Two hands shaking.

Contracts play a key role in society dating back to ancient civilizations. They have long been used to establish agreements, define obligations, and facilitate trade and relationships among individuals, businesses, and other groups.

In today’s modern world, contracts still are a key part of doing business and contract managers are essential team members who are charged with seeing that contracts are properly drafted and administered. 

What is Contract Management?

Contracts are prevalent in many settings, from employment to real estate transactions to partnerships, contracts are necessary to tie all moving parts together. Since contracts are legally binding, both parties must understand and feel confident in their agreement.

This is where contract management comes into play. Contract and managers draft, execute, negotiate, and renew contracts. They are also responsible for risk management and ensuring all legal procedures are followed. Regardless of the industry, contract management is essential.

“This program focuses on developing and refining your skills in drafting, negotiating, finalizing, and overseeing contracts tailored to your organization’s needs,” said Jonathan Rhodes, SDSU Global Campus Director of Professional Programs. “Taught by seasoned industry professionals, our courses adhere to the Contract Management Standards set by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).”

Why Contract Management?

Earning a Contract Management Certificate equips you with invaluable knowledge and skills you can apply to help a company or individual. With contract management’s highly sought-after expertise, the career can be very rewarding financially.

According to ZipRecruiter, the average contract manager’s salary in the United States is $106,034 or a $51 hourly wage. They also listed the top five highest-paying contract management jobs in California along with their salary: 

  1. Director of Government Contracts – $130,364
  2. Contracts Director – $127,902
  3. Senior Contracts Advisor – $125,553
  4. Contracts Lawyer – $119,223
  5. Senior Contracts Manager – $112,159

What Will I Learn?

The concepts you’ll learn while earning your Contract Management Certificate from SDSU Global Campus will teach you to understand contract types and methodologies, develop proposals and acquisition plans, and much more.

In addition to lesson topics, you will also be able to earn the formal credit hours you need to prepare for your CCMA, CFCM, CCCM, and CPCM Certification exams and gain a deeper understanding of the seven core competencies recognized by the National Contract Management Association’s CMBOK, which are:

  1. Leadership 
  2. Management 
  3. Guiding Principles
  4. Pre-Award
  5. Award
  6. Post-Award
  7. Learn 

Our program offers a wide range of classes and two certification levels. You can complete the standard certification in as little as 12 months by completing 10 courses. If you want to earn the advanced certification, you can do so in as little as 18 months by completing four additional courses (14 total courses) to the standard certification.

Courses include Effective Negotiation Skills and Techniques, Legal Aspects of Contracts, Ethics and Compliance, Procurement, and more! 

Why SDSU?

At SDSU Global Campus we pride our programs on versatility, local connections, and accessibility. In addition to preparing you to join the workforce, a certificate from San Diego State University carries a great deal of weight in the professional world.

Our Contract Management Certificate is just one of these outstanding programs. The program is suited for those already in the industry looking to advance their career, as well as those with zero experience but are eager to learn. Courses are 100% online, meeting one evening a week, allowing you to pursue your educational and professional goals without putting your life on hold.