Project Management Certificate FAQ

HOW MANY COURSES PER SEMESTER MAY I TAKE?

We do not have any limits on the number of courses that a student may take each semester.  However, we recommend students with full-time work schedules take no more than two courses per semester.

IS THERE ANY PARTICULAR COURSE SEQUENCE I SHOULD FOLLOW?

We recommend students begin by taking PSPM 5030 Introduction to Project Management. We also recommend students complete their required courses before taking their elective course, if possible.

ARE ALL OF THE COURSES IN THE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFERED ONLINE?

Yes.

CAN I ENROLL IN JUST A FEW COURSES? I’M NOT INTERESTED IN APPLYING TO AND EARNING THE CERTIFICATE.

Yes.

CAN I TAKE COURSES BEFORE APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM?

Individuals must apply to and be offered admission to earn a certificate. A maximum of two courses that will count towards satisfying the requirements for the certificate may be taken at SCPS prior to admission.

CAN I TRANSFER CREDIT INTO THIS PROGRAM FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Individuals can transfer one course for academic credit from a regionally accredited college or university. The transfer course will count towards one elective course in the certificate program, and must have been taken within the last three years. Transfer courses are not accepted for required courses in the certificate. Official transcripts and course syllabus are required for an analysis of the content, level, and comparability of the transfer course, as well as the quality of the student’s performance with a grade of B- or better.  Official transcripts with a request for transfer of credits can be sent to SCPSregistration@virginia.edu or School of Continuing and Professional Studies, 104 Midmont Lane, PO Box 400764, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4764 Attn: Admission Services

WHAT GRADES MUST I EARN TO BE AWARDED THE CERTIFICATE?

Students must earn a B- or better in all courses required for the certificate to be awarded. Should a grade fall below a B-, the student has the option of retaking the course in order to complete the requirements and be awarded the certificate.

BY COMPLETING THIS PROGRAM, WILL I EARN THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE’S PMP® CREDENTIAL/CERTIFICATION?

Only the Project Management Institute (PMI®) awards the PMP professional certification.

For those students interested in obtaining the Project Management Professional credential from PMI, our courses provide many of the background fundamental concepts covered on the exam including risk management, cost estimation, scheduling techniques, budgeting, feasibility analysis, work breakdown structures, quality management, scope control, requirements analysis, etc.  Our courses can be used to count toward the education requirement of the PMP certification process as well as the continuing education units needed to maintain certification once achieved. 

PMI has experience-related requirements in addition to education for PMP certification.

Students who successfully complete the graduate Certificate in Project Management will be awarded a certificate of completion from the University of Virginia's School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). The credential is also recorded on a UVA transcript.  

PMI, PMP, and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

DOES THIS PROGRAM LEAD TO A DEGREE PROGRAM?

The graduate Certificate in Project Management  is designed to be a stand-alone certificate program. Students interested in pursuing a degree program are encouraged to contact their intended higher education institution for transfer credit acceptance.

WILL CREDITS FROM THIS CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs.  Selected courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARNING A CERTIFICATE AND GAINING CERTIFICATION?

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO EARNING A CERTIFICATE VS. A DEGREE?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?  WE'RE HERE TO HELP!

Don't hesitate to contact us.

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.