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. This is why experienced construction project managers are consistently in high demand, with many earning six-figure salaries for their expertise and dedication. This four-course online certificate program provides a comprehensive overview of construction project management principles and best practices. It is designed to expand your professional skill set and strengthen 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, as well as infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor,, the typical duties of a construction project manager include:

• Preparing cost estimates, budgets and work timetables
• Interpreting and explaining contracts and technical information to other professionals
• Reporting work progress and budget status to clients
• Collaborating with architects, engineers and other construction specialists
• Selecting subcontractors and scheduling their activities
• Responding to work delays, emergencies and other unforeseen problems
• Complying with legal requirements, building and safety codes, and other regulations

Construction project managers work closely architects, civil engineers, and trade workers such as electricians and carpenters. Depending on the project, they may also interact with lawyers, inspectors and local government officials. Frequently, they consult with clients during the design phase to refine 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. For more details, please review 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.

Benefits

Acquiring this career-building expertise through the University of San Diego offers several distinct advantages:

• Leading-edge curriculum from a nationally ranked university
• Top-notch faculty who are experienced practitioners
• Small class sizes providing personalized support
• Convenient, flexible scheduling that allows you to complete work on your own time while meeting weekly deadlines
• No application requirements for immediate enrollment

New Benefit for Certificate Completers! – For those students who have completed our certificate program, we are offering a free self-driven preparation course for the CSI certification. This prep course supports your pursuit of the CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT®) and Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA®) credentials. Register for the CSI Exam Prep course at any time after completing your Construction Project Management Certificate.

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

Our instructors are seasoned practitioners and subject matter experts, most of whom hold advanced degrees. They are dedicated to engaging every student in a stimulating, participative, and practical learning environment.

Dr. Tammy Good, PMP (Project Management Professional)

Dr. Good has over 30 years of experience in municipal engineering and construction management. She is a professional, creative and innovative individual who excels in challenging environments. She also currently serves as the Capital Improvement Plan Manager for the city of Pompano Beach, Florida. Additionally, she has over 13 years of experience teaching project management and construction related courses for several colleges and universities in addition to the University of San Diego. She is experienced with several learning management platforms and has extensive experience in curriculum development. She earned her Doctorate of Business Administration, Global Organizational Leadership from Keiser University and her Master of Science, Construction Management from Florida International University. Her certifications include: PMP, CGC, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, LEED, OSHA Authorized Trainer, and National Incident Management System – as well as several other certifications.

Frequently Asked Questions