Exciting Updates to the Wake Forest SPS Master of Project Management Program

Delivering career-enhancing programs is a pillar at Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS). 

To do that, all Wake Forest SPS programs undergo an annual program review (APR). This process allows us to step back, closely examine the current market, collaborate with the Program Advisory Board (PAB), listen to feedback from alumni, and identify opportunities to improve the curriculum to meet the needs of our students better. 

The 2024 APR of the Master of Project Management program helped us identify three key areas to prioritize moving forward:

• Increase focus on AI and data analytics as critical skills for PMs 
• Double-down on leadership and change-management skills to expand focus beyond Agile methodologies
• Offer more opportunities to help students prepare for professional certifications (CAPM, PMP)

With these guiding principles, we are thrilled to share the exciting updates to the online Master of Project Management program at Wake Forest SPS. 

Preparing for AI and Data Analytics in Project Management

Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay: Gartner’s research predicts that 80% of project management tasks will be AI-run 2030, which is a massive opportunity for project managers to focus on the human-led aspects of AI.

To adequately prepare for this, professionals must have more than an understanding of the ever-evolving AI landscape. They must also possess the necessary data analytics skills to make informed decisions around AI implementation and drive project success.  

Introducing: PMP 734: AI and Data Analytics for Project Management

This new course will launch in the summer of 2025 to help project managers better understand how AI applies to project management as well as how to select, apply, and present the right data in various scenarios. 

Taking a human-in-the-loop approach to applying generative AI, the course will explore how AI is being incorporated into project management to automate routine tasks. 

Project managers will also learn the basics of data analytics, including:

• How to partner with data scientists to get the right data at the right time
• Use KPIs to drive project success
• Present data effectively to executives.

The addition of PMP 734: AI and Data Analytics for Project Management will allow professionals to more readily address complex organizational and drive project success. 

To make room in the curriculum and keep our course offerings fresh, we will retire PMP 732: Advanced Agile in fall 2025 (currently a required course in the program). Agile methodology remains relevant to PMs of today as it promotes flexibility and rapid iteration, which is why PMP 730: Agile Fundamentals remains a required course.

New PMI Certifications and Electives to Propel Your Career

This year Wake Forest SPS became an Authorized Training Partner (ATP) for the Project Management Institute (PMI). As an ATP, we partner with PMI to deliver best-in-class content to help students gain industry-recognized certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). 

These certifications signal that you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to successfully manage projects across industries. 

Introducing: PMP 757: PMP Certification Preparation

The PMP is considered the gold standard for project managers, often leading to higher earning potential and access to leadership roles. On average, PMP-certified professionals make an average of 33% more than their non-certified counterparts.

This prep course is for students with at least three years of project management experience. Unlike all other program courses, PMP 757 is an online synchronous course (a requirement of PMI’s ATP program).. Students who choose this elective will be expected to attend virtual sessions at specified times, consisting of 35 synchronous hours throughout an entire mini-session. This synchronous approach is a requirement of PMI that ensures students will be as prepared as possible to take the PMP exam at the end of the course.

Introducing: PMP 756: CAPM Certification Preparation 

For students with less than three years of experience, pursuing a CAPM certification is an excellent option. It is designed for those earlier in their careers and sets a strong foundation that can open doors to opportunities. This elective course is offered asynchronously, like all other program courses. 

With the addition of these two new electives in fall 2025, we will retire PMP 751: PMI Leadership Preparation at that same time. 

Looking Ahead to the Future of Project Management

Incorporating these exciting updates ensures that the online Master of Project Management program stays at the cutting edge, empowering students to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. We want to prepare you for the challenges of today and for the future of project management.

Thanks for being on this journey with us!

Rich Rinaldi, PMP, A-CSM, A-CSPO is the Academic Director of the Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies Master of Project Management Program.

He is a hybrid project management champion in the healthcare space. Rich built and now directs the project management office for a national health care organization, focusing specifically on behavioral health and long-term care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.