SC State launches graduate certificate in project management
SC State launches graduate certificate in project management
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University is opening new doors for professionals looking to elevate their careers with a fully online Graduate Certificate in Project Management set to launch in January 2026.
The program is designed for a workforce that increasingly depends on certified project leaders.
The new graduate credential was recently approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE), marking an expansion of SC State’s graduate offerings within the College of Business and Information Systems (CBIS).
The Graduate Certificate in Project Management is a 15-credit-hour program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. With curriculum content aligned to the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, the program provides students with a direct pathway to globally recognized credentials and competitive career advancement.
The certificate will be delivered fully online, supported by SC State’s Center for Online Distance Education (C.O.D.E.), providing flexible access for working professionals who seek to enhance their skills while balancing career and personal responsibilities. Students will complete five courses in accelerated eight-week blocks taught by faculty specializing in project management, business administration, operations management and management information systems.
“This program is a testament to South Carolina State University’s commitment to providing innovative, industry-driven academic opportunities that prepare our students for high-demand careers,” said President Alexander Conyers. “Project management is an essential skill across nearly every industry. By launching this graduate certificate, we are ensuring that our graduates are equipped to lead, manage and execute complex projects that drive organizational success.”
The program’s online format aligns with SC State’s mission to increase accessibility and expand its digital learning footprint through the Center for Online Distance Education. Each course has been developed to meet Quality Matters standards, ensuring rigorous content, interactivity and measurable learning outcomes.
“This new program reinforces SC State’s strategic initiative to align our academic offerings with the evolving needs of the modern workforce,” said Dr. Frederick M. Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Through the integration of theory, application and certification readiness, students will gain the practical skills necessary to thrive as project leaders in today’s dynamic business environment.”
In addition to complementing SC State’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the new certificate addresses the national need for credentialed project managers.
“Our goal is to create a program that empowers professionals to become strategic thinkers and efficient leaders who can deliver measurable results in any organization,” said Dr. Matthew Guah, dean of the College of Business and Information Systems. “We are proud to launch a program that not only meets rigorous academic standards but also aligns with the global demand for skilled project managers.”
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), employers will need to fill approximately 20 million project-related positions by 2030, underscoring the growing need for project management expertise across sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance and manufacturing.
SC State’s Graduate Certificate in Project Management responds directly to this workforce demand while advancing the university’s mission to prepare highly skilled, competent and socially conscious graduates ready to contribute to a global society.
For more information, contact Dr. Matthew Guah, dean of the College of Business and Information Systems, at mguah@scsu.edu or (803) 536-8980.