With a graduate certificate, professionals pursue opportunities in project management or move into roles like senior project management or project director. The credits may also transfer to master’s programs. Enrolling requires at least a bachelor’s degree. Our list ranks the best project management graduate certificates with online enrollment options. Prospective students can use the rankings to find the right fit for their schedule, budget, and career goals.
Top 5 online schools for graduate certificates in project management
The best online graduate certificate in project management degrees
The best graduate certificates in project management prepare learners for career advancement and professional certifications. We ranked the top programs based on ZDNet’s ranking methodology. Factors weighed include cost, school reputation, and academic rigor. Charlottesville, VA Application fee: $70 Duluth, MN Application fee: Not publicly available Mount Pleasant, MI Application fee: $50 Dallas, TX Application fee: Free Norfolk, VA $551 in-state $1,387 out-of-state Application fee: $50 Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
What to expect in an online graduate certificate in project management degree program
Project managers rely on organizational, teamwork, and communication skills. In an online graduate certificate in project management, learners strengthen these abilities through advanced coursework. Programs generally prioritize practical, career-applicable skills. The credential prepares professionals for leadership roles.
Acceptance rate: 24%Graduation rate: 94%Avg. annual net price: $20,397Time to completion: One yearSAT range: 1340-1520Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 76%Graduation rate: 70%Avg. annual net price: $24,066Time to completion: Two semestersSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.8Enrollment periods per year: OneCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 70%Graduation rate: 59%Avg. annual net price: $15,981Time to completion: One yearSAT range: 990-1200Minimum GPA: 2.7Enrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 90%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $26,387Time to completion: One yearSAT range: 1030-1250Minimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: FourCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 89%Graduation rate: 58%Avg. annual net price: $16,493Time to completion: One yearSAT range: 980-1180Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $25,483Time to completion: 6-12 monthsSAT range: 1030-1240Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: SixCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 71%Graduation rate: 69%Avg. annual net price: $33,167Time to completion: OneSAT range: 1220-1410Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: RollingCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 75%Graduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $34,914Time to completion: One yearSAT range: 1190-1390Minimum GPA: Not publicly availableEnrollment periods per year: ThreeCourse delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: 57% Graduation rate: 64% Avg. annual net price: $22,768 Time to completion: One year SAT range: 1010-1250 Minimum GPA: 2.5 Enrollment periods per year: Three Course delivery methods: Online
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 25%Avg. annual net price: $15,579Time to completion: One yearSAT range: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 3.0Enrollment periods per year: Not publicly availableCourse delivery methods: Online
Learners often complete individual and group projects. Depending on the program, they may design a project schedule, evaluate a project plan, or carry out a project. Online programs let students complete their coursework in a virtual learning environment. Learners interact with their fellow students and collaborate using distance learning platforms. Students may complete a culminating project. Many universities allow certificate students to apply their credits toward a master’s in project management.
Graduate certificate in project management courses
A graduate certificate in project management offers a focused curriculum covering the project lifecycle. Learners master project selection, planning, execution, and completion. Throughout the curriculum, students master analytical and leadership skills. They also complete project-based assignments to strengthen collaborative abilities. Project management certificates and master’s degrees often share courses. While the curriculum varies depending on the program, many offer these classes. Strategic project management Project leaders take a strategic approach to planning and decision-making. The course covers the project selection process and the best practices for managing projects. Learners also explore techniques in management. Project planning In the planning phase, project managers must set clear goals and metrics to measure success. The class trains students to create a plan, implement measurement methods, and launch complex projects. Project execution Project managers learn to monitor project performance and schedule during the execution phase. The coursework covers topics like resource allocation, optimization, and software tools. Project completion Learners examine the final stage of projects, including evaluating the project from an accounting and management perspective. The course also covers professional responsibilities during project completion.
Project management degree levels
Colleges offer project management degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Learners can also earn non-degree certificates. Prospective students should evaluate each option’s time commitment, cost, and career paths. You can start with this overview.
Project management certificate
Length: Under one year Cost: $5,000-$6,000 Post-grad careers: Project manager; project consultant; senior project manager A project management certificate provides a focused, concentrated course of study. Colleges offer certificate programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Professionals add valuable skills to their resumes, including project scheduling and planning. A certificate may help professionals advance into project management roles.
Associate in project management
Length: Two years Cost: $3,000-$16,000 Post-grad careers: Project coordinator; administrative assistant; cost estimator An associate degree in project management introduces learners to foundational business and project management concepts. Students take courses in business administration, financial accounting, and organizational behavior. The degree strengthens analytical and decision-making skills. Majors also build communication and teamwork abilities. With an associate degree, professionals work in assisting roles, including as a project coordinator or administrative assistant. The degree also prepares graduates to transfer into a four-year project management program.
Bachelor’s in project management
Length: Four years Cost: $45,000-$60,000 Post-grad careers: Project coordinator; project scheduler; project manager A bachelor’s degree in project management prepares majors for entry-level roles in the field. Learners strengthen their analytical, organizational, and business skills during a project management degree Most programs incorporate core business classes in accounting, finance, and management. Majors also take specialized project management courses and electives to customize their course of study. Some programs incorporate internships or capstone projects to prepare learners for the workforce.
Master’s in project management
Length: One to two years Cost: $20,000-$40,000 Post-grad careers: Project manager; senior project manager; project director A project management master’s degree trains graduate students for senior and management roles. During a master’s program, learners study cost management, risk management, and strategic leadership. These courses strengthen analytical and managerial skills. In addition to master’s programs in project management, students can also earn an MBA with a concentration in project management. An MBA concentration offers focused coursework in addition to business administration classes.
Doctorate in project management
Length: Three to five years Cost: $35,000-$60,000 Post-grad careers: Senior project manager; director of program management; project management professor A project management doctorate is the field’s terminal degree. Graduate students complete advanced business administration and project management coursework. Programs often incorporate doctoral exams and a research-based dissertation or project. With a doctorate, project managers work in diverse industries and academic positions. They oversee engineering, technology, and business projects. Graduates in academia are project management professors, conducting research and educating learners about project management.
In conclusion
A graduate certificate in project management builds advanced skills in leadership, project planning, and project execution. The certificate helps professionals move into management roles and take on additional responsibilities. Prospective students can reach out to universities directly to learn more about project management graduate programs’ cost, curriculum, and enrollment options.
