The Importance of Project Management Credentials
Delivering complex projects on time and under budget is a daily challenge for most corporations. More organizations now use project-based methods to accomplish such tasks, so the demand for project managers is on the rise. This increased job competition means that you need additional credentials or certifications to stand out in the job market. A graduate certificate in project management can help you add an important credential to your resume — as you acquire a skill set valued in virtually any industry.
Why a Certificate in Project Management at Penn State
The Penn State World Campus online Graduate Certificate in Project Management is an interdisciplinary, 12-credit program that uses problem-based learning to provide a strong foundation in project management theory and practice. The program is AACSB accredited, and Penn State is a Project Management Institute (PMI)® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P), so your certificate will be a well-respected credential.
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, 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 personal 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
Who Should Apply?
Whether you are in construction management; project execution; or project, program, or portfolio management, 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.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
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
Continue Your Education with a Master's in Project Management
In addition to being an excellent stand-alone credential, all of the courses in the 12-credit Graduate Certificate can be applied toward the 30-credit Master of Project Management degree, if you apply and are accepted into the master's program. If you choose to complete the certificate before the masters, a separate application is required.
"PMI" and "PMBOK" are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc.