Project Management Certification Online: The field of project management is growing at an unprecedented rate, with nearly three million jobs expected to be added over the next decade. As more and more companies turn to PMCs to help them manage their projects, having a solid understanding of this burgeoning industry can’t hurt your career prospects. One way to prove your commitment is by earning your project management certification online!
The good news is that there are many options available for those looking to get certified – some of which don’t even require any previous project management experience. The key is taking the time now to align your certification choice with your current level of education and/or career trajectory so that you’re sure it’s right for you (and vice versa).
Project management certification online is a time-saving, flexible way to help establish your authority in the field of project management.
Online courses are a great way to learn at your own pace. You can take the courses when you have time, and do them in your pajamas if you want to. The beauty of online learning is that it allows students to work from anywhere, at any time. This flexibility makes it easier for students to fit classes into their busy schedules, or even pursue education on their lunch break or before bedtime.
Online courses also allow students who live in remote locations to take advantage of high-quality education without having to relocate or commute long distances on a regular basis; this means they won’t need expensive accommodation options while studying abroad either!
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It’s one thing to tell someone you’re a project manager. It’s another to show them.
It’s one thing to tell someone you’re a project manager. It’s another to show them.
- Show your experience by providing examples of the projects you’ve led and how they were successful.
- Show your education by sharing the certifications you’ve earned, the classes you’ve taken, or any other relevant credentials.
- Show your commitment by setting aside time each day for studying and doing practice tests to boost your confidence on exam day.
- Finally, show that you are a leader by being open-minded and willing to share information with others in order so everyone can benefit from it.
One of the best ways to show your expertise and commitment is by pursuing project management (PM) certification.
If you are looking for a new job or want to enhance your current role, certification can help. With more than 200 PMI certifications available, choosing the right one for your situation can be daunting. The Project Management Institute (PMI) has developed the Career Paths framework to provide guidance on how to choose which certification best fits your career goals and objectives.
The first step in determining which path is right for you is determining what type of project manager you are: generalist, specialist or hybrid? By answering this question honestly and thoroughly, it will make it easier to select an appropriate certification track that aligns with both professional interests as well as desired advancement opportunities within an organization.
The certification path you choose depends on your background, experience and career goals.
The certification path you choose depends on your background, experience and career goals. The PMP® is the most popular certification with project managers, but it’s also a rigorous test that requires extensive preparation. If you’re new to project management or don’t have much experience in the field, then the CAPM® may be a better fit for you.
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is an international professional credential awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates that individuals meet the competency requirements of a certified project manager as defined by PMI.
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® was created to meet the needs of project managers who have less education or experience than required by PMI’s Project Management Professional Certification Program™ (PMP).
Project managers who have earned their PMP® have demonstrated the experience, education and competency required to lead and direct projects.
The PMP® certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers. It signifies that you have the skills and experience to lead and direct projects, large or small. As a professional project management certification, the PMP® embodies the most widely recognized and accepted standard of excellence in the industry.
Achieving your PMP® will give you:
- Valuable career growth opportunities
- A respected qualification that opens doors globally
- Confidence to lead teams with confidence
You are only eligible for the PMP if you meet certain educational and professional experience requirements.
In order to be eligible for the PMP, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements.
You must have a minimum of 4 years of project management experience. You can count any combination of education and/or experience towards this requirement. Your total number of years working in a project management role can include:
- The total number of years spent working as a consultant or providing project management services;
- The total number of years spent managing projects while employed by a company; and/or
- The total number of years spent managing projects while employed by an organization that provides project management education (for example, colleges and universities).
The CAPM is designed for those with less experience or education in the field of PM. To be eligible, you must meet certain education and/or professional experience requirements.
The CAPM is designed for those with less experience or education in the field of PM. To be eligible, you must meet certain education and/or professional experience requirements.
The CAPM exam covers:
• The foundations of project management
• Key terminology related to project management principles and concepts
• Developing a project plan, including an initial schedule and budget estimates that align with stakeholder expectations
If you don’t meet the criteria for either exam, there are other options available as well – including some that don’t require any previous project management experience at all! The key is to align your certification choice with your current level of education and/or career trajectory.
If you don’t meet the criteria for either exam, there are other options available as well – including some that don’t require any previous project management experience at all! The key is to align your certification choice with your current level of education and/or career trajectory.
For example, if you are a recent graduate looking to break into the field of project management, then one of our entry-level certifications might be right for you. These courses teach basic concepts by breaking down their material into manageable chunks that can be learned over the course of just a few months or even weeks. They also include review materials so that you can brush up on what you’ve learned before taking your exam—and they’re affordable enough so that they won’t put too big a dent in your budget if things don’t go according to plan!
For further information, see our post on whether you should take the PMP exam if you haven’t yet met its requirements.
If you’re interested in getting a PMP certification, but haven’t yet met the requirements, see our post on whether or not it’s worth taking the exam. If you’re still undecided, our complete guide to project management certifications will make your decision easier.
No matter what your background or goals are, there is likely a project management certification online that’s right for you!
No matter what your background or goals are, there is likely a project management certification online that’s right for you! There are many different kinds of project management certifications available, and you can choose the one that best suits your background and goals.
If you have more experience or education in the field of PM, then you might want to go for one of our more advanced certifications—such as Certified Associate Project Manager (CAPM) or Project+ Certification. But if this is your first foray into project management or otherwise non-traditional career path, then we also offer certifications designed with less experienced individuals in mind like PMP – Entry Level & Fundamentals Exam Prep Course (Online).
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Top Schools Offering Project Management Certification Online
George Washington University
George Washington University offers a Master of Science in Project Management degree to students who already have an undergraduate degree in engineering, business or a related field. The program is offered online and is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
The four-semester program includes topics such as project management fundamentals, managing quality, cost control and risk management. Students will learn how to apply these skills in real world settings during an internship requirement.
Colorado State University
Colorado State University offers a Master of Science degree in Project Management. This program is completely online and accredited by Project Management Institute (PMI). The program is offered by the Department of Management, College of Business Administration, which specializes in developing excellence in project management.
The school focuses on the fundamentals of project management and topics such as leadership, communication and planning. Students will learn to utilize many tools and techniques that can be applied to modern day challenges faced by managers at all levels.
Marist College
Marist College is a private, not-for-profit university located in Poughkeepsie, NY. The college offers an online Master of Science in Project Management that is accredited by the Project Management Institute. The program requires 60 credits and can be completed in two years.
Villanova University
Villanova University offers a Master of Science in Project Management, which is a 30-credit, full-time program that can be completed in as little as 18 months. The program requires an application fee and an interview with the director or associate director of the program. Applicants need to have at least three years of experience managing projects or have previously earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
Villanova University was founded in 1842 by members of the Society of Jesus from Saint Mary’s College in Maryland who settled on land purchased from William Penn during the early stages of Pennsylvania’s colonization period. In 1954, it became affiliated with Georgetown University through its affiliation program called “the Consortium.”
Villanova currently has 6,800 undergraduate students and 3,000 graduate students enrolled across nine colleges: Villanova College for Arts & Sciences; School of Engineering; School of Law; School Psychology; School Social Work; The Charles Widger School Education & Leadership Studies (Graduate); The Robert Emmett McDevitt Honors Program (Undergraduate); Villanova Graduate Nursing Program; Villanova Medical Center Programs–Emergency Medicine Residency Program (Undergraduate); Internal Medicine Residency Program (Undergraduate).
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution that offers a Masters in Project Management through its College of Business. The program is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and students can complete it in as little as 18 months. The degree costs $1,500 per credit, which makes it one of the least expensive online project management masters programs available.
Boston University
Boston University offers a Master of Business Administration in project management online. Students can complete the program either on campus or online, and it is designed for working professionals. The program is offered in a hybrid format, which means students will have some class time at the school’s main campus in Boston and some time off-site.
The Boston University Master of Business Administration in Project Management is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is a private, non-profit university that was established in 1997. It is a member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1965.
To earn your certificate from Penn State World Campus, you’ll need to complete 15 credits of coursework (approximately 5 classes).
Columbia University in the City of New York
Columbia University in the City of New York is a private Ivy League research university in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It was founded in 1754 as King’s College by royal charter of George II of Great Britain.
The college currently operates six campuses located in the Midtown Manhattan area and three international campuses, as well as a number of academic institutions across many fields including business, law and medicine. Columbia is one of the fourteen founding members of the Association of American Universities and it also ranks among the top 15 universities worldwide by academic performance and faculty awards won per faculty member ratio (2008).
The School has over 400 full-time faculty members teaching more than 5500 students from over 130 countries each year on its various campuses around world. The School offers undergraduate degrees at all levels through its schools: Columbia College (arts & science), Graduate School (humanities & social sciences), School of Architecture | Architecture + Design| Urban Planning| Landscape Architecture
Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers an online Master of Science in Project Management program that is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This program can be completed 100% online, making it a viable option for students who either do not wish to attend class on campus or have no nearby options. The Bellevue University curriculum is designed to help students develop the skills necessary for successful project management careers and includes coursework in areas such as:
- Strategic planning
- Business analysis
- Risk management
- Change management
Clemson University
- Clemson University’s Master of Science in Project Management is the only program listed that offers a specialization in project management. Students can choose to focus their studies on one of three options: Construction Management, Integrated Project Delivery and Systems Engineering.
- Clemson University is a public university located in Clemson, SC. It was founded as an agricultural college in 1889 and now has over 22,000 students enrolled across its campuses. The acceptance rate for first year freshmen at Clemson University is 48%, with an average SAT score of 1250-1320 (depending on the school) or ACT score of 26+. The student to faculty ratio at Clemson University is 22:1
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are many types of PM certifications available to you. Whether you’re looking for a way to demonstrate your experience and expertise in the field or just want a convenient way to keep your skills up-to-date, these courses can be helpful. We hope this post has given you some insight into what options are out there and how they might fit into your career goals!
