Workforce and Professional Development
Working Adult Education Programs
The University of the Potomac Workforce and Professional Development site provides training opportunities required to obtain employment in today’s most competitive job positions. Professionals can schedule classes at times that are convenient for their busy schedules.
Why You Should Choose University of the Potomac
With our intimate campus, flexible schedules and industry-specific learning models, University of the Potomac offers an ideal environment for working adults looking to take their education to the next level.
- Accreditation: University of the Potomac is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000.
- Simple Transfer of Credits: We will make your transfer experience a smooth one.
- Generous Credit Transfer Policy: See how courses you have taken can be transferred to our university.
- Market-Driven Curriculum: Potomac teaches students to master professional and technical skills needed to compete in today’s highly competitive job markets.
- Multiple Types of Financing Options and Scholarships: Available to those who qualify
- Flexible Learning Format: Classes are available at campuses in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Online.
- Flexible Schedule Day: Evening and weekends classes are available.
- Small Class Sizes: Class sizes are small for more personal attention.
CONTRACTING CERTIFICATE
Course Overview:
This course acquaints students with the legal and regulatory aspects associated with the administration of government contracts. Course topics include contract information and award protests, standards of conduct, governmental liability, the dispute process, and administrative and judicial methods of resolution of procurement and contract disputes. It is designed to give students an operating framework to understand government procurement law.
Students will learn:
- The elements of a contract and the Federal Governments’ authority to contract
- The law of agency
- About basic statutes, regulations, case law, and administrative law that define the federal acquisition system
- About sources of commercial terms and conditions
- How to recognize and avoid situations having legal liability
Course Overview:
This course examines both FAR and DFARS process and introduces concepts, policies and procedures associated with government and defense contracting. This course helps students develop skill in selecting the right clauses, identify the correct procedures and improve their bargaining position during negotiations. In addition, students learn how to keep up with changes to the FAR so they can always be sure that they have the latest and most relevant information
Students will learn:
- How to apply DFAR Clauses to Contracts
- To correctly use applicable forms for acquisition
- To cite various sections of the DFARs
- To understand the DFAR Clauses, the regulation System and roles of the Contracting Officer
- To recognize key terms and definitions
- To plan for acquisition and/or proposals
- To execute effective market research
- To determine Conflicts of Interest
- How contracts are advertised and awarded
- How to determine methods and contract vehicles
- How to keep up with changing regulations
Course Overview:
Students are introduced to the concept and fundamental techniques of Performance based contracting (PBC) and its application to contract management. Skills to immediately develop and implement performance-based requirements, a performance work statement, quality assurance plans, performance standards and measures, and positive and negative incentives. The course utilizes (PBSA) guides and tools as prescribed by the industry.
Students will learn:
- Introduction to Performance-Based Contracting
- Acquisition Planning
- Identifying the Need
- Preparing the Statement of Work
- Statements of Objectives
- The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan
- Developing the Award Strategy
- Contract Award
- Contract Administration and Living with the SOW
Course Overview:
This course examines acquisition and material management. Students will examine the functional roles and social and ethical responsibilities of individuals managing these areas. Topics include acquisition law, operations management, pricing, negotiations, logistics and the written and oral communication of issues affecting purchasing and materials management
Students will learn:
- About Purchasing and Materials administration
- About Logistics and Materials management
- About Purchasing techniques
- About Specification and quality management
- About Source selection
- About Price management
- About Time management
- About stock control techniques
- The legal applications in procurement management
Workforce and Professional Development
At the University of the Potomac, we believe education should move at the speed of industry. Our Business Development and Strategic Partnerships team forges collaborations that bridge learning with the changing demands of employers, communities, and the workforce.
We work together with organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to design strategic, mutually beneficial collaborations that drive lifelong learning, economic mobility, and workforce readiness.
Why Partner With Us?
Whether you’re an employer seeking to upskill your team, an association looking to enhance member benefits, or a community partner invested in workforce development, we’ll help you create solutions that align with your goals.
Ways We Collaborate:
- Employer Tuition Discounts – Provide employees and their families with exclusive tuition savings on undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Customized Training Programs – Co-develop certificate programs, bootcamps, or degree pathways tailored to your industry’s skill needs.
- Workforce Development Initiatives – Build talent pipelines through community-based programs, apprenticeship models, or education-to-employment pathways.
- Strategic Alliances & MOUs – Formalize our shared commitment to workforce growth through partnership agreements that ensure long-term impact.
Our Commitment
We specialize in flexible, career-focused education that meets learners where they are – online, on campus, or in hybrid formats. Every program is designed for working professionals, equipping them with the skills, credentials, and confidence employers value most.
Ongoing Trainings
Technology Certificates
Certificate Overview:
AWS Academy Cloud Developing is designed to help students gain technical expertise in development using cloud technologies and prepare them to take the AWS Certified Developer – Associate level AWS Certification exam. The curriculum is delivered through instructor-led classes, knowledge assessments, and hands-on labs. Students will also have access to course manuals, online knowledge assessments, a free practice certification exam, and a discount voucher for the certification exam.
Students will learn:
- Recall cloud computing services and models.
- Describe developing on AWS.
- Configure AWS Identity and Access Management for programmatic access.
- Configure storage with Amazon S3 programmatically
- Develop with DynamoDB.
- Explain caching.
- Configure containers.
- Develop event-driven solutions with Lambda.
- Configure solutions with API Gateway.
- Develop solutions with SQS and SNS.
- Describe the use of Step Functions.
- Identify best practice for building secure applications.
- Identify best practice for deploying applications.
Certificate Overview:
AWS Academy Machine Learning Foundations introduces students to the concepts and terminology of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning. By the end of this course, students will be able to select and apply machine learning services to resolve business problems. They will also be able to label, build, train, and deploy a custom machine-learning model through a guided, hands-on approach.
Students will learn:
- Describe machine learning (ML)
- Implement a machine learning pipeline using Amazon PageMaker
- Use managed Amazon ML services for forecasting
- Use managed Amazon ML services for computer vision
- Use managed Amazon ML services for natural language processing
Certificate Overview:
AWS Academy Data Analytics is a series of lab exercises that teach students how to conduct Big Data analysis with practical, real-world examples. Students will learn how to analyze extremely large data sets, and to create visual representations of that data, using a case-study approach. The labs and learning resources are designed to supplement an institution’s existing Big Data and data analytics courses and provide students with hands-on experience working with data at scale. Geared toward students interested in pursuing careers in data analysis, AWS Academy Data Analytics requires a strong foundation in IT concepts and skills, and it contains seven-and-a-half hours of content.
Students will learn:
- Describe big data analytical concepts.
- Ingest, store, and secure data.
- Query a data store with manual schema specification.
- Query a data store with automated schema generation.
- Load and query data in a data warehouse
- Visualize structured and unstructured data.
- Automate loading data into a data warehouse.
- Analyze unstructured data.
- Analyze IoT data
No-Cost Workforce Certificates
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations work, communicate, and solve problems. The University of the Potomac’s AI for Problem Solving, Teaming, Communication, and Personal Productivity certificate provides practical, hands-on training that helps learners confidently apply AI to real workplace situations.
Using today’s leading AI platforms, including Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini, students will learn how to improve productivity, strengthen communication, support collaboration, and make better-informed decisions while using AI responsibly and ethically.
Whether you’re drafting reports, preparing presentations, organizing projects, or streamlining daily tasks, this certificate will help you build practical AI skills that can be applied immediately in virtually any profession.
Certificate Modules
Module 1 – AI as a Personal Assistant
Learn how to leverage Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to organize workloads, summarize documents, draft emails, create meeting agendas, develop task lists, and automate routine administrative work. Discover how AI can become a trusted productivity partner while keeping you in control of the final product.
Module 2 – Communicating Clearly with AI
Effective communication is one of today’s most valuable workplace skills. Learn how to use AI to improve clarity, adjust tone, simplify complex information, prepare executive summaries, create presentations, and draft professional communications tailored to different audiences. You’ll also learn how to review AI-generated content for quality, professionalism, and accuracy.
Module 3 – Teaming with AI
Discover how AI strengthens collaboration by supporting meeting preparation, documenting discussions, organizing action items, preparing project updates, and improving team communication. You’ll also explore responsible AI practices that protect sensitive information while helping teams work more efficiently.
Module 4 – Problem Solving and Idea Generation
Go beyond simple prompting by learning structured approaches to solving workplace challenges. Use Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to research best practices, generate innovative ideas, compare alternatives, identify risks, evaluate trade-offs, and develop thoughtful, actionable recommendations for real business situations.
Why Earn an AI Certificate?
Upon completing this certificate, you’ll have the confidence to integrate AI into your daily work while understanding when—and when not—to rely on AI-generated content. You’ll leave with practical skills that immediately improve productivity, communication, collaboration, and decision-making, along with a University of the Potomac Certificate of Completion recognizing your achievement.
Ready to Advance Your Skills?
Whether you’re looking to strengthen your current role, increase your productivity, or prepare for new career opportunities, this certificate is designed to help you succeed in today’s AI-driven workplace.
Enrollment Information
Complete the registration form below. Enrollment is currently available at no cost for participants. After submitting your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with course access information, program details, and next steps.
Exceptional hospitality professionals create memorable guest experiences while ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The University of the Potomac’s Hospitality Management Certificate prepares learners with the practical knowledge, leadership skills, and customer service expertise needed to succeed in hotels, restaurants, resorts, event venues, and other hospitality organizations.
Through six engaging modules, participants will build workforce-ready skills that prepare them for entry-level and supervisory opportunities within one of the world’s fastest-growing service industries.
Certificate Modules
Module 1 – Front Office and Guest Services
Develop the skills needed to create exceptional first impressions. Learn professional guest communication, front desk operations, customer service techniques, and problem-solving strategies that support outstanding guest experiences.
Module 2 – Food Safety and Sanitation
Build a strong foundation in food safety by learning proper food handling procedures, sanitation practices, workplace hygiene, contamination prevention, and health regulations essential to hospitality operations.
Module 3 – Hotel Property and Facilities Management
Gain an understanding of the operational side of hospitality by exploring facility maintenance, workplace safety, property management, and the behind-the-scenes functions that contribute to exceptional guest satisfaction.
Module 4 – Supervision and Leadership in Hospitality
Strong leaders create exceptional teams. Learn leadership principles, effective communication, employee motivation, conflict resolution, and supervisory techniques that prepare you for expanded responsibilities within hospitality organizations.
Module 5 – Food and Beverage Operations
Explore restaurant operations, food service standards, inventory awareness, customer experience, and teamwork while gaining practical insight into one of the hospitality industry’s largest sectors.
Module 6 – Hospitality Law and Ethics
Develop an understanding of legal responsibilities, guest rights, workplace ethics, professionalism, and accountability to help you make sound decisions while delivering exceptional service.
Hospitality Careers Start with Workforce Training
Hospitality employers value professionals who combine excellent customer service with leadership, communication, and operational knowledge. By completing this certificate, you’ll gain practical skills that prepare you to contribute with confidence while earning a University of the Potomac Certificate of Completion that demonstrates your commitment to professional growth.
Ready to Advance Your Skills?
Whether you’re beginning a career in hospitality or expanding your existing skills, this certificate will help you build the confidence and practical knowledge employers are looking for.
Enrollment Information
Complete the registration form below. Enrollment is currently available at no cost for participants. After submitting your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with course information, important dates, and next steps.
Projects drive innovation, improve operations, and move organizations forward—but successful projects require more than technical expertise. The University of the Potomac’s Project Management for Non-Project Managers Certificate prepares professionals to confidently contribute to projects by building practical skills in planning, communication, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and organizational leadership.
Grounded in modern project management practices, this certificate introduces participants to Agile methodologies, business analysis, AI-enabled project management, and strategic project planning that can be applied across virtually every industry.
Certificate Modules
Module 1 – Project Management Foundations and Frameworks
Develop a solid understanding of project lifecycles, stakeholder roles, organizational structures, and the core principles that guide successful project planning and execution. You’ll explore how successful projects are initiated, planned, executed, monitored, and closed while gaining an appreciation for the role project management plays in achieving organizational goals.
Module 2 – Planning, Scheduling, and Stakeholder Engagement
Learn how to define project scope, develop realistic schedules, identify and manage risks, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and measure project performance throughout the project lifecycle. Discover practical planning techniques that help projects stay organized, on schedule, and aligned with business objectives.
Module 3 – Agile, Hybrid, and Adaptive Project Delivery
Today’s organizations require flexibility. Explore Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and hybrid project management approaches while learning how to select the right methodology for different project environments. You’ll gain an understanding of adaptive project delivery techniques that help teams respond effectively to changing priorities and evolving business needs.
Module 4 – AI-Enabled Project Management and Performance Measurement
Discover how artificial intelligence is reshaping project management by improving planning, scheduling, stakeholder communication, reporting, performance measurement, and risk identification. Learn how AI can support project managers with data-driven insights while allowing leaders to focus on strategy, collaboration, and decision-making.
Module 5 – Business Analysis for Project Contributors
Learn how to identify business needs, gather and document requirements, engage stakeholders, evaluate potential solutions, and support informed project decisions. These essential business analysis skills help ensure projects deliver meaningful value while meeting organizational objectives.
Module 6 – Organizational Project Performance and Value Realization
Understand how projects contribute to organizational strategy, governance, portfolio management, and long-term business success. Learn how to evaluate project outcomes, communicate project value to leadership, and recognize how effective project management drives organizational performance and continuous improvement.
Why Project Management Skills Matter
Whether you’re managing projects today or preparing for future leadership opportunities, this certificate provides practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in your current role. You’ll strengthen your ability to organize work, manage change, improve collaboration, and deliver successful project outcomes while earning a University of the Potomac Certificate of Completion recognizing your achievement.
Ready to Advance Your Skills?
Whether you’re looking to enhance your current responsibilities or prepare for future leadership opportunities, this certificate will help you build practical project management skills that make an immediate impact.
Enrollment Information
Complete the registration form below. Enrollment is currently available at no cost for participants. After submitting your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with course access instructions, program information, and next steps.
Workshops
During the first half of 2023 the following workshops will be conducted. These workshops are FREE to all UOTP students and the public. These workshops are offered to keep students and professionals aware of changing technology and best practices in multiple industries. If you are interested participating in any of these workshops just click on the “To register” link and do so.
February 23, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30
Amazon Web Services Certifications
Getting AWS Certified can help you propel your career, whether you are looking to find a new role, highlight your skills to take on a new project, or become your team’s go-to expert. And because AWS Certification exams are created by experts in the relevant role or technical area, preparing for one of these exams helps you build the required skills identified by skilled practitioners in the field. This workshop presents an overview of the AWS certifications and the training required to obtain them.
March 24, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30
Project Management / Agile / Skills, Certifications, Job Opportunities
Project managers play a key role in leading, planning and implementing critical projects to help their organizations succeed. This workshop introduces you to project management terminology and provides an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a project manager. The workshop will also include a discussion of the various project management certifications in demand in the workforce. The workshop will involve employment representatives discussing job opportunities.
April 27, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30
Geospatial Information Technology (GIS)
GIS is an emerging field of study that includes Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing (RS), and Global Positioning System (GPS). Geospatial technology enables us to acquire data that is referenced to the earth and use it for analysis, modeling, simulations, and visualization. This workshop will cover opportunities and education requirements to be successful in the GIS space.
May 26, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30PM
Hospitality – SERV Safe certifications for Hotel and Restaurant Professionals
ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the U.S. National Restaurant Association. This workshop will involve a discussion on the hospitality business and the requirement to be successful with employment and certifications. Our chef will discuss the ServSafe Food Handler Certification and other opportunities to obtain employment in the hospitality industry.
June 29, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30PM
Healthcare – Technology, Certifications and Career Opportunities
This workshop will involve a discussion about the opportunities in the healthcare profession and the healthcare certification training available.
July 28, 2023 – 7:PM – 8:30PM
Pervasive Computing / Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Pervasive computing and computer vision apply machine learning and artificial intelligence that take data from digital images, and videos to make meaningful decisions based on that data. Machine learning has improved computer vision about recognition and tracking. This workshop demonstrates the skills needed to find employment in these trending technologies. The workshop will involve employment representatives discussing job opportunities.
Let’s Connect
Ready to explore a partnership with the University of the Potomac? Our Business Development and Strategic Partnerships team is here to help you take the next step.
For inquiries, please contact us at universityinitiatives@potomac.edu
We look forward to working with you to create meaningful, career-focused opportunities that benefit both your organization and the workforce of tomorrow.
David A. Kimble, Ph.D. PMP
Dr. Kimble is a business consultant specializing in program management, information technology, organizational leadership, strategic planning, risk management and organizational governance. Before retiring in 2015, Dr. Kimble worked for the Federal Government for many years. His last assignment was with the Small Business Administration (SBA). The SBA provides financial assistance, counseling and training to the nation’s small businesses. Dr. Kimble served as a Program / Portfolio Manager and Information Technology (IT) expert. Dr. Kimble managed SBA special program initiatives and technology oversight for 69 SBA Field offices and 10 Regional offices. Dr. Kimble’s true passion is engaging and learning with professionals. Dr. Kimble teaches IT, Business and Management courses at several universities in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia areas. Dr. Kimble is an honor graduate with a bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems Technology and a master’s Degree in Management Administration. Dr. Kimble completed his PhD in Global Business and Leadership. Dr. Kimble is certified in Project Management, Cloud Computing and Blockchain Technology. Dr. Kimble is President and CEO of a small business, PMPVIEW LLC, which prepares professionals for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. Dr. Kimble is a U.S. Air Force Veteran, married with three children and lives in Prince Georges County Maryland. Dr. Kimble is very active in his community, he coaches youth basketball, football and swimming though the Maryland Park and Planning Commission Community Centers.
Degree and Program Options
With a curriculum geared towards working adults, every program is carefully adjusted to reflect today’s industry standards. A majority of courses are specific to each student’s field of study, so the number of general education courses is minimized. This enables you to delve into your chosen area of study more quickly, allowing you to spend more time actually studying the topics most critical to your career and life goals.
