Is a Project Management Degree Right for Me?

Project managers oversee projects from beginning to end, a process also known as the project lifecycle. Common tasks include researching their project, analyzing the information, and mapping out what decisions must be made.

Project management can be an exciting career path for people who are strong problem solvers, organized, and have the ability to think quickly. Determine if a project management degree is right for you by looking over the concepts covered in this degree program and other factors to consider when choosing a career path in project management.

What Is a Project Management Degree?

A project management degree is an academic program that prepares students for the everyday demands of a career in project management. Different levels of degrees are available, and the right degree for you will depend on the type of project management job you'd like to pursue.

A bachelor's degree in project management is a common qualification, but students can also earn a master's degree in project management to advance further in their knowledge and be qualified for senior roles. If you aren't interested in earning a degree, you can also earn project management certifications by completing project management courses. It's important to select an accredited program with a strong reputation.

What Does a Project Management Major Study?

A project management degree blends areas of business, management, finance, and accounting. Project management professionals (PMPs) will need soft and hard skills to lead teams effectively. Here are some topics that might be covered in project management courses.

• managerial accounting
• principles of management
• organizational leadership
• ethics and law
• data analytics
• risk management

Why You Should Consider a Degree in Project Management

Project management can be a demanding but rewarding career path. Here are some benefits of becoming a project management professional.

High Average Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median project manager salary is nearly six figures. Skilled project managers can continue to earn higher salaries as they accumulate management experience and professional certifications. Becoming a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) can also increase your earning potential.

Develop Leadership Skills

Project management roles require a high degree of leadership and communication skills to motivate and organize project teams effectively. Due to the nature of the role, developing your project management skills will naturally make you a better leader. A good project manager knows how to lead well by thoroughly planning and leading by example.

Growth Potential

One advantage of becoming a project management professional (PMP) is the ability to continue your professional development and career growth. While most professionals begin in entry-level project management positions, ambitious individuals may target higher roles, such as senior project manager in a major firm, depending on their credentials. The project management career path offers incredible potential for advancing in the field.

Applicable Skills in Many Industries

Students who learn the universal principles of project management can apply them in many different industries. A good project management education will be sufficiently broad and include more specific training on project management software programs. The diverse applications of project management can ease the job search.

Diverse Skill Set

Students who enjoy pushing themselves and developing in many different areas will find a project management degree program enriching. Organizational skills, project planning, risk management, and time management are all skills that can be applied in any area of life.

Job Opportunities for Project Management Degree Majors

There are many exciting career options for project management majors. To find project management job openings, look through online job boards or consider joining a professional organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI).

A project management degree can help you become one of the following titles:

• Project coordinator: handles the administrative tasks of a project such as budgeting, scheduling, and paperwork and typically works in a project management office
• Construction project manager: makes sure construction standards and regulations are followed, licenses are secured, and manages risks
• Human resources specialist: manages all processes relating to staff, such as hiring, firing, training, and payroll
• Healthcare project manager: coordinates schedules, timelines, budget, and staffing for healthcare-focused projects
• Business analyst: works as part of a business administration team to use data to communicate and analyze business decisions
• IT project manager: plans projects that are specifically related to information technology within a business or organization
• Scrum master: leads a team by using Agile project management to ensure all team members are adhering to their roles and responsibilities

Project Management Degree: Questions To Ask Yourself

There are many advantages to becoming a project manager, but the role may not be an optimal fit for everyone. Here are some questions to ask yourself before beginning a project management program.

Do I Work Well Under Pressure?

Project managers typically have a number of deliverables that need to be completed on a set timeline. Working well under pressure is an important skill for project managers.

Do I Find Leadership Roles Rewarding?

Project managers must be confident in leading others and making decisions for the group. If you find leadership roles rewarding, project management might be a great fit for you.

Is Problem-Solving Enjoyable for Me?

A huge part of project management is keeping the project moving when issues inevitably pop up. Being a quick problem-solver is an important skill for success.

Am I Willing to Learn New Skills?

Project managers must be lifelong learners to stay current with the latest technologies and maintain their certifications. A willingness to learn new skills will go a long way in a project management role.

What Project Management Job Do I Want?

Knowing the type of project management role you want to pursue can help you decide which degree you should pursue to reach your career goals. Think about what kind of job you want and the requirements for that specific role.

Do I Enjoy Working With People?

Project managers spend a lot of time coordinating with other professionals, so it can be a great job for those who enjoy working with others rather than independently. Consider whether you enjoy working and collaborating with others or whether you'd prefer a more independent role.

Am I a Good Communicator?

Communication skills are essential for project management. While this improves with experience, you must be able to communicate well with others to balance the many moving pieces in project management.