Northwestern University School of Professional Studies offers a variety of project management courses that meet the professional education needs of today’s project managers. Students will learn from expert practicing project managers the best practices to manage predictive (waterfall), hybrid (Disciplined Agile), or agile projects. Students will be able to grow their skills while earning professional development units (PDUs) for certification or recertification requirements.
Why project management?
Studies show the increasing importance of project management to an organization’s ability to execute its strategy. Project management is not only a career role; it is also a set of skills that make you more effective, no matter your role. According to the Project Management Institute, more than two million project management roles will need to be filled every year to meet the global job demand by 2030, reflecting a surge in career options for those with project management certifications.
According to recent research by Gallup, only 28% of managers have been trained to lead hybrid teams and individual contributors are even more likely to be without a specific plan for working in a hybrid or distributed environment.
PROJ_PMI 300-0 Managing Distributed Teams provides practical tools to increase the success of projects being managed in hybrid and global environments. Students will gain a mix of technical skills and interpersonal skills that will equip them to improve collaboration, communication, and decision-making processes.
The instructor was really engaging! Learning the concepts and nuances of managing projects virtually and globally is so pertinent in [today’s] world. I appreciate that this class is offered.”
Course Spotlight
Managing Distributed Teams
28%of managers have been trained to lead hybrid teams and individual contributors are even more likely to be without a specific plan for working in a hybrid or distributed environment, according to recent research by Gallup.
PROJ_PMI 300-0 Managing Distributed Teams provides practical tools to increase the success of projects being managed in hybrid and global environments. Students will gain a mix of technical skills and interpersonal skills that will equip them to improve collaboration, communication, and decision-making processes.
The instructor was really engaging! Learning the concepts and nuances of managing projects virtually and globally is so pertinent in [today’s] world. I appreciate that this class is offered.”
Choose the track that suits your interests and career goals
We offer two different certificate tracks:
Essentials of Project Management
Experience level: 0 to 4 years’ professional project management experience
Core course can be completed in 8 weeks online / asynchronously or 3 days in-person
Elective courses for the certificate may be taken in the same term or spread out over time
Offered:
In-person at our Chicago campus, on weekdays
Remotely via Zoom, on weeknights
Online only, working independently (asynchronous)
Complete two additional elective courses to earn the certificate (electives are offered on a rotating basis and cannot be applied to multiple certificates)
Applied Project Management
Experience level: 5 years’ professional project management experience
Completion time: 10 weeks
Offered online every term (asynchronous and remotely over Zoom)
Complete this one advanced-level course to earn the certificate
The track you choose will depend on your level of experience, interests, and learning goals. Compare program tracks to learn more.
Our program aims to make you a best-in-class project manager, whether you are managing projects full-time or as a part of your role. You will learn the skills, knowledge, and tools to successfully lead projects, not just tricks to pass an exam.
Earn professional development units for the CAPM® or PMP® certification exams or to maintain your current certification
All of our courses provide professional development units (PDUs) that can be used towards Project Management Institute (PMI) certification or re-certification.
Additionally, our instructors are able to provide guidance to students on how best to prepare on their own for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®, Project Management for Professional (PMP)®, or other PMI certification exams.
PMI, PMP, and CAPM are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Expert faculty and access to all that Northwestern University has to offer
Our faculty are experienced project managers and they share their rich experiences and best practices, along with their passion for project management. They actively participate in the courses they teach, providing timely feedback and fostering a positive learning community.
As a student enrolled in a Northwestern University program, you also gain access to a wealth of resources including LinkedIn Learning, the university library system, and free online learning studios.
Classes are offered weekdays, weeknights, and online – year-round
Power your career with a certificate that works with your schedule. Our courses are available in different formats and times to give you the flexibility to learn when it is most convenient for you.
In-person at our Chicago campus, on weekdays
Remotely via Zoom, on weeknights
Online only, working independently (asynchronous)
Program is designed with key learning goals in mind
Our program supports you at all stages of your project management skill development.
Foundational courses to build your core skills
Intermediate courses to enhance your skills and take you to the next level
Advanced courses so you can dive deeper into targeted topics
You can take courses that apply to you, tailoring your learning to meet your unique needs.
Classes that cover the full project management lifecycle
Classes focused on specific techniques, such as risk management, SCRUM, and AI
Classes focused on interpersonal and leadership skills
