Project Management Certificate Course Descriptions

PM 401: Introduction to Project Management
This online course introduces the fundamental nature of projects and defines special techniques involved in project management. Concepts such as the definition of a project, the nature of the project team, and the role and function of the project manager are presented. Discussion incorporates the language of projects, the context in which projects are conducted, and the key players in the project management process. Students investigate practical application of project management principles as applied to practice settings. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is introduced as the basis to further explore practices, tools, and techniques for successful project management.
1. Students specializing in business will also learn how project management is applied to business decisions and actions.
2. Students specializing in construction will also learn the language of construction industry projects and the key players in the project management process.
3. Students specializing in information technology (IT) will also learn the language of IT projects, key players in the process, and the recommendations of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI).
PM 402: Introduction to Project Management for Construction Professionals
This course introduces the fundamental nature of construction projects and defines special techniques involved in construction project management. Concepts such as the definition of a project, the nature of the project team, and the role and function of the project manager are presented. Discussion incorporates the language of construction industry projects, the context in which such projects are conducted, and the key construction industry players in the project management process. Students investigate practical application of project management principles as applied to the construction industry. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) is introduced as the basis to further explore practices, tools, and techniques for successful construction project management.
PM 403: Introduction to Project Management for Information Technology Professionals
This course introduces the fundamental nature of information technology (IT) projects and defines special techniques involved in IT project management. Concepts such as the definition of a project, the nature of the project team, and the role and function of the project manager are presented. Discussion incorporates the language of IT industry projects, the context in which such projects are conducted, and the key IT industry players in the project management process. Students investigate practical application of project management principles as applied to the IT industry. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) recommendations are introduced as the basis to further explore practices, tools, and techniques for successful IT project management.
PM 415: Microsoft Project for Managing Projects
This hands-on fundamental applications course addresses the critical role of software for effective project management. Students will develop a working knowledge of the most commonly used project management software, Microsoft Project, to initiate projects, manage activities and resources, track schedules, and report project information to stakeholders. Microsoft Project skills are further enhanced through subsequent coursework in preparation for real-world application.
PM 420: Project Selection, Planning, and Scope
This course addresses project selection, planning, and scope. Topics include processes and evaluation techniques concerning project conception, review, acceptance, and funding. An overview of the project planning process is presented, including an introduction to scheduling, budgeting, and risk. Students explore scope development utilizing a work breakdown structure (WBS) for definition of necessary project work and project boundaries.
PM 421: Project Scheduling and Budgeting
This course covers the critical path and critical chain scheduling approaches. Students will determine resource and task costs based upon analysis of scope and schedule, resulting in budget development. Graphical displays, such as the Gantt chart and the S-curve, are presented to illustrate the schedule information and budgetary requirements for the project.
PM 422: Project Risk Management, Execution, and Control
This course identifies and analyzes risks to project scope, schedule, and budget. Students incorporate within the project plan risk management processes to effectively plan for, respond to, and control risk. Project management activities relating to execution of the project, such as directing the work authorization system, are discussed. The management aspects of execution, or coordinating and controlling the work, are presented. Earned value, a critical tool for measuring project performance, is addressed.
PM 423: Project Quality and Contract Management
This course describes the design of quality plans for the project, integrating quality assurance and quality control. For projects that require procurement from outside of the organization, contracting issues related to quality are discussed. The process for contracting, from preparing specifications and solicitation documents to contract closeout, is defined.
PM 424: Managing the Project Organization: Human Resource and Communications Management
This course focuses on project organization, including organizational planning, staff acquisition, and team development. The organizational structure defines project roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships. Communications management techniques for motivation, conflict resolution, and negotiation are addressed. Project integration, a coordination function of the project manager requiring effective human resource and communications management, is explored.
PM 431: Project Management Simulation
This course is designed as the culminating experience for project management students to practically apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. Students engage in a project simulation. By completing a series of assignments, students demonstrate their level of mastery and develop an entire project plan.
PM 432: Construction Project Management Simulation
This course is designed as the culminating experience for construction project management students to practically apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. Students engage in a construction project simulation. By completing a series of assignments, students demonstrate their level of mastery and develop an entire construction project plan.
PM 433: Information Technology Project Management Simulation
This course is designed as the culminating experience for information technology (IT) project management students to practically apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program. Students engage in an IT project simulation. By completing a series of assignments, students demonstrate their level of mastery and develop an entire IT project plan.

Simulations will reflect the student’s choice of industry specialization:
1. Business
2. Construction
3. Information Technology (IT)