Product Management Certificate Options
Executive Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers two certificate options in product management. To receive the General Certificate, you must complete six courses: four required and two electives. The Comprehensive Certificate requires a written report in addition to completion of the six courses.
General Certificate in Product Management
The General Certificate provides a standard “body of knowledge” relevant to competencies deemed appropriate for product managers in most industries. The four required courses reflect the cross-functional and leadership demands placed on “heavyweight” product managers, and the electives allow for differences due to variations in industry and company expectations. While the sequence of the courses can vary, we recommend that the “Product Management” course is taken first (or as soon as possible).
There is no additional charge beyond the six course fees to complete the General Certificate, although an application form must be completed.
Required courses (must complete all four)
- Product Management
- How to Influence Without Direct Authority
- Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Executives *
- High Performance Selling Skills *
*With permission and proven professional experience, delegates may be allowed to substitute related and more advanced courses from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Executive Education for “Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Executives” and “High Performance Selling Skills.”
Electives (complete at least two)*
- Project Management: Planning, Scheduling and Control
- New Product Development
- Marketing Through Channel Partners
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Optimizing Your Interactive Marketing Strategy
- Pricing: Frameworks and Applications
- Dynamic Market Intelligence
- Expanding Your Global Business Into Greater China
- Other marketing courses as offered (check back for updates)
*Courses and titles may change from time to time, so check the Web site at exed.wisc.edu/marketing for the most current offerings.
Comprehensive Certificate in Product Management
To earn the Comprehensive Certificate, applicants must not only learn a body of knowledge from attending executive education courses, but must also demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge on the job by completing an independent assignment. The assignment consists of a written report demonstrating application of principles learned in the six courses to your job or company. While there are no precise expectations in terms of length and format, typical components could include improved role definition, process improvements or other specific “proof” of attained competencies.
The final report will require an “executive sponsor” who may collaborate with the university on the topics to be addressed. The sponsor then signs off on the completed report, which is also reviewed by the appropriate UW-Madison Executive Education program director.
The $500 assessment for the independent study option includes the upfront collaboration on the specific requirements of the assignment, UW comments on the final report, the option of a certificate bearing both the UW seal and the company’s logo, and a full year’s membership in the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take courses without applying for a certificate?
Yes, there is no requirement to be pursuing a certificate in order to attend courses.
If I decide to pursue a certificate after I have completed some of the courses, is that a problem?
That’s not a problem. You can apply at any time.
Why is an application form required?
Since certificate requirements may change from time to time, you are bound by the requirements in effect at the time you submit your application.
How do the certificate courses compare with a degree program?
Unlike degree programs, these courses are non-credit and no tests are required for either the General or Comprehensive Certificate in Product Management. The emphasis here is to ensure that you are certified to have been exposed to a standard and pragmatic body of knowledge.
How long will this take?
The time frame is based on your schedule. While most delegates complete a certificate in a couple of years, you may find it convenient to speed it up or slow it down to fit your needs.
What will this cost?
The General Certificate in Product Management has no charge beyond the six course fees. The Comprehensive Certificate in Product Management requires a $500 assessment plus your own time to complete the independent study report. The fee is due within 30 days of submitting your application and is non-refundable.
Who can be the executive sponsor for the final report?
The sponsor can be the person to whom you report, a peer or any manager or executive from your company who is willing to participate in reviewing the report.
