Which Schools Offer a Certificate Program in Contract Management?
Gaining contract management skills can be useful if you're looking to advance in business. A certificate program in contract management can provide training in the field and preparation for certification exams. Schools offering certificate programs in contract management include St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.
Contract Management Certificates
Some schools have had their certificate programs in contract management approved by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). NCMA certifies contract managers in commercial or government contract management. Approval means that NCMA accepts the certificate to meet some of the education prerequisites for certification. Schools listed below are only a few of the institutions where you can get this training. The prices given below are for tuition only. Most colleges and universities also charge fees, which may be significant.
Important Facts About This Field of Study
| Programs | Relevant work experience may be substituted for formal college coursework in some instances |
| Prerequisites | Certification by the NCMA requires that applicants have an accredited bachelor's degree |
| Possible Careers | Contracting specialist, pricing analyst, procurement agent |
| Continuing Education | Recertification by the NCMA requires applicants to complete 60 hours of continuing education training over a five-year period following initial certification |
| Median Salary (2021) | $74,670 (business operations specialists) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 5% (business operations specialists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies
This private non-profit university offers a 6-course certificate program in contract management in partnership with the Boeing aircraft company. The first class covers the basics of contract management. The next four courses look at contract formation, performance, monitoring, acquisition and administration. You can then choose one of three electives.
- Courses may be applied to a certificate or an undergraduate minor
- NCMA-approved
- Available nights and weekends on the Boeing-St. Louis grounds
- Available online
- 2020 tuition: $650 per credit hour, plus any fees (per the university's website)
Harper College, Palatine, IL
Harper College, a public 2-year college, offers a certificate in supply chain management. In this program, you'll actually earn four certificates: for inventory/production control, purchasing, physical distribution, and supply chain management. While the coursework does not specifically focus on contract management, the subject will be introduced in purchasing classes. According to the institution's website, in-district tuition is $133.50 per credit hour for 2020-2023, and you can pay in-state tuition if you work for a local company, even if you're not a local resident. Otherwise, out-of-district residents pay $390.50 per credit hour, and out-of-state and international students pay $466 per credit hour.
National Contract Management Association
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is the specialty's certification organization. The NCMA and the Federal Contracting Institute/Centre Consulting offer a certificate program for Certified Schedules Contracts Managers, a new certification dealing specifically with Multiple Award Schedule and Federal Supply Schedule contracting.
- Courses may not be accepted for college credit
- The CSCM certificate includes nine courses (seven required). There are three mandatory core courses, one online course, and three electives