Software Project Management courses can help you learn project planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, and team collaboration techniques. You can build skills in scheduling, budgeting, and adapting to changing project requirements. Many courses introduce tools like JIRA, Trello, and Microsoft Project, which facilitate task tracking and team communication, ensuring that projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Skills you'll gain: Project Management Life Cycle, Change Management, Project Management, Project Coordination, Organizational Structure, Generative AI Agents, Project Planning, Agile Methodology, Waterfall Methodology, Strategic Thinking, Interpersonal Communications
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Alberta
Skills you'll gain: Agile Software Development, Project Risk Management, Requirements Analysis, Agile Methodology, Kanban Principles, Risk Management, Project Planning, Requirements Elicitation, Sprint Retrospectives, Requirements Management, Functional Requirement, Business Requirements, Sprint Planning, Software Development Methodologies, Software Development Life Cycle, Scrum (Software Development), Software Technical Review, Risk Management Framework, Product Management, Project Management
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Northeastern University
Skills you'll gain: Project Closure, Engineering Management, Project Schedules, Project Controls, Work Breakdown Structure, Project Management Life Cycle, Scheduling, Project Implementation, Earned Value Management, Project Management, Timelines, Project Performance, Project Planning, Resource Planning, Resource Management, Resource Allocation, Forecasting, Performance Metric
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Agile Project Management, Backlogs, Agile Methodology, User Story, Sprint Planning, Agile Product Development, Product Roadmaps, Sprint Retrospectives, Kanban Principles, Coaching, Team Management, Organizational Change, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Influencing
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Stakeholder Management, Program Management, Stakeholder Communications, Agile Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management Office (PMO), Agile Methodology, Project Performance, Team Leadership, Project Schedules, Virtual Teams, Team Building, Conflict Management, Change Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Return On Investment, Strategic Leadership, Communication, Risk Management
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Stakeholder Engagement, Software Architecture, Agile Software Development, Scrum (Software Development), Project Management Life Cycle, Resource Management, Peer Review, Earned Value Management, Stakeholder Management, Agile Methodology, Project Risk Management, Team Motivation, Project Management, Information Technology, Risk Management, Interviewing Skills, Agile Project Management, Leadership, Communication
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Project Controls, Project Planning, Project Management Software, Cost Management, Budget Management, Performance Reporting, Process Improvement and Optimization, Configuration Management, Dashboard, System Configuration, Data Import/Export, Data Visualization
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Howard University
Skills you'll gain: Project Management Institute (PMI) Methodology, Project Management Life Cycle, Project Management, Project Risk Management, Project Scoping, Project Planning, Project Closure, Stakeholder Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Jira (Software), User Story, Agile Software Development, Agile Project Management, Sprint Planning, Agile Methodology, Backlogs, Collaborative Software, Issue Tracking, GitHub, User Accounts
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Northeastern University
Skills you'll gain: Software Quality Assurance, Scaled Agile Framework, Software Testing, DevOps, Test Automation, Browser Compatibility, Application Security, DevSecOps, Performance Testing, Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Methodology, Selenium (Software), Cybersecurity, Mobile Development Tools, Waterfall Methodology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Stakeholder Communications, Crisis Management, Smart Goals, Agile Project Management, Leadership and Management, Leadership, Business Leadership, Case Studies
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Project Controls, Risk Management Framework, Leadership and Management, Verification And Validation, Project Management Life Cycle, AI Workflows, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Performance Measurement, Variance Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
What is software project management, and why is it important?
Software project management is the discipline of planning, executing, and overseeing software projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. It is crucial because software projects often involve complex tasks, diverse teams, and evolving requirements. Effective management helps mitigate risks, enhances communication, and ensures that the final product meets user needs and business goals.
In the field of software project management, various job roles are available, including project manager, software development manager, product owner, and scrum build proficiency in. These positions require a blend of technical knowledge and leadership skills, allowing professionals to guide teams through the software development lifecycle and ensure successful project delivery.
To excel in software project management, you should develop skills in areas such as project planning, risk management, communication, and team leadership. Familiarity with methodologies like Agile and Scrum, as well as tools for project tracking and collaboration, is also beneficial. Additionally, understanding software development processes and quality assurance practices can enhance your effectiveness in this role.
Some of the best online courses for software project management include the Google Project Management Professional Certificate and the Software Product Management Specialization. These programs provide comprehensive training on key concepts and practical skills needed to manage software projects successfully.
Yes. You can start learning software project management on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in software project management, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn software project management, start by exploring online courses that cover essential concepts and methodologies. Engage in practical exercises, participate in group projects, and seek feedback from peers. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or forums to connect with experienced project managers and gain insights into industry best practices.
Typical topics covered in software project management courses include project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure. Courses often explore methodologies like Agile and Waterfall, risk management strategies, team dynamics, stakeholder communication, and tools for project tracking and reporting.
For training and upskilling employees in software project management, the Agile and Project Management Mastery for Scrum Leaders Specialization and the Engineering Project Management Specialization are excellent choices. These programs focus on practical skills and methodologies that can enhance team performance and project outcomes.