Working parents, busy adults, and other nontraditional learners have a new opportunity to earn a respected University of Wisconsin credential at a pace that fits their busy lives. UW System officials today announced that UW-Parkside launched a version of its project management certificate in the self-paced, competency-based UW Flexible Option format. Applications are being accepted now, and students may begin coursework on the second day of any month, beginning March 2, 2016.

The UW-Parkside project management certificate helps working adults enhance their marketability by equipping them with the skills they need to manage complex projects involving diverse teams. Students will learn the essential skills of project management, including project leadership, risk analysis, resource allocation, communication, and teamwork; how to use advanced tools and techniques such as Microsoft Project and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to monitor costs and plan schedules and budgets; and much more. The program’s coursework is attractive for those preparing to take the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification examination.

''Project-management skills are in high demand among employers,'' said David Schejbal, dean of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning (CEOEL), the UW-Extension division that administers Flexible Option programs. “Offering this certificate in the self-paced Flexible Option format will allow even more professionals to gain valuable project-management skills while balancing commitments to work and family.”

UW-Parkside Chancellor Debbie Ford said, ''The project management certificate by itself is a valuable credential and can be a perfect addition to our sales or global-skills certificate which are both offered in the Flexible Option format. What makes the Flexible Option so exciting is the ability to share the UW-Parkside educational experience with those across our state and nation—even around the world.''

Like all competency-based UW Flexible Option programs, the UW-Parkside project management certificate allows students to start their studies any month and work at their own pace, online, when and where their schedules allow. Students advance toward completion by passing assessments that demonstrate they have mastered required skills and knowledge. In addition, students may draw upon existing knowledge—acquired through prior coursework, military training, on-the-job training, and other learning experiences—to pass assessments more quickly.

The new Parkside certificate joins a growing list of UW Flexible Option degree and certificate programs. In addition to the two existing Parkside certificates in sales and global skills, UW-Milwaukee offers three bachelor’s degree-completion programs in nursing (RN to BSN), biomedical sciences diagnostic imaging, and information science and technology, as well as a certificate program in business and technical communications. An associate of arts and science degree program is available through UW Colleges, and in 2016, UW-Stevens Point will offer a Master of Science in Geodesign and GIS Technologies, and UW-Madison will offer a substance-use disorders certification pre-education program.

For More Information

Prospective students seeking more information about the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option project management certificate program from UW-Parkside, or any other Flexible Option program offering, are encouraged to visit http://flex.wisconsin.edu, call 1-877-895-3276, or email flex@uwex.edu.

About UW-Extension, CEOEL and the UW Flexible Option

A division of UW-Extension, CEOEL works in partnership with all 26 UW System campuses to offer online continuing education programs and lifelong learning opportunities—fulfilling the ''Wisconsin Idea'' of extending the university’s boundaries to every corner of the state. The project management certificate program is one of nine degree, certificate, and noncredit programs offered in the self-paced, competency-based UW Flexible Option format. Flexible Option programs offer busy and working adults a more personalized and convenient way to earn a respected University of Wisconsin credential. Unlike traditional programs that award credit based on the number of hours students spend in class, Flexible Option programs award credit based on demonstrations of skills mastery. The UW System is the first public university system to offer competency-based education options on a broad scale.