Delivery
Online
Online Project Management Essentials Certificate
Program Overview
Build a strong foundation for a career in project management with UNC Charlotte’s online Project Management Essentials Certificate.
Designed for professionals who are new to project management, have project experience but no formal project management training, or are preparing for the CAPM® or PMP® certification exams, this program introduces the essential principles, terminology, tools, and best practices used to successfully plan and manage projects.
Through practical, applied learning, you’ll develop skills in project planning, scheduling, communication, risk and quality management, and project performance—giving you a foundation you can apply across industries and throughout your career.
Delivered online with flexible learning options, the program requires no previous project management experience or formal application. Simply register and get started.
Online Project Management Certificate Highlights
- Take the five required project management self-guided courses online with optional ActiveFlex sessions
- Gain the core skills and knowledge a project manager needs to be effective and efficient
- Learn universal project management terminology
- Gain skills that are applicable immediately in the workplace
This online Project Management Essentials certificate, awarded through UNC Charlotte’s School of Professional Studies, meets the project management education requirements to qualify to take the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® exam.
Program Contact
Enrollment Team
School of Professional Studies
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“The Project Management Certificate program at UNC Charlotte helped me prepare for the PMP® Exam. From ease of registration to convenient and well-outfitted training facilities, from the highly experienced and qualified instructors to the available and professional coordinators and support staff, this program is the complete package. UNC Charlotte has put together a training program of the highest quality and has made this alumnus proud!”
Vic Morrison ’11, Senior Staff Engineer, NEG Glass Fiber
Who Is the Project Management Essentials Certificate For?
You don’t need “Project Manager” in your job title to get started.
The Project Management Essentials Certificate is designed for professionals who want to build a foundation in project management, including:
- Professionals new to project management
- Employees who contribute to projects but have not received formal project management training
- Team members preparing to take on greater project responsibilities
- Career changers interested in moving into project-based roles
- Professionals working toward the education requirements for the CAPM® or PMP® certification exams
Build Your Project Management Foundation
Projects are part of nearly every workplace, but successfully managing them requires more than simply keeping track of tasks and deadlines.
The Project Management Essentials Certificate introduces proven project management practices that can help you organize work, communicate effectively, manage schedules and risks, collaborate with stakeholders, and keep projects moving toward successful completion.
Whether you’re preparing to manage your first project, taking on more project responsibilities in your current role, or considering a career in project management, you’ll gain practical skills you can begin applying immediately.
Why Choose UNC Charlotte’s Online Project Management Essentials Certificate?
- Build a Strong Foundation
Learn the essential principles, terminology and practices used to successfully manage projects. - Designed for Project Management Beginners
No previous project management experience is required. The program is designed for professionals building formal project management knowledge. - Learn Skills You Can Apply Immediately
Develop practical capabilities in planning, scheduling, communication, risk, quality and project performance. - Flexible Online Learning
Complete five required courses online with flexible learning options designed for working professionals. - Meets PMP® and CAPM® Education Requirements
Complete the formal project management education hours needed to help qualify for the PMP® or CAPM® certification exams. - Learn From Experienced Professionals
Learn from instructors who bring project management and leadership experience from a variety of industries.
Course Details
To earn the Project Management Essentials Certificate, students complete five required online project management courses. Most professionals finish the program in less than six months, though you may take up to 12 months to complete all requirements. A minimum passing grade of 70% is required in each course.
These courses align with the Project Management Institute’s (PMI®) A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and help fulfill the education hours needed to pursue the PMP® or CAPM® certification exams.
Required Project Management Courses
Important: Project Management Fundamentals (PJM121) must be completed before enrolling in any other course.
This foundational online course introduces core project management principles, terminology, and methodologies.
This course focuses on leadership strategies, team development, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement to ensure project success.
This course emphasizes practical scheduling tools and techniques used across industries.
This course teaches how to monitor performance, manage risks, and apply continuous improvement practices.
This course explores managing digital projects, agile approaches, and hybrid frameworks.
Project Management Job Outlook and Salary in North Carolina
The Project Management Institute (PMI) forecasts a possible global talent gap of up to 30 million project professionals by 2035. PMI states, “This isn’t just a workforce challenge, it’s also a massive opportunity.”
Lightcast shows a medium advertised salary of $104,200 for project management jobs in the Charlotte region which include the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)® as a qualification.
Our certificate program can be a stepping stone to earning the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® or PMP® as many of the participants who complete our program decide to sit for either of the PMI exams. If you are interested in taking the CAPM® or PMP® exams in the future, we recommend you also consider taking an exam prep course before attempting to take the exam. While CAPM® and PMP® certifications are widely respected, they are not required for many project management jobs.
Our Project Management Alumni Work Here
- Red Ventures
- Bank of America
- Verizon Communications
- Atrium Health
- Duke Energy
- Pratt & Miller Engineering
UNC Charlotte Project Management Alumni Top Skills
- Project Management
- Business Process Improvement
- Continuous Improvement Process
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- PMI Methodology
UNC Charlotte Project Management Alumni Work In These Occupations
- Management Analysts
- Project Management Specialists
- Computer and Information Systems Managers
- Financial Managers
- Medical and Health Services Managers
Program Cost
$3,804 for bundle or $895 per course
Explore employer tuition assistance with our customizable letter template to help start the conversation with your employer.
How a Project Management Certificate can boost your career, no matter what field you’re in
Project management is one of the most in-demand careers today. Even better news, that demand is expected to grow exponentially within the next few years, according to the Project Management Institute. That’s clear proof that adding a project management certificate to your resume will not only get you through a prospective employer’s door, but once inside, they’ll want to keep you there for a good, long while.
Meet the Instructors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Management?
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI®), project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet or exceed stakeholder expectations. It involves planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources to achieve specific project goals and objectives efficiently.
Is Project Management the right career for you?
Project management is a good fit for professionals who enjoy organization, communication, and problem-solving. Project managers coordinate people, budgets, and schedules to deliver projects successfully. They are valued for their leadership, collaboration, and ability to keep complex projects on track.
Do I need prior experience to start?
No previous project management experience is required. The certificate is designed for professionals new to project management or for those who have worked on projects but have not received formal training in project management best practices.
What topics or courses are included?
The program follows PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and covers project initiation and planning, scope and schedule management, cost control, risk and quality management, leadership and stakeholder communication, and agile and hybrid project management methods.
In as little as 10-12 weeks, you will build a foundation in:
- Project initiation and scope development
- Scheduling and lifecycle planning
- Cost and risk management
- Quality assurance and performance improvement
- Project leadership and stakeholder communication
- Digital and hybrid project management methods
Is there a specific order to take the courses?
Yes. Students must first complete Project Management Fundamentals (PJM121) before taking any other courses in the program. After that, courses may be taken in any order.
How were the course topics chosen?
Course topics were developed by UNC Charlotte instructors and reviewed by industry professionals to ensure alignment with PMI standards. Each course provides a deeper understanding of essential project management principles and practices.
Does this certificate prepare me for PMI certifications such as the PMP® or CAPM®?
Yes. Completing the Project Management Essentials Certificate provides foundational knowledge and contact hours that help you prepare for PMI certification exams like the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) or the Project Management Professional (PMP®). The certificate itself is not a PMI certification but an educational program that supports your eligibility and exam readiness.
What career opportunities can this certificate lead to?
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Program Analyst, or Team Lead in industries including construction, healthcare, IT, finance, and education, where demand for certified project managers continues to grow.
Is the program offered online or in-person?
The Project Management Essentials Certificate is offered in a blended online format that combines synchronous (live) and asynchronous (self-paced) learning. Students participate in scheduled live sessions for interactive discussions and complete additional coursework independently between sessions, providing flexibility while maintaining engagement with instructors and peers.
Who should enroll in this Project Management Essentials Certificate?
This certificate is a strong fit if you:
- Are new to project management
- Work on projects but haven’t received formal project management training
- Are preparing to manage projects as part of your current role
- Want to transition into a project management career
- Need project management education hours toward CAPM® or PMP® eligibility
Already an experienced project manager? Explore the Project Management Specialist Certificate to develop more advanced strategic and leadership capabilities.