According to Clay Burnett Group Project managers work in a variety of industries to organize teams of employees to get a job done. Whether it’s creating a budget, managing a schedule, leading team meetings or delegating tasks, the project manager is responsible for the outcome of the project.
Over his successful career, John Gizowski of La Grange, IL has reviewed several schools which offer certifications in project management that can help working professionals advance their career. Students who achieve their certification often go on to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
UC Irvine Extension
The University of California at Irvine’s Extension Program offers a project management certification for professionals working in both the public and the private sector. Students in this program are required to complete six courses, two of which are elective courses. Courses include topics like project management of information technology, project monitoring and control and project risk management.
Students must complete the program within five years of enrolling in their first course, and all courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students who complete the certification will be prepared to take the PMP exam or transfer their credits toward a master’s degree in project management at one of UC Irvine’s affiliate schools, such as the Florida Institute of Technology.
Boston University Corporate Education Center
Boston University’s Corporate Education Center, located in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, offers a certificate program in project management. This program includes a curriculum of nine required courses, covering aspects of project management like time, communications, quality, risk and human resources. Students must complete all nine courses within eighteen months. An additional course offered through the Corporate Education Center is recommended for students who plan to take the PMP exam. Though students can sign up for individual courses, the overall cost is lower if they enroll in the certificate program.
UC Berkeley Extension
A certificate program offered through the University of California at Berkeley Extension program is available for professionals who are currently working or hope to work as a project manager. Though there are no other prerequisites, it is recommended that applicants already have a bachelor’s degree.
The certification program, which can be completed in as little as one year, includes six required courses for completion. Each class is offered in both online and in the classroom, and students can choose to take either format for each course. Classes through UC Berkeley apply towards PMI professional development units.
About: As an engineer and project manager, John Gizowski of La Grange, IL has earned recognition and respect among his colleagues for his hands-on approach to meeting or exceeding goals, timely implementation, and return on investment in all of his projects. Beyond the office, he serves as an academic advisor to his alma mater and is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
