Prepare for PMP Certification
- $637 per credit for 15 credits
- Complete in as few as 6 months
- Meets educational requirement to sit for PMP® exam
- $94,500 median annual wage in 2021 for project management specialists1
- Earn credit toward a master's in project management
Graduate Project Management Certificate Online Program Overview
Learn to deliver projects on time, on budget and on spec when you earn your Project Management Graduate Certificate online at Southern New Hampshire University. Finish your program prepared to lead a project through its entire life cycle – from initiation to planning, execution to monitoring and completion.
What you learn in this program can help you make an impact that is recognized across all departments of a company or organization.
You'll come away from this graduate learning experience not just with the requisite training for certification in project management. You'll have a greater understanding of scheduling, planning, cost and risk assessment, budget management, negotiation and conflict resolution, communications, securing resources, presentation and evaluation.
Learn how to:
- Manage projects from start to finish
- Prepare for project management certification exams
Becoming a Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Through SNHU’s relationship with the Project Management Institute (PMI)®, this program is designed to give students the education, experience and guidance needed to prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.
An optional course in this program satisfies the 35 hours of project management education required to apply for the PMP® exam. In addition, we require all PMP course instructors to complete the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Train the Trainer – PMP Exam Prep Program, which equips our faculty with the authority to deliver PMP® exam prep and training content to PMI’s quality standards for the revised exam, which went into effect in January 2021.
Students who choose to pursue their PMP certification will find that this in-demand, industry-recognized credential can add significant value to their skillset, open up new opportunities and help boost their career growth and earning potential.
Career Outlook
As long as there are projects to be done, there will be a need for people to manage them.
In the United States, roles in project management are expected to grow fastest in software development – 14% through 2030.2
Globally, industries that should see the most growth through 20302 include:
- Manufacturing and construction
- Information and publishing
- Finance and insurance
- Management and professional services
- Utilities
- Oil and gas
"You see credentialed project managers working in a range of fields, from aerospace to construction, healthcare to information technology, finance to communications," said Anthony Allen, an adjunct instructor at SNHU.
With such a need for project managers, the PMI analysis reported that the GDP could be at risk because of a talent shortage – which could result in a loss of over $53 billion in North America through 2030.2
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills are in particular demand in this field.
"Learning and mastering project management in that way takes a lot of trial and error, which is expensive," Allen said. "A company or organization's stakeholders and shareholders don't want to hear that you're experimenting; they want results. A project management certification or concentration on your resume signals that you have the training and education to get results, and that puts you a notch above the competition."
"At my current company, (the certificate) helped with my yearly review, and I’ve been a bigger asset to the project management team by having the foundational knowledge," she said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay for project management specialists is higher than the average for all occupations: In May 2021, the median annual wage was $94,500.1
Note: Students who successfully complete QSO 645: Project Management for PMP Certification as part of their Graduate Certificate in Project Management will meet the 35 hours of project management education required in order to take the PMP exam.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward a Project Management Graduate Certificate
Why SNHU For Your Project Management Certification
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free application
- Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete free graduate application
- Submit undergraduate transcripts
- Walk through the application process with an admission counselor
Courses & Curriculum
The project management graduate certificate teaches you the concepts, strategies and tools that today's project managers need to be successful.
"I chose the Project Management Graduate Certificate to give me the foundational knowledge needed to be an effective PM in the corporate world," said Monica DeNofa '21.
The program is taught by practicing business professionals immersed in the field each day. They understand what's working, what's not, and what trends and technology on the horizon are likely to affect project managers.
But there will always be two factors important to getting work done.
In your studies at SNHU, you'll take 3 required courses that can help you develop the skills necessary to manage cost and time:
- Project Management
- Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
- Seminar in Project Management
For your last 2 courses, you'll have the option to choose from a variety of topics.
One of them – Project Management for PMP Certification – is what you'll want to take if your end goal is meeting the 35-hour educational requirement for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
If you're seeking a hands-on experience, another option you may want to seek out is an internship in operations or project management. Not only could you have a project management certificate on your resume by the end of the program, but you also could have the experience to add to it as well – giving you an edge in the field.
While you'll learn plenty of hard skills in your coursework, you'll also find yourself developing your soft skills. Dianne Swanciger, an adjunct instructor at SNHU, listed crucial traits like:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Organization
- Self-motivation
The program was "well worth the year of studying, exams, papers and overall hard work to earn this certificate," DeNofa said. "I had been wanting to further my education not only for the knowledge, but to allow me to be more marketable in this ever-changing career environment."
Should you choose to continue your education, you can apply credits from this certificate program toward an online master's in project management or an MBA in Project Management.
Didn't take business undergraduate courses? You may need to take a foundation class – Mathematics and Statistics for Business – before beginning your project management certificate. The content in the course pertains to many business classes, and your admission counselor or academic advisor may request that you take this class. Find out if this class applies to you by contacting our team at SNHU.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Project Management |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate Project Management | ||
| QSO 510 | Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making | This is a survey of the mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations. |
| QSO 640 | Project Management | This course includes the study of concepts, tools, and practices of project management. The course adopts a managerial process approach to Project Management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Major topics will include project scope, project time, project cost, project quality, project risk, project resources, project communications and how to be an effective project manager. Cases are utilized to integrate the learning in the course and provide decision- making experience for the student. |
| QSO 680 | Seminar in Project Management | Project management is a core skill in today's fast-moving business environment. Project managers are required to manage complex, time- pressured projects and programs using advanced tools and techniques for maximum effect. Through this course, the students will learn advanced methods to initiate, plan and control projects. They will gain experience planning complex projects using both manual and PC-based tools. |
| Total Credits: 15 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Tuition & Fees
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible, by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. U.S. service members, both full and part time, as well as the spouses of those on active duty are also eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best online project management courses?
The best project management courses are the ones that can teach you skills you'll use on a regular basis to successfully move projects from start to finish.
If you're looking to take your courses online, then Southern New Hampshire University is an excellent place to start. With our 5-course graduate certificate in project management, you can both develop your skill set and prep for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, since our Project Management for PMP Certification class fulfills the necessary education requirements to sit for the exam.
Another point to consider when it comes to choosing online project management courses is to learn more about how convenient they actually are. While some schools have online courses that meet at specific times during the week, others – like SNHU – give you total control in doing your readings, assignments and projects. With 24/7 access to our online platform, you can do weekly assignments when it's actually best for you, whether that's at noon or midnight.
Plus, you may think of the best online courses as being the most budget-friendly ones. SNHU is known for affordability, with one of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. At just $1,881 per graduate-level course, you could complete all 5 of the certificate courses for only $9,405.
Which project management certification is best?
The Project Management Professional – or PMP® – is considered by many organizations as the premier certification for those in the field.
SNHU – an accredited, nonprofit university – meets PMI standards with its Project Management Graduate Certificate curriculum. In particular, our Project Management for PMP Certification course satisfies the educational requirement needed to take the exam.
Why earn a project management certificate?
Earning a certificate in an area like project management can be a quick way to develop the skills needed to succeed in the profession.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can get your project management certificate online in as few as 6 months.
Plus, since SNHU's certificate contains only 5 classes, it's a worthwhile investment. Because SNHU has some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, you can have a more immediate ROI for your program.
Many people in today's workforce are moving toward earning certificates as they seek to upskill – and they favor them because of how fast they can finish and for how much less they need to invest as opposed to a full degree program.
"More and more companies are moving away from master’s degree requirements to more of a certification in my job realm," said Monica DeNofa '21.
Completing the certificate at SNHU also means that you've satisfied the 35 hours of project management education that are necessary to sit for the exam to become a Project Management Professional (PMP). The PMP is considered to be one of the most prestigious recognitions for project management professionals.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This certificate is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI Authorized Training Partner seal is a mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes131082.htm (viewed Nov. 7, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Project Management Institute (PMI), Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications [PDF], on the internet, at https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf (viewed March 8, 2022)