Lead effective projects with classes focused on planning, communication, and execution. Programs build leadership and organizational skills for a variety of industries.
Join our accelerated bootcamp to start your journey towards becoming a successful project manager. Learn the five phases of project management, project management tools, and strategies, as well as gain an understanding of different project methodologies such as Waterfall, Critical Path, and Agile.
Learn the strategies, methods, and terminology commonly used in project management. Develop a practical understanding of the five stages of project management, focusing on the Initiation and Planning phases, and gain insight into the skills and responsibilities of a successful Project Manager.
Learn advanced project management techniques, including execution, monitoring, and closing phases. Learn to manage budgets, resources, and risks. Discover Agile Project Management and popular frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and XP.
As projects grow in scope and become more complex, having certified project management skills on staff is essential to execute organizational goals successfully. Project management is the discipline of managing people, projects, scope, time, and budget to maximize project success. We have all managed a project at some point in our lives, but the margin for error is smaller in professional settings, which means the stakes are much higher. Different methodologies, such as PMBOK, CPM, Agile, and Scrum, have been developed to help project managers tackle various project types.
Additionally, there are project management certifications available for those looking for formal training. Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) is the most popular industry-standard certification, with over 1 million PMP certification holders. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is essential for those looking for an entry-level certification. It is typically the first certification many project managers receive, as it requires less project management experience.
Washington, D.C. is a bustling, vibrant city and is home to multiple sectors, including the federal government, real estate, construction, hospitality and tourism, healthcare and life sciences, and technology. Project management skills are needed across various industries, including tech, construction, business, and health care. For this reason, there are ample career opportunities for those with project management experience in Washington, D.C. In this region, a career related to project management can earn you in the range of $68,000-$130,000.
A generalized Project Manager will oversee the day-to-day functions of a project across a wide array of industries. They may work in healthcare, education, finance, or even for nonprofits. Their responsibilities include creating timelines, establishing a budget, managing different teams, and communicating with stakeholders or other interested parties. A D.C.-based Project Manager can earn about $117,000 annually, which is 17% higher than the national average. They can often find work in federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Justice or for government contracting consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte. On the nonprofit side, for instance, the Pew Research Center may hire Project Managers to handle various initiatives.
Construction Project Managers have similar responsibilities as a general Project Manager, but are specific to a construction project. This means they’re likely to work in areas where development and building are prominent, like real estate and construction firms, as well as government agencies, educational institutions, and commercial developers. A Construction Project Manager oversees each stage in the building process and ensures construction projects stay on budget and within scope. They can earn roughly $115,000 per year, which is 17% higher than the national average. They work frequently with firms like Balfour Beatty Construction as well as on infrastructure projects with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
As an IT Project Manager, the main responsibilities consist of leading IT teams through various projects. This involves coordinating with development, engineering, design, cybersecurity, and product development teams. It also involves overseeing cloud migrations, documenting workflows, and ensuring an overall successful delivery of IT products and services. IT Project Managers can work anywhere. In the tech world, they can work for places like Amazon in their HQ2 location or for government contractors like CACI and Leidos. Plus, IT Project managers typically earn lucrative salaries. An IT Project Manager in Washington, D.C. can make about $135,000 per year, which is a whopping 27% higher than the national average.
Noble Desktop offers live online Project Management classes that are interactive and allow you to interact in real-time with expert instructors. These classes are convenient and can be taken from anywhere, including your home or office.
The Project Management Bootcamp is a 12-hour course geared at helping students learn about the five phases of project management: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. This course is designed for those looking to pursue project management as a career. You’ll learn about project selection and how to define the parameters of your project. This involves planning and scheduling activities, managing resources, handling budgets, and learning how to mitigate risks. You’ll also get an overview of Agile project management frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP).
The Project Management Level I is a beginner-friendly course that covers the methods and strategies for effective project management. This course covers the first two stages of project management and other key concepts such as scope, time, and cost considerations. You can then take Project Management Level II, which is a deeper dive into more advanced project management techniques involving the execution, monitoring, and closing phases.
Businesses can benefit immensely from having employees with project management skills on hand. Noble Desktop offers onsite and virtual project management training for D.C.-based companies. Classes taught by expert instructors can be provided in-person at your workplace or virtually using a teleconferencing service such as Zoom. Training is offered to companies of all sizes and can be adjusted to fit your organization’s current needs.
If your employees would rather take a project management class on their own time, you’re in luck. Companies can purchase discounted group vouchers to Noble Desktop’s open enrollment project management classes for employees to attend individually. You can email Noble Desktop to learn more about onsite and corporate options for project management training.
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is a hub for government, public service, and major organizations, which means there’s ample opportunity for professional development. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge in the field of tech, data, business, or design, you can explore training options available to both individuals and federal professionals. Classes are right in the heart of the city, offering knowledgeable instructors with decades of combined training and a wide range of specializations. From their real-world experience in the field, these instructors provide valuable insights that help students get comfortable while learning the material. Not to mention, the skills they develop in the classroom are practical and transferable, meaning students can put their newfound knowledge right to work.
Training with Noble Desktop’s team is easy with the modern facilities located at 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, D.C., 20024. It’s mere steps away from L’Enfant Plaza and offers an array of benefits, like a professional yet welcoming environment and a modern workspace. Getting there from anywhere in D.C. is straightforward, whether by Metro, bus, or car. L’Enfant Plaza is served by multiple Metro lines, and there are several bus routes that stop nearby. Those driving can also access parking garages that are easily within walking distance.
Project management skills help professionals lead initiatives, manage teams, and coordinate complex efforts in D.C.’s government and private-sector environments. With this, the instructors at Noble Desktop provide practical guidance rooted in years of managing projects in real organizational settings. Learning at this school also offers a wide range of professional development opportunities, with classes led by expert instructors who can help you acquire skills that get you ready for the real world.
Brian is an educator and training leader passionate about helping professionals grow in fields like project management and AI. He designs adaptive learning programs that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, making training practical and within reach for anyone. Brian’s work also centers heavily around AI integration, particularly in training situations to show organizations how easy it can be applied to the workplace, showing ways to tackle real-world problems, enhance leadership, streamline projects, and support better decision-making. Beyond teaching, he has also developed curricula and led training on a massive scale. Brian’s blend of talents and interests makes him well-positioned to train others and help them navigate the complexities of the subject matter.
With more than 25 years of experience, Clarissa is a seasoned corporate trainer, Project Manager, and Business Consultant and has helped professionals and organizations alike achieve tangible results around the world. Her work has taken her to amazing places around the world, from China to Africa, training over 10,000 participants in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. Clarissa has worked with teams at NASA, Microsoft, Citibank, and FEMA, just to name a few, and is known for designing interactive yet practical sessions where her listeners can apply their skills immediately. At Graduate School USA, she played a pivotal role and contributed to numerous programs, including the Managing for Results course. She’s a quality instructor, focusing on subjects like project management, AI, and even Adobe, and has a heavy commitment to professionalism, innovation, and student success.
Michele’s professional record in Human Resources, organizational development, and leadership training has been acquired over 25 years in the field. She is a Business Strategist and HR innovator who has helped public, private, federal, and higher education organizations on their path to success. In particular, Michele excels in organizational assessment, project and performance management, workforce development, change management, conflict resolution, and AI initiatives. She prides herself on guiding individuals to leverage their strengths while fulfilling their professional lives. Her consulting work includes leading the DC Courts HR Division’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and Workforce Development Program, “Fulfilling Our Future.” She’s also held senior executive positions at Howard University, the Air Line Pilots Association, and Executive Transitions International. She’s currently working as an adjunct faculty at Graduate School USA and Anne Arundel Community College.
Alan Zucker brings real-world expertise from both the federal government and Fortune 100 companies to the classroom. With more than 25 years of professional work in project management, he makes for an ideal instructor. He has managed the project execution organization of 175 professionals, led high-visibility strategic initiatives, and delivered thousands of successful projects. His education began at George Washington University, where he earned his Bachelor’s, before progressing to earn a Master's in Economics from the University of Maryland. Moreover, he holds a wide variety of certifications, such as the Project Management Professional Certification (PMP), PMI-ACP, Disciplined Agile Coach, SAFe Program Consultant, Certified Scrum Professional, and Agile Leadership Academy Trainer. Alan is an active member of the project management community, having served as a keynote speaker, frequent industry commentator, and author of nearly 150 articles on project management.
Tashea is a Human Resources Executive and Federal Consultant, holding over 23 years of experience across multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, State, and Health and Human Services. Known for her ability to strategize and take the lead, Tahsea has transformed HR policies to align with mission strategies and outcomes, influencing government-wide procedures such as onboarding and pay equity. Tashea is a staunch advocate for ethical leadership, inclusivity, and organizational success. In addition, she prides herself on her authenticity and purpose-driven spirit, which translates into her work as an educator as well. In addition to teaching subjects like AI. She’s an author and entrepreneur, and is always looking for ways to help organizations and individuals alike.
With a strong foundation in federal human resources management and legal counseling, Charles is a highly knowledgeable Employee and Labor Relations Consultant in Washington, D.C. He began his education at Loyola University, earning his B.A. in Business Administration and Political Science, before graduating from the University of Baltimore School of Law. Throughout his career, Charles has guided agencies through complex HR and labor-related challenges, managed HR programs, and represented organizations in legal proceedings. He has also designed and delivered specialized training in human resources, project management, and marketing. Charles’ professional background has led to numerous accolades and awards, showcasing his impact in the field.
Dr. David E. McCullin, better known as Dr. Mac, specializes in strategic communication, homeland security, data analytics, and accurate decision-making. Prior to his work at Graduate School USA, Dr. Mac obtained his Bachelor’s in Engineering, his Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, and a Doctorate in Management of Complex Adaptive Systems. He served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including 13 in Special Operations. He later worked at the Department of Homeland Security as an Intelligence and Infrastructure Security Analyst for nearly a decade. Through his education and solid professional career, he has been able to teach students a variety of important skills and has also developed innovative learning tools and games that help improve decision-making and analytical thinking skills.
As a part-time instructor at Graduate School USA for over 15 years, Natalya’s expertise cannot go unnoticed. She’s an educator and has developed curricula for the school, including the Change Management Workshops and several project management courses. Not to mention, she’s also served as a learning coach, facilitator, and instructor for government leadership programs and has developed the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process. Natalya earned her Master’s in Project Management and her Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, making her a well-qualified and effective educator, project manager, coach, and consultant.
Alan is a retired combat veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Navy with over 30 years of experience in federal and commercial budgeting, auditing, programming, operations, supply chain management, and IT acquisitions. He holds an MBA from George Washington University and a Teaching Certification from Harvard’s Bok Center for Teaching and Learning. Throughout his career across federal, state, and local government agencies, Alan has worked for numerous departments, such as the Department of State and Defense, as well as the Office of the Mayor of D.C. Alan is also an accomplished consultant and business strategist, having aided in the development of organizational projects at Lockheed Martin and PwC, to name a few. His background and lengthy career make him an ideal instructor for those looking to learn more about finance, accounting, and project management.
As a skilled instructor and business leader, Derk Mattocks possesses the skills and career experience to bolster his credibility. He gained his B.S. in Organization Management from Nyack College and his Master’s in Leadership and Military Installation Management, as well as an MBA in Financial Management and Analysis from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed Certified Advanced Professional Business Coach and trained mediator, with the certification to facilitate the “Five Practices of Leadership” workshops. Derk has also served as a Senior Advisor and Instructor for the U.S. Army. Overall, he has the credentials to serve as an accomplished and well-versed instructor, often covering topics related to project management and marketing.
Melanie is a federal acquisition and contracting expert with over 30 years of professional experience in Washington, D.C., spanning both government and education sectors. She has served as the Vice President of Acquisition Policy at SAIC and as the Managing Editor of the Federal Contracts Report at Bloomberg BNA. She’s currently an instructor at Graduate School USA, often teaching classes related to the marketing realm. She’s a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and a Fellow of the National Contract Management Association, positioning her as a person with incredible leadership skills and knowledge of her field. She earned her MBA from Georgetown University and is known as a clear, trusted instructor who consistently challenges students to take their skills to the next level.