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Certificate

Project Management

Transform Your Career: Gain the practical skills to lead projects and succeed in any industry. 🌟🌟Summer Enrollment Open!🌟🌟

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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
6-9 Months
You have up to 5 years to complete the program
$4,900
Choice of electives increase tuition.

Choose Your Enrollment Path

To begin your Project Management education with UC San Diego Extended Studies, you will find learning pathways designed to accommodate various preferences. We offer two distinct pathways: Compare your options below and choose the best path for you!

  1. A self-directed program offering maximum flexibility.
  2. A structured package plan that helps you stay on track while saving money.

Two Pathways. One Program.

Choose the enrollment path that best fits your schedule, learning style, and goals. Both options lead to the same UC San Diego Professional Certificate in Project Management.

Pathway 1: Structured Package Plan
Stay on track with a pre-set course schedule and dedicated support. This plan includes all required courses and electives at a discounted rate.
  • Duration: 6 to 9 months
  • Tuition: $4,400
  • Benefits: Save over $500 on tuition, plus the $125 certificate fee is waived. Academic advising and enrollment assistance included.
Pathway 2: Self-Directed Program
Enjoy maximum flexibility by enrolling in individual courses at your own pace. Begin with a required foundation course—Project Management Essentials or Project Management Boot Camp—before taking other courses.
  • Duration: 6 months to 5 years
  • Tuition: Starting at $4,900+ (Choice of electives may increase total cost)

Whichever path you choose, you'll gain the knowledge and skills to lead successful projects across industries.

Choose Your Enrollment Path

Enrollment Path    Self-Directed Project Management Program Package 
Cost Pay per course ($4,900 - $5,210 depending on elective course selection) $4,400
Flexibility Enroll in individual courses and pay as you go Pay upfront or choose an interest-free payment plan
Duration Complete in as little as 6 months or up to 5 years Structured schedule to complete in 6-12 months
Course Format Online, Live Online, In-Person     Online, Live Online, In-Person  
Support Independent learning allows you to choose your own schedule. Personalized academic advising, hands-on scheduling, and enrollment support included. 
Discount & Benefits Pay per course at your own pace Tuition discount of over $500, with the $125 certificate fee waived, and tuition locked in throughout the program.
How to Enroll  Scroll down to the Courses section, select a course, and add to cart to begin.  Visit package plan page Project Management Package Program to view detail, scroll down to the page to enroll.
Enroll Enroll Here      Enroll Here 
 

Get Started Today

✅ Step 1: Choose your enrollment option—Self-Directed or Package Plan.
✅ Step 2: Scroll down to view courses (Self-Directed) or sign up for the (Package Plan).   
✅ Step 3: Follow on how to enroll in your selected courses. – Step-by-Step Guide
✅ Step 4: Begin your journey toward earning a Professional Certificate in Project Management..

📌 Have Questions? Email us at projectmanagement@ucsd.edu for guidance.
 
 

No-Interest Payment Plan

UC San Diego Extended Studies offers a no-interest payment plan, allowing you to divide the tuition into manageable monthly portions.

  • The first payment is required to process your registration, and recurring payments are due on the 15th of each month.

Click here to request a payment plan. *Before submitting visit the program page to select the section (Project Management Package Program ). 

Project Management + Lean Six Sigma Package Options

UC San Diego Extended Studies offers a comprehensive Project Management program designed to equip professionals with essential project management skills. As part of the program, students can enhance their expertise by selecting Lean Six Sigma as an elective, gaining valuable process improvement knowledge alongside their project management education.
 

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.

Why Project Management?

  • High Demand: The global need for project management professionals is rapidly expanding.
  • Competitive Salaries: According to Glassdoor, the national average entry-level project manager salary is between $95,601-$105,000 with more experienced project managers making well over $132,145 a year.
  • Career Advancement: Certified and specialized project managers can significantly increase their earning potential.
  • Impactful Roles: Project managers play a crucial role in project success, team morale, and organizational outcomes.

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). 

PM-Cert-pic.png
 

 

 

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 $95.00 certificate fee. The certificate fee will increase to $125.00, effective May 2.

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. UCSD 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.
You may take a course for one of three options: Letter Grade, Pass/No Pass, or Not for Credit. If you are taking a course towards a certificate you must complete your courses for credit (i.e. Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade) and receive a C-/Pass or higher grade. Grades below a C-, No Pass, and Not for Credit will not count towards certificate requirements.
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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