Project Management Graduate Credit Certificate Program

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, resulting in increased demand for project managers. The 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 offered by the AACSB Accredited Sam and Irene Black School of Business and Penn State is a Project Management Institute (PMI)® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P), making this certificate a well-respected credential.

In addition to being an excellent stand-alone credential, all of the courses in the Graduate Certificate in Project Management can be applied toward the Master of Project Management degree program also offered through Penn State’s World Campus; however, successful completion of the certificate neither guarantees nor implies acceptance into any graduate program at Penn State. Admission to the M.P.M. graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed. Approval to apply nondegree graduate credits toward a degree program must be granted by the student's academic adviser, the program head or graduate officer, and the Graduate School. A maximum of 15 credits earned as a nondegree student may be applied to a degree program, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

Effective Semester: Fall 2020
Expiration Semester: Fall 2025

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Only applicants who demonstrate high promise of success for graduate work are admitted to the program. Admission decisions are based on:

1. Undergraduate grade-point average
2. A personal essay
3. Two submitted letters of recommendation

The applicant's cumulative undergraduate grade-point average or the junior/senior grade-point average is required to be a 3.0 or better.

The certificate in Project Management emphasizes application of course concepts to actual project management opportunities and problems. Therefore, students who currently are, or previously were, employed as project managers or project team members will derive the greatest benefit from the program. All applicants must provide evidence of sufficient current or previous work experience that will enable them to successfully complete course assignments requiring the application of course concepts to real project management situations. This evidence may be provided in either the form of two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the applicant in a professional capacity or through nomination to participate in the program by an appropriate official within the applicant's employing organization. Those who write letters of recommendation or submit nominations on behalf of the applicant will be asked to attest to the nominee's suitability for the program of study considering factors such as the applicant's length of employment, level and areas of work responsibility, personal qualities, career goals, maturity of purpose, and program requirements to apply course concepts to work-related issues. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the program chair concerning the suitability of their work experiences in relationship to program requirements.

All students must be computer literate and have ready and reliable access to a computer and the Internet to successfully complete the certificate. They must know how to use word processing software, log on to an Internet provider, and use email. Additionally, students will use Microsoft Office in their course work that will require they have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access. Access to fax facilities may be needed as an additional form of communication between student and instructor or between students.

Certificate Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.

Students complete MANGT 510, in their first semester of study and three additional courses for a total of 12 credits. MANGT 515 through MANGT 540 may be taken either concurrently or subsequently with MANGT 510.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to analyze projects and identify key strengths and weaknesses in their organization and operation.
2. Students will comprehend the body of knowledge associated with projects and project management.
3. Students can explain the historical context in which the discipline of project management has evolved.
4. Students will be able to employ techniques that have become fundamental to the current practice of project management.
5. Students are able to integrate the broader managerial issues that have a bearing on the management of a project.
6. Students will demonstrate a “learning by doing” approach to recognizing and solving project challenges through cases and simulation.

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