Project Management Professional Program (PMPP)
Advance your career in one of the fastest-growing professional disciplines in North America. Professional certification ensures that project managers are ready to meet the demands of projects across the globe. The program is designed to align with the standards of the Project Management Institute (PMI), and course content will prepare you for PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) credential exam.
Project Management is an in-demand skill set. We offer real-world expertise and guidance on the issues critical to project management success, such as:
- Project leadership
- Project risk and project scope management
- The triple constraints of quality, time and cost.
In this certificate program, you will examine project management knowledge areas and processes, integrating technical tools with leadership and communication skills.
A Certificate in Project Management from Trinity Western University is awarded to you upon successful completion of this program. In addition, the course content will prepare you for the Project Management Professionals (PMP) certification examination should you choose to take that exam.
Gain critical knowledge to lead successful projects with TWU's online Project Management Professional Program certificate. You will obtain essential skills in key areas and be able to apply what you've learned immediately on the job in only seven weeks!
The Project Management Professional Program is a 20-semester credit hour program leading to a Trinity Western University Certificate in Project Management. This program will also fulfill 20 credit elective hours for the Trinity Western University Bellingham Bachelor of Leadership degree.
Classes may be taken individually as well, for those who do not wish to complete the
Certificate program or apply courses to a bachelor's degree. Non-degree
students may take any or all of the courses at any time.
One of the PMPP courses, PMPP 401 is designed to fully prepare the student to take and pass the Project Management Institute examination for either Professional in Project Management (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) designations. This course is planned to be delivered several times a year, depending on enrollment.
A unique feature of this program is the practicum (internship) opportunity offered. This experience will give students exposure to the "real" world of project management and allow them to apply what they have learned in a supervised environment under a licensed Project Manager.
| Courses | Semester Credits |
Course Name |
| PMPP 201 |
3 s.h. |
Introduction to Project Management (PMPP 201 is a prerequisite to registration for each of the following courses - except with instructor permission to enroll) |
| PMPP 302 |
3 s.h. |
Project Management Foundation: Project Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management |
| PMPP 303 |
3 s.h. |
Principles, Tools, and Practices of Project Risk Management |
| PMPP 304 |
3 s.h. |
Philosophy, Principles and Practices of Quality Management |
| PMPP 305 |
3 s.h. |
Project Management Infrastructure: Human Resources, Communication and Procurement |
| PMPP 401 |
3 s.h. |
Project Management Certification (CAPM or PMP) |
| PMPP 402 |
2 s.h. |
Project Management Practicum |
| TOTAL |
20 Credits |
Course Descriptions
PMPP 201
Introduction to Project Management
(PMPP 201 is a prerequisite to registration for each of the following courses - except with instructor permission to enroll)
As a prerequisite in the Project Management Certificate program, Introduction to Project Management provides the student with fundamental techniques and principles related to project management. The PMPP 201 course content is in alignment with the Project Management Institute's Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK), 4th Edition, © 2008.
This course encompasses the study of project management. Starting out with the basic foundation of project management, students study project management philosophies, methodologies, processes, and the project life cycle.
Next, the course focuses on the PMBOK nine knowledge areas: Project Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communication, Risk, and Procurement. These nine knowledge areas are inter-related to the process areas of Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control, and Closure of projects.
Professionally prepared project management case studies, student initiated projects and project simulations are utilized to emphasize the integrated relationships. Project management software is utilized to demonstrate the usefulness of automated calculations, record keeping, and reporting as related to planning and controlling projects.
Throughout PMPP 201, the merger of technical skills, general management skills, and project management skills for successful project completion is emphasized.
PMPP 201 course is intended to provide the participants with the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in the concepts, tools and techniques for successful project management and to prepare them to expand their knowledge in subsequent courses.
PMPP302
Project Management Foundation: Project Scope Management, Schedule Management, Cost Management
Cost, scope and schedule are considered the triad of project management and the "triple constraint"*. The foundation of project management is Project Scope Management, Project Time Management, and Project Cost Management.
Successful project management involves the consistent application of proven processes, methodologies, and policies, and their management control, to ensure projects are completed within budget, on schedule and completed scope. The student will gain knowledge and application of advanced techniques to plan, direct and control complex projects.
PMPP 302 participants will understand or learn:
1. the importance of project selection and justification being tied to a business's vision, mission, business plan, and core competencies.
2. how to create preliminary and final scope statements;
3. how to create a work breakdown structure and how to create a project schedule;
4. how project financial management is addressed throughout the project life cycle;
5. cost estimating methods, budgeting, performance measurement and controls.
PMPP 303
Principles, Tools and Practices of Project Risk Management
More difficult world-wide and national economic conditions, increasing competition, supply chain constraints, and exponentially expanding technology result in greater uncertainty and risk in projects. With these complex challenges come complex opportunities or positive risks. Uncertainty and associated risks and opportunities become more complex as projects span organizational, national and cultural bounds.
PMPP 303 provides participants with expanded knowledge and practice in the understanding, recognition, evaluation, assessment and management of project risks. Students will investigate the sources or risk, the pervasiveness of risk, analysis of risk, and the planning and control of risk events.
Project Risk management includes the processes of risk management planning, risk identification, risk analysis, risk responses, and the monitor and control of risks. This course is concerned with increasing the probability and the impact of positive risks and avoiding, transferring, mitigating negative risks to the successful completion of a project.
PMPP 304
Philosophy, Principles and Practices of Quality Management
The PMPP 304 Philosophy, Principles, and Practices of Quality Management course provides the history and importance of total quality management (TQM), definitions, basic principles, and its impact on competitive advantage and financial return. Emphasis is placed on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction through systems and management activities.
Quality management is at the center of successful Project Management. The focus of PMPP 304 is delivering knowledge of the philosophy, principles, and practices of quality management. Participants will have practical hands-on learning through selective readings, critical thinking, focused discussions, and meaningful case studies.
PMPP 304 encompasses the American Society for Quality (ASQ) quality management body of knowledge required in the ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence.
PMPP 305
Project Management Infrastructure: Human Resources, Communication and Procurement
This PMPP 305 Project Management Infrastructure course provides foundational knowledge in the concepts, tools and techniques for successful project management and to prepare participants to expand their knowledge in subsequent courses. "Infrastructure" includes Module 1 on Project Human Resource Management, Module 2 on Project Communication Management, and Module 3 on Project Procurement Management. These three modules are inter-related "knowledge areas" of the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK). The knowledge and skills in these three infrastructure modules are essential for successfully managing projects.
Project management requires excellent communication skills and relationship skills. All three modules emphasize developing long-term, professional relationships with key stakeholders.
PMPP 401
Project Management Certification
The project management profession has a robust "book of knowledge" and skill sets (PMBOK or Project Management Book of Knowledge). This course teaches the PMBOK, project management tools and techniques, and project management methodology.
Understanding and applying this PMI body of knowledge prepares you to successfully serve or lead a project team involved with a new product development, a service, a process, and/or an event. This course integrated what you learned in other PMPP core courses.
PMPP 401 prepares participants to apply and complete PMI certification examinations as either a Certified Associate Project Management (CAPM) or as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Participants without project team experience are encouraged to prepare and take the CAPM examination. While those with two or more years of project management experience, are encouraged to take the PMP examination. You will learn professional examination test-taking best practices.
PMPP402
Project Management Practicum
Completing a professional program culminates in a capstone (e.g., practicum, internship, field experience, or cooperative education program). The PMPP 402 Guide to Assignments fully describes the practicum assignments, deliverables, procedures, etc. for PMPP 402 "Project Management Professional Practicum".
Each PMPP 402 practicum assignment provides students:
1. A setting in which to test and apply their management skills as well as to reflect on their own personal development as professionals.
2. The hands-on experience that is crucial to securing a project management position.
3. Practical opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills that the student has learned in the core PMPP courses.
4. Learning experiences from professionals serving on the project team. Through this mentorship program, the PMPP student will experience first-hand the career of a project manager leading teams. A team project may involve a product, a service, a process, and/or an event.
Practicum placement and supervision:
1. Students must be accepted for their practicum in an approved business, non-profit agency, social service agency, church, professional association, volunteer association, or institution related to their personal interests and future career plans.
2. The approved practicum site will offer an experienced project manager to serve as the practicum student's mentor/advisor. TWU Bellingham Faculty/Staff will work with the practicum student and practicum site project manager/mentor.
Three Options:
1. Earn a Certificate in Project Management
2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Leadership
3. Create a customized course of study.
Adult Degree Completion
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