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How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inProject Management

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

This online project management program uses problem-based learning to provide a strong foundation in project management skills and takes you one step closer to PMP certification. Plus, you can customize your learning to tailor your certificate to your career goals.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

extended Apply by July 15 to start August 25

12 Credits$1,027 per credit

No GRE/GMAT

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Gain Project Management Skills for a Modern Business Environment

  • Use project management knowledge to deliver complex projects on time and under budget.

  • Analyze projects and identify key strengths and weaknesses in your organization and operation.

  • Employ fundamental techniques of project planning and project management.

  • Develop strategies to evaluate project risk, utilize project management tools, and scope and complete successful projects.

The Penn State World Campus project management graduate certificate is an interdisciplinary, 12-credit online program that uses problem-based learning to provide you with a strong foundation in project management theory and practice.

As a student in the program, you can learn project management fundamentals from A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Fifth Edition, PMI: Project Management Institute, Inc. (2013), as well as the European model (APM).

After completing an introductory project management course taught by renowned industry professional Dr. Jeffrey Pinto, you can customize your certificate to suit your career goals, choosing from the following topics:

  • cost and value management
  • planning and resource management
  • commercial law and project procurement
  • organization theory
  • interpersonal and group behavior
  • corporate, business, and project strategy

Required Course (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based, interdisciplinary course in project management skills and techniques needed to manage projects in a modern business environment.

    • Prerequisite

      graduate standing

Electives (select 9 credits)

Prerequisites as listed may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that emphasizes project cost control and teaches students to apply techniques to control projects in business.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that addresses techniques for planning the project development process, including securing resources and resource management.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    An examination of organizational theories and processes of organizational behavior.

  • 3
    credits

    A human relations–based course that identifies the significant challenges that managing individuals on project teams represents.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that focuses on linking projects to overall corporate strategy.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

A graduate certificate in project management can help you add an important credential to your résumé — as you acquire a skill set valued in virtually any industry.

Because project managers are in high demand in numerous industries, a graduate certificate in project management can help prepare you for a variety of positions, including:

  • project manager or assistant project manager
  • project management associate
  • project coordinator
  • project planner
  • project change management analyst

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Learn more about this program

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

This program can prepare you to earn various professional certifications offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Association for Project Management (APM) after gaining experience leading projects and/or completing a qualifying exam, such as:

PMI Certifications

  • Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Construction Professional (CP)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Risk Management Professional (RMP)

APM Certifications

  • Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
  • Project Management Qualification (PPQ)
  • Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
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Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Program Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program:

Gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of project management theory and practice in this interdisciplinary online project management program that incorporates problem-based learning.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

Whether you are in project, program, or portfolio management; construction management; or project execution, this could be an ideal program for you if you are looking for career development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skill sets in managing large, complex projects.

AACSB Accredited

This program is AACSB Accredited

The Sam and Irene Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide.

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by July 15 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 15 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 15, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    The 12-credit graduate certificate in project management is embedded in the master's degree program, sharing the same course offerings and tuition rates. If you apply and are accepted into the Master of Project Management program, the 12 credits you earn toward this certificate may be applied to the master's program.

    GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (2) — Each applicant is required to provide recommendations from academic or professional sources. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment to success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Statement of Purpose — The statement should be one to two pages and answer the following questions:

    • Why have you chosen to participate in Penn State's project management program? Describe how your previous or current work experience will enable you to apply course concepts to project management situations you have experienced.
    • How will these studies help you attain your career goals?
    • How will your participation contribute to the program?

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For questions regarding how to apply, contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

For academic and curriculum questions, contact:

Project Management Administrative Office
[email protected]
Phone: 814-898-6200

For questions regarding your submitted application, contact:

[email protected]

This program is offered in partnership with Penn State Behrend. As a student in this program, you will be taught by experienced Penn State faculty with hands-on working knowledge of relevant and contemporary analytical tools.

Faculty

  • Richard Peng

    • Ph.D., Management Science, The University of North Texas
    • MBA, Operations Management & Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Dallas
    • B.E., Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    Dr. Richard Peng is an associate professor of project and supply chain management at Penn State Behrend. His research articles have been published in journals includingIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, Journal of Cleaner Production, Quality Management Journal, and Resources, Conservation & Recycling. His research and teaching interests include health care operations, operations management, project management, quality management, supply chain management, and technology management.

  • Jeffrey K. Pinto

    • Ph.D., Organization Theory, University of Pittsburgh
    • MBA, Finance, University of Pittsburgh
    • B.S., Business, University of Maryland
    • B.A., History, University of Maryland

    Dr. Jeffrey K. Pinto is professor and Andrew Morrow and Elizabeth Lee Black Chair in the Management of Technology at Penn State. He has been the program chair for Penn State's Master of Project Management program since its inception in 2002. An internationally renowned scholar in project management, Dr. Pinto is the author of 28 books and 150 research papers, principally on project management topics. Among his honors, he has received research achievement awards from the Project Management Institute (2009) and the International Project Management Association (2017).

  • B.C. Kim

    • Ph.D., Construction Management in Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University
    • M.S, Civil Engineering, Seoul National University
    • B.S., Civil Engineering, Seoul National University

    Dr. B.C. Kim is an associate professor in project and supply chain management. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and a registered structural engineer in South Korea. He has authored a book on project management and published research articles in European Journal of Operational Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Production Planning & Control, and Journal of Management in Engineering. His primary research interests include project analytics with an emphasis on probabilistic project control, forecasting, and risk analysis.

  • Joongseo Kim

    • Ph.D., Business Administration, Oklahoma State University
    • M.S., Management, University of Colorado at Denver
    • B.A., Business Administration, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

    Dr. Joongseo Kim is an assistant professor of management at Penn State Behrend. His research interests include culture, deviance, and behavioral ethics. His research has appeared in top journals, including Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (PSPB), Harvard Business Review, and Human Relations. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Kim worked in the U.S. Army as a training noncommissioned officer.

  • Peerasit Patanakul

    • Ph.D., Systems Science/Engineering Management, Portland State University
    • M.S., Engineering Management, Portland State University

    Dr. Peerasit Patanakul is a professor of management at Penn State Behrend. His research interests include project portfolio management, managing multiple projects, human aspects of project management, and managing government programs. He has published three books and multiple book chapters. His works also appear in Journal of Product Innovation Management, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, International Journal of Project Management, and Project Management Journal. He has received several research grants from the Project Management Institute.

  • Ray Venkataraman

    Ph.D., Management Science, Illinois Institute of Technology

    Dr. Ray Venkataraman is a professor and department chair of project and supply chain management and marketing at Penn State Behrend. He has more than forty years of teaching experience and has taught a variety of courses in project management and supply chain management. He has several research publications in top-tier operations and supply chain management journals and has co-authored four books.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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