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.
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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.
American Military University (AMU) has been providing high-quality education for the US military since 1991. It caps its programs at $285 per credit hour for all undergraduate and master's-level programs. AMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This program will help you gain knowledge in strategic planning, business systems analysis, and risk assessment, among other essential topics. Although this program does not lead to certifications from the Project Management Institute, it does prepare you for them.
Online Undergraduate Certificate in IT Project Management Essentials Details
- Cost: $285/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Government-issued JST or CCAF transcript (military undergraduates)
This program is for those looking to start or build their career in project management. Champlain College has been offering academic programs since 1878, helping students start careers in a variety of fields. By the end of this program, you’ll be able to apply the knowledge, skills, and techniques you’ve learned to project-based activities.
Project Management Online Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $328/credit
- Length: 19 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Letters of recommendation, high school transcripts
City University of Seattle is a private university offering a wide range of online programs, from certificates to doctoral degrees. This online undergraduate certificate program will teach you what it means to be a team leader, helping you achieve your career goals whether you are just getting started in your career or are looking for career advancement opportunities.
Undergraduate Project Management Certificate Details
- Cost: $470/credit
- Length: 25 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: None
Colorado State University is known as a leading research institute that offers a wide range of programs in different disciplines. As a student of this undergraduate project management certificate, you’ll enroll in various courses, including Introduction to Project Management, Effective Communication, and Effective Project Scheduling and Control, among others.
Online Undergraduate Project Management Certificate Details
- Cost: $350/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: High school transcript or GED
Golden Gate University is a private university in San Francisco that offers educational programs for professionals in taxation, business, and accounting. In this project management certificate program, students will learn a multitude of skills including budgeting, leadership, project scoping, and conflict resolution, among others.
Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $462 per credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online, in person, hybrid
- Minimum Education: 12 college credits with a minimum 2.0 GPA OR a high school GPA of 3.0 or better OR 3 years of work experience in project management
- Other Requirements: Statement of purpose
Grand Valley State University provides in-demand skills, including project planning and team building, through this undergraduate certificate program. Other related courses you’ll be taking during this 12-credit program include applied business solutions and Agile project management.
Project Management Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $500/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
This Northeastern University program is ideal for those looking to start their careers in project management as it gives students the skills for entry-level roles such as program managers, associate project managers, project administrators, and project controllers. This certificate program also allows students to transfer credits to a Bachelor of Science in Project Management program.
Undergraduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $541/credit
- Length: 24 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High School diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts or GED
This business-oriented project management program allows students to gain skills in project management through hands-on experience. You’ll have the knowledge and skills necessary to lead project teams for the accomplishment of business goals. You can pursue a degree and a graduate certificate in the field of project management at Ohio University.
Project Management Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: N/A
- Length: 15-16 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: High school transcripts
University of Maryland Global Campus is one of the largest online education providers in the world, with almost 300,000 worldwide course enrollments. This online certificate program upholds the school’s reputation for great online academic programs by preparing students through hands-on work with federal contracts for supervisory and mid-level management positions.
Online Project Management Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $312/credit (in-state); $499/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online, hybrid
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award degrees and certificates, including this undergraduate certificate program. By the end of this program, you’ll be able to project costs, build timelines, track projects, and measure progress, while using project management software.
Project Management Undergraduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $398/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Other Requirements: Official high school transcripts
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.
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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.
This 16-credit program from Boston University takes nine months to complete. During this time, you’ll learn project lifecycle, cost management, risk management, procurement management, and other essential project management tools and techniques.
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Online Project Management Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: N/A
- Length: 16 credits
- Learning Format: Online, on campus
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts from each college and university attended, letters of recommendation, personal essay
City University of Seattle offers a graduate certificate in project management that gives students a complete overview of the skills in this field so that they can apply them to their professional experience. This program also prepares students for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) exams offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $715/credit
- Length: 18 credits
- Learning Format: Online, hybrid
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Other Requirements: None
This Fayetteville State University program was created with business and military professionals in mind. The curriculum is designed to provide a solid foundation in leadership, procurement, risk management, and the tools and techniques of project management. The program is aligned with the certification curriculum for project managers.
Project Management Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $191/credit (in-state); $477.50/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Other Requirements: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, 2 years of work experience in project-oriented fields, 2 letters of recommendation
The curriculum for this Ohio University program is designed to provide students with transferable skills and knowledge that applies to many careers and professions. Earning this certificate provides a unique stepping stone for the completion of a Master’s Degree in Project Management.
Project Management Graduate Certificate Details
- Cost: $829/credit (in-state); $848/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 9 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts
Old Dominion University’s graduate certificate program in project management equips students with the skills necessary to oversee projects in the workplace as project managers. There’s an eight-week accelerated program option that allows busy professionals to quickly complete this program without compromising their work schedules.
ODU's Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $551/credit (in-state); $1,387/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Transcripts
This interdisciplinary program from Pennsylvania State University World Campus provides students with theoretical and practical knowledge. Besides earning a well-respected certificate from a reputable school, you can go on to continue your education with a Master’s Degree in Project Management.
Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $996/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited US institution OR a tertiary or postsecondary degree equal to a four-year program
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts from each institution attended
Some things you’ll learn in this University of Arkansas certificate program include leadership skills, the project lifecycle, how to handle complex projects, cost and value management, organizational theory, and corporate, business, and project strategy.
Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $303.88/credit
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Not specified
Unlike most of the programs featured on this list, this one from the University of Memphis places specific emphasis on information systems and business processes. By the end of this program, you’ll be able to manage capital budgets and oversee a wide variety of technology-focused projects in business.
Graduate Certificate in Business Project Management Details
- Cost: $521/credit (in-state); $723/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Personal statement
Washington State University offers this program to help students get careers as project managers and technical managers. You can apply the skills you’ll learn in various sectors including manufacturing, technology, and research.
Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: N/A
- Length: 12 credit hours
- Learning Format: In person
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Resume, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, personal statement
This graduate certificate from Western Carolina’s College of Business is designed as a coding bootcamp for those looking to advance their knowledge and careers in project management. The program features 12 credit hours of project management courses that cover project initiation and planning, project execution and closeout, and managing project teams.
Graduate Certificate in Project Management Details
- Cost: $320.53/credit (in-state); $948.70/credit (out-of-state)
- Length: 12 credits
- Learning Format: Online, on site (employer's site or school classroom)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- Other Requirements: Minimum 3.0 GPA
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.
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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.
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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.
These professionals oversee the scheduling and coordination of business resources to meet objectives on time. They also assess change readiness while identifying key stakeholders.
- Average Salary: $93,000
- Job Outlook: 14% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: 5 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
These professionals coordinate or oversee multiple activities to accomplish larger projects. They do so without managing them directly. A certificate program can make it easier for you to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which is typically required to be eligible for this role.
- Average Salary: $86,726
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Years of experience with a bachelor’s degree and certifications
Project managers oversee projects from inception to completion. They plan, organize, and direct the completion of organizational projects. This is the very foundation of most project management certificate programs.
- Average Salary: $75,926
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Three to five years of experience with relevant certifications and certificates in this field
An operations manager is responsible for the management of staff to effectively run operations and accomplish goals. A graduate certificate can help you gain the skills required for this job.
- Average Salary: $67,566
- Job Outlook: 8% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: 5 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree
Project management associates perform a wide range of administrative duties supporting the completion of projects. This job provides the ideal platform for those who want to gain hands-on experience as they work under a senior project manager.
- Average Salary: $52,433
- Job Outlook: 9% from 2020 to 2030
- Required Education and Experience: Years of experience with an associate degree
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.
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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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