Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Dynamic industries need project managers who can adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, meet growing customer needs, and maximize resources. The Project Management Essentials online short course from the George Washington University School of Business is designed to help professionals lead and deliver projects on time, within scope and on budget.
Over the duration of eight weeks, you’ll gain an overview of the fundamental principles of project management and develop an understanding of its role in organizations. You’ll also learn about the project initiation process, different project management approaches, and the importance of effective communication and stakeholder engagement for project success. Throughout this journey, you’ll be introduced to new and popular project management tools and techniques, and equipped with the necessary skills to schedule, control, and organize business projects.
Is this course for you?
This course will benefit anyone interested in understanding the principles, tools and skills needed for project management, including strategic project planning, scheduling and time, cost, and scope management. It’s equally relevant to working professionals looking to run a project from inception to completion. For those new to project management, or seeking a career shift to a role that requires project management capability, you’ll gain insight into practical project management knowledge applicable to your context. The course also provides an opportunity to explore key interpersonal, leadership, and strategic skills valuable to all professionals, regardless of industry. Whether you’re aiming to leverage future role growth, or seeking validation for existing project management skills, you’ll gain invaluable insight from GW Business resources, specialist faculty, and industry experts.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Dynamic industries need project managers who can adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, meet growing customer needs, and maximize resources. The Project Management Essentials online short course from the George Washington University School of Business is designed to help professionals lead and deliver projects on time, within scope and on budget.
Over the duration of eight weeks, you’ll gain an overview of the fundamental principles of project management and develop an understanding of its role in organizations. You’ll also learn about the project initiation process, different project management approaches, and the importance of effective communication and stakeholder engagement for project success. Throughout this journey, you’ll be introduced to new and popular project management tools and techniques, and equipped with the necessary skills to schedule, control, and organize business projects.
Is this course for you?
This course will benefit anyone interested in understanding the principles, tools and skills needed for project management, including strategic project planning, scheduling and time, cost, and scope management. It’s equally relevant to working professionals looking to run a project from inception to completion. For those new to project management, or seeking a career shift to a role that requires project management capability, you’ll gain insight into practical project management knowledge applicable to your context. The course also provides an opportunity to explore key interpersonal, leadership, and strategic skills valuable to all professionals, regardless of industry. Whether you’re aiming to leverage future role growth, or seeking validation for existing project management skills, you’ll gain invaluable insight from GW Business resources, specialist faculty, and industry experts.
What will set you apart
Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to project management
Module 2
Initiate and develop a project
Module 3
Develop a project schedule
Module 4
Execution and control of projects
Module 5
Leadership and project management
Module 6
Communication and stakeholder management
Module 7
Project management approaches: Agile and traditional
Module 8
Measures of project and project management success
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Faculty Director
Homayoun Khamooshi
Associate Professor, Department of Decision Sciences, GW School of Business
About the certificate
Gain project management skills and and earn an official certificate of completion from the George Washington University School of Business.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.