In business, an adage goes, “Management is planning and not reacting.” Modern high-end projects call for tech-inclined project managers. They need to track enormous quantities of data, balance the needs of staff and contractors, and guide project timelines. Gain hands-on experience and skills by enrolling in one of the best online project management certificate programs. Also, graduates will qualify for various enriching roles in manufacturing, governmental, utilities, and construction industries.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the project management specialist’s role will increase by 7% between 2021 and 2031. Due to this, certified PMP candidates are going to enjoy all the associated benefits in this sector. Numerous employers realize the value of skilled project management specialists and how they directly impact the bottom line of enterprises.
If this interests you, let’s get started. This article will explore the best online project management certificate programs, project management certification costs, career options, types of certifications, and academic requirements to fulfill.
Article Navigation: What is Project Management? | General Overview: Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs | PMP Certification Eligibility | How To Choose The Right Program | 10 Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs | What Can I Do With a Project Management Certificate? | Professional Organizations for PMPs | FAQs | Get Started Today
What is Project Management?
Project management uses procedures, techniques, abilities, experience, and knowledge to accomplish specific project goals following predetermined guidelines. In this field, the final outputs in managing projects are subject to a limited amount of time and budget.
What Kinds of Project Management Certifications are There?
The types of project management certifications include:
- Certified Project Manager (CPM)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP)
- Associate in Project Management (APM)
- Professional in Project Management (PPM)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
What Qualifications do you Need to be a Project Manager?
To be a project manager, practitioners must hold a graduate certificate in project management, have at least three years of experience in related fields, and possess a PMP certification.
Do You Need an MBA to be a Project Manager?
Project managers might need the business expertise and training acquired from an MBA to advance to a more prominent executive position.
General Overview: Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs
Via this section, we will explore project management certification online skills that students gain during this program.
What To Expect
The project management certificate program offers students the expertise to manage challenging projects with diverse or cross-functional groups/teams. The curriculum covers agile and predictive methodologies; that fit the educational requirements for the PMP certification.
Online Project Management Certificate Courses
The project management certification online curriculum mainly covers coursework like:
- Cost Analysis
- Budgeting
- Production Planning
- Project Scheduling
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Project Monitoring
Human Resources Management
Admission Requirements
To obtain a project management qualification, candidates must often meet the following standard enrollment requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related field
- Maintain at least a GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale across all past postsecondary coursework
- Submission of a valid academic transcript
Acquired Skills
As part of the PMP experience requirement, students will gain the business, management, communication, and technical skills necessary to function effectively in this field. In most project management certifications coursework, learners also develop cost accounting, negotiations, problem-solving, and time management competencies.
Timeline
Associate programs in project management take between five to six months to complete. The undergraduate curriculum takes at least three years to complete. Also, the IT project management certification program at the graduate level takes between 12 to 16 months to finish.
Paying for Your Online Project Management Certificate Program
For most students, funding their PM program is sometimes a complicated ordeal. There are numerous funding options if you belong to the category of learners aiming to pay or offset their:
- Project manager certification online cost
- Project management certification cost
- Construction project management certification online tuition
Some payment choices include student loans, GI Bill, federal government grants, scholarships, graduate assistantships, employer loans/grants, etc.
Who is a Good Candidate?
A good prospect for certificate programs in project management must possess in-depth analytical and problem-solving skills and team leadership competencies. In addition, the ideal learner must also be an avid reader capable of paying attention to details at all times.
PMP Certification Eligibility
What is PMP?
PMP stands for Project Management Professional. The designation is for candidates that excel in the PMP examination.
To be eligible for a PMP credential, candidates must fulfill all the project management certification requirements. Applicants with a high school certificate or an associate’s degree must take a 35-hour project management course and have five years of experience. Meanwhile, those with a four-year degree must possess at least three years of project management experience or 35 hours of PM training.
How To Choose The Right Program
Here are some checklists to follow before enrolling in an online project management certification program:
Cost
It’s not surprising to see students ask: Will my employer pay for me to take the course? The answer is yes and no. Depending on your role and level in an organization, employers can sometimes foot the bill for you, but not in all cases. The average tuition cost of a graduate program in project management ranges from $16,000 to as high as $85,000.
The project management certification online programs may cost a bit less than on-campus certificates. In addition, PMP certification cost varies based on membership levels. Students that belong to the Project Management Institute (PMI) pay $405, while non-members pay $555.
Admissions
Admissions requirements for a graduate program in project management typically include the following:
- Undergraduate degree in Project Management or a related field
- GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale; however, it varies based on the requirements of various colleges
- Official transcript
- Letters of recommendations
Program Format
Project management qualification programs for students are accessible via online, on-campus, or hybrid formats. Depending on what suits the students, they are at liberty to decide on the learning option they prefer the most based on their current schedules and activities.
Location
As a rule of thumb, the closer the college to a candidate’s residence, the lower the overall cost of attending a program. Choosing the online route is best for students who intend to lower their overall cost of attending a PMP program since location won’t be a problem.
Accreditation
A certificate from an unaccredited college is worthless, and employers will not place a value on it. Therefore, candidates must ensure to enroll in only recognized higher learning institutions.
10 Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs
Undergraduate Certificates
1. Coastline Community College
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Degree Offered: Project Management Certificate of Accomplishment
Coastline Community College offers a Project Management Certificate of Accomplishment to aspiring learners globally. Via this program, candidates will learn to handle and oversee projects in their professional and personal lives. The coursework exposes practitioners to diverse project management areas for further study considerations.
In addition, students will acquire business, leadership, and technical project management expertise to ensure project success. The curriculum areas in this course include:
- Introduction to Business
- Human Relations in Business
- Introduction to Project Management
After completing the program, graduates can:
- Recommend and analyze valuable business solutions and decisions using a data-driven, systematic, and evaluative approach
2. Fayetteville Technical Community College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Project Leadership Certificate
Course Duration: 2 semesters
Fayetteville Technical Community College provides Project Leadership Certificates to deserving applicants. The certificate in project leadership is structured to prepare individuals who work in project-related environments. In this course, candidates will learn the fundamentals of project management and the abilities needed to spearhead a project team. Students will become skilled at leveraging a group’s combined expertise and directing a team as it completes a project. After completing the course, graduates will fully understand the processes and techniques employed in project management and leadership.
Some of the coursework areas in this program include:
- Project Management
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Principles of Management
- Operations and Production Planning
- Introduction to Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior in Business Quality Management
3. Forsyth Technical Community College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Degree Offered: Certificate in Project Management Technology -Information Systems
Forsyth Technical Community College has a Certificate in Project Management Technology with an emphasis on Information Systems. The program introduces learners to strategies and processes for initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and sealing projects. In addition, students will learn the nine knowledge course areas of Project Management (time, cost, human resources, quality, integration, scope, communication, procurement, and risk management). The curriculum instills in students the core project management competencies that integrate all work facets.
Coursework in the program comprises:
- Finance and Purchasing
- Concepts in Accounting
- Information Systems
- Project Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Resource Management
- Business Ethics and Economics
4. Mesa Community College
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Degree Offered: Certificate of Completion in Project Management
Mesa Community College offers a Certificate of Completion in Project Management to aspiring students nationwide. The program equips project managers with the knowledge and abilities needed to prepare for project management board examinations while also preparing them for career paths as project managers. Also, the curriculum encompasses requirements, principles, benefits, and vital project management tools.
Curriculum areas in the program include:
- Project Management
- Procurement Management and Project Scope
- Project Time & Cost Management
- Project Risk & Quality Management
- Principles of Project Management
- Project, Human Resources, & Communications Management
This course plan will assist students in acquiring the knowledge required to:
- Assist with project computation and presentation using computerized project management software
- List the benefits of ensuring proper project schedule management and the types of project expenditures
- Describe the core components of procurement management, such as buying, expediting, and inspection
5. Daytona State College
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Certificate in Project Management
Daytona State College offers a Certificate in Project Management to professionals and aspiring learners in this field. The program aims to provide candidates with skill sets benchmarked for careers as project managers across all projects, sectors, nations, and businesses. Also, the curriculum comprises 24 credits that will prepare graduates for qualifications that meet the PMP certification requirements for competency in key project management areas such as:
- CompTIA Project+
- Microsoft Project 2019
- Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)
- Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
- Project Management Professional (PMI-PMP)
- Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (PMI-CAPM).
After completing the program, graduates will be able to:
- Utilize project management tools that are well-known in the industry
- Convey a mastery of the core concepts, terminology, and procedures of efficient project management
- Take on the project manager’s responsibilities, managing and coordinating teams and projects.
Graduate Certificates
1. East Carolina University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Graduate Certificate in Project Management
East Carolina University provides a Graduate Certificate in Project Management to aspiring project managers in this field. The curriculum will cover project management tools, skills, and strategies from foundational to advanced topics. The primary concept employed in these fields is from the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) issued by the Project Management Institute.
Some of the coursework topics in this program include:
- Project Monitoring, Executing, and Controlling
- Project Leadership & Communication
- Advanced Project Management
2. Western Carolina University
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Degree Offered: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Project Management
Western Carolina University offers a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Project Management to professionals or students aiming to learn more about the field. Students in this program will learn about project managers’ impact in managing project teams to achieve corporate goals.
Via this program, graduates will take courses in:
- Project Planning & Estimating
- Project Scheduling, Risk, & Monitoring
- Management Skills for Project Teams Managing Procurement & the Project Environment
3. University of Arkansas
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Course Duration: 2 semesters
The University of Arkansas provides a Graduate Certificate in Project Management that attests to your proficiency in the tools, techniques, and concepts used in project management worldwide. In this program, students will take four courses, including one elective course. The curriculum comprises:
- Advanced Project Management
- Leadership Principles and Practices
- Project Management for Operations Managers
Elective course options include:
- Quality Management
- Cost Estimation Models
- Organizing for Change or Economic Decision-Making
Upon completing the program, candidates will meet the PMP certification requirements and understand how to:
- Improve the project leadership skills
- Implement technical project management techniques on new and complex projects
- Put problem-solving abilities to use in a project environment
4. Concordia University – Nebraska
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Course Duration: 6 months
Concordia University – Nebraska offers prospective students a Graduate Certificate in Project Management online. Via this curriculum, learners will gain understanding and skills that will be useful while undertaking the Project Management Professional examination. The certificate is available as a standalone degree, and courses in this program can fulfill the project management specialization requirements for an MBA.
5. Missouri State University
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Degree Offered: Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Missouri State University provides a project management graduate certificate. The institution offers graduate-level training that fits a variety of businesses and organizations. The certification aims to satisfy the requirements of those who have established careers and are looking to advance professionally.
Furthermore, the core topics or subject areas in this curriculum include:
- Project Leadership
- Project Management
- Risk Analysis
- Technology Seminar
- Management of Innovation
- Project Control Systems
- Project Management Training
- Product Design & Development
- Cost Analysis for Project Management
What Can I Do With a Project Management Certificate?
Globally, organizations view online project management certification as the industry benchmark since the knowledge, competencies, and training required for the qualifications are transferrable across professions. With this credential, candidates can get job roles as:
- Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Portfolio Manager
- Project Management Specialist
- Director of Project Management
Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), recruitment of project management experts will increase by 7% over the next ten years.
Are Project Managers in Demand?
There is a great demand for project managers in different industries worldwide. From 2021 to 2031, about 70,400 jobs will be available for project management professionals. Many of those positions became possible by a need to replace people who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
What Kind of Jobs Can I Get With a Project Management Certificate?
Practitioners or candidates with a CAPM certification or PMI certification can switch between different careers in this field. A few of the available job roles they qualify for include:
Portfolio Manager
Depending on the structure of the organization and the specific nature of its product(s), a portfolio manager is in charge of examining assets linked with one or more projects. In the industry, they must be up-to-date on trading conditions that could affect a program, project, business, or company’s financial health.
Furthermore, they must have exceptional knowledge of compliance requirements and regulations, time management, and problem-solving skills. According to PayScale, the average yearly wage of a portfolio manager is $91,032 as of August 2022.
Project Management Consultant
The project management consultant’s task is to offer industry knowledge aligned with an organization’s goals. During their daily activities, they consult with different project team members to ascertain a project’s timeframe and budget. Additionally, they must have in-depth project management experience and vital analytical skills/competencies.
According to PayScale statistics, the yearly wage of a project management consultant is $86,276 as of August 2022.
Program Manager
Program managers are professionals that help in managing multiple programs or projects within a new or ongoing initiative. They are in charge of overseeing the teams of two or more project managers. Also, they play a vital role in the continuous improvement of a company’s projects and programs and are, therefore, mainly in charge of the outcomes and return on investment of those programs. In this role, they must possess excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
Based on PayScale data, the median annual income of a program manager is $87,226 as of August 2022.
Project Management Specialists (PMS)
Project management specialists are experts that organize the timeline, budget, and other elements of a project. They direct and oversee the operational staff’s activities while acting as a reference contact for the customer or client. When carrying out their duties, they help to review, identify, and choose consultants and suppliers to meet all the project needs. Also, recruiters expect all PMS to possess budget management skills.
Based on the BLS report, the average yearly pay of project management specialists is $94,500 as of May 2021. The recruitment of experts in this field will rise by 7% over the next ten years.
Project Manager (PM)
A project manager controls a specific project’s scope, schedule, and resource availability. They are responsible for the overall performance of all respective teams that contributed to a project. To be efficient, a project manager must always meet the project’s financial objectives within the allocated time. Employers demand that PMs have good management, leadership, and communication skills in this career.
According to PayScale, the average project manager’s salary as of August 2022 is $76,370.
Note: Project manager salary increases based on their years of working experience.
What is the Average Salary of a PMP-Certified Project Manager?
According to PMI, non-certified project managers in the United States get an average salary of $95,000 yearly. Meanwhile, project managers who hold the PMP certification make $120,000 annually.
Continuing Education
Professional fields frequently promote or mandate continuous training. Also, maintaining your professional qualifications from the Project Management Body of knowledge requires ongoing education. To sustain this international standard and guarantee that your competence remains current and competitive, candidates must take continuing education courses like:
- Project portfolio management
- Project Evaluation & Risk Assessment
- Product Planning and Development
Professional Organizations for PMPs
Project Management Institute (PMI) is probably the first organization that comes to mind when considering project management affiliation. Still, other outstanding organizations are influencing the industry and assisting PMs in connecting and developing their careers. A few of them are:
- Association for Project Management (APM)
- International Project Management Association (IPMA)
- Project Management Institute
FAQs
How to become a project manager
Earn an undergraduate and master’s degree in project management to become a project manager. After that, undergo internships and training to gain industry-based experiences. With all this in place, a student can apply for the project management professional (PMP) examination to become certified.
Which certificate course is best for project management?
The best two project management courses or certifications in this industry are Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).
Note: CAPM and PMP certification online examinations test candidates in vital areas/aspects of project management.
What is PMP?
Project Management Professional, or PMP, is an industry-prioritized qualification for project managers. The PMP credential validates the skill, education, competency, and experience required to direct and lead commercial/private projects.
Is a PMP cert worth it?
Yes, PMP certification online credentials are worth it in terms of the numerous financial benefits it offers aside from career growth.
How to get PMP certification online
To get the project manager certification online:
- Candidates must meet Project Management Certification requirements.
- Pay for the PMP certification cost.
- Fulfill the PMP experience requirement.
Is the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam hard?
The PMP exam isn’t difficult. To excel in this examination, candidates must take a series of practice questions to gain in-depth knowledge of the test pattern and techniques.
Is IT project management certification worth it?
Yes, it is worth it since IT project management certification boosts students’ competitiveness in the job market.
What are the best online project management courses?
A couple of the beneficial courses in this field are:
- Certificate in Project Management Technology with an emphasis on Information Systems
- Construction project management certification online program
Is Google PMP certification worth it?
Google PMP certification is highly worth the time and resources, as it helps candidates to build job-ready expertise to start a successful career as a certified project manager.
Get Started Today
We outlined a host of the Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs and the rewarding careers available to graduates in this field. Also, we saw that the project manager’s position determines how teams carry out proposed initiatives or projects.
At GetEducated, our educational resources are full of other enriching academic articles that will spur you to greatness today.