In 2024, Michigan Engineering Professional Education launched the Project Management certificate program. Michigan Engineering Professional Education has supported University of Michigan employees with high-quality online training to help academic units manage projects confidently and efficiently.
At the University of Michigan, big ideas are part of everyday life. With over 50,000 employees across 19 schools and colleges, it takes an immense network of skilled staff to keep academic units running smoothly. From internal communications to administration, finance, and innovation, every role benefits from clear processes and effective teamwork. That’s where Michigan Engineering Online and Professional Education’s Project Management courses come in. We help the U-M community gain the skills to launch new initiatives, streamline operations, and achieve their goals.
More than 30 U-M employees have earned a Foundations of Project Management certificate, representing several units across campus, including the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, the College of Engineering, and the Office of the Provost.
Building on the Foundations course, Michigan Engineering Professional Education launched the Applied Project Management certification program in the spring of 2025. Designed to prepare learners for the globally recognized Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the program has already generated strong interest among U-M employees.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for project management specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the national average. Each year, about 77,000 openings for project managers are expected nationwide. In May 2024, the median annual salary for project management specialists was $100,750.
The PMP certification allows professionals to practice Agile project management in various industries, including information technology, software development, and engineering. PMP-certified project managers often advance more quickly in their careers and earn higher salaries. The expertise gained from the Applied Project Management program is highly transferable, extending from higher education into STEM fields and beyond.
Nicole Friedberg, lead instructor for the Project Management program, emphasizes that project management isn’t just for people with “project manager” in their job title—it’s a skill set that benefits everyone across the university.
The course introduces learners to the essentials of project organization, from structuring teams and allocating resources to understanding how to keep initiatives on track. This is especially critical in an environment like U-M, where employees often balance multiple responsibilities.
“At the university, we’re all stretched thin in many directions,” Friedberg says. “To have a successful project, you want the right people involved—who may also have other priorities and constraints. You have to leverage your team’s skills in a timely and efficient manner to achieve your desired results.”
According to Friedberg, the course is valuable not only for project leaders but also for anyone who contributes to a team effort.
“The course is relevant for anyone who works on project teams or leads small projects—so pretty much everyone! Even if you’re not leading a project, it’s beneficial to understand the full process and project management tools to ensure your expertise is actively utilized and contributing meaningfully to the project goals.”
Learners benefit from the practical resources they can put into action immediately. Kathleen England, Engaged Learning Project Manager at the Office of the Provost, saw the program as a way to strengthen her leadership experience with formal training.
England has since implemented new tools and strategies with her team. “We’re using planning software and working on long-term strategic planning,” she says. “This course only builds on my prior schema and allows me to really take the reins on the next step.”
For Gwen Brown, Administrative Partner at the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit, the course was a way to take her professional skills to the next level.
Zarinah Aquil, Project Senior Manager at the Office of the Provost, described the programs as both comprehensive and accessible.
“The Foundations of Project Management and Applied Project Management courses delivered a thorough and insightful learning experience, ” Aquil shares. “The asynchronous lectures were remarkably detailed and meticulously planned, breaking down complex project management concepts into easily digestible modules. The accompanying quizzes and assignments were highly effective, consistently reinforcing key learnings and ensuring a strong grasp of the material.”
Past learners consistently praise the Project Management courses for their structure, resources, and impact. Friedberg explains, “Our students tell us that the organization and delivery of the course is very well done, which allows them to progress at their own pace. I also hear that students benefit from the templates and examples provided throughout the course to ensure they can apply what they’ve learned directly to their projects.”
Students echo Friedberg’s sentiment, highlighting the program’s high-quality instruction and the practical resources they gain.
For others, the program has been an important step in advancing their expertise. Jessica Petras, Internal Communications Lead, Michigan Engineering Office of Communications & Marketing, participated in the program to receive formal training in project management to supplement the skills she learned on the job.
Project management is woven into the fabric of the University of Michigan’s daily operations. Michigan Engineering Professional Education’s Project Management courses provide U-M employees with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to lead initiatives.
By equipping staff with these skills, our program not only supports individual professional growth but also strengthens the university as a whole—ensuring we continue to set the standard in higher education.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Kathleen England shares, “Let’s face it—we are the leaders and best. This professional development program acknowledges that.”
The success of the Project Management program demonstrates the University of Michigan’s commitment to investing in its people. By fostering career growth and strengthening collaboration, Michigan Engineering Professional Education empowers the U-M community to innovate, lead, and achieve lasting impact.
