Project management courses for beginners

Learning project management may qualify you for in-demand and well-paying jobs. Explore how project management courses for beginners can help you reach your career goals.

Get started learning project management skills on edX

These project management courses for beginners can help you build essential skills and prepare for a certificate, executive education, or degree program.

Why learn project management?

Project management courses for beginners introduce you to the skills and concepts that experienced project managers employ on the job. They include, but are not limited to:

Identifying a project's objective, potential roadblocks, and stakeholders.
Developing a project plan.
Adjusting the project plan, if necessary.
Monitoring and guiding employees.
Ensuring a plan meets its objectives.

Project managers in every industry need these skills, making them essential for professional advancement. Although you can learn some of these skills on the job, mastering them in project management courses for beginners may help you reach your career goals sooner than expected.

Introductory courses can serve as stepping stones to certificate and executive education programs. Both can enhance your résumé and may open up new career opportunities.

Learning project management can help you become a project management specialist. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that these professionals earned a median annual salary of $100,750 in 2024. The BLS also projects that jobs for these professionals will grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033.

Ways to learn project management on edX

Project management courses for beginners are a great first step for those who want to learn in-demand skills. After completing a few courses, you can explore edX certificates, Executive Education programs, and bachelor's degrees.

Certificates

Certificates in project management may award college credit that you can transfer to a bachelor's or master's program.

Certificates cost $500-$1,500 and take 2-10 months.

Executive Education

Executive education programs emphasize leadership skills and help you specialize in your career.

Executive education programs cost $2,500-$3,500 and take 6-8 weeks.

Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's program helps you develop project management and transferable skills you can use to start or advance your career.

Bachelor's degrees cost $10,000-$200,000 and take 4-6 years.

FAQ about project management courses

How long does it take the average person to complete a project management course?

Project management courses for beginners take 4-12 weeks to complete. You may need more time to finish a course if you work or have other responsibilities. However, you may finish some courses sooner if they offer an asynchronous learning format.

Is project management hard to learn?

Project management involves many complex skills, making it challenging for some professionals. The role requires heightened attention to detail, flexibility, and constant communication. Speaking with experienced project managers can help you make the most of your education and avoid common pitfalls.

What is the main thing to learn in project management?

Communication is the most essential project management skill. Without it, you cannot work effectively with teammates, stakeholders, or direct reports. The best project management courses for beginners stress communication skills and help you identify areas of improvement.

What is the most difficult part of project management?

Crisis management is the most difficult part of project management. When facing unforeseen circumstances, project managers must:

Acknowledge the problem.
Evaluate the situation.
Take ownership.
Inform stakeholders.
Develop new schedules.
Keep a cool head.

Although difficult, this plan can help project managers respond effectively to any crisis.