Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management

Today, virtually everything qualifies as a project: new business systems, IT enhancements, engineering projects, product development, event coordination - the list is endless. In today’s fast-paced industries, project managers are in high demand. But how do you stand out from other professionals? How do you get into Project Management? 

Master Project Management from Start to Finish

The Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management , a partnered program offered by the Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University and Schulich Executive Education Centre, gives you the ins and outs of leading a project from ideation to in-market success.

Gain the tools, strategies, and hands-on practice to start your project management career.

Learn from experts in project management (PM), and distinguish yourself with competitive training, that will prepare you for a project manager role. Our Master's Certificate in Applied Project Management prepares you to meet the rising need for effective project leaders by providing a strong theoretical base, hands-on tools, and essential AI skills for managing complex and high-impact projects, in today’s dynamic world. 

This program is perfect for those aiming to launch a career in project management, especially individuals in entry-level positions such as associates, coordinators, and assistants across sectors like Healthcare, IT, Construction, and Energy. It also delves into the integration of AI tools to boost planning, collaboration, and overall productivity. In a competitive field, the question becomes; How will you distinguish yourself to succeed? 

Pre- Certificate Preparation:

You will have pre reading material to read in preparation for the first day of your certificate and coursework and readings outside of classroom hours.

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Program Content

1. Process Groups, Charters, Planning & Scope (October 3, 2025) 
(10:00 am - 5:00 PM Atlantic Time)

• Defining project purpose, goals, and success metrics
• Building effective project charters
• Planning project scope, estimates, and milestones
• Aligning internal and external stakeholders
• Communicating across teams and roles
• Introducing AI in project management
• Using AI tools for planning, task generation, and risk identification
• Exploring project methodologies (Waterfall, Agile, Hybrid)
• Leveraging AI tools such as Notion AI, Asana AI, and Microsoft Copilot

2. Project Monitoring, Norms & Course Corrections (October 17, 2025)
(10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Atlantic Time) 

• Creating an individualized work plan
• Monitoring progress and performance
• Identifying issues, resource conflicts, and progress setbacks
• Taking corrective actions

3. Stakeholder Management & Communication (October 31, 2025)
(10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Atlantic Time) 

• Identifying, analyzing, and mapping stakeholders
• Developing a stakeholder engagement plan
• Crafting effective communication strategies
• Adapting communication styles for diverse audiences
• Managing difficult stakeholders and resolving conflicts
• Using tools to track communication and engagement

4. Project Budgeting and Cost Management (November 14, 2025)
(7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Atlantic Time) 

• Applying project cost estimating techniques (top-down, bottom-up, parametric, analogous)
• Developing a comprehensive project budget
• Establishing a cost baseline and managing change control
• Introducing Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Conducting variance analysis and forecasting
• Reporting costs and communicating financial updates
• Using tools for budgeting and cost tracking
• (Self-paced: Project Procurement & Planning)

5. Managing Project Risk & Quality (November 28, 2025)
(7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Atlantic Time) 

• Applying project cost estimating techniques (top-down, bottom-up, parametric, analogous)
• Developing a comprehensive project budget
• Establishing a cost baseline and managing change control
• Introducing Earned Value Management (EVM)
• Conducting variance analysis and forecasting
• Reporting costs and communicating financial updates
• Using tools for budgeting and cost tracking
• (Self-paced: Project Procurement & Planning)

6. Agile and Project Acceleration (December 12, 2025)
(7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Atlantic Time) 

• Conducting root cause analysis and solving real project problems
• Managing challenged stakeholders and adapting to new information
• Applying Agile methods to navigate changing directions
• Optimizing workflows and making informed decisions
• (Self-paced: Agile Project Management)

7. Project Visibility and Executive Reporting (January 9, 2026) 
(10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Atlantic Time)

• Evaluating the key drivers of project success
• Crafting a compelling success story for your project
• Recognizing the contributions of your team and stakeholders
• Presenting project outcomes effectively to senior leadership

8. Project Management Capstone Project (January 23, 2026) 
(10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Atlantic Time)

• Apply learning through a capstone project focused on real-world challenges.
• Hands-on experience to demonstrate the program tools, strategies, and skills learned.
• Practical application to showcase each participant’s ability to lead complex projects.

PMP® exam preparation - For the required training hours for the PMP (Project Management Professionals) designation exam, please contact the Project Management Institute (PMI) https://www.pmi.org/ for application requirements.

This program is delivered in partnership with Schulich Executive Education Centre at York University.