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UW Flexible Option Info Kit
Overview
Advance your career by mastering the tools and techniques of effective project management.
In today’s competitive workplace, managing projects effectively is crucial, whether you’re leading small teams or overseeing large-scale initiatives.
Demand for trained project managers is increasing. The world’s leading association of project managers—the Project Management Institute (PMI)—anticipates over 25 million new project management jobs in the US by 2030. That’s on top of filling the scores of positions newly vacated by retirement—which is creating a considerable talent gap. Even if you aren’t looking for a full-time project manager job, project management skills are highly transferable, and are a must-have in today’s competitive workplace.
The online University of Wisconsin-Parkside Agile Project Management certificate offered through the UW Flexible Option—aligned with PMI standards—equips you with the tools and techniques for successful project management and prepares you for PMP certification. This certificate includes an optional PMP Exam Prep course, with information on how to apply for PMI certification, and tips and best practices in preparing to sit for the exam.
Industry respected learning
This certificate, awarded by UW-Parkside’s AACSB-accredited Business Department, was designed from the ground-up around the PMI standards for agile project management. In fact, this certificate satisfies the educational requirements needed to sit for the highly sought-after PMP certification. Offered through PMI, the PMP is the industry gold standard for project management professionals.
In this certificate, you will learn how to:
- Create a system for value delivery for project management within an organization
- Apply project management principles to a system for value delivery
- Apply the concepts of PMI performance domains through the project life cycle
- Adapt a selected project management approach to address stakeholder needs
- Tailor a project management approach to an organization’s culture and mission
- Analyze the needs of a project to justify selected models, methods, and artifacts
- Integrate agile framework principles in project management
Benefits of UW Flexible Option
UW Flexible Option is a national pioneer in competency-based education for adult learners. This means you can earn this certificate without sacrificing your commitments to work and life. The self-paced format of UW Flexible Option programs fit around your schedule, as you balance your responsibilities with your educational goals. In this program you’ll:
- Build on the expertise you have already developed on the job and in your previous experience or academic work.
- Fit school into your life. Start any month. Without semester schedules, group work, class discussions, or scheduled log-on requirements, you can earn this certificate when it works for you.
- Control your pace. Complete assignments when you’re able and then move on to the next. Or pause your studies to enjoy a vacation, holiday, major life event, or when you just need a break.
- Earn an affordable certificate. The Flex Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition rate while you are actively enrolled in the program.
One program, two great formats to choose from
The Agile Project Management certificate is offered two ways: in one, you’ll earn academic credit, the other is a non-credit version.
If you choose the academic credit option, you will complete 12 credits of coursework. You’ll apply to UW-Parkside as a certificate seeking student. Academic credits earned appear on a transcript, receive a letter grade, and may even transfer into a baccalaureate program of study (like the BS in Business Administration at UW-Parkside). For-credit students enroll in 12-week long subscription periods, and take as many as they need to finish the certificate.
If you choose the non-credit option, you will enroll in a single, 24-week subscription period where you’ll complete the entire program of study. You need to register for this program instead of applying. Since you’re not earning academic credit, it won’t apply toward a bachelor’s program, nor will you have official transcripts showing earned credit. Non-credit programs are a great fit for professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree and are looking for professional development.
Who Should Enroll?
This program is meant for students who want to learn agile project management skills and prepare for PMP certification, while earning a respected UW credential online and at their own pace. If you are interested in pursuing the for credit certificate, you should meet at least one of the following four requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field; or,
- Be actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree with junior or senior standing; or,
- Have an associate degree AND at least two years of business experience; or,
- Have at least five years of business experience, preferably at mid-level management or above (or at an entrepreneurial firm)
Since the UW Flexible Option is fully online, independent, and self-paced, this style of learning is not always the best fit for everyone. Our most successful students are those who are:
- Motivated, disciplined self-starters
- Comfortable holding themselves accountable
- Capable of thriving in an independent learning environment
Interested in project management, but need a full bachelor’s degree? Check out our Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and earn this project management certificate along the way. Call our enrollment advisers to learn more: 608-800-6762.
About UW-Parkside
Located in Kenosha, Wisconsin between Milwaukee and Chicago, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is renowned for its commitment to quality education and student success. The AACSB-accredited business department offers industry-informed curriculum covering marketing, project management, accounting and more, all at an exceptional value.
Accreditation
UW-Parkside is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges & Schools. The business department is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-International (AACSB). Our BSBA degree is recognized as the nation’s first AACSB accredited competency-based degree.
Curriculum
This certificate uses projects to simulate the types of experiences you might face in the workplace. This applied learning format ensures that you master the key concepts in action, and it prepares you with a portfolio of work that prospective employers will find valuable.
Throughout this certificate, you will learn the skills needed to manage a project from conception to close.
For Academic Credit Option: For those that chose to to apply to the certificate for academic credit, you will complete ten courses. You can take as many subscription periods (which are 12-weeks long) as you need to earn the certificate.
Non-Credit Option: For those who want to earn the certificate not-for-credit, you’ll complete the entire program in a single, 24 week subscription period.
Both options have the same learning outcomes, competencies, and faculty, but there are slightly different academic requirements to complete the non-credit program compared to the for-credit program. In addition, there is an optional course to help you prepare for the PMP exam.
Not sure which option is right for you? Call one of our enrollment advisers at 608-800-6762
PMGT 315X: A System for Value Delivery | 1 credit
You’ll explore a system of value delivery and how projects operate within a system to produce value for organizations and their stakeholders. You’ll also learn to recognize value delivery components and how these components work together to deliver value that is aligned with an organization’s strategy.
PMGT 316X: Principles of Project Management | 1 credit
Master the foundational principles of project management as they relate to strategy, decision-making, and problem-solving. You’ll also apply these principles (as well as ethical principles) to a case study, where you’ll have to consider several factors including the organization, project, deliverables, project team, stakeholders, and more.
PMGT 317X: Stakeholder and Team Project Performance Domains | 1 credit
Gain an understanding of the Stakeholder and Team domains and the essential interpersonal, leadership, and critical thinking skills necessary to achieve desired project outcomes. This course is one in a series that will look at the Project Management Institute’s eight project performance domains.
PMGT 318X: Development Approach and Life Cycle Project Performance Domain | 1 credit
This course will explore the Development Approach & Life Cycle Performance Domain. Students will be introduced to activities and functions associated with the development approach, cadence, and life cycle phases of the project. Assessments will evaluate students’ understanding to assess project deliverables to determine the most appropriate development approach such as a predictive, adaptive, or hybrid approach, and the ability to develop the appropriate life cycle for a project.
PMGT 319X: Planning Performance Domain | 1 credit
This course covers the Planning domain. You’ll learn the activities and functions associated with the initial, ongoing, and evolving organization and coordination necessary to deliver project deliverables and outcomes. Moreover, you’ll determine the delivery, estimating, and scheduling methods for a project and create plans for communication, resource procurement, change management, and measuring project success. This course is one in a series that will look at the Project Management Institute’s eight project performance domains.
PMGT 320X: Project Performance Domains | 1 credit
This course covers two domains: Work and Delivery. You’ll be introduced to the activities and functions associated with establishing project processes, managing physical resources, and fostering a learning environment. You’ll also learn ways to ensure that the scope and quality of a project are achieved. This course is one in a series that will look at the Project Management Institute’s eight project performance domains.
PMGT 321X: Measurement and Uncertainty Project Performance Domains | 1 credit
Learn how to assess and maintain project performance throughout the life of a project and, importantly, how to assess and manage uncertainty and risk. This course is one in a series that will look at the Project Management Institute’s eight project performance domains.
PMGT 322X: Tailoring | 1 credit
Project management professionals deliberately adapt projects throughout their life cycles to make them more suitable for a given environment or type of work. In this course, you’ll learn about tailoring, the four parts of the tailoring process, and how to select and adjust project factors to ensure value for an organization.
PMGT 323X: Models, Methods and Artifacts | 1 credit
Various models, methods, and artifacts are used in project management to achieve success. In this course, you’ll examine how leadership, communication, motivation, change, complexity, team development, and other models are applied in project management, as well as about common methods and artifacts for achieving specific goals within a project life cycle.
PMGT 324X: Agile Framework| 3 credits
Gain an understanding of the agile framework—its tools, situational guidelines, and various approaches—to successfully achieve the expected outcomes of any project. If you’re new to project management, you’ll be introduced to the agile approach and how it can be adapted to fit any project. For experienced project managers, you’ll learn how to integrate agile values and principles with approaches you might already be familiar with, like waterfall.
PMGT 314X: PMP Exam Prep | Optional
Designed to help you navigate the application process for PMI certification, this course will equip you with essential knowledge and tools to prepare to sit for the PMP exam. You’ll discover effective study techniques, resources, and strategies to help you master the exam content. In addition, you’ll learn how to create a study plan, manage your time effectively, and stay motivated throughout your preparation journey. This course is OPTIONAL.
Tuition
The UW Flexible Option offers working adults–like you–a more affordable way to finish a certificate. Your coursework takes place in subscription periods–rather than semesters. Subscription periods have a defined start date and end date, but there are no course deadlines within them, allowing you to move at your own pace. New subscription periods start every month.
| Term Length | Tuition | Number of Terms | |
| For-Credit Option | 12 weeks | $2,250.00 | As many as you need (most finish in 2-3) |
| Non-Credit Option | 24 weeks | $1,995.00 | 1 |
These subscription periods start every single month, and are approximately 12 weeks long.
Not sure if the for-credit or non-credit option is best for you? Call one of our advisers at 608-800-6762 or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.
Are there any additional fees? There are no segregated fees with this program, which saves you hundreds of dollars per credit hour. However, your tuition does not include the cost of textbooks or other special materials that may be required for individual courses.
Students who enroll in this program as a stand-alone certificate are not eligible for financial aid. If you are earning this certificate as part of the B.S. in Business Administration degree in the UW Flexible Option, reach out to our financial aid team to discuss your options.
Admission: For Credit
Below are the next steps if you want to earn a certificate for academic credit.
To be considered for admission to the Agile Project Management Certificate Program, you must meet at least one of the following four requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in any field; or,
- Be actively enrolled in a bachelor’s degree with junior or senior standing; or,
- Have an associate degree AND at least two years of business experience; or,
- Have at least five years of business experience, preferably at mid-level management or above (or at an entrepreneurial firm)
Students with transferable college credit should have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher.
NOTE: Prior college transcripts from which you may transfer credit must be accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation).
Schedule an advising call at 608-800-6762, or contact us at flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu to learn more about our certificate programs.
How to Apply
- You may apply up to five months in advance of your desired start date. See Steps to Apply.
- If previously enrolled in Flex, please review our returning student admissions process.
Note: On the e-application, indicate that you want to pursue a “degree.”
Still have questions? Check out our Admission FAQ page.
Registration: Non-Credit
If you choose the non-credit version of the Agile Project Management certificate, this page details the unique program policies and structure, and how to register.
Why choose the non-credit certificate?
Earning the non-credit Agile Project Management certificate is a great choice for someone with a bachelor’s degree—or higher—seeking professional development and is not interested in earning additional academic credits. With fixed start and end points, this non-credit certificate gives you 24 weeks to complete the program, so plan your start date at a time that works best for you.
This program has a one-time tuition cost of $1,995.00, which covers the full 24 week program.
Still unsure if this is the best option for you? Call one of our advisers at 608-800-6762, they are happy to answer any questions.
Terms & Conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to registration in the Project Management Non-Credit Certificate:
- Refund and Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration through the Friday before your subscription period begins and will receive a full refund minus a $50 administrative fee. No refund is provided for cancelled registrations received after this time frame. Please see the Compassionate Refund/Extension Policy for information on exceptions to this policy.
- Project Management Institute Certification: This program does not automatically grant the PMP, CAPM, or any other project management certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) upon graduation. Though our program will prepare you for those certifications, it is your responsibility to complete all the requirements (which includes education, tests, fees, and experiential hours), as outlined by the PMI, to earn those industry certifications.
- Modality: UW Flexible Option is not a traditional learning experience. We encourage you to review the resources on how the UW Flexible Option works, as well as this short overview of competency-based education. Please note, students are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with an Enrollment Adviser (608-800-6762) prior to registering for this program.
- Course Policies: You acknowledge that you have reviewed all the course policies, which include policies on registration, cancellation, withdrawal, grading, repeat, and more.