Product managers play crucial roles in developing new software platforms, consumer goods, and business technologies. The product management career path appeals to innovators who like developing new products and improving existing ones to meet people’s ever-changing needs. Product management certificates can help you advance and excel in your career.
There’s no one path to landing jobs on product teams. You might choose to get a four-year degree, or you enroll in a product management college certificate program to get your credentials in a shorter timeframe. In this article, we’ve outlined some of the best product management certificates at colleges and universities across the US.
What Is a Product Management Certificate College Program?
A product management certificate college program teaches aspiring and practicing business and technology professionals the practical skills, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills needed to coordinate, manage, and market products. These programs cover core topics like product strategy, agile methodologies, product lifecycle, and product launches.
What’s the Difference Between a College Product Management Certificate and Professional Certification in Product Management?
The difference between a product management college certificate and a professional certification is that a college certificate requires completing a program at a school, while a certification can be earned by taking an exam or fulfilling other requirements. Both are respected credentials that help you get good jobs in product management.
Product Management College Certificate vs Product Management Certification: Key Differences
| Product Management College Certificate | Product Management Certification |
|---|---|
| Time commitment: Between three and nine months | Time commitment: Can take from two or three days to six months, depending on pre-certification training |
| Provider: Colleges and universities | Provider: Product management organizations and associations |
| Type of students: Undergraduate business majors, MBA students, and professional product managers | Type of students: Professional product managers |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Product Management Certificate at College?
It generally takes between three and nine months to get a product management certificate at college. Some certificates are offered in intensive formats and can be earned in just a few days. Product management certificate programs that cater to working professionals may take longer to complete, since they have shorter sessions and fewer classes per week to accommodate work schedules.
Best Product Management Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Certificate in Technology for Product Management | $10,549 |
| Cornell University | Certificate in Product Management | $2,520 |
| Georgetown University | Certificate in Product Management | $2,995 |
| Northwestern University | Professional Certificate in Product Management | $6,950 |
| University of California-Berkeley | Certificate in Product Management | $7,950 |
| University of Maryland | Professional Certificate in Product Management | $895.50 |
| University of Washington | Certificate in Software Product Management | $4,575 |
| Utah Valley University | Certificate of Proficiency in Product Management | $442/credit (in state) $1,261/credit (out of state) |
Best Undergraduate Product Management Certificate Programs: Explained
There are many product management certificate programs available, and it can be daunting to find the right option for you. Our list of the best product management undergraduate certificates below includes programs at some of the most prestigious business schools in the US, including Georgetown University and the Kellogg School of Business.
Product Management College Certificate Program vs Product Management Associate Degree
Knowing the difference between a college certificate program and an associate degree is essential in finding the right program for your needs. Both college certificates and associate degrees are available through community colleges, universities, and institutes, and both are useful credentials depending on your career goals.
So how do you decide whether a college certificate or an associate degree is right for you? Both can prepare you for entry-level jobs upon completion, but credits from an associate degree can be transferred towards a bachelor’s degree if you choose to continue your education. Other differences include the following:
- Duration. Getting a product management college certificate does not require the same time commitment as an associate degree. Associate programs take two years to complete with full-time study, while certificate programs can usually be completed in a few months.
- Opportunities. Although a product management college certificate opens up plenty of career opportunities, an associate degree can unlock more career paths due to the higher level of education. An associate degree can also allow you to complete a bachelor’s degree more quickly.
- Education. A college certificate program develops expertise in specific aspects of product management, which helps boost your resume. An associate degree program will cover core topics in business and general education requirements.
- Admission requirements. College certificate programs have various admission requirements. Some have no prerequisites, while some require a bachelor’s degree or previous work experience. Associate degree programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Cost. Since they take less time to complete, product management certificates are generally more affordable than associate degrees. However, most certificate programs do not qualify for financial aid, while associate degree students can receive federal grants or scholarships.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Product Management Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate product management certificate is worth it because it will let you develop deeper expertise in product management skills. Certificates are credentials that are respected by prospective employers and can make it easier to get your first product management job. Certificates are also less time-consuming and more affordable than traditional college degrees.
Best Product Management Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Certificate in New Product Management | $10,549 |
| Indiana University | Graduate Certificate in Product Management | $889/credit (in state) $1,457/credit (out of state) |
| Merrimack College | Graduate Certificate in Product Management Foundations | $9,408 |
| Northwestern University | Post-Graduate Certificate in Product Management | $3,600 |
Best Graduate Product Management Certificate Programs Explained
Graduate certificates differ from undergraduate certificates in their academic rigor. They are designed for professionals who have already received their bachelors’ degrees and offer graduate-level education without needing to enroll in a master’s degree program. Some of the best graduate certificate programs are offered by prestigious business schools.
Product Management Graduate Certificate Program vs Product Management Master’s Degree
Expanding your knowledge in product management can help you grow in your career. The most common ways of upskilling are through graduate certificates and master’s degrees. Some certificate programs will let you transfer credits towards a master’s degree. Keep the following factors in mind as you decide whether a graduate certificate or master’s is right for you.
- Opportunities. A graduate certificate is evidence of deep knowledge in product management and will be attractive to prospective employers. A master’s degree shows a broader range of specialized knowledge and may be required for high-level positions. A master’s degree like an MBA stands out in the job market.
- Time commitment. A master’s degree has more coursework and takes more time to complete than a graduate certificate program. A graduate certificate usually takes a year or less to complete, while a master’s degree can take two years or longer depending on your study schedule.
- Expense. Since a master’s degree requires more credits, it will be more expensive to complete than a graduate certificate. As with undergraduate certificates, graduate certificates are usually not eligible for financial aid, so a master’s degree can end up cheaper thanks to federal grants and scholarships.
- Knowledge. A graduate certificate program provides a comprehensive, more in-depth focus on product management specifically. A master’s program will cover a wider range of topics.
- Easy application. Product management graduate certificate programs have much easier application processes, often only requiring proof of a bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree applications require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statements of purpose.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Product Management Certificate Worth It?
Yes, a graduate product management certificate is worth it because it allows you to hone your skills and increase your marketability to prospective employers. You can expect to see a salary advantage over those who do not have a graduate certificate and you can qualify for higher-level jobs.
Product Management Certificate Program Coursework
Product management is a dynamic industry, and it is essential for both newbies and seasoned product managers to stay up-to-date with continuing education. Product management certificates can give job seekers an edge over other candidates and result in higher salaries. Below are some of the product management courses that can help you step up your game.
Product Budget and Schedule
This course teaches students to identify the resources needed for product manufacturing, determine workflows, calculate product costs, define product marketing activities, and create business models and schedules. Students learn the importance of planning and sticking to time and cost constraints to ensure a successful product launch.
Product Planning
In this course, students learn about the vital roles and responsibilities of product managers and product professionals. They’ll learn how to identify a product’s unique characteristics, create and use a product roadmap, summarize product details for marketing plans, and launch viable products.
Marketing Strategy
This course tackles market requirements for products, including user research, market research, and business psychology. Students learn about product positioning plans, marketing and advertising activity plans, and how to utilize product opportunities.
Product Management Principles
This course teaches the basics of product management principles. Experienced product managers combine soft skills and technical skills to ensure successful product outcomes.
Complete Product Management
This course covers essential product management tools, product development, and product management. It also teaches effective communication and interpersonal skills. Students learn about the nature of the product management profession and are introduced to professional standards and terminology.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Product Management Certificate from College?
A product management certificate can help you land positions in operations management and product management in industries like healthcare, IT, construction, telecommunications, and financial services. Listed in the next section are some of the best product management jobs you can get as a product management professional with a certificate.
Best Product Management Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Product Officer | $196,157 |
| Product Management Director | $149,832 |
| Marketing Manager | $133,380 |
| Senior Product Manager | $128,503 |
| Product Line Manager | $93,089 |
Best Product Management Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
Getting a product management certificate can help you land a high-paying product management role. The highest-paying positions require strong organizational skills, as you’ll need to manage various products from start to finish. Jobs are available in fields like marketing, business process management, digital product education, and software engineering.
Should I Also Get a Product Management Certification?
Yes, you should also get a product management certification. Certifications are proof of your skills and expertise that you earn by sitting for exams or meeting other qualifications. They are recognized by businesses worldwide and provide better credibility, career opportunities, and increased income.
Best Product Management Certifications
- Certified Product Manager (CPM). A CPM certifies a comprehensive understanding of product management and product lifecycle, from a product idea to a marketable and profitable product. It shows a deep understanding of customer needs and how to build business cases, formulate requirements, and work with stakeholders to deliver a viable product to the market.
- Certified Digital Product Manager (CDPM). The CDPM certification is focused on digital product development. The certificate affirms your understanding of digital-specific techniques in product improvement and that you’re up-to-date on the latest digital product management techniques and applications.
- Certified Product Marketing Manager (CPMM). The Certified Product Marketing Manager certification focuses on the marketing side of product management. It tests knowledge on various marketing and advertising strategies, market research, customer psychology, and the latest marketing trends.
- Agile Certified Product Manager and Product Owner (ACPMPO). The ACPMPO certifies a comprehensive understanding of agile development methodologies and product lifecycles. It ensures knowledge of effective product leverage, professional conduct, and product ownership.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Product Management Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for product management is worth it. A product management college certificate is proof of your skillset and boosts your hireability. It also opens up plenty of career opportunities, so you can get better jobs with higher salaries while investing less time and money than you would in a degree.
Product Management Certificates FAQ
Product management is the planning and managing of a product, from the idea stage to manufacturing and distribution. It refers to the processes, methods, skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to meet specific product objectives. It involves careful resource management, identifying and managing risks, smart budgeting, and clear communication across multiple teams and stakeholders.
There are several essential skills a product manager should have, such as leadership, technical expertise, risk management, critical thinking, problem solving, scheduling and time management, negotiation, and effective communication.
Yes, product management certificates matter in the job market. A certificate proves that you have deep expertise in specific product management topics and can lead to higher salaries and higher and more senior roles in companies. Along with certificates, you can benefit from enrolling in product management certification programs.
Typical careers in product management include product assistants, financial managers, product coordinators, product management directors, marketing managers, and product line managers.
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