Project Management Degree

There is an old saying that goes a little something like this, “leaders aren’t made, they are born.” While that saying may hold true in some aspects of life, the fact of the matter is that leaders are more of a mix between the two. Some individuals are born with natural talents like an outgoing personality, quick thinking skills, and problem solving abilities; but in the business world these tools need to be sharpened to be truly effective. A project management degree is a great way to mold an individual with all the right tools into a good leader who can manage other people and inspire them as well.

A project management degree prepares an individual to work in the fast paced team-oriented businesses that exist in today’s marketplace. Project managers are trained to plan, execute, and coordinate a variety of projects by directing a team of professionals to ensure that deadlines are met and projects are completed on time and within budget parameters. An individual with a project management degree will receive an education based around methodology and processes that help reach goals and complete tasks. Project managers can be found in a variety of industries including some of the following:

• Automotive
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Financial Services
• Construction

Individuals pursuing a project management degree will find a variety of degrees awaiting them, all of which can lead them into project management in different career fields. In reality, individuals don’t need to attain a degree specifically entitled a “project management degree.” Individuals can choose from a number of degrees at the Bachelor’s and Master’s level, not all of which need to be specifically a project management degree. Some of the following degrees can lead an individual to a career in project management:

• Bachelor of Science in Business
• Bachelor of Science in Business Management
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Management
• Master of Science in Project Management
• Master of Business Administration in Project Management

The particular path an individual takes through a project management degree will depend upon their desired career field. One can start off with a general business degree at the Bachelor’s level and take a few classes that have project management focus. Conversely, an individual could choose to go for a more specialized Bachelor’s degree with a heavy dose of project management courses. Individuals who achieve a Bachelor’s degree in business could later attain a more focused Master’s degree in project management. Conversely an individual could earn a focused Bachelor’s degree in project management and follow that up with a broader Master’s degree.

Project management degrees also exist at the Associate’s Degree level as well as the PhD level. In addition to formal degrees, project managers can pursue certification in their field through the Project Management Institute, the national authority on certification in project management. Individuals must pass an examination and adhere to a code of conduct while maintaining their education throughout their career in project management.