A project management degree teaches skills to plan, execute, and oversee projects effectively. It’s a good choice for those seeking to enhance their leadership abilities and job prospects in this field.
Education & Training
Schools with Online Project Management Programs
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Project management is an interdisciplinary field that involves planning, overseeing projects, meeting deadlines, and delivering successful outcomes. This degree prepares you with the skills needed to develop, implement, and manage projects in various settings, from engineering and health care to government and manufacturing, through the following curriculum:
General Educational Courses
- Communication Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational Behavior
Core Project Management Classes
- Project Approaches
- Project Leadership, Strategy, and Scope
- Project Schedule Management
Core Technical Management Classes
- Cost Estimation
- Risk Management
- Quality Control
Additional General Education Courses
- Business Ethics
- Diversity and Organizations
- Social Processes in Organizations
Specialized Project Management & Technical Management Classes
- Project Cost Management
- Project Execution
- Planning and Forecasting
Major Core Courses
- Managing Project Scope
- Writing and Reporting
- Tracking and Monitoring Tasks
Technical & Practical Skills
- Delegation and Decision Making
- Facilitating Meetings
- Team Building and Collaboration
Additional Skills & Knowledge Areas
- Analytical Skills
- Industry Standards and Professional Practices
- Preparation for CAPM and PMP Certification Exams
Certification Options
Here are some relevant certifications you might be eligible for with your degree.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The PMP certification, offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is a widely recognized and respected credential in project management. It is designed for experienced project managers and covers essential project management concepts, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. To qualify, candidates need a four-year degree, 36 months of project experience, and 35 hours of project management education. The PMP certification enhances credibility, demonstrates expertise, and can lead to higher salary prospects.
Certified Associate of Project Management (CAPM) Certification
The CAPM certification, also provided by PMI, is ideal for entry-level project managers seeking to understand the fundamentals of project management. It covers broad concepts such as project scope, scheduling, risk management, and communication. Candidates need a secondary degree and 23 contact hours of project management educatio to be eligible. The CAPM certification is an excellent starting point for those new to the field, offering foundational knowledge and preparing them for more advanced certifications like the PMP.
Program Management Professional (PgMP) Certification
The PgMP certification is aimed at senior-level program managers responsible for managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives. Offered by PMI, candidates must have a secondary degree with 48 months of project management experience and 84 months of program management experience. This certification validates advanced skills in managing complex, cross-functional initiatives and demonstrates an ability to drive strategic business outcomes.
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP) Certification
The PfMP certification is designed for portfolio managers who oversee multiple projects and programs to ensure alignment with organizational strategy. Provided by PMI, candidates need a secondary degree and 84 months of portfolio management experience. The PfMP certification focuses on advanced topics such as strategic alignment, governance, and portfolio performance management. It is ideal for project managers looking to advance their careers and demonstrate their ability to manage large portfolios effectively.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification
The CSM certification, offered by Scrum Alliance, focuses on the Scrum framework, an agile methodology for managing projects. This certification suits both beginner and experienced project managers who want to learn Scrum principles and practices. Candidates must complete a CSM course and pass a 50-question exam. The CSM certification equips professionals with skills in facilitating Scrum teams, promoting collaboration, and applying Scrum to improve project outcomes.
The CompTIA Project+ certification is ideal for managers handling smaller, less complex projects. It covers fundamental project management concepts without focusing on a specific methodology. The accreditation is entry-level and suitable for professionals in various industries. Candidates can choose between two exams, one for business professionals and another for IT professionals. The Project+ certification validates essential project management skills and is a versatile credential for managing various projects.
Salary Range
Here is a summary of average annual salaries for careers in Project Management from major career survey websites.
- ZipRecruiter: $102,682 (78.5K to 123K range)
- Indeed.com: $88,999 (57K to 138.6K range)
- Salary.com: $143,705 (128K to 160.5K range)
Career Path & FAQs
What Can You Do With This Degree?
With a degree in project management, you can oversee and coordinate projects across various industries, ensuring they meet deadlines, stay within budget, and achieve desired outcomes. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), this degree enables you to plan, execute, and manage projects efficiently, improve organizational processes, and lead teams effectively. You can apply your skills to project manager, operations manager, process improvement manager, or portfolio manager, driving strategic initiatives and enhancing organizational productivity and profitability.
How Hard is This Degree?
Pursuing a degree in project management can be challenging. The curriculum often includes complex topics such as risk management, cost estimation, and quality control, which require strong analytical and quantitative skills. Understanding and applying project management methodologies, like Agile and Scrum, can also be challenging without practical experience.
Additionally, meeting the requirements to pass, such as completing rigorous coursework, participating in simulations, and accumulating practical experience hours, demands significant time and dedication. Preparing for certification exams like the PMP or CAPM, which involve comprehensive knowledge of PMI’s standards and frameworks, can further add to the difficulty of the degree; however, overcoming these challenges can significantly enhance your employment prospects and open doors to higher-paying and more advanced roles in project management.
Why Is It Worth It?
When considering the investment of time, effort, and resources required to earn a project management degree, it’s essential to consider the advantages of a career in project management:
- Business Analysts can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, focusing on analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions to enhance operational efficiency. (Indeed.com)
- IT Project Managers can earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, applying their expertise in managing technology projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring that IT initiatives are completed on time and within budget. (Indeed.com)
- General Managers can earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, overseeing daily operations, managing staff, setting strategic goals, and driving the overall performance of their business units. (Indeed.com)
Given the lucrative opportunities and diverse roles, a project management degree is worth pursuing for professionals seeking an analytical and leadership-oriented career.
Career Positions
A project management degree applies to a variety of positions across different industries, including roles such as that of a project manager, business analyst, IT project manager, operations manager, and general manager. These positions involve overseeing projects, improving business processes, managing technology initiatives, and ensuring efficient operations. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project managers are essential in fields such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and finance, where they coordinate schedules, allocate resources, and manage risks to achieve strategic goals. Indeed and Glassdoor also highlight the demand for project management skills in diverse sectors, underscoring the degree’s versatility and value.
Career Responsibilities
Project managers are responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Skills Needed:
- Strong leadership and team management
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making
- Time management and organizational skills
- Risk management and mitigation
Recommended Experience:
- Experience leading projects or teams
- Background in the specific industry of the project
- Familiarity with project management methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall
- Previous roles in project coordination or support
Software/Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in project management software like Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello, or Jira
- Understanding of budgeting and scheduling tools
- Basic knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools
- Competence in collaboration platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams
Professional Development:
- Certification in project management (e.g., PMP, CAPM)
- Continuing education through workshops, webinars, and courses
- Membership in professional organizations such as PMI
- Regularly updating knowledge on industry trends and best practices