Learn by Managing Real Projects

Project Management at De Anza College is taught through a practicum-based learning model. Students do not just learn concepts—they apply them in realistic project environments that mirror how work is done in today’s organizations.

Courses emphasize execution, collaboration, and decision-making under real constraints, preparing students to lead projects with confidence.

How You Learn

Learning is centered on hands-on project work, not passive lectures. Across the program, students engage in:

  • Team-based projects with defined roles and responsibilities

  • Realistic constraints related to scope, schedule, budget, and quality

  • Milestones, deliverables, and progress reviews

  • Reflection and feedback to support continuous improvement

This approach helps students develop both technical project management skills and professional judgment.

AI-Augmented Project Management

Modern project management is increasingly supported by AI and data-driven tools. At De Anza, students learn how AI can enhance project work without replacing human leadership.

Students are introduced to how AI-supported tools can assist with:

  • Project planning and scheduling

  • Risk identification and scenario analysis

  • Cost and resource forecasting

  • Monitoring performance trends and project health

AI provides insight and efficiency.
Project managers provide judgment, accountability, communication, and ethical decision-making.

Core Skill Areas

The curriculum develops skills across the full project lifecycle, including:

  • Project Planning and Control
    Defining scope, schedules, milestones, and deliverables

  • Risk, Quality, and Governance
    Identifying uncertainty, managing tradeoffs, and maintaining standards

  • Budgeting and Resource Management
    Estimating effort, allocating resources, and managing constraints

  • Stakeholder Communication
    Aligning teams, sponsors, vendors, and customers

  • Vendor and Outsourcing Management
    Solicitation, evaluation, and performance management

  • Emotional Intelligence and Leadership
    Team dynamics, conflict management, and professional communication

  • Program and Portfolio Management
    Managing multiple projects and aligning work to organizational strategy

Courses at a Glance

Courses are organized to support progressive skill development—from project fundamentals to advanced leadership concepts. Students move from managing individual projects to understanding program- and portfolio-level decision-making.

For full course descriptions, prerequisites, and unit details, students should refer to the official college catalog.

Designed for Application and Growth

The curriculum is aligned with industry practices and supports preparation for CAPM® and PMP® certification pathways. More importantly, it prepares students to adapt as tools, technologies, and organizational needs evolve.

Project Management at De Anza is about learning how to think, decide, and lead—not just how to follow templates.

Ready to Continue?

Take the Next Step

Explore the Program
Learn about certificates, the Associate in Arts degree, and how the program is structured.

Enroll in Classes – Check Schedule

View available courses, formats, and upcoming sections to plan your enrollment.  Select the quarter (e.g. Winter 2026) and Department - CIS and look for course # in 95 series (e.g CIS 95A, CIS 95B etc.)

View Career Outcomes
See how project management skills translate into roles across industries and organizations.

Build one of today’s most essential, AI-augmented leadership skills.

Start your Project Management journey at De Anza College.

How to Find Course Descriptions

Course outlines and descriptions for Project Management classes are available through De Anza's curriculum system:

  • Visit https://deanza.edu/cis/courses.html

  • Scroll down to view the list of Computer Information Systems (CIS) courses

  • Look for course listings related to Project Management, in the CIS series

Planned Class Schedule

To help students plan their academic journey, De Anza is offering courses in Project Management on a rotating basis from:

📅 Fall 2025 through Summer 2027

The schedule is designed to support both full-time and part-time students, with a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person offerings. Please refer to the quarterly class schedule for current availability and section details.

Career Outlook

Graduates of this program are prepared for roles such as:

  • Project Coordinator

  • Project Analyst

  • Assistant Project Manager

  • Project Manager

  • Program Manager

  • Operations Manager

Industries hiring project management professionals include:

  • Information Technology (IT)

  • Healthcare

  • Construction

  • Finance and Insurance

  • Government and Public Administration

  • Marketing and Product Development

With the foundational skills gained through De Anza’s program, students will also be well-prepared to pursue industry-recognized credentials, such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®) and Project Management Professional (PMP®) certifications.

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