Frequently Asked Questions

What is the graduate certificate in project management?
The core curriculum of the program utilizes the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) that defines project management as "a temporary endeavor undertaken to accomplish a unique product, service or result," (PMBOK Guide Third Edition, page 5). The philosophy of this program is to provide a working knowledge of project management, enabling students effectively to utilize software tools and working procedures to manage projects that are simple or complex within a defined time frame, whether it is short or long in duration.

Students who successfully complete the certificate will have knowledge of management processes, knowledge areas, tools, and techniques of project management defined in PMBOK with an emphasis on communication and organizational systems. This course of studies will also focus on preparation for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. This certificate program provides the foundation information that is necessary to achieve this management success, but this is not all it provides.  The program also provides a deep level of exposure to concepts that are beyond the requirements of the PMBOK.  Students will gain a detailed understanding of Goldratt's Theory of Constraints, Deming's theories of common and special causes, Covey's concepts of effective personal growth and leadership, Crosby's concept of quality and the theories and concepts of several prominent managers.  Additionally, students will learn basic functions of Microsoft Project to schedule projects.

How do I enroll?

Students in this program must be a regular graduate at FSU in any degree program or a special student. Both types of students must enroll through the Registrar Office.  A special student for this program is a classification assigned to a non-degree-seeking student for registration privileges. Admission as a special graduate student is subject to approval and is open to post-baccalaureate students for graduate course work provided the student is in good academic standing at the last attended institution. Applicants who have been denied admission as a degree-seeking student or who missed the deadline for submitting a degree-seeking application will not be considered for admission as a special student.

A special student at Florida State University who subsequently decides to pursue a degree must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions. The student may be reclassified as a regular graduate student upon meeting regular graduate admission requirements. Enrollment as a special (non-degree-seeking) student does not guarantee admission to a graduate program.

Several of the courses in the project management certificate program are restricted to 20-25 students, therefore early registration is important to obtain a seat in these classes.

What’s a special student?
A special student is granted to students who have completed the FSU application process but have not formally applied to a degree program. This allows students to complete up to 12 hours of coursework towards a certificate.

How long does it take to complete courses for The Certificate?
Courses can be completed in as little as two semesters. Some classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening.

Are the courses offered online?
The College does not offer project management courses online.

Is there paperwork I need to complete to receive The Certificate?

Students are requested to submit an application for the Graduate Certificate in Project Management prior to beginning coursework in this program and receive notification of acceptance into the program.  Students wishing to take courses can apply during their first semester of residence.

Upon successful completion of The Certificate program of studies, each student must fill out and submit a request for Award of the Certificate.  Each student will receive a Project Management Certificate from the College of Communication signed by the Project Management Center Director, Department Chairman, and Dean of the College. The application and additional information is available at http://comm.fsu.edu/CommDept/certificate.php

Can I transfer the credits?
Special students who want to complete the masters program in Integrated Marketing Communication may be allowed to transfer the 12 credits earned through the certificate program into their program of study. Credits earned through this Project Management program may be used to supplement a program of studies from any discipline, but a limited number of credits (6 transfer credits are allowed in COM programs) may be accepted in different disciplines.

Work taken as a special student does not automatically carry graduate degree credit; however, if the work is taken within the time limits prescribed by the degree program and approved by the department chair and dean, up to twelve (12) hours of graduate-level credit with a grade of "B" or better in each course may count toward the degree, provided the student qualifies for admission to a graduate degree program.

Advisors from other Florida State University programs should be consulted if students are interested in receiving partial credit towards a master's degree in another discipline.

Where can I find more information?
You may find more information on the College of Communication web site, where project management documents are available for download at http://comm.fsu.edu/CommDept/certificate.php