Project Management Certificate

Project Management Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the qualifications of your instructors?

Instructors come from industries with considerable experience managing projects. Those who teach required courses typically have earned their PMP credential. They represent a variety of industries and disciplines, which we feel helps the student gain a broad perspective of how to apply project management principles in practical situations.

Do the courses have to be completed in a certain order?

Sequence is important for the required, or core, courses, but not for the electives. We recommend taking the core courses in this order: 1) Project Management Foundations; 2) Project Initiation; 3) Project Planning; 4) Project Execution, Monitoring, and Control; 5) Project Leadership; and 6) Project Risk Management.

If you are new to project management, starting with the Foundations course is recommended but not required.

Do I need to have certification to work in project management?

You do not need to have certification to work in the project management field. Yet, earning certification might make you a more desirable job candidate. Some companies prefer to hire people who have earned certification (for example, the Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute). The U’s Project Management Certificate counts toward the education hours PMI requires.

Certificates in project management are not the same as certification. Colleges and universities award project management certificates to students who complete the required coursework. These programs vary between institutions. If you don’t want to spend the number of hours required to earn certification or an academic degree, a certificate is a great option.

If I complete this certificate, will I be ready to sit for the PMP exam?

No. The PMP exam is a rigorous test of your knowledge of the contents of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK™). 

What can I do with a project management certificate?

Participating in a project management certificate program is well worth the investment. In-depth project management training allows you to develop professional skills that advance your career, expand your job opportunities, and make you a more competitive applicant and valuable employee.

What courses will I take in a project management certificate program?

Your project management training will depend on the college or university you attend. The U of M Project Management Certificate program includes courses in project management foundations, planning, leadership, risk management, initiation, execution, monitoring, and control. Electives cover topics such as business acumen, negotiation, and technical writing. To earn a certificate at the U of M, you’ll need to take six required courses and three electives.

Can I earn a project management certificate online?

The U of M Project Management Certificate takes place 100% online. This makes it a convenient option if you work full-time and cannot travel to campus.

Are classes offered at night?

Not at this time. The project management classes are currently offered only during the day.

How much does a project management certificate cost? 

Certificate programs vary from one institution to another. Tuition for the U of M Project Management Certificate is $4,750–$4,860 depending on the electives and enrollment option you choose. One option offers up to a 10% discount if you enroll in the certificate and register and pay for all of your courses at one time. Or, you may enroll in the certificate and pay for individual project management courses over time. Other discounts and funding resources may also be available to those pursuing a U of M Project Management Certificate. 

How long does It take to earn a project management certificate?

The time it takes to earn a project management certificate depends on the institution and the number of required class hours. Other factors, such as your personal schedule, may also have an effect. The U of M Project Management Certificate requires 60 class hours. If your schedule allows, it's possible to earn your U of M Project Management Certificate in three to four months.

What if I want to take project management courses but don't know if I want to enroll in a certificate program? 

Completing a certificate program will help you receive comprehensive project management training. Do you work or plan to work in a profession other than project management? If the answer is “yes,” then you may only want to learn specific aspects of the field. If that is the case, taking individual courses may be the right way to go. At the University, you do not need to be enrolled in a certificate program to take project management courses.

Didn't see an answer to your question? Try looking in the general FAQs.

Sources    
Best Colleges: Certificates, Certifications, and Licenses
PMI: Project Management PMP