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Certificate

Project Management

Transform Your Career: Gain the practical skills to lead projects and succeed in any industry.

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About the Project Management Program

UC San Diego Extended Studies provides comprehensive project management education, grounded in PMBOK® standards and taught by industry experts. Our flexible courses empower working professionals to gain in-demand skills and immediately apply them to drive career growth.

To earn a Professional Certificate in Project Management, students must complete a total of 19 units, including five required courses and a minimum of four elective units. The curriculum covers essential topics such as project planning, scheduling, cost management, leadership, and change management. With flexible learning options, including in-class, live online, and online formats, this program is designed to accommodate working professionals seeking to advance their careers in Project Management.

Required Courses: Project Management Program

Foundation Course Options (SELECT 1)
 Core courses (complete all 4)
Elective Courses (4 units needed)








 

 

 









* * Students are required to complete either Project Management Essentials or Project Management Boot Camp as a prerequisites before enrolling in Project Management courses. However, individual exceptions may be made based on prior experience and knowledge. If you would like to request an exception, please contact projectmanagement@ucsd.edu.

 
In-Person, Online, Hybrid, Live Online
Flexible
9 Months
You have up to 5 years to complete the program
$4,900
Choice of electives increase tuition.

Steps to Enrollment

Step 1: Apply
Complete the free online application to declare your intent to pursue the certificate.

Step 2: Pay the Certificate Fee

Submit the one-time $125 certificate fee to activate your enrollment and begin working toward your certificate.

Step 3: Start with a Foundation Course
Begin your studies with one of the required foundation courses:

  • Project Management Essentials (3 units), or
  • Project Management Boot Camp (3.5 units)

Step 4: Continue with Core and Elective Courses
After completing your foundation course, progress through the program’s requirements:

  • Core Courses (4 total)
  • Electives (minimum of 4 units)

Step 5: Request Your Certificate
Once you have completed all program requirements, submit the Certificate Request through your UC San Diego Extended Studies account. After your coursework is verified, your Professional Certificate in Project Management will be issued and mailed to you.

Note: Some courses, such as Work Team Concepts and Skills and Leading and Managing Change, do not have prerequisites and may be taken at any time.

Lead Projects. Advance Your Career.

Project management skills are in high demand across a multitude of industries worldwide, including IT, business services, oil and gas, finance, health care, manufacturing, construction, and utilities. The Project Management Institute (PMI®) projects 22 million new project management job openings through 2027, demonstrating the field's strong growth.

Who Is This Program For?

This program offers flexible online learning options, ideal for those balancing professional and personal commitments. Participants gain practical skills and a valuable certificate, enhancing their career prospects. This program is designed for:

  • Mid-career professionals seeking to transition into or advance within project management.
  • Individuals preparing for PMP® certification and needing required education hours.
  • Professionals across various industries (tech, healthcare, construction, finance, etc.) managing projects.
  • Career changers entering the project management field.
  • Managers, team leads, and business owners enhancing their project management skills.

Why Study at UC San Diego?

  • Reputable Institution: Learn from a globally recognized and respected university.
  • Flexible Learning: Schedules and formats tailored for working professionals.
  • Expert Instruction: Project-based coursework taught by industry leaders.
  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Skills applicable across diverse career goals.
  • Competitive Pricing & Exceptional Value: Gain a high-quality education at a competitive price, maximizing your return on investment.
  • PMP® Exam Ready: Our curriculum, aligned with the PMBOK® Guide, ensures you meet the necessary education requirements to pursue your PMP® certification.

What You Will Earn:

Upon completion, you will receive a Professional Certificate in Project Management accredited by UC San Diego through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). 

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Every class was timely and relevant to my business unit needs. The behavioral and leadership courses were especially useful in day-to-day interactions with colleagues and friends. I recommend UC San Diego Extended Studies' Project Management program based on the diverse backgrounds and knowledge base of the instructors.

Albert D., Student
I enjoyed the flexibility the Project Management program allowed me. I could keep working, while expediting my progress by taking intensive courses and online classes at the same time. It was rewarding meeting other professionals and getting to work together on projects.
Nathaly P., Student

How to Apply

Students may enroll in individual courses without applying to the certificate program. There is a $0.00 application fee. For students pursuing the certificate, there will be a one-time $125.00 certificate fee.

Get More Information

For detailed information, please contact our Business, Professional & Legal Programs department.

Project Management
Classroom type:
Live Online
In-Person
Online
Hybrid
Download Course List

Foundational Course - Select One

Required Courses

Completion of foundational course prior to participation in BUSA-40715 and BUSA-40970 is required.

Choose Any Elective Courses Below to Reach a Minimum of 4 Units

Process Improvement Elective Options

Earn an additional credential in Lean Six Sigma and satisfy the elective requirement for the PM program.

Free Workshops and Sessions

Veterans Education Benefits

You may use any of the following VA Education Benefits at UC San Diego Extended Studies: Visit: Veteran Benefits office or contact unex-veterans@ucsd.edu  for help with applying your benefits to this program. 

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act

UC San Diego Extended Studies is an approved training provider for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Displaced or disadvantaged workers may be eligible for federal assistance. UC San Diego Extended Studies cannot approve students for this funding or counsel you on your eligibility. To find out what funding is available and to determine your eligibility, please contact one of the following: San Diego Workforce Partnership - workforce.org/career-centers EDD - www.edd.ca.gov Once you are approved, please email unex-workforce@ucsd.edu  to finalize your paperwork.  

International Programs

Through a collaboration between Project Management and the International Program, you can combine this certificate with a one-quarter certificate for a total of three quarters. This allows you to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain hands-on experience in a U.S. company.

For more information on applying, visit the International Programs or contact ipinfo@ucsd.edu. If you have questions about visa requirements, please reach out to the International Program.

Related Documents

FAQs

Your program advisor is your best source of information regarding course and program information. You can email your advisor at ProjectManagement@ucsd.edu.

To request an course add or drop, please contact Student Services at 858-534-3400 or email unex-reg@ucsd.edu.
Yes! Students can take this program fully online in the convenience of your home or office. Some select courses may occassionally be offered in person.
Curriculum is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Our program provides an overview of the PMBOK and teaches students how to best apply the various tools and techniques, in an application oriented setting. Although our courses can certainly help students to prepare for PMI’s CAPM (Certified Associate Project Management) or PMP (Project Management Professional) certification exams, the classes are not meant to be a test preparation. By taking courses you will receive the educational hours needed to be eligible to sit for PMI’s certification exams.

For information about the PMP Certification, only proctored through PMI, please visit their website: http://www.pmi.org/certification/project-management-professional-pmp.aspx
 
Yes, our Project Management courses may be used to earn the Project Management Institute’s Professional Development Units (PDUs). One hour of classroom instruction equals one contact hour. Most of the three unit courses provide 27 instructional hours and therefore equate to 27 PDU’s. To claim PDU’s, simply print out your UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies transcript or course history document, accessible through My Extension, and provide to PMI.
UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies has a number of financial resources to assist students. Please visit our Financial Resources page for information about staff and faculty discounts, programs for the unemployed or underemployed, private student loans and more.

If you are a veteran who served in our armed forces, you may be eligible to use your veteran education benefits to cover some or all of your program tuition. Please review our Veterans Education Benefits page for details.

Are you a member of the San Diego Chapter of the Project Management Institute? If so, you are eligible for a 20% tuition discount on select Project Management courses. To request your discount, please complete this required request form at https://forms.gle/CEAjJFENq6NNZja37
 
Yes. Our programs are designed for the working professional. Classes are offered in evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm, online, or on Saturdays to help you find a class format that meet your schedule. Most students who work full-time take one or two courses per quarter. For those who are not employed or work part-time a typical schedule includes three or four courses per quarter.
Upon successful completion of the Project Management program, you will receive a Professional Certificate in Project Management from UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies. A Professional Certificate is defined as:
  • Representing mastery of an established body of knowledge as is necessary to succeed in a field of professional practice
  • Material presented by multiple instructors, representing multiple viewpoints and a breadth of issues and practices
  • Curriculum reflecting timely changes in the field of study; complementing prior or simultaneous degree study in the field
  • Meeting a minimum of 120 classroom instruction hours (the Project Management certificate provides 180 classroom instruction hours)
  • An award of a gold seal “full-size” certificate document upon successful completion

UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies—like all other UC San Diego schools, colleges and departments—is accredited by WASC through the University. All courses and certificate programs offered by UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies have been developed and administered in accordance with Extension policy and the regulations of the Academic Senate of the University of California.

Format: Online asynchronous. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate. UC San Diego Extended Studies operates in Pacific Standard Time and therefore any deadline is considered 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
When you have paid your certificate fee and successfully completed all program requirements, you will need to request an audit by Student Services. To request an audit:
  • In your MyExtension account, click on “My Courses.”
  • On the right side of the page under “My Certificates,” click on the name of the certificate.
  • On the right side of the page under “Tools,” click on “Request Certificate Audit.”
  • Complete and submit the form that appears.
Once you have formally submitted your audit request, your certificate will be mailed to the address we have on file for you within ten business days.
Two unit courses run for 6-7 weeks; three unit courses run for 9-10 weeks; four unit
courses run 10-11 weeks. For exact course dates of upcoming sections, visit the course page on our website.
Once the course is completed, the instructor has 10 business days to submit your grades. Once grades have been posted, you can view and print them from your MyExtension account.

When registering, students may choose between a Letter Grade or Pass/No Pass option. As long as a student receives a passing score (70% or higher), they will earn the same certificate of completion and any related documents, regardless of the grading method selected.

If you're pursuing employer reimbursement, we recommend checking with your company to confirm whether a Letter Grade is required for reimbursement eligibility.

Students can update their grading option via their MyExtension student portal anytime before 12:00 a.m. on the final class meeting.

 

Instructors will post the current text requirements and recommendations on the course page on our website. Please note the textbooks requirements are subject to change every quarter and different instructors may require different books, even if they are teaching the same course in the same quarter, so be sure to check the textbook requirements for the section in which you are enrolling.
Our classes post to our website and become open for enrollment approximately two months prior to the new quarter starting. If you’d like to get an email reminder you can sign up for our newsletter(s) in MyExtension, under the “Preferences” tab.
The refund deadline for courses in this program is typically 3 days after the start of the course. This allows you to enroll in a course and participate in the first class meeting to determine if the course is a good fit. Then, if needed, either you may either transfer your enrollment to a different course or submit a drop request by emailing Student Services at unex-reg@ucsd.edu. The exact refund deadline for each section is listed in the section notes on the course page in our website, and you can also find it in MyExtension by clicking on “My Courses” and then the name of the course.

Advisory Board

Greta Blash, , PgMP, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMP-PBA

Facilitated Methods, Division of Blash Enterprises, Inc.

Sanjiv Erat, PhD

Associate Professor
UC San Diego, Rady School of Management

Ray Frohnhoefer, MBA, PMP, CC

PPC Group, LLC

Barbara Gunning, , MBA, PMP

Rocking Your Team

Matt Hayden

Sharp

Enas Ibrahim

AMN Healthcare

Asitha Seneviratne, , Ph.D, P.E., PMP, PSP

HNTB Corporation

Debbie Williams

BAE Systems

Samantha Yung

City of San Diego

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