What is Project Management?
Project Management is a pragmatic profession focused on achieving project results in a predictable manner. The project manager (PM) applies his or her knowledge and abilities to manage the project and the efforts of the team in order to successfully complete the project. This is accomplished through processes that include project initiation, planning, execution, control and closure.
What is a project?
"A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result." Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK®), Project Management Institute (PMI®) 2004, 5
What are job and career opportunities in this field?
Employment opportunities for experienced project managers are available in numerous industries.
What are some of those options?
Construction and engineering companies have employed project managers on a regular basis longer than any other industry. Today, project managers work in many different industries. Probably the largest number of project managers work in the information technology field, either for a technology-oriented company or in the information technology departments of companies in other industries. Increasingly project managers are recognized as important in virtually any company and in municipal, county, state and federal governments. In addition, several contract service firms provide project management services, and many project managers provide independent consulting services.
Entry-level positions in the field of project management often have titles such as Project Assistant, Project Coordinator, or Assistant Project Manager. Project Manager is most often used as a title for individuals who have reached a reasonable level of competence and experience. Senior Project Manager and Director of Projects are titles that apply to highly experienced project managers.
What is Bellevue College's Project Management Program?
Our program in project management offers you a working knowledge of the tools and techniques used by professional project managers to deliver quality products on time and within budget. These tools and techniques are transferable across industries, and in today's team-based work environment, they will make you a valuable team member or leader. The program was developed with the support of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Project Management Institute and is based upon PMI's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. The curriculum is composed of seven core classes supplemented by a selection of electives to round out the project management certificate requirements.
Why should I consider obtaining this certificate and how will it benefit me?
The Project Management Certificate can be earned within a short time period and classes are offered at convenient times. The courses are taught by talented practitioners and consultants with direct experience in the field. Because we are a PMI Registered Education Provider, our courses count toward the 35-hour PMP® (Project Management Professional) education requirement or the 23-hour CAPM® (Certified Associate of Project Management) education requirement. Bellevue College also offers electives in a wide variety of topics. A certificate demonstrates to your employer your expanded knowledge in the field and will certainly prove a worthwhile credential for future employers.
What does it cost to complete this certificate?
You pay for classes as you take them so the total cost of a certificate will depend on which classes you choose. Some courses require textbooks; others have all materials included in the cost of the course. The average cost of the 150-hour program is about $3,400.
How do I get started in this program?
If you meet the basic prerequisites: basic computer skills, ability to conduct research, and basic writing skills, you are qualified to enter the program. Good people and teamwork skills are definitely assets in this field. You do not need to submit a formal application; just register for classes.
How long will it take me to finish a certificate?
The Project Management Certificate Program requires 150 hours of class work. Most people take 30-45 hours (two or three classes) per quarter and finish the certificate in approximately one year. The program is flexible, however, so you may take as long as you like to complete the certificate.
A Sample Path
As an example, a three-quarter progression through the curriculum might look like this:
First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Required Core Classes: 120 class hours, recommended sequence
1. Introduction to Project Management
2. Project Planning and Scheduling Techniques
3. Project Communication Skills
4. Project Execution and Control
5. Managing the Project Team
6. Microsoft Project for Project Managers
7. Project Management Practicum
Managing the Project Team may be taken concurrently with any of the required courses, as long as it is completed prior to taking the Practicum. The Project Management Practicum is the capstone course for the program. You must complete all core requirements before taking the Practicum.
Electives: 30 class hours
A competent project manager not only knows PM tools and techniques, but must also have good communication (written and oral) and general management skills. Therefore, we recommend choosing approved electives from the Project Management, Communication Skills, and Management & Leadership areas within the Business & Professional Development department.
Practicum
The Project Management Practicum is a rigorous 11-week class where you team up with approximately eight to ten PM students to plan, develop, and complete a project. You should expect to spend five to ten hours each week outside of class working on the project. At the end of the course, the team will present the deliverables to the project sponsor, stakeholders, as well as other interested observers. On completion of the project, you will have developed materials to add to your professional portfolio. A portfolio is beneficial as it shows current and future employers examples of your skills and abilities. It is a proven tool for professional advancement.
Note: In order to fulfill the requirements for the Practicum and to receive a certificate you must complete and turn in your portion of the project, as well as participate fully on the project team. The Practicum has limited enrollment so that each student can act as project manager for one week. Therefore, the class fills quickly so register as soon as the quarterly schedule is published on the web.
How do I get my certificate?
You must complete all required and elective courses in your program before receiving a Certificate of Completion. Once you’ve completed all your courses, click here to Request a Certificate of Completion. You’ll be asked to complete a brief program survey, and then will be directed to the certificate request page. Your request will be forwarded electronically to an advisor for review. You will be contacted by the college if there are any questions. You can expect to receive your Certificate of Completion in the mail about three weeks after filling out your request.
Can I get college credits for my certificate?
We do offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Clock Hours. Since our programs are offered through the Continuing Education Division, we do not offer college credits. For many people in the professional world, a current professional certificate has proven to be of more value than an academic degree that may take several years to complete and have a less practical, "real-world" orientation.
Will Bellevue College help me get a job?
While we do not have a formal job placement service connected with this program, we do sometimes learn of positions for which our students might be qualified and this information is shared with program graduates.
Bellevue College Main Campus has an active Career Center that offers classes on job search skills, posts job openings, and has an active Internship Program. Check out their website.
Is the Bellevue College program affiliated with PMI®?
The program was developed with an advisory board composed of PMI® members, and it is based on the PMI® Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Bellevue College is a PMI® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.). Most project management course instructors are PMI® certified Project Management Professionals (PMP®).
Does Bellevue College give the Certified CAPM® or PMP® Exams?
No. The exam is administered by the local PMI® chapter. Information regarding the examination and PMI® certification is available on their website. Bellevue College does offer CAPM® and PMP® exam preparation courses. Please see the website for the current schedule.
Can I expect any changes or additions to these programs?
Definitely. Project Management is an ever-evolving profession. We are constantly on the lookout for courses that should be added to our curriculum. Our programs have been designed to allow fine-tuning and flexibility. However, changes in core requirements or the number of hours required to complete the certificate are rare.
