Guide to College Majors in Project Management

Don't do a project [if] you don't think you'll learn something on the way.
--Jim Coudal

What is Project Management?

Your career advancement in 21st-century business depends on specializing in one integral function. Being a project manager is about directing the success of one particular project using a set of polished skills, practical experience and proven methodology. The need for employees with efficiency, speed, and quality provides a steady demand for qualified project management professionals in today's business world.

A project management degree adds to your natural talent for organization, time management, attention to detail, persistence, interpersonal communication and ability to adapt to problems and changing priorities. You'll gain the skills you need to provide clear directions with authority, create timelines for your projects, gather materials and resources, and forecast and plan for any unseen glitches.

Project management is comprised of five processes

Initiating
Planning
Executing
Controlling
Closing

as well as nine knowledge areas centering on management expertise in Integration, Scope, Time, Cost, Quality, Human Resources, Communications, Risk management and Procurement.

Project management is a relatively new profession, but one that is expected to be in higher demand as organizations recognize the need for this type of business specialization, which offers administrative and strategic support for key projects.

Career Education in Project Management

On-Campus and Online College Courses

The minimum level of education for a career in project management is a college degree, usually as a specialization within a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Industry professionals are increasingly turning to online degrees in project management and related specializations. These provide two primary advantages: allowing the student to earn a degree at his/her convenience, without having to take time off work, and giving the working adult the opportunity to immediately apply lessons learned to the workplace.

Bachelor's Degrees in Project Management

Online project management bachelor's degrees usually take three to four years to complete. The curriculum can include some liberal arts courses as well as essential business courses that emphasize communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You may examine case studies, work on team projects, and update your computer applications and systems management skills.

Master's Degrees in Project Management

Master's degrees in project management provide a more comprehensive study of practical management tools. You'll study project development, introduction of roles and responsibilities to key players, measurement standards and goal setting, and budget monitoring. Online master's degrees generally take two years or less to complete.

Project Management MBA Programs

In a project management MBA program, you'll learn how to set performance goals, develop projects and communicate their value, provide successful leadership, and foster an environment that motivates team members and resolves conflicts. Visit our online MBA page to learn more about specific MBA degrees.

Certificate Programs in Project Management

A graduate certificate in project management is appropriate if you are working at or towards a management level position, but cannot commit the time to obtaining a master's degree. The curriculum focuses on the knowledge and practical applications needed to effectively manage different types of projects.

What can you do with a College Major in Project Management?

Career Options for Project Managers

Project management degrees can be applied towards any larger organization where teams are assembled to handle unique, goal specific projects. The Project Management Institute lists members in these fields: The Project Management Institute lists members in these fields:

Aerospace
Automotive
bBusiness Management
Construction
Engineering
Financial Services
Information technology
Pharmaceuticals
Healthcare
Telecommunications

In most cases, these careers require industry-specific training and education. Average salaries reflect this level of expertise, but will vary by job field and location. A project engineer, for example, will oversee the planning, organization, control, integration, and completion of engineering projects, working from his or her own engineering experience. An environmental research project manager performs the same sort of functions in addressing pollution concerns, and uses scientific research methods along with project management skills. Project managers are also found throughout the information technology field.

Certification and Licensure

The Project Management Institute offers the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to professionals who meet education and experience requirements, adhere to a set of professional code of conduct, and pass a knowledge-based exam. Obtaining this designation is a universal way to signify that you have a solid foundation and experience in project management that can be applied to a vast range of industries. Many MBA programs are structured around PMI certification requirements.

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is another credential offered by PMI, but is designed for practitioners who are relatively new to the field. As a stepping stone in your career development, it too demonstrates your commitment to project management and can boost your opportunities in the workplace. The process for obtaining this certification is similar to the PMP designation - you must meet education and work experience standards in project management and then pass an online exam. There are 2 types of CAPMs: one for BA holders and another for those professionals without a BA who have more professional hours and experience.