If you are preparing
for a full-time career in project management or want
to improve your marketability, consider a degree that
specializes in project management. But how do you select
a program that provides you with the most opportunity?
Undergraduate vs.
Graduate
Start by looking at where you are in your education.
If you have not already completed your undergraduate
degree, you may want to consider a Bachelor's degree
in Business Administration with a concentration in Project
Management. These programs are not always easy to find,
but they are available -- many in online format.
Your best bet, if
it fits with your educational aspirations is to earn
a Master's degree in Project Management. The focus of
a graduate program will allow you to major in Project
Management, rather than have it as a specialization.
A Master's degree will give you an edge in finding your
next job.
If you are already
working as a project manager and are looking to improve
your marketability, consider a Master's in Business
Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Project
Management. This will not only help you in your current
position, but it will also prepare you for advancement.
Convenient Format
You may be lucky
enough to have a local college that offers a degree
in project management, but they are not as abundant
as other programs. Consider an on-line or distance education
format. Whichever format you choose, pick one that best
fits your schedule, location, and priorities.
There is a definite
benefit to graduating from a top ranked college or university.
You will be in higher demand early in your career. But
don't rule out a less prestigious program that is better
suited to your family situation, work schedule, and
time constraints. If you already have a good, progressive
career in project management, this may be more favorable
to potential employers than the college you chose for
your degree.
Regional Accreditation
More important than
the rank of the college is the accreditation. Regionally
accredited colleges and universities give you more options
than those that have other accreditations or none at
all. With a regionally accredited degree, you may be
more qualified for employer tuition assistance and financial
aid. If you choose to pursue further education after
your degree, accreditation is critical to being able
to transfer credits and even gain admission.
The regional accrediting
agencies to look for are:
Middle States Association
of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission
on Institutions of Higher Education
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools The
Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Commission
on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Commission on Colleges
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Contribution to
Professional Certification
Finally, look into
how the program contributes to your certification. The
gold standard in project management certification is
the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential,
from the Project Management Institute (PMI). You will
want to make sure that the program you choose helps
you to either prepare for or maintain certification.
PMI also has a Global Accreditation Center for Project
Management (GAC), which provides accreditation for schools
that meet certain quality standards for project management.
In an increasingly
competitive job market, the well-prepared project manager
has a significant advantage. Combining a degree and
certification with a track record of successful projects
will keep you busy for many years.