University of Arizona office of Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) has launched five new online bootcamps in high-demand fields, including Data Analytics, Data Science, Coding, Machine Learning & AI and UI/UX Design  in partnership with Springboard.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to upskill or someone who is switching careers, these bootcamps are perfect for anyone who wants to acquire in-demand skills and knowledge required to thrive in the fast-paced and ever-evolving technology industry.

Here are some of the key features of our bootcamps:

• 100% online programs that can be completed on your own time.
• Curated industry-focused curriculum.
• Regular 1:1 guidance from your own industry mentor.
• Capstone projects that prove your skills.
• Hands-on support from our coaches to help you prepare for job interviews.
• Resume-building and LinkedIn networking.
• Certificate of completion from University of Arizona.

Ready to start your journey toward an exciting new career? Secure your spot in the inaugural cohorts now.

Explore Bootcamps

We are excited to announce the expansion of the Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE) Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification prep courses to Chandler, part of the University of Arizona Near You Network.

This strategic move provides professionals in the East Valley and beyond with critical, hands-on training to enhance their project management skills and advance their careers in a rapidly growing field.

“The demand for skilled project managers is higher than ever, especially here in Arizona,” said Dr. Craig Wilson, Vice Provost of Outreach, Distance, and Continuing Education, which includes both CaPE and the Near You Network. “By expanding this highly sought-after PMP certification prep to our Chandler location, we’re providing local professionals with a convenient way to increase their knowledge and earning potential while addressing the needs of Arizona’s growing industries.”

Upcoming Course Details:

• Dates: November 18-22, 2024, or January 27-31, 2025
• Location: University of Arizona Chandler, 55 N. Arizona Place, Chandler, AZ (also available online via Zoom)
• Schedule: Monday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Cost: $2,495 (discounts available for military, U of A staff and alumni, and groups)
• Seats Available: 15

The PMP certification is recognized as the gold standard in project management and is increasingly in demand across sectors like engineering, manufacturing, and banking. Students will receive more than 35 hours of live instruction from an experienced PMP-certified professional, covering the entire project lifecycle from planning to closure. The course also meets PMI’s formal project management education requirements and prepares participants to pass the PMP exam.

“We’re thrilled to bring this program to the Chandler area,” said Mike Mobley, Region Manager of Maricopa County for the Near You Network. “This expansion aligns with the University of Arizona’s land-grant mission to provide a prestigious education to learners across the state. We know that earning a PMP certification can be transformative for individuals, and we’re proud to offer this opportunity close to home.”

With limited seats available, the course promises an intimate, hands-on experience, whether participants choose to attend in person or virtually via Zoom. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and real-world strategies to improve project execution.

“CaPE is committed to offering programs that have a tangible impact on the lives and careers of our students,” said Rebecca Cook, Senior Director of Continuing and Professional Education. “This PMP certification is more than just a credential—it’s a pathway to better career opportunities. Certified project managers are in high demand, and this course will equip professionals with the skills they need to excel in today’s competitive job market.”

Certified project managers are increasingly sought after by Arizona employers, with over 52,000 job postings last year requiring project management skills. Professionals who hold a PMP certification not only have validated expertise but also earn, on average, 33% more than non-certified peers.

The University of Arizona’s expansion of the PMP prep course to the Chandler location reflects a broader commitment to meeting the needs of Arizona’s professionals and industries. It also provides opportunities for employers to upskill their staff. Employers can send one employee to class, save with a group discount, or schedule a fully-customized training just for their staff.

Is there demand for project management?

Yes. Over 2.7 million U.S. jobs asked for project management skills in 2023 alone.

How much do project managers make?

In 2023, the median salary for U.S. project managers was over $100,000.

How do I become a project manager?

A lot of project managers don't start out as project managers. Often, project managers had another role and began managing projects as part of that role. Over time, they start to manage larger and more complex projects and may decide that they want to become full-time project managers.

Whether you are managing your first small project or have been managing projects for years, project management training can be helpful. Training can equip you with new skills, keep you up to date on developments in the field and demonstrate to employers that you have the latest knowledge and skills.

If you are planning to pursue a career as a project manager, earning a project management certification is also helpful. 

Formal project management education may also be a requirement if you plan to pursue a project management certification. For example, Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications require a certain number of hours of project management education.

All University of Arizona Continuing and Professional Education project management courses meet PMI requirements for project management education. We have programs for both new and experienced project managers.

Why should I get a project management certification?

There are a number of ways project management certification can boost your career:

• Employer demand. Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is one of the top requested certifications in job postings, and 1 in 3 Arizona project manager job postings asked for a project management certification in the past year.
• Validated knowledge and skills. A certification is usually awarded after successfully passing a comprehensive examination. Certification may also require documenting your relevant education and experience. Therefore, certifications can demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to perform a particular job.
• Increased earning potential. In 2023, U.S. project managers with a PMP certification reported 33% higher salaries on average than those without a PMP certification.

What is the best project management certification?

The answer depends on your background, including education, training and project management experience.

It can also vary by employer, industry and location. For example, many employers prefer to hire Project Management Professional (PMP®)-certified project managers. However, in some industries (particularly IT industries like software or web development), Agile certification and experience may be preferred over PMP certification.

• For experienced project managers, PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most widely-recognized project management credential. To apply for PMP certification, you must have a combination of education and extensive, verifiable project management experience.
• For new or early-career project managers, PMI offers an entry-level certification called Certified Association in Project Management (CAPM). CAPM certification does not require project management experience, and it is a stepping stone towards PMP certification. CompTIA Project+ certification is another entry-level certification option.
• Other certifications, including PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® certification and Certified ScrumMaster may also be in demand.
• Certification in specific tools or methods (such as using Jira for Agile project management) may also be helpful.

We encourage you to explore job postings in your target location and industry to understand what employers want in your area.

You can also learn more in our project management certification guide.

Data sources: Project manager salary with PMP certification: Project Management Institute Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Thirteenth Edition (2023). All other: Lightcast Analyst U.S. job postings 2023-2024.

The Certified Association in Project Management (CAPM) and the Project Management Professional (PMP) are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.