Construction Project Management Certificate

Earn Your Construction Project Management Certificate Online

In any building project, efficient construction management serves as an important foundation for success. That’s why experienced construction project managers are always in demand and many are paid six-figure salaries for their talents and hard work. You’ll get a comprehensive overview of construction project management principles and best practices in this four-course, online certificate program that expands your knowledge and skill set, and looks great on your resume.

What Does a Construction Manager Do?

Construction project managers plan, coordinate, budget and supervise construction projects from start to finish. They coordinate and oversee construction of residential, commercial and industrial structures, and a wide variety of additional projects such as roads, bridges and infrastructure.

The duties of a construction project manager, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, typically include the following:

• Prepare cost estimates, budgets and work timetables
• Interpret and explain contracts and technical information to other professionals
• Report work progress and budget matters to clients
• Collaborate with architects, engineers and other construction specialists
• Select subcontractors and schedule and coordinate their activities
• Respond to work delays, emergencies and other problems
• Comply with legal requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations

Construction project managers work closely with other building specialists, such as architects, civil engineers and a variety of trade workers, including electricians, carpenters and others. Depending on the project, construction managers may interact with lawyers, inspectors and local government officials. A construction manager may also consult with the client during the design phase to help refine construction plans and control costs.

Construction project managers may benefit from experience with certain software tools, such as cost-estimating and logistical software. Their goal is to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the USD professional development certificate in construction project management, students are required to successfully complete the four required courses in this sequence with a final grade of C+ or better. Learn more about the University of San Diego’s Professional and Continuing Education Certificate Benefits and Policies.

Learning Method Information

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

• No scheduled class times or required attendance.
• No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
• Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
• No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
• No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

• Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
• Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
• Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
• Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

Online Fixed-Date

Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines.  (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.)  These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources.  Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.

How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:

• Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.

• Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).

• Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.

• Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.

• Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.

Curriculum

Here is a closer look at the four courses that comprise the University of San Diego’s Construction Project Management Certificate program:

• Introduction to Construction Project Management — Through assigned reading, case studies, discussions and simulation of real-world construction projects, students learn develop a thorough understanding of aspects of project management unique to the construction industry.
• Construction Contract Administration— Create and monitor a Schedule Management plan using Activity Defining, Sequencing, WBS Construction, and Verification and Validation methods with this two-unit course.
• Construction Project Execution and Documentation — Explore Procurement Management Fundamentals for Construction Project Management. Open Enrollment, no applications.
• Construction Claims and Closeout Procedures — Address Stakeholders in construction and how to identify understand their impact and influence throughout a project lifecycle with this two-unit course.

Bundle & save

Special offer! Bundle and save 10% when you enroll in all four courses (must purchase all at once for offer) within the certificate. Discount will be applied at checkout.

Benefits

Students who complete the Construction Project Management Certificate program will learn the skills and strategies needed to effectively manage building projects from start to finish. The benefits of acquiring this career-building expertise through the University of San Diego include:

• Leading-edge curriculum from a nationally ranked university
• Top-notch faculty who are also experienced practitioners
• Small class sizes with personalized support
• Convenient, flexible scheduling (complete the work on your own time while meeting deadlines)
• No application requirements
• Not only will you gain essential knowledge and skills you can use to advance your career, you’ll also receive a University of San Diego certificate documenting your academic achievement.

Accreditation

The University of San Diego’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission (WASC).

Instructors

The faculty members at the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Frequently Asked Questions