How do I Choose the Best Project Management Distance Learning Program?

Project management distance learning courses allow working professionals the opportunity to earn a project management certification around their busy work schedules. Thanks to advances in technology, most project management distance learning courses are taught entirely online, no classroom attendance or paid postage required. Courses are offered both by traditional online learning institutions and by private corporations that teach for profit. Both types of organizations can offer quality education, but credits earned may not always be recognized everywhere. The prospective student should first decide whether he wants the work he does in the project management distance learning program to be recognized beyond his employer.

Certifications offered by regionally or nationally accredited institutions can translate to actual college credit for the student and greater acceptance in the workplace, while a certification offered by a private corporation may only qualify the student to work for his current employer and, possibly, a handful of other employers. If the student ever had to transfer to another company, he might be surprised to find that credits earned at certain institutions may not be recognized. Prospective students also need to take into account the nature of their work and the industry it is in. For example, the medical industry might have a very different idea of what it means to be a "project manager" than the advertising and marketing industry. While the education offered by a private corporation may be more than appropriate for corporate marketing personnel, it might be found lacking in the medical community.

When the prospective student finds a school that offers recognized credits, he can inquire about course delivery methods. Some courses will require students to log in to course websites at a certain time to attend some type of live lecture or discussion group. This may or may not be conducive to the student with a hectic schedule. Students who fear they may not be available for every live virtual event should find a school that does not require such punctuality. Alternative teaching methods will include the use of pre-recorded media and self-directed research projects; group study may still be required, but students will generally be offered enough time to complete the assignment via e-mail.

Lastly, prospective project management distance learning students should consider program payment options. Many schools offer payment plans, and many employers even offer to cover the cost of some, if not all, approved education programs. Prospective students should ask their human resources representative about company educational benefits to see how much their employer would be willing to contribute to their project management education.