This is the first of six courses in the Google Project Management Certificate program, which will help you develop the skills needed to apply for entry-level roles as a project manager. Project managers play a key role in leading, planning and implementing critical projects to help their organizations succeed. In this course, you’ll discover foundational project management terminology and gain a deeper understanding of the role and responsibilities of a project manager. We’ll also introduce you to the kinds of jobs you might pursue after completing this program. Current Google project managers will offer a multi-dimensional educational experience that will provide you with tools you can apply on the job.
Foundations of Project Management
Foundations of Project Management
Instructor: Google Career Certificates
Top Instructor
2,372,792 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(93,683 reviews)
Beginner level
No prior experience required
Flexible schedule
Approx. 12 hours
Learn at your own pace
99%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Describe project management skills, roles, and responsibilities across a variety of industries
Explain the project management life cycle and compare different program management methodologies
Define organizational structure and organizational culture and explain how it impacts project management.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
15 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your Leadership and Management expertise
This course is part of the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate from Google
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
You will learn how the program is structured, what project management is and what a project manager does, how to apply your skills from previous work experience to project management roles, what types of project management roles you could pursue after completing this certificate, and how to search for those positions.
What's included
10 videos6 readings2 assignments2 plugins
You will learn how project managers add value to organizations and to their teams, what the role and responsibilities of a project manager entail, and what core skills a project manager needs to be successful.
What's included
11 videos5 readings6 assignments1 plugin
You will learn about the phases of the project life cycle, what tasks they involve, and why it is important to complete them. You will also learn about the different project management methodologies and approaches and which is most effective for a given project.
What's included
8 videos5 readings3 assignments2 plugins
You will learn about common organizational structures and how they impact project management, how organizational culture impacts project management, and how a project manager contributes to the change management process. Optionally, you can start to develop your strategy and professional network to help you prepare for your job search.
What's included
10 videos10 readings4 assignments1 plugin
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (36,843 ratings)Offered by
Explore more from Leadership and Management
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.9
93,683 reviews
- 5 stars
88.31%
- 4 stars
10.32%
- 3 stars
0.93%
- 2 stars
0.16%
- 1 star
0.24%
Showing 3 of 93683
RC
5
Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022
This course 1 is so clear that I can even apply it to my daily routine! I want to explore more about Project Management. Thank you, Google: Coursera for making this happen to those who lack knowledge.
SC
5
Reviewed on Jul 3, 2021
I'm learning a LOT, and you don't have to take it quite as slowly as they suggest. But, it's nice that there's a manageable pace set out for you. Instructor and guests were great--relatable and clear.
IN
5
Reviewed on Jan 31, 2023
I do not know why it is the best course I have ever had. Thank you, Google and Coursera, for providing such a great course. You cover many intensive and comprehensive items, particularly the speaker.
New to Leadership and Management? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
A project manager is someone who helps manage projects for organizations in an orderly and efficient fashion. Project managers oversee plans, budgets, and resources, and they use data to make well-informed decisions. Companies rely on project managers to build workflow processes, launch new projects, and deliver cost savings.
Project managers are in high demand. In fact, a study by the Project Management Institute found that, by the year 2027, employers will need 87.7 million people to fill project management-related roles. As the workplace continues to grow and evolve, project managers serve as a pivotal piece of an organization’s ability to adapt and remain agile.
Project managers are natural problem-solvers. In addition to setting the plan and guiding teammates through the project, they are tasked with managing changes and risks. Each day is dynamic and different for a project manager because they are at the center of the project, building relationships, prioritizing tasks, and delivering results! Using various tools and templates, as well as a unique skill set, the project manager brings order to chaos.
One of the most exciting parts about joining the field of project management is the large number of job opportunities available. In fact, the Project Management Institute estimates that employers will need to fill nearly 2.2 million new project-oriented roles each year through 2027.
The Google Project Management Certificate helps you develop essential project management skill sets and business acumen. By learning and practicing the project management approaches included in this program, you’ll prepare yourself for introductory-level project manager roles across a variety of industries. Some common titles include Program Manager, Junior Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Scrum Master, and more. Project management is a skill that lends itself to many different types of roles in numerous industries with many opportunities for career growth.
More questions
Financial aid available,