25 Best Project Management Certification Programs Online
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If you’re a working professional already in a project management position or looking for a promotion to more responsibility that may include project management, a certificate program can offer just what you need. Colleges and universities offer certificates through a variety of departments: business schools, Extended Study, Continuing Education, School of Professional Studies, or others.
Most often, a Project Management Certificate is a post-graduate specialization (either post-bachelors or post-masters). It doesn’t really matter what business you’re in, or what kind of bachelor’s degree you have: any project management professional can benefit from these short-term, often online certifications, adding organization and management skills to their existing abilities.
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PM Certificate programs come in all shapes and sizes, from single bootcamp courses to week-long intensives, 5-week, 8-week, 10-week, or even year-long self-paced online programs. There is no right or wrong way to do it – just what works best for your professional and personal life situation. Some institutions offer advanced certificate programs for professionals who are already PMI-certified to continue their certification. That’s why we want students to know the best certificate programs.
How We Ranked the Best Online Project Management Certificate Programs
The editors at Value Colleges are dedicated to showing project managers the way to the programs with the best ROI. For that reason, we feature only accredited, reputable institutions, ranked by cost, potential salary, and reputation, using current IPEDS and Niche data. These represent the best schools for project management certification.
1. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Project Management Certificate at the Georgia Institute of Technology is the best online project management course. Georgia Tech imparts practical skills necessary to successfully execute projects big and small. This program is taught by experts in the field of project management, it’s ideal for young professionals who are just starting out as well as mid-career professionals who want to give their resumes an edge. Pursuing a certificate there is a superb way to network with others in this booming field in the US and worldwide.
The Georgia Tech Professional Education program has a stellar reputation in the South for always providing impeccable, rigorous coursework that prepares graduates well to achieve their career goals. It’s one of the nation’s leading research universities, so students know that a project management certificate or degree in any other program will send a clear positive signal to future potential employers.
Program: Project Management Certificate
Georgia Institute of Technology
2. CalTech
Did you know that it’s possible to complete your project management certificate from CalTech in just 10 days? That’s right – in a week and a half, students are able to acquire real-world skills they will apply in project management jobs that will serve them well for the rest of their careers. All classes are held virtually for the time being because of COVID-19, but students still get to experience high-level education lead by industry experts. Who knew it would be possible to learn so much in such a short period of time?!
Everybody has heard of CalTech, which is located in Pasadena, CA. CalTech is known for bringing the best thinkers, movers, and shakers together to lead and educate people who want to have incredible careers in the booming project management industry and a bunch of others, too. CalTech is especially known for their inclusiveness and emphasis on women and minorities in STEM.
Program: Project Management Certificate
3. Georgetown University
Companies here in the US and around the world rely on project management professionals to make sure projects big and small are completed according to plan, on-budget, and achieve strategic goals. A project management professional certification from Georgetown University gives students the skill necessary to become a savvy project manager who will be in-demand in today’s competitive workforce. This program emphasizes technical, theory, and people skills that are fundamental to success as a project manager. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to complete the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam.
Georgetown University’s study in project management principles has been reviewed and approved by PMI, the Project Management Institute, and is a REP (Registered Education Provider). All classes are currently conducted online and afford a rigorous course of study to prepare professionals well for careers in project management.
Program: Project Management Certificate
4. University of Washington
A project management certificate from the University of Washington is a fantastic way to accelerate your career as a project management professional. This industry is always even high-demand, even now during the pandemic, as companies work hard to improve efficiency and obtain a competitive edge over others. The program consists of Predictive and Agile methodologies and offers transparent, up-front pricing to give prospective students peace of mind that their ROI will be worth it.
The Professional and Continuing Education department of the University of Washington has many certificate offerings that are perfect for young professionals and anyone who’s interested in enhancing their skill set and gaining an edge on the competition. Their motto is “a pathway for your passion,” and their many program offerings are accessible to anyone who has a drive for success.
Program: Project Management Certificate
5. University of California, Berkeley
A project management certificate from the University of California, Berkeley, sets graduates apart from the pack. Their fully online certificate enables students to study concepts that they can quickly apply to their jobs. Instructors have plenty of industry knowledge and real-world experience to impart to students, and the emphasis is always on problem-solving skills. Students who plan to take the PMP and CAPM certifications are invited to take the helpful elective courses that hone in on the skills needed to pass with flying colors.
The online project management course is part of the UC Berekely Extension department – located online, as well as in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Belmont. The practical skills gained in any one of the certificate programs at the Extension enable professionals to enhance their careers immeasurably.
Program: Project Management Certificate
University of California, Berkeley
6. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia project management certificate program is ideal for project management professionals of all kinds, including entry-level and executive employees who wish to enhance their skill set in this area. Project management skills including leadership, budget control, time-management, and effective communication are fundamentally important in a wide range of industries. This certificate program is available at the same cost for in-state and out-of-state students and can be completed in an average of 12 months.
The University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies is open for business online to students of all kinds who wish to give their careers a boost. The “UVA family,” as it’s referred to on their website, is an extensive network of University of Virginia alums that provide an excellent network for job-seekers to tap into upon graduation. In today’s workforce, it’s all about who you know, and UVA students have found their network through the school to be very helpful.
Program: Project Management Certificate
University of Virginia
7. Baruch College
Obtaining a project management certificate from Baruch College affords students the opportunity to acquire a host of essential project management skills. The program imparts the knowledge necessary for successfully passing PMP and CAPM exams. All students are required to complete the following courses: Fundamentals of Project Management, Advanced Professional Project Management, Microsoft Project, and Negotiation, Decision Making, and Conflict Management.
The Baruch College Continuing and Professional Studies department is committed to helping their students achieve their career potential and feel fulfilled in today’s modern workplace. Students are valued in their current work positions and are better positioned to take the next advancing step in their career trajectory. Their motto is “Be brave, be brilliant, be you.”
Program: Project Management Certificate
8. North Carolina State University
A Project Management Certificate from North Carolina State University is the perfect investment in any professional’s career. There is always a demand for project management experts, and a certificate from North Carolina State University will take your skillset to a whole new level. Required courses include Project Management Principles, Tools, and Practices; How to Communicate, Influence, and Negotiate in Project Management.
This certificate program is part of the McKimmon Center for Extension and Continuing Education at North Carolina State University. It serves as a gateway for students to access the incredible intellectual and technical resources at NCU. It also has a wide network for NCSU alumni that graduates can connect with to enhance their job searches.
Program: Project Management Certificate
North Carolina State University
9. University of Minnesota
The Project Management Certificate from the University of Minnesota program offers students the opportunity to learn and polish their process and human interaction skills in order to perform well in their current positions and reach the next few rungs on their career ladders. Students learn conflict negotiation and resolution, team-building and leadership, risk management and adaptability skills, and more. Pricing for the entire certificate program is transparent and rather affordable. Project management professionals who graduate from the University of Minnesota develop innovative, highly efficient solutions, confidently utilize technology to achieve strategic goals, and express themselves clearly in writing and in person. In short, a certificate in project management from the University of Minnesota prepares students well to be successful in this booming industry.
The University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies department helps professionals achieve their career goals. The University of Minnesota’s motto is, “Driven to Discover,” and students in all courses of study are encouraged to follow their curiosity and serve the world with creative solutions and hard-working attitudes. After completing a degree from the University of Minnesota, whether it’s a certificate in project management or any other program, students are well-equipped to perform in today’s competitive workplace.
Program: Project Management Certificate
10. Rutgers University
With a Project Management Certificate from Rutgers University on hand, there’s no limit to what you can do. This program is ideal for a whole range of people, including those interested in taking the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, assimilating basic project management knowledge to apply in one’s current position, or preparing to switch to taking your career in a different direction. The self-paced project management certification program at Rutgers University gives students the guidance and technical and personal skills necessary to keep projects large and small on track, on time, and in line with budgetary parameters. The teachers are experts in this field who impart incredible knowledge in this sought-after program.
Rutgers University has always been well-known in New Jersey, New England, and beyond as a provider of high-quality education. The project management professional certification is part of the Rutgers School of Business Executive education department.
Program: Project Management Certificate
11. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University offers a project management certificate that prepares students for the demanding project management industry, which is only becoming more fast-paced and complex as companies scramble to increase efficiency and achieve strategic goals. The program is excellent preparation for the PMP exam – it includes a full, online practice exam that helps students feel extra prepared to pass the PMP exam with flying colors. All certificate programs at Wake Forest University are open-enrollment, non-credit-bearing programs designed to enhance the careers of professionals who want to increase their skills for their current position or launch into a new direction with their careers.
Wake Forest University of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is an incredibly large university with undergraduate, graduate, business, divinity, law, and medicine programs to a diverse body of thousands of students.
Program: Project Management Certificate
12. University of California, Davis
Getting a project management certificate from the University of California, Davis, requires a significant investment of time, energy, and money, but the vast majority of graduates find that it is absolutely worth it. The online project management course consists of 6 online classes that provide practical training that students are able to apply on the job immediately. There is a fast track option, which is perfect for people who are ready to take their careers to the next level ASAP. Stop wasting time binging TV shows and sign up today.
The University of California, Davis is a renowned university that offers a wide range of programs for all kinds of students. With a degree or certificate from UC Davis on your resume, there’s no limit to what you can do!
Program: Project Management Certificate
University of California, Davis
13. University of Chicago
The University of Chicago program management certificate is a wise course of study to complete for all kinds of people – those who are just starting out in the workforce, those who wish to contribute more to their current workplace, and those who are looking to move on to their next position (ideally, with a salary bump!). This certificate program, which is part of the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, provides students with principal technical and interpersonal skills necessary for professional success in the project management industry.
A certificate or degree from the University of Chicago stands out from the crowd because this school is known for its academic rigor and excellence. Each program at the University of Chicago is taught by industry experts with plenty of real-world experience. Programs closely follow innovations in teaching and learning in order to provide the best possible educational experience to students from a wide range of backgrounds and interests.
Program: Project Management Certificate
14. San Diego State University
San Diego State University offers a Professional Certificate in Project Management that makes peoples’ careers really take off. The online professional certificate program is usually completed in an average of 8 months. Anyone interested in a career in project management, or to simply enhance their career in another industry, would benefit from pursuing a professional certificate in project management from San Diego State University.
SDSU is committed to giving back to the San Diego community, especially during this especially difficult time during the pandemic. As a result, SDSU is offering free virtual classes to first responders. It’s just their small way of saying, “thank you for your service.” San Diego State University has been a leader in the community for many years, and alums are proud to say they obtained their education from this reputable university.
Program: Professional Certificate in Project Management
15. Villanova University
Villanova University offers an Applied Project Management Certificate program that focuses on essential, results-driven skills to take graduates’ careers up a notch. Students are able to utilize the skills they glean in their classes at Villanova University immediately on-the-job in order to positively impact outcomes right away. Graduates are well-prepared to take the PMP or CAPM certification exam offered by PMI. According to the Villanova website, project management managers with PMP certification earn a median salary of $120,000, and project management positions are expected to increase by 2.2 million by 2027.
Villanova University is committed to educational excellence and providing students with the technical, communication, time-management, and other skills needed to be successful. Villanova University also offers military education savings opportunities to those who qualify.
Program: Applied Project Management Certificate
16. University of Central Florida
Achieve your career and education goals with a project management certificate from the University of Central Florida. Coursework options include introductions to project management, senior-level project management, and PDU courses for maintaining project management credentials. Those who are preparing to take project management certification exams would be wise to take the course, “The Complete Project Manager with CAPM and PMP Prep.”
The University of Central Florida Continuing Education department is an incredible educational resource for anyone wishing to boost their career potential and transform their future. With over 400 affordable online courses available now, there’s something for everyone. Getting a professional certificate from the University of Central Florida sends a clear message that you’re an expert in your field who can be counted on to perform at a very high level.
Program: Project Management Certificate
17. University of California, Santa Cruz
The University of California, Santa Cruz offers a superb project and program management certificate course of study that enables people to excel in the project management field in various industries. So many companies need projects to be executed effectively and efficiently, within budgetary parameters, and achieve strategic goals, and will pay handsome salaries to stellar project managers with these skills. The University of California, Santa Cruz is a Registered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute, meaning that it complies or exceeds PMI’s quality assurance criteria. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pass the PMP exam without a hitch. Full-time students can complete this course in 6-12 months.
UC Santa Cruz boasts more than 50 years of personalized classroom experience and offers live, online professional courses to suit anyone, at any stage of their career. Now is the perfect time to enroll into a certificate program and be prepared to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s top companies as a project manager.
Program: Project and Program Management Certificate
University of California, Santa Cruz
18. Southern Methodist University
Wish you could learn more valuable skills for your career in project management? Check out the project management certificate from Southern Methodist University. This program is geared towards those who wish to begin a career in project management, switch from another career path, or simply enhance their skills for their current workplaces.
Southern Methodist University is a great learning resource for anyone who wants to advance their career, increase their earning power, or change the trajectory of their professional path. With a certificate or degree from Southern Methodist University in-hand, there’s no limit to where students can go and what they can contribute.
Program: Project Management Certificate
19. University of Miami
Check out the University of Miami PMP Certification Program. Employers across the US and across the globe are looking for people with impeccable project management skills, and completing the PMP certification program is a great way to gain the skills and demonstrate to employers that you are a project management expert. This certificate program only takes 12 weeks to complete.
The University of Miami is well-known in Florida and throughout the nation as being a great educational hub for students of all kinds. This certificate program is part of the Division of Continuing & International Education. All programs offer soft and technical skills necessary for professional success in the project management industry and a host of others.
Program: PMP Certification Program
20. UMass Lowell
Getting a project management certificate at UMass Lowell requires hard work and dedication, but it’s possible for anyone who has the drive to take their career to the next level. Today’s global business environment requires talent that’s able to successfully juggle multiple projects at once and efficiently achieve business objectives on-time and on-budget. Those who have completed the project management training program from UMass Lowell show potential employers they have the skills necessary to perform at a very high level.
This certificate program is part of the UMass Lowell Division of Graduate, Online, and Professional Studies. UMass Lowell offers a bunch of different noncredit project management courses. They’re perfect for those just starting out in their careers, those looking to switch career paths, and those wanting to enhance their skills to better serve their current workplaces. With transparent pricing and impeccable instructors, taking a certificate course at UMass Lowell is always a wise investment.
Program: Project Management Certificate
21. Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester Institute of Technology offers a project management certificate that’s not like other ones. It’s an advanced certificate that affords students the opportunity to learn from fantastic instructors who are experts in this field. Depending on how many credit hours students are able to take on per session, the program will take around 1-2 years to finish. Upon completion, graduates will be qualified to apply for jobs as project leaders, program coordinators, community engagement agents, and more.
Rochester Institute of Technology is an ideal educational environment for students of all kinds. Currently, students come from 147 countries, and 95% of graduates find employment or continue their education. Online instructors are the same as in-person professors. Online students have the same Rochester Institute of Technology credentials and access to alumni for networking as traditional, in person students. Now is the perfect time to begin your professional relationship with RIT by applying to the online project management course or any other.
Program: Project Management Certificate
Rochester Institute of Technology
22. Florida Atlantic University
Did you know that worldwide, companies are looking for project managers? This is because project managers have the skills that are so desperately needed to achieve big business goals as well as maintain day-to-day operations for large and small projects. Excellent project managers, such as those with an executive project management certificate from Florida Atlantic University on their resumes, are in demand. There is so much worldwide instability these days with the job market – make sure your resume stands out from the crowd by investing the time and effort needed to obtain an executive project management certificate from Florida Atlantic University.
Florida Atlantic University offers over 170 degrees that prepare students well to be competitive in today’s modern workforce and have an edge for future work opportunities. FAU provides a whole host of opportunities to students – if they can dream something, they can achieve it with the education and support they receive at FAU. Apply today- the vast majority of our students find that a certificate or degree from FAU is absolutely worth the effort and investment.
Program: Executive Project Management Certificate
23. Oakland University
Oakland University offers a project management certificate that prepares students well to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s modern workplace. This program is a wise investment for anyone seeking to become an expert in the project management field. In fact in 2016, Value Colleges.com listed their Project Management Principles course in their Top 50 Best Value Project Management Programs.
Oakland University is an educational institution that welcomes students from across the globe to be part of the Golden Grizzly family. It’s a vibrant educational community that gives students the soft and technological skills to shine in their careers for decades to come.
Program: Project Management Certificate
24. San Francisco State University
A project management certificate from San Francisco State University is a wise investment of time and effort for any serious student. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking into switching career paths, or simply want to perform at your highest potential in your current position, the project management certificate program from San Francisco State University will help you achieve your goals. Learn the essential skills necessary to complete projects on-time, within budgetary constraints, and in line with larger business objectives in this certificate program from San Francisco State University.
San Francisco State University is an educational hub that brings experienced instructors and driven students together in intensive classes that propel graduates to professional success in a wide range of careers. SFSU is a PMI Registered Education provider, so graduates are always confident they’ll passs the PMI exam upon completion of the certificate program.
Program: Project Management Certificate
San Francisco State University
25. DePaul University
Now is the perfect time to take your career to the next level by signing up for the project management certificate program from DePaul University. All classes are conducted virtually at this time, so you won’t even have to worry about commuting to the campus, and you won’t need to secure a babysitter for nearly as long. In just 12 weeks, students learn all the essential project management tools so they can confidently apply concepts to the organizations they work for right away. Coursework is designed based on the PMBOK Guide 6th edition, and features lectures imparted by experts, team interaction, activities, and poignant classroom discussions. Sign up today for the next session, which begins in January.
DePaul University is well-known as the nation’s largest Catholic University. There are nearly 200,000 alumni in the DePaul network, which graduates of degree and certificate programs can tap into upon graduation. To receive a high-quality education in Chicago or virtually, anywhere in the world, applying to DePaul University is a great choice. There are many degrees and professional certificate programs available – choose one and sign up today. Your future self will thank you!
Program: Project Management Certificate
What is Certification in Project Management?
Project management is a role that doesn’t typically require certification, but it’s good to have certification if you’re a project manager. So, just what is a project manager certification? A certificate in project management shows an employer that you’re a real project management professional no matter if you’re starting, finishing, or jumping onto a team in the middle of the project. Having a certification in project management also positions you for the anticipated demand for qualified project managers to work in project-oriented roles.
Project management certification provides students with the basic education they need to become a more effective project managers. Earning the certification takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks on average and is designed with the working professional in mind. In order to take classes for a PM certification, you need 4500 to 7500 hours of experience as a project manager or about 3 years of work experience for eligibility.
Should I Get a Professional Certification in Project Management?
Why get a PM certification at all? Most project managers don’t have a degree in project management and get their roles through experience. Having a certification in project management seems like it’s not all that necessary on the surface. The fact is, having the best project management training on the job is no match for getting certification. There are many types of project management structures and strategies that are put to use in a variety of situations and settings. A project management professional needs to be capable of using the right type of structure and/or strategy for a given project. The best project management certification programs online can help you learn about these structures and how to apply them in a work setting.
The best project management training comes in the form of an educational program that teaches you how to apply effective and accepted methods of project management. You may have learned a lot about project management as part of your job, but you may not have received formal instruction on how to handle the structure, workflow, delegation, and tracking progress. The best project management certification programs online teach you the skills you need to handle the various aspects of project management.
Not only do the best project management certification programs online help you refine your skills, it also adds to your employability. The job of project management traditionally fell to a manager, but the role of a manager leaves little time for one person to effectively handle their duties and make sure all projects are showing progress. The project manager reports to the manager or a project management officer and the information travel upwards and outwards from one or both of these roles. Even the cheapest project management certification can help you step into the role of the project manager officer and open up new paths for your career to travel along.
What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Digital Marketing Certificate Online?
Obtaining the best digital marketing certificate online offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a flexible learning experience, allowing individuals to study at their own pace and schedule. Additionally, online courses often offer up-to-date and practical knowledge, ensuring students are equipped with the latest industry insights. Lastly, a digital marketing certificate online enhances career opportunities, showcasing expertise and credibility to potential employers.
What Kinds of Project Management Certifications are There?
There are a number of project management certifications available, but some are preferable than others. The Project Management Institute offers one of the most well-known certificates, known as the Project Management Professional (PMP) and many prestigious schools have PMP programs that teach students how to earn their PMP. You may also want to earn the CAPM certification in order to show you’ve learned the principles, language, and best practices of project management. When it comes to project management, the more certificates you earn, the better your employment prospects. Employers value the combination of experience and education as it demonstrates the ability to enter into a role and be effective in a short period of time.
Concerned about the cost of earning certificates? The investment you make to take the examinations is very reasonable compared to the education you gain. The PMP certification cost has two tiers: member and non-member. If you’re a member of the Project Management Institute, your PMP certification cost is significantly lower than if you’re a non-member. The same goes for CAMP certification and any other project management certification that’s offered by the PMI. If you don’t want to join the PMI, you can still take the exam and get the same preparation for the PMP exam questions as if you were a member.
It’s natural to ask the question of “is the PMP exam hard?” No exam is designed to be easy, especially when it’s part of a professional standard. However, if you study the materials provided by PMI for the PMP exam questions, you’ll find that it’s easier to pass the exam and earn the certificate. The same goes for the CAPM certification and any other certification exam you want to earn.
Quite a few institutions have their own version of a project management certification, but many involve learning a specific style of project management such as Scrum or Six Sigma. The PMP offered by the Project Management Institute covers the major aspects of project management that helps you learn how to handle all project management tools instead of a certain style.
Most of the programs featured on the Best Values list have some affiliation with the Project Management Institute (PMI), the global standard association in the Project Management field. Some are Registered Education Providers (REPS), PMI-approved programs that guarantee students the opportunity to sit for the Project Management Professional PMP certification exam. Others merely base their course of study on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), the PMI’s bible. PMI certification and membership is a must in many fields.
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Aya Andrews
Editor-in-Chief
Aya Andrews is a passionate educator and mother of two, with a diverse background that has shaped her approach to teaching and learning. Born in Metro Manila, she now calls San Diego home and is proud to be a Filipino-American. Aya earned her Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University, where she focused on developing innovative teaching methods to engage and inspire students.
Prior to her work in education, Aya spent several years as a continuing education consultant for KPMG, where she honed her skills in project management and client relations. She brings this same level of professionalism and expertise to her work as an educator, where she is committed to helping each of her students achieve their full potential.
In addition to her work as an educator, Aya is a devoted mother who is passionate about creating a nurturing and supportive home environment for her children. She is an active member of her community, volunteering her time and resources to support local schools and organizations. Aya is also an avid traveler, and loves to explore new cultures and cuisines with her family.
With a deep commitment to education and a passion for helping others succeed, Aya is a true inspiration to those around her. Her dedication to her craft, her community, and her family is a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life.