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About The Program

Project management is one of the fastest growing career fields in business. Organizations are increasingly using projects as a means of achieving their strategic objectives. In response to this need, the College of Management is offering a graduate certificate and concentration in Project Management. The required courses prepare students for the challenging field of Project Management by providing them with tools, skills, and knowledge necessary to initiate, plan, and implement projects successfully.

Some of the major skills areas covered include:

  • Project planning, implementation, and control using Microsoft Project
  • Request for Proposal (RFP) formulation
  • Earned Value Analysis
  • Computer-aided problem solving and decision making methodologies
  • Systematic approaches to risk identification, risk modeling, risk impact assessment, response planning, and documentation
  • Simulations using Microsoft Project, Crystal Ball, and Excel
  • Techniques in data mining and visual display of quantitative data
  • Team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution in projects
  • Project management organizational options

Student outcomes

A student achieving a Certificate in Project Management will be able to:

  • Understand the characteristics of the project management life cycle
  • Assess risk in projects.
  • Utilize software to support project management.
  • Understand the role of projects within organizations.

 

How to enroll

Application instructions

Questions?

For questions about applying to the Project Management GCERT program, email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu (preferred) or call 651-793-1302.

Deadlines

  • Fall semester: July 1
  • Spring semester: November 15
  • Summer semester: March 15 

*U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents 

Applications are complete once all requirements are met and fee received. Completed application files will be forwarded to the College of Management Graduate Admission Committee for review, please allow 7-10 business days.

Late applications

  • Applications will continue to be accepted beyond the deadline, however we cannot guarantee admission, though we can defer admission to the next available semester.
  • Incomplete applications will be moved to the next available semester for up to three terms total, giving applicants who need it, up to one year to complete their application file.

International Students

Because this is not a degree-granting program, applications from international students studying on an F-1 student visa will not be accepted.

Application

A complete application file consists of two parts. Begin by completing the online graduate application. All application materials become the property of Metropolitan State University and are not returned.

Part One

  • Complete the Online Graduate Application—You will use your Minnesota State StarID to complete the application. If you don't have a Minnesota State StarID you will create one at the beginning of the application. 
    • If you do not have or choose not to provide your Social Security number (SSN) please follow the No SSN instructions to activate your StarID.
    • If you encounter difficulty with the online application please email graduate.studies@metrostate.edu 
  • $20 non-refundable application fee; pay online 
    • Waived for graduates of Metropolitan State, certified veterans and active military.
  • Official transcripts 
    • Transcript showing a baccalaureate degree or equivalent earned from a regionally accredited institution with grade-point average or narrative description describing courses completed.
    • Transcripts from any graduate or professional programs are required.
    • All transcripts from non-U.S. schools must be evaluated (course-by-course) by either ECE (preferred) or WES.

Electronic transcripts should be sent to admissions@metrostate.edu

Paper transcripts should be sent directly from the sending institution (preferred) to:

Metropolitan State University
Attn: Graduate Admissions
700 East Seventh Street
Saint Paul MN 55106

Part Two

After you have submitted your online application, log in to the Applicant Portal using your StarID and password to upload application materials, and check on the status of your application.  The Applicant Portal will indicate missing application items.

  • Current Resume:
    • Upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID. 
  • One year of professional work experience is required for the program.
  • Completion of an undergraduate statistics class with a grade of B or better or completion of MBA Math.
    • If you choose to take MBA Math, you must achieve a minimum proficiency score on each of the lessons (see MBA math Frequently Asked Questions page).
    • MBA math is self-paced; you can retake any lesson until you reach minimum proficiency at no additional cost.
    • The STATS prerequisite will be waived if you take MBA Math and reach minimum proficiency in each of the STATS lessons.
    • Email your name and StarID to graduate.studies@metrostate.edu and request the promo code.
    • Register for MBA Math
  • After you register, while logged in to MBA Math:
    • Go to My Account | My Schools.
    • If you see a Metropolitan State entry, make sure the Allow School Access box is checked.
    • If you don't see Metropolitan State in the My Schools section, click Add School w/ School-Provided RSVP Code, enter the promo code given to you when you registered, click Add Code and make sure the new entry's Allow School Access box is checked.
  • Admission Essay:
    • Upload via the Applicant Portal using your StarID. Your admission essay will serve as both a goals statement and a writing assessment. The admission essay is extremely important to the application review process. Submit your essay in 600-700 words (about three pages) in 12-point font, double-spaced, clearly written, well-organized, with correct grammar, accurate spelling and punctuation, good sentence structure, and clear sub-headings. Make sure that you carefully address each of the following: 
      • Pledge of Authorship: Please begin your admissions essay with the following statement: (Your essay will not be accepted if this is not included.) I, (complete name)____________________________________, verify that this admissions essay is my own work, and I am fully aware that discovery otherwise will invalidate my entire application.
      • Describe the kinds of responsibilities and positions you have held in your past work and professional experience (volunteer or employed), both IT-related and others.
      • Explain why you are pursuing the project management graduate certificate. Please note areas of particular interest and why you are interested.
      • Describe how the graduate certificate in project management will enhance your career and life plans for the future.

Courses and Requirements

SKIP TO COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Requirements (12 credits)

Learn the framework for focusing and implementing solutions ~ register for PMP/CAPM Test Prep.

This course provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of project leadership and management. Topics covered include all aspects of project management from project initiation issues, RFP formulation, proposal decisions, preparation, and evaluation, project planning and implementation to organization, risk assessment, negotiation, and conflict resolution. Also included are project planning techniques such as PERT, CPM, Earned Value Analysis, and project monitoring and simulation using Microsoft Project software.

Full course description for Project Management

This course provides a comprehensive study of project risk management, including concepts, methodologies, and applications. It includes systematic approaches to risk identification, risk modeling, risk impact assessment, respond planning, and documentation. Decision science methods such as System Dynamics, Monte Carlo Simulation, Decision Analysis, Probability Analysis, Analytic Hierarchy Process, and Scenario Analysis will be utilized in risk assessment. Use of computer software in risk analysis will also be emphasized.

Full course description for Project Risk Management

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce students to overall leadership and methods and procedures for solving managerial problems in multiple knowledge management areas of project management. Students will learn the art and science of problem solving by actively participating in solving real-life problems and cases and in the execution and control of projects through simulations. Emphasis is placed on developing the appropriate knowledge and skills for dealing with complexity and uncertainty. Topics covered include decision making, prediction and forecasting, conflict resolution, scenario planning and strategic problem solving. Applications of appropriate computer software programs will also be emphasized. This course covers many important topics that are included in the Project Management Institute's examinations for certifications like PMP and CAPM. Students who wish to achieve these type of certifications will be facilitated by this course.

Full course description for Project Management Leadership and Problem Solving

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