What Is a Project Management Course?
Even if “project management” is not in your job description, project management skills are essential for a host of different careers. Whether you’re overseeing the design, construction, and maintenance of a large new commercial building or planning the annual office retreat for 10 coworkers, you’ll need to know how to budget, schedule, communicate, manage a team, stay organized, troubleshoot, and more. PMI’s 2017 Job Growth and Talent Gap Report estimates that employers will need to fill nearly 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027.
Since project management tools and technologies are always changing, regularly refreshing your knowledge is critical to your success.
A training course in project management is something that everyone in the workforce may want to consider. It can increase your efficiency and productivity while boosting morale and keeping costs in check. But what exactly is a project management course, and how do you select the right one for you?
What does a project management course entail?
The content and instruction of a project management course will vary based on experience level, but all courses are guaranteed to focus on:
- Planning and defining scope
- Budgeting
- Time management
- Organizational skills and tips
- Communication
- Leadership skills
- Risk management and contingency planning
Project management courses can be conducted entirely online, in person, or through a combination of the two. They range from free to hundreds of dollars per course.
Selecting a project management course
Educational platforms such as EdX and Lynda provide free and paid online courses. You can also study through well-known industry resources such as the Project Management Institute, American Management Association, PRINCE2, and Scrum.org. Many of these organizations offer in-person courses, as well as local universities like Georgetown University in the United States, the University of Portsmouth in the United Kingdom, and the University of Adelaide in Australia.
Further reading:
Project manager salaries vary by industry, location, experience, and certifications. On average, IT project managers earn $146,000, construction managers $95,000, and architectural/engineering managers $144,000 annually. PMP-certified professionals typically earn more, ranging from $75,000 for general project managers to over $116,000 for senior IT project managers, reflecting the value of certification and expertise.
Project managers are needed across nearly all industries and company sizes, as they plan, budget, and oversee projects. They are especially in demand in healthcare, construction, and IT, where managing complex projects and coordinating teams is critical. Essentially, organizations rely on project managers to execute projects efficiently and achieve strategic objectives.
Construction project managers earn an average of about $74,923 per year, with salaries varying by experience and location. Entry-level managers make $52–62k, while those with 10–20 years earn around $84k. High-demand cities like San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles offer higher pay, whereas cities such as Atlanta and Charlotte are slightly below the national average.
IT project managers earn an average of $88,982 per year, with salaries varying by experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level PMs make $61–72k, while those with 10–20 years can earn over $103k. High-demand cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston may offer up to 20% above average, whereas Seattle and Austin typically pay slightly less.
Beginners interested in project management can study through a variety of online, self-paced courses that fit around work or personal schedules. When choosing a program, look for courses offered by Project Management Institute (PMI) Registered Education Providers, ensuring the training meets industry standards. Also consider the instructor’s experience, course content, and whether the program includes practical, real-world applications.

