Graduate Certificate in Project Management

The importance of Project Management has grown substantially in the past decade as the size and complexity of projects have increased. Projects are often delivered late (or not at all), and budgets are exceeded, which affects profitability—these difficulties underscore the need for well-trained, certified project managers. The graduate certificate program provides the foundation necessary to plan for these difficulties and achieve success as a project manager. Students who obtain the Graduate Certificate in Project Management will have a set of skills and knowledge that prepare them to excel at managing projects as well as preparing them to take the international Project Management Professional (PMP) exam offered by the Project Management  Institute (PMI).

Application Process
The application process has two main steps:

1. Students register as a graduate student in any program at FSU, or as a special student. Consult the Registrar's Office for specific registration requirements.
   
2. Students apply to the Certificate Program administered by the College of Communication. Click here to access the application form. Return the application to Ms. Natasha Hinson-Turner in the Departmental office. The application must be received and approved before completion of the first course you plan to apply towards the Certificate Program.
   
   

The online version of the General Graduate Bulletin has more detailed information regarding applications and special student status.

Career Opportunities
The project management profession has grown dramatically over the last 15 years.  Many companies have created project management offices to manage the project management processes within the company. Numerous private/governmental contracting officials require managers to demonstrate advanced training in project management, and many require certification.

There has always been a need for project managers, but society has begun to recognize the need for training and expertise in project management. Several research studies have found that project managers who have knowledge and experience are more effective in the workplace. Such project managers save their employers money by increasing the prospects of finishing projects on time and on budget. Increasingly, project managers are widely recognized for their contributions to organizational productivity and project success. As a result, employers are willing to pay project managers for their knowledge and ability.

Benefits and Skills
Students who successfully complete the Florida State University Graduate Certificate Program in Project Management will gain knowledge of key Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) concepts and approaches, including project management process groups, knowledge areas, and the application of tools and techniques of project management as defined in the PMBOK. Students will also be exposed to advanced project management concepts and approaches, as well as related communication theory and either communication research methods or practical applications.

Certificate Program Structure

• Twelve credit hours of coursework (4 three-hour courses) that can be completed in 2-3 semesters.
• Structured program with 2 required classes, two electives in areas of expertise (see "courses" menu).
• Every certificate student has to submit a program of studies outlining the courses they intend to complete by the end of their first semester.
• As this program is interdisciplinary, some of the courses listed may be restricted by major. In the student’s first semester of study, the student should coordinate with the appropriate departments prior to registration to confirm access to classes.