Essential Information
Project management and scheduling certificate programs provide students with an understanding of project management principles, contracting practices, scheduling and coordination, and basic information systems management. Program length varies, with many classes being offered online, at night, or on weekends. Students will need a high school education with a background in business to enroll. Graduates may apply for professional certification in the field, which is offered by several organizations.
Scheduling Coordinator Certification
Certification classes are offered through university extension offices or continuing education departments. Students are often allowed to choose electives that relate to their particular field of interest. Examples of typical courses might include:
- Principles of project management
- Project planning and scheduling
- Risk management
- Project coordination
- Cost management
- Conflict resolution
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a project management and scheduling certificate program may enter one of a variety of careers in the area of scheduling and coordination. Careers may include:
- Flight scheduling coordinator
- Project manager and scheduling coordinator
- Health unit scheduling coordinator
- Business project manager
- Construction scheduling coordinator
Employment Opportunities and Salary Info
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), the employment of secretaries and administrative assistants, including those who work for executives and executive teams, is expected to decline by 9% between 2019 and 2029. The median annual salary earned by executive secretaries and administrative assistants was reported as $63,110 by the BLS in May 2020.
Continuing Education
Just as there are several different career paths available for professionals working in the field of scheduling coordination, there are several different types of certification available as well. The Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International offers the Planning and Scheduling Professional designation to individuals who pass an examination and meet education requirements. The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) designation in the field as well.
A certificate in project managing and scheduling teaches students how to maintain the production and distribution schedules for manufacturing companies, or to oversee flight schedules for airlines. These credentials prepare students for work in a number of fields, with several professional certifications available for graduates in different fields.
