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.

Who is the Construction Project Management Certificate for?

This continuing education program is ideal for those currently planning and managing construction projects as well as those who aspire to do so, including construction professionals and administrators seeking to move into project management. Past and present students have included:

  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing
  • Construction specialists, including estimators, schedulers, cost engineers, project control analysts and quantity surveyors
  • Risk management specialists
  • Real estate developers
  • Construction consultants and other industry trade professionals

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.

Schedule and Fees

Course Schedule and Enrollment Links
Four Required Courses plus One Optional Course
(8 Units Required for Certificate)
Summer 2025 Cohort
Fall 2025 Cohort
Duration
Fee*
Fee*
w/ Bundle

PMP-X804F Project Management Fundamentals - Optional for Beginners
(1 Unit) (Outside the Certificate Track)

Register and begin
at anytime

Register and begin
at anytime

Online
Self-Paced

$379

$344

PMP-X805BD Introduction to Construction Project Management
(2 Units)

May 27 - Jul 14

Sep 9 - Oct 27 Online Fixed-Date
7 weeks

$679

$536

PMP-X806BD Construction Contract Administration
(2 Units)

Jul 15 - Sep 9

Oct 28 - Dec 15

Online Fixed-Date
7 weeks

$679

$536

PMP-X807BD Construction Project Execution and Documentation
(2 Units)

Sep 9 - Oct 27

Jan 20 - Mar 9

Online Fixed-Date
7 weeks

$679

$536

PMP-X808BD Construction Claims and Closeout Procedures
(2 Units)

Oct 28 - Dec 15

Mar 17 - May 4 Online Fixed-Date
7 weeks

$679

$536
One Time Certificate Fee
 
   
$45
$45
Total Certificate Cost (4 required courses)
 
    $2,761 $2,189
 All required courses are offered in Online Fixed-Date format .  *Schedule and Fees are subject to change.
 

Construction Project Management Program Learner Outcomes

Students who complete the Construction Project Management Certificate program will gain the skills and strategies needed to effectively manage building projects from start to finish. Expected activities and learner outcomes include:

  • Review tools, techniques and methods for managing project life cycles, stakeholder governance and social responsibility in the construction industry
  • Evaluate global advances in technology and society, and how they affect construction project management
  • Define scope management and identify the common aspects of construction project management that create special scope challenges
  • Learn how to measure project performance utilizing Earned Value Management, estimating and forecasting
  • Master project procurement management processes
  • Anticipate the health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) considerations that could negatively impact your project
  • Complete an in-depth review of financial and accounting management and systems
  • Conduct project analysis, audits, create reports and provide the expertise necessary for monitoring and controlling project finances

Construction Project Management Program Curriculum

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

  1. Introduction to Construction Project Management 
  2. Construction Contract  Administration 
  3. Construction Project Execution and Documentation 
  4. Construction Claims and Closeout Procedures 

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.

Benefits of Earning Your Construction Project Management Certificate

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.

Job Market Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  reports median annual salaries of $95,260 for construction managers, with the top 10% earning more than $164,790; and is growing faster than any average job growth through 2028.

The Project Management Institute’s Job Growth and Talent Gap in Project Management report shows a widening skills gap for project management professionals and forecasts millions of new project management jobs globally in the coming years. In California, the demand for construction project managers is growing steadily at 18%, with reported higher than average employment opportunities across the state.

Experienced Instructors

Our instructors, most of whom hold advanced degrees, are experienced practitioners and subject matter experts who engage each student in a stimulating and participative 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.

Testimonials

"The instructor, was amazing. They provided relevant and usable information in an entertaining and engaging style. I would recommend this class to anyone looking to expand their project management knowledge and skills.” — Marty Glaske, Gafcon, Inc.

"Our instructor was very knowledgeable and made me feel like they wee sincerely interested in seeing everyone in the class succeed. They offered great feedback and constructive criticism in a very non-confrontational way.” — Gerardo Diaz.

"Great instructor. Excellent job with the course."

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).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is project management?

The discipline of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria.

How do I enroll in a course?

You can start the certificate program by signing up for the courses and paying a one-time $45 certificate fee. You can also enroll by calling us at (619) 430-4147 or toll free at (888) 321-6658 during business hours, M-F, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (PST).

Do courses need to be taken in sequence?

While the recommendation is to take the courses in order - it is not required. 

How long are the courses?

Each of the four required courses are 7 weeks in duration.

What textbooks are required?

Although most course materials are shared through our online learning platform Canvas, any required textbooks are listed on each course page.

Will this program prepare me for the PMP Certification Exam?

No, students seeking to learn more about overall project management methodology are encouraged to take the Project Management Certificate program, which is intended to provide the practical project management skill sets. It is real-world based and led by practitioners; however, it is not a PMP exam prep, but an in-depth overview of PM methodology.

Additional Details

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