The project management field is growing rapidly, attracting more and more professionals each year. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 743,860 project management specialists currently employed in the United States. One way to start or advance your career in this field is through project management certificates.
A typical project management certificate program allows you to gain project management skills in budgeting, project planning, and leadership, as well as in related software programs. However, it can be challenging to find all the information you need to choose the right program. We’ve put together lists of the best undergraduate and graduate programs with all of their key details to help make your selection of a project management college certificate easier.
What Is a Project Management Certificate College Program?
A project management certificate is a document that serves as evidence that a student has completed college courses and training in the project management field. A project management certificate acts as validation that you have completed the school’s certificate program in project management and acquired the relevant skills.
What’s the Difference Between a College Project Management Certificate and Professional Certification in Project Management?
The difference between a project management certificate and professional certification is that a certificate serves as evidence of the completion of a school’s program, while a certification indicates mastery or competency in a specific career field. Earning a certification means that you have the knowledge and are willing to prove it via an industry-standard assessment.
Project Management College Certificate vs Project Management Certification: Key Differences
| Project Management Certificate | Project Management Certification |
|---|---|
| It is evidence of the completion of a school’s program in project management. | It is evidence of your skills, competency, knowledge, and mastery of industry practices, proven by passing an industry-standard assessment. |
| These certificates are typically earned by professionals looking to start or advance their career journeys in the field. | Certifications are earned by experienced professionals in project management. |
| Project management certificates are issued once without the need for periodic renewal. | Most project management certifications have an expiration date and require the credential holder to renew them. |
How Long Does It Take To Get a Project Management Certificate at College?
It can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete a project management certificate program. However, some certificate programs allow students to self-pace their studies, which can lengthen the time considerably, even up to a few years. That said, the small number of credits required for these programs makes it easier to complete them quickly if preferred.
Best Project Management Certificate Undergraduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| American Military University | Online Undergraduate Certificate in IT Project Management Essentials | $285/credit |
| Champlain College Online | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $328/credit |
| City University of Seattle | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $470/credit |
| Colorado State University Global | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $350/credit |
| Golden Gate University | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $462/unit |
| Grand Valley State University | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management |
$500/credit |
| Northeastern University | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $541/credit |
| Ohio University | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | N/A |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Online Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $312/credit (in-state) $499/credit (out-of-state) |
| University of Phoenix | Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management | $398/credit |
Best Undergraduate Project Management Certificate Programs: Explained
If you enjoy planning, scheduling, budgeting, and leading teams through important projects from start to finish, you might consider enrolling in a project management certificate program. Many can be taken either online or in person. Below are some of the best project management certificate programs available.
Project Management College Certificate Program vs Project Management Associate Degree
Although project management college certificate and associate degree programs are both relatively short college programs, they do vary quite a bit. Certificate programs include specific courses within a professional field, whereas associate degree programs include general education courses, in addition to electives in the project management field. Below is a closer look at some of the main differences between project management certificates and associate degrees.
- Coursework. A certificate program specializes in a few courses relevant to the project management profession. On the other hand, a project management associate degree program features more courses covering a broader range of knowledge.
- Admission requirements. Most associate degree programs have stricter admission requirements than certificate programs do, such as requiring ACT or SAT scores.
- Length of time for completion. Most certificate programs take about a year or less to complete, while associate degrees take about two years to complete.
- Cost. Although both programs are typically priced per credit, an associate degree program will cost more than a certificate program because the former requires students to complete more credits.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Best Associate Degrees
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Is an Undergraduate Project Management Certificate Worth It?
Yes, an undergraduate project management certificate is worth it because it offers a way for students to start or advance their careers in this growing field. Undergraduate project management certificate programs feature courses designed to help graduates compete for entry-level positions in the field. Most institutions offering this program also allow students to transfer credits to a bachelor’s degree program, making a certificate an effective, affordable way to start your academic journey.
Best Project Management Certificate Graduate Programs
| School | Program Name | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Online Graduate Certificate in Project Management |
N/A |
| City University of Seattle | Graduate Certificate in Project Management | $715/credit |
| Fayetteville State University | Graduate Certificate in Project Management |
$191/credit (in-state), $477.50/credit (out-of-state) |
| Ohio University | Graduate Certificate in Project Management |
$829/credit (in-state); $848/credit (out-of-state) |
| Old Dominion University | Graduate Certificate in Project Management | $551/credit (in-state); $1,387/credit (out-of-state) |
| Pennsylvania State World Campus | Graduate Certificate in Project Management |
$996/credit |
| University of Arkansas | Graduate Certificate in Project Management | $303.88/credit |
| University of Memphis | Graduate Certificate in Business Project Management | $521/credit (in-state); $723/credit (out-of-state) |
| Washington State University | Graduate Certificate in Project Management | N/A |
| Western Carolina University | Graduate Certificate in Project Management | $320.53/credit (in-state); $948.70/credit (out-of-state) |
Best Graduate Project Management Certificate Programs Explained
One of the best ways to get an increase in pay and add job security is by earning a graduate certificate. Having such credentials puts you in a favorable place to negotiate higher salaries while giving you a competitive advantage in a highly competitive field. We’ve put together a list of the best graduate project management certificate programs to consider.
Project Management Graduate Certificate Program vs Project Management Master’s Degree
Although project management graduate certificate and master’s degree programs both require a bachelor’s degree, they vary in many ways. For instance, a graduate certificate program takes about one year to complete, while a master’s degree takes about two years to complete. Below are the main factors that distinguish project management graduate certificates from master’s degrees.
- Program length. It takes a shorter time to complete a graduate certificate program than it does a master’s program.
- Graduation requirements. Certificate programs typically have fewer credit hours required to satisfy graduation requirements compared to master’s programs. A master’s degree also might require a thesis.
Coursework. A certificate program teaches skills and knowledge in a particular field through just a few courses, while a master’s degree typically includes more core courses, as well as electives.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Best Master’s Degrees
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Is a Graduate Project Management Certificate Worth It?
Yes, earning a graduate project management certificate is worth it because it helps professionals increase their skillsets to meet employer demands. Additionally, earning this credential also makes it easier to pursue a master’s degree, as certificate credits can contribute to degree course requirements.
In addition to added job security, a graduate certificate offers a fast education and the opportunity to increase your earning potential. Whether you’re looking to continue your graduate education or advance in your career, having a graduate certificate offers an opportunity for you to meet your personal and career goals.
Project Management Certificate Program Coursework
Here are some of the most popular courses included in a standard project management certificate program at the graduate or undergraduate level.
Introduction to Project Management
This introductory course is designed to lay a solid foundation in project management. You’ll learn how to analyze projects and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Project Risk and Change Management
This course will help you effectively manage project risks by identifying and analyzing inevitable changes to the scope of a given project.
Project Financial Management
This course introduces you to the financial concepts of project management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, accounts receivable, and interpretation.
Measuring Project Performance for Success
This course is designed to help students develop and implement a set of performance measures necessary for the achievement of the project goals.
Project Planning and Control
This course lays a solid foundation for project cost management techniques and concepts.
Best Online College Courses for Credit
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What Can You Do With a Project Management Certificate from College?
With a project management certificate from college, you can continue your education to pursue a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. You can also use the knowledge and skills acquired to seek employment as a project manager. Here are some of the best jobs you can pursue with a PM certificate.
Best Project Management Jobs and Careers With a Certificate
| Job Role | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Management Analyst | $93,000 |
| Program Manager | $86,726 |
| Project Manager | $75,926 |
| Operations Manager | $67,566 |
| Project Management Associate | $52,433 |
Best Project Management Certificate Jobs and Careers: Explained
With a project management certificate, you can compete with your peers in this quickly growing field and stand out to employers. Below are some of the best project management certificate jobs and careers.
Should I Also Get a Project Management Certification?
Yes, you should also get a project management certification, as it will help you negotiate for better salaries and career advancement opportunities. Most project management certificate programs have a curriculum that aligns with certifications in the field. This means that you’ll be in a better place to gain a certification after earning your certificate.
Best Project Management Certifications
- Project Management Professional (PMP). This is one of the most respected and leading project management certifications. It is issued by the Project Management Institute.
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Also offered by the Project Management Institute, this is an entry-level certification ideal for new project managers.
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP). This certification is awarded by Project Management Institute in recognition of a specialist in Agile project management.
Best Professional Certifications
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Is a College Certificate for Project Management Worth It?
Yes, a college certificate for project management is worth it, especially for people looking to add to their skillset in the PM field. Certificate programs increase your career advancement opportunities while giving you leverage in a salary negotiation situation. Earning a PM certificate will also help you prepare for certification in this field while providing a stepping stone to the completion of a college degree.
Project Management Certificates FAQ
Good project management certifications include Project Management Professional (PMP), Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Certified Project Manager by IAPM, and MPM: Master Project Manager.
Yes, it is worth it to take PMP certification exams, as earning such credentials helps you stand out in a competitive field. Many employers and clients looking for project managers prefer working with those who are certified.
The PMP exam is considered fairly hard. To increase your chances of passing, you should enroll in an associated certification or certificate program.
No, a PMP certification is not equivalent to a degree. A PMP certification serves as proof of your skills and competencies, while a degree indicates the completion of a related academic program.
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