Total Courses
4 required coursesCEUs | Contact Hours
12 CEUs | 120 Contact HoursCost
$4,500Format
Fully onlineTime to Complete
8–10 months-
Funding Resources
Strategic Leadership for Today's Program Managers
Move beyond project management and into strategic program leadership. The Program Management Certificate is designed for emerging and mid-career professionals who want to strengthen their ability to align programs with organizational strategy, guide resource and financial allocation, and influence stakeholders without formal authority.
Participants will gain practical skills in strategic planning, financial and resource management, program evaluation, data-informed decision-making and clear stakeholder communication. They will also strengthen leadership and relationship-building skills integral to effective program management.
The University of Minnesota’s Program Management Certificate provides a practical, real-world framework for effectively managing programs. You can complete the full certificate or take courses individually. Through this program, participants will learn to:
- design a comprehensive program strategy that integrates multiple projects to support a business strategy.
- navigate ambiguity and organizational change by adjusting program scope, priorities and expected outcomes.
- apply leadership skills to foster buy-in among stakeholders and develop strong cross-functional teams.
- guide decisions and communicate program value using program evaluation findings and data literacy skills.
- manage program resources to ensure financial sustainability and accountability.
Who should enroll:
Professionals with experience in execution and tactical project roles who are actively preparing for or have recently transitioned into their first strategic program leadership role. This certificate will also benefit professionals currently serving in an unofficial or official program management capacity who are seeking to strengthen strategic skills in evaluation, resource management and leadership and gain a credible, universally recognized framework to enhance their authority and impact.
Program Management Courses
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Multiweek CourseProgram Strategy and Change Management
Guide complex initiatives and drive long-term results that advance program and organizational priorities.Next start date:- June 1-July 12, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30pm | Instructor Led Online
$1125.00 | 30.0 hours -
Multiweek CourseData and Evaluation for Program Management
Strengthen data literacy and apply program evaluation findings to improve program management and performance.Next start date:- Aug. 10-Sept. 20, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30pm | Instructor Led Online
$1125.00 | 30.0 hours -
Multiweek CourseProgram Leadership
Develop leadership, communication, and influence skills to manage stakeholders, navigate complexity, and move program work forward.Next start date:- Oct. 5-Nov. 15, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30pm | Instructor Led Online
$1125.00 | 30.0 hours -
Multiweek CourseFinancial Stewardship and Resource Management
Learn budgeting, forecasting, and resource-allocation skills to enhance program management and support long-term sustainability.Next start date:- Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30pm | Instructor Led Online
$1125.00 | 30.0 hours
Format
Each multi-week course blends synchronous and asynchronous learning to provide flexibility for independent project work while still building real-time connections with instructors and fellow participants via Zoom.
The synchronous portion—live class sessions designed for hands-on practice and support—includes a 60- or 90-minute Zoom meeting each week. During these meetings, participants join discussions and workshop assignments and projects together. This time helps learners build relationships with peers and the instructor, while also allowing for more personalized guidance.
The asynchronous portion—coursework that can be completed on each participant’s own schedule—may include recorded video lectures, readings, and assignments such as discussion posts or projects. Each week, there will be designated deadlines to help learners stay on track.
Career Outlook
Funding and Discounts
The University of Minnesota's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.
Funding
- CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $5,000 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
- If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
- Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.
Discounts
- When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
- University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
- UMN staff get 50% off most professional development programs.
See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.
Enroll
The cost of the Program Management Certificate is $4,500. But if you register and pay for all courses at once, we'll give you up to a 10% discount, bringing the cost down to $4,050!
If you are registering multiple people from your organization, use this form. (See available discounts).
If you have questions about the registration process or payment options, or need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:
Option 2
Enroll in Certificate Now
Register and Pay for Courses Later
- UMN employees: choose this option to receive your discount
Your Enrollment Advisor
Shanta Bhoelai
I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind.
Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!
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Stories From the Field
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between project management and program management?
Project management is a tactical, temporary effort focused on execution to deliver a defined outcome, measured by completing work on time and budget. In contrast, program management is a strategic, long-term discipline that coordinates multiple related projects to achieve broader organizational goals and sustained business value. Program managers focus on strategic alignment, managing interdependencies between projects and realizing benefits, while project managers focus on the detailed execution of individual deliverables.
Is program management experience required to enroll?
Do employers offer tuition reimbursement for professional development?
Many employers do offer reimbursement for professional development, especially when the training builds strategic and leadership capabilities that directly benefit the organization. We encourage participants to check with their HR department or supervisor to explore available funding options. You may use this resource to guide the conversation.
Are the courses taught by industry professionals with on-the-ground experience?
Our instructors are industry professionals with extensive experience in the areas they teach. Many have years, and sometimes decades, of practical background and use real-world case studies and examples to enrich the learning experience.
What skills will I gain in the Program Management Certificate?
Through four online courses completed over eight to ten months, you’ll build the skills needed to guide complex programs and support organizational priorities. Learners will gain:
- program strategy skills to align multiple projects with organizational goals.
- financial and resource management capabilities, including budgeting, forecasting and allocation.
- program evaluation and data-literacy skills to make informed decisions and communicate program value.
- leadership and communication skills, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and influencing without authority.
- a variety of perspectives from a community of peers, supported by instructors with practical, real-world industry expertise.
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