credits seamlessly if you pursue higher degrees, which is very significant.
Types of Project Management Courses
Online project management certificate courses are specially designed to teach you fundamental project management skills and how to incorporate them into your career; they will provide you with the proper framework for leading and guiding an organization successfully.
Here are some courses you can expect to take in a project management certificate program and what each course offers:
- Introduction to Project Management: The basics of project management and the role of the project manager.
- Initiating: Understanding and deconstructing projects to better attack them.
- Planning: Planning and managing resources effectively in order to complete projects efficiently.
- Executing: How to manage project execution, conflict and changes, along with implementing Earned Value Management to achieve better results.
- Monitoring and Controlling: How to demonstrate flexibility when it comes to problem managing, and how to assess and mitigate risks.
The time it takes to complete a certificate program such as this varies considerably. Some programs may take a year to complete, whereas other intensive programs may be finished in as few as five days. Using both theoretical and practical approaches, these challenging yet rewarding courses will require your full attention.
Best Project Management Certificate Programs
Regis University
Accredited by both the PMI and GAC (Global Accreditation Center) for project management, Regis University currently offers one of the best certificate programs. Through a 12-credit program with a cost of $555 per credit hour, you can receive an undergraduate certificate in project management in about 48 weeks. Consisting of both online and on-campus courses, prospective students will learn how to visualize a project’s success and make sure it succeeds.
Eligible applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED, along with transferable credits from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. Though applicants do not have to submit any transcripts, they must submit proof of significant work experience.
Starting dates are offered in January, March, May, July, August and October. Students should register at least four weeks prior to their desired start date.
Champlain College
The undergraduate certificate in project management program at Champlain College is accredited by New England Commission of Higher Education. A completely asynchronous program that can be started in the fall, summer, or spring, this program is popular as it prioritizes student-instructor interaction.
Consisting of 16 credit hours at $318 per credit hour, this is a good option for anybody looking to get certified in project management. Students will learn the fundamentals of project management, along with foundational skills such as process mapping and organizational communication.
Eligible applicants must possess at least a 2.5 GPA across all their previous post-secondary coursework. They must also answer three short essay questions, provide a current resume, and submit their high school and college transcripts.
Students must apply by July 31, and classes start on August 31.
City University of Seattle
The City University of Seattle offers a popular undergraduate certificate program, which is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and PMI. Students must complete 25 credit hours, at a cost of $390 per credit hour.
Furthermore, students have the option of completing their courses online, or both online and in-person. You will take introductory courses that deal with project scheduling, human resource planning, and leadership and teamwork. The university also provides several resources such as job search tools, career planning, and resume writing assistance.
Prospective students only have to submit their high school diploma and may start in the summer, fall, winter, or spring sessions.
Central New Mexico Community College
The certificate program in project management at this college is favored for its wide variety of available resources such as achievement coaching, tutoring, and many others. Furthermore, students can take their courses online at their own pace or through on-campus sessions.
The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Students must take at least 12 credit hours, at a cost of $56 (for locals) or $296 (for nonlocals) per credit hour. The program is also notable for its hands-on approach and its intensive courses regarding key skills that are necessary for effective project management.
Interested applicants must demonstrate basic proficiency in English and information technology through an ACCUPLACER exam. They may take prerequisite courses at CNM to fulfill these requirements. The program may be started during any term, part-time or full-time.
Inver Hills Community College
Also accredited by the HLC, the certificate program at Inver Hills Community College made this list for several reasons. This institution not only provides a plethora of services like advising, tutoring, and counseling, but also covers courses that integrate computer science. For instance, students can learn the principles of management and the introductory applications of project management software, such as Microsoft projects.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
This program requires students to take 13 credit hours at $193 per credit hour. Students can participate in the school’s ASAP initiative, which helps students plan their coursework around their obligations. Similarly, the DECA initiative offers a worldwide network for business students to enhance their learning experiences.
Along with GED scores, prospective students must submit their high school and college (if applicable) transcripts. Students must also take an assessment before starting their coursework.
Careers with a Project Management Certificate
Project management professionals are desired in a wide variety of fields for their expertise in leadership and strategizing skills. The expected job growth for project management experts is generally very high across several industries, approximately 33 percent, according to PMI.
As a result, a project management certificate can help you in a number of ways. Certification not only boosts your resume, but also enables higher earning potential, attracts new clients, and establishes recognition.
Project management certificates are perfect for anyone who currently leads projects, from general managers to IT professionals. Once you’ve earned your certificate, you can begin a career path toward various positions. Below are some career paths that may interest you, along with their salary ranges:
- Project Manager in Information Technology: $56,000 to $127,000
- Project Manager in Construction: $52,000 to $87,000
- Project Manager in Operations: $56,000 to $131,000
- Medical and Health Services Manager: $46,000 to $103,000
- Advertising and Marketing Manager: $39,000 to $94,000
Striving for a certificate in project management can be a rewarding endeavour as it leads to challenging, exciting, and high-paying jobs. Whether you’re a certified associate in project management or a beginner looking for the right place to start, a certificate is most definitely the way to go. With this guide we’ve provided, we here at CareerKarma wish you the very best in your future endeavours.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
