- Champlain College
- University of Redlands
- Spelman College
- Park University
- Regis University
- Central New Mexico Community College
- Inver Hills Community College
- Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Charter Oak State College
- North Hennepin Community College
Published: Apr 2, 2024, 4:38pm
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate just entering the workforce or a seasoned professional looking to make a change, earning a project management certificate online can help you launch a project management career.
Project management certificates are concentrated programs of study designed to kickstart a career in project management, one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the United States. In fact, the Project Management Institute (PMI) projects that by 2030, the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals to close the field’s talent gap.
Certificate programs for project management cover the fundamentals of project initiation, planning, budgeting, risk management and execution. Graduates who meet the required work experience and eligibility requirements may qualify to take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) exam or the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam, both offered by PMI.
In this guide, we rank the top 10 online project management certificates of 2024. Read on to learn about the top schools, including tuition rates, credit requirements and course highlights.
Our Methodology
- Best Project Management Certificates Online
- Should You Enroll in an Online Project Management Certificate Program?
- Accreditation for Project Management Certificates Online
- How To Find the Right Online Project Management Certificate for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Project Management Certificates Online
Best Project Management Certificates Online
Should You Enroll in an Online Project Management Certificate Program?
If you’re deciding whether to pursue an online or on-campus program for your project management certificate, consider asking yourself about the following.
- Schedule: If you’re a professional juggling work and family demands, an online certificate could give you the flexibility to balance school with your other responsibilities. On the flip side, an in-person program may be a better choice if you prefer a more structured schedule with classes held at specific times.
- Learning style: Online certificates typically involve asynchronous learning—where you work on your own time—which requires self-motivation and discipline to stay on track. Are you a self-starter who enjoys learning at your own speed? If so, an online project management certificate may be your best choice. However, you may prefer an in-person program if you enjoy the collaborative environment of face-to-face instruction and feedback.
- Budget: Online certificates often cost less than in-person programs since they eliminate transportation expenses and campus fees, but they can still be a large investment. Be sure to research program costs to determine the best option for your budget.
Accreditation for Project Management Certificates Online
Find out if your prospective college is accredited before enrolling in an online project management certificate program.
Institutional accreditation involves a comprehensive evaluation of an educational institution, from its academic programs and faculty qualifications to curriculum design and student resources. Accreditation provides quality assurance. Moreover, you’ll need to attend an accredited college to qualify for federal student aid, credit transfers, or certain jobs and professional credentials.
Independent, nonprofit accrediting bodies oversee institutional accreditation. Accreditors should be approved by either the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA’s online directories list accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs and departments. PMI’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) is the accrediting body responsible for accrediting project management programs worldwide. However, GAC does not accredit certificate programs.
How To Find the Right Online Project Management Certificate for You
Consider Your Future Goals
When choosing an online project management certificate program, consider the following questions:
- What are your career goals? Think about what you want to achieve professionally so you can align your program choice with your desired career path. For example, to become a project manager, look into student outcomes for each program you’re interested in.
- What are your academic goals? Are you a professional looking to boost your project management skills? Rather than investing multiple years in a traditional project management degree program, you might complete a shorter-term undergraduate certificate.
How might a certificate help you reach your goals? A certificate can provide focused project management training, practical skills and specialized knowledge to enhance your résumé and expand your scope of potential job opportunities.
Why pursue a certificate instead of a traditional degree? Certificates typically take less time and cost less money than traditional degree programs. They can also be completed on your schedule, an important factor if you need flexibility. However, online project management degrees also feature more flexible schedules.
Know Your Budget and Financing Options
Tuition rates for the project management certificates ranked in this guide range from $179 to $600 per credit, with programs requiring six to 19 credits. Total tuition for a top-10 online project management certificate averages around $4,540.
If you attend an accredited institution, you may be eligible for federal student aid options, such as Pell Grants or federal student loans. Submit the FAFSA® to determine whether you qualify for federal aid. Other aid providers may also use FAFSA data to calculate their awards.
Your school may offer its own scholarships and tuition assistance programs. You might also check with third-party providers and private lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Project Management Certificates Online
What’s the difference between a project management certificate and a project management certification?
A project management certificate is a non-degree educational program offered by a college or university. A project management certification, such as the PMP or CAPM, is a professional designation offered through the Project Management Institute. You must complete a series of courses to earn a certificate; you can earn a certification by passing a certification exam.
Is it worth it to get a project management certificate?
Yes, in many cases, a project management certificate is worth it. Earning this credential helps you build solid industry skills, can qualify you to take a PMI certification exam and makes you more competitive in the job market.