Masters Certificate in Project Management
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Over 13,000 leaders have chosen the Masters Certificate in Project Management
Now celebrating 25 years of delivery!
Learn how to better manage your projects from initiation to close and become a more qualified, capable and well-trained project manager.
The Masters Certificate in Project Management is offered in partnership with York University's Schulich Executive Education Centre, and designed to provide a fast-track, in-depth approach to project management training. The program consists of 18 days of training delivered over 4 months and provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to consistently deliver projects on time, on budget and within scope.
Today, organizations understand that almost everything is a project - from implementing a new business system, IT infrastructure improvements, physical engineering and construction ventures, new product development, to organizing an event. That means everyone in every functional area - from executive assistants to vice presidents - is a potential project manager. Top organizations foster success by cultivating strong project resources and supplying their people with the tools and formal training they need to get the job done right the first time. To deliver a project on time, on spec, and on budget, project managers need to know all facets of the field and apply their knowledge nimbly and accurately. That means being able to communicate with the team, manage stakeholders, procure and plan, ensure quality, minimize risk, and so much more.
The Masters Certificate in Project Management is delivered by expert instructors with real-world experience and equips participants with practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace. With a proven curriculum based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), participants will understand the tools and techniques of project management to better manage their projects and advance their project management career!
Key Learning Outcomes
- Better manage projects from initiation to close
- The ability to look at projects in a whole new light and manage them systematically and strategically
- Become a stronger, more effective communicator and leader.
- Benefit from the expertise and proficiencies of the program's real-world instructors.
- Share experiences and knowledge with other project management professionals.
- Hands-on practice applying the material through a simulated project woven throughout the program.
- A kit of powerful new tools, documents and templates which can be used as is or modified to meet your needs.
- Covers all Project Management Body of Knowledge 'Principles of Behavious' and 'Performance Domains.'
- Gain a solid foundation to to write the Project Management Professional (PMP®) certification exam. Over half of our graduates write the PMP® Exam and over 98% pass on the first try. Visit the PMI website to learn more.
- Optional online PMP prep modules.
Program Schedule
Training will take place from 8:30am to 5:00pm, NST on the dates noted below:
| Program Introduction | August 31, 2023 |
| Project Planning & Control | September 7-9, 2023 |
| Introduction to Agile & Scrum | September 22-23, 2023 |
| Project Quality Management | October 5-6, 2023 |
| Assessing & Managing Project Risk | October 20-21, 2023 |
| Leadership, Communications, & Stakeholder Management | November 3-4, 2023 |
| Effective Project Cost Management | November 17-18, 2023 |
| Contracting, Procurement, & Negotiation Skills | December 1-2, 2023 |
| Project Integration & Simulation | December 15-16, 2023 |
Program Content
Program Introduction
Introduction and overview of the program and key project management concepts
Project Planning and Control
A complete foundation in successful planning and implementation
- Program introduction and review of objectives
- Overview of the knowledge areas of project management as defined by the Project Management Institute and others
- Introduction to the project simulation/case study to be used throughout the program*
- Delivery of tools and technology to be used throughout the program
- Discussion and exercise around team leadership and effectiveness
Introduction to Agile and Scrum
Understand key elements of Agile and Scrum and how to apply them to any project.
- Agile and Scrum Introduction
- Sprint Preparation
- Sprint Execution
- Sprint Closure
Project Quality Management
Learn how to build quality measures into every project.
- How to form a project team, scope projects and manage within a Matrix Environment
- Developing detailed and high-level PM plans
- Creating activity-based network diagrams and working with the critical path
- Introduction to Earned Value Management
- Meeting stakeholder requirements with various control strategies
Assessing and Managing Project Risk
Approaches to evaluating project uncertainties and risks
- Project risk management framework
- Risk management in project planning and execution
- Quantitative and team facilitation techniques to identify risks and responses
- Utilizing decision trees and expected monetary value
- Applying techniques such as Delphi method and Monte Carlo simulation
Leadership, Communication and Stakeholder Management
Improving your project effectiveness in HR, Communications and Stakeholder Management
- Communicating with Project Stakeholders meaningfully and effectively while supporting the success of the project
- Choosing, developing, managing and organizing your project team
- Identifying all stakeholders and managing their engagement
- Building communication plans and using templates
- Exploring strategies for challenging communication environments such as organizational change, diversity, and virtual teams
Effective Project Cost Management
Manage your projects through the lens of cost minimization.
- Cost estimating: Micro versus macro
- Resource planning, budgeting and cost control
- Earned value concepts
- Fixed, variable and unit costs
- Status reporting
Contracting, Procurement and Negotiation Skills
Successfully manage key vendors and partners.
- Procurement and solicitation planning
- Solicitation and negotiation principles
- Source selection
- Contract close-out and contract law
Project Integration & Simulation
Participants apply their learning to propose, plan, execute and deliver a full-scale realistic project in teams.
- Review all areas covered to-date
- Understand how all parts integrate together
- Execute the program-wide simulation project
Recommended Background
- At least 1 year of project management experience, or
- Completion of a 2-3 day introductory project management course within the last 2 years.
- Please note that this program is not recommended for individuals who already have their PMP® designation.
Modules and Homework
- 9 modules over 18 days.
- Each module provides high quality, interactive and collaborative training for 2 or 3 days.
- Participants will be placed on teams for the duration of the program and work together on a project simulation.
- All participants are required to complete an assignment after each module on their own time.
- Each assignment will be used to tie the program together and serve as the background work for the project simulation that takes place in Module 9.
Attendance Requirements
- Participants must attend all program modules and achieve a passing grade on the final exam in order to receive their certificate.
Continuing Education Contact Hours: 126
Graduate Testimonials
"I had a fantastic experience with the Gardiner Centre this fall while I completed the MCPM program. Each instructor brought a unique perspective and valuable insights to the content they taught, and I learned an incredible amount from class discussions with the other program participants. This program has accelerated my career growth and I am already reaping the benefits of my new knowledge! Thank you for an excellent semester!"
- Rachel Tobin, Product Designer, PolyUnity Tech Inc. - 2022 Graduate
"The MCPM program is incredibly well developed, and provides students with the opportunity to learn in a hands on environment with some of the best professionals in the industry. The coursework is exciting, engaging and grounded in real world scenarios. I would recommend the program for anyone looking to step their skills up 10 levels!"
- Marcus Clarke, Project Manager, Marine Atlantic - 2020 Graduate
"The Masters Certificate in Project Management offered through Gardiner Centre was exceptional. An in-depth course that was delivered in concise modules that were easy to absorb. Each module contained tangible tools and techniques that were applied immediately. I cannot say enough about Gardiner Centre staff and instructors - professional, insightful, organized, fun and most helpful. I highly recommend this program."
-Rick Hunt Lead Engineer, Subsea 7 - 2017 Graduate
This course qualifies as credits toward the International Association of Business Communicators' (IABC) professional certifications.
When applying to sit for either the exam for Communications Management Professional (CMP)® or Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP)® or to apply for recertification, Gardiner Centre courses can be an integral part of your application package.
To learn more about this global standard certification, visit: gcccouncil.org. To inquire about sitting for a certification exam, contact the local IABC NL chapter at iabcnl@gmail.com, or visit: iabcnl.com.
Completion of this program qualifies as one credit course in Marine Institute's Certificate in Leadership. Click here to learn more.