Online Project Management Degree
Is an Online Project Management Degree for You?
What is an online project management degree?
A project management degree allows its holder to pursue a career as a project manager, which involves making sure projects in a variety of fields such as construction, engineering, architecture, information technology, and real estate development run smoothly, on time, and on budget.
What types of online project management degrees are available?
Online project management degrees are available at the bachelor and master’s levels.
Those interested in pursuing a career in project management may:
(1) earn project management degrees at both levels;
(2) earn a bachelor’s degree in project management and then a graduate degree in a related business field; or
(3) earn a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and then a graduate degree in project management.
Depending on the field, engineering and/or business administration degrees may also be required to work as project managers.
What are project management degree programs like?
Project management degree programs focus on organization, teamwork, scheduling, financing, the development of excellent communication skills, and risk management. Programs may also be geared toward specific fields, and coursework follows accordingly, addressing issues specific to the field of focus.
In addition to academic training, many project management degree programs include simulated problem-solving activities to give future project managers an idea of the types of issues that may arise in the workplace from budget constraints to employee disagreements. These interactive activities give students a chance to think on their feet and learn how to deal with project problems efficiently and effectively.
What do project managers do?
Project managers are responsible for the successful completion of projects in a variety of fields including business, construction, and information technology. Project managers must remain informed and in control of projects, ensuring that they are moving along on time and on budget, and be able to communicate effectively with various people involved in projects.
Project managers may work with a variety of professionals such as engineers, financial advisors, and salespeople, and must be able to handle problems and potential setbacks as they arise. As project managers are the “point people” of projects, they must have an in-depth understanding of each facet of their projects, which often means having knowledge in a wide variety of fields from business and finance to computers and technology.
What qualities should project managers have?
Project managers should be organized, reliable, punctual, committed, flexible, and also be great communicators and problem solvers. A great amount of patience is also useful as a level head is needed when problems arise; project managers also set an example for team members who must work in the atmosphere created by the project manager, so it is important that project managers remain calm in the face of adversity.
What is the salary and job outlook for project managers?
Based on a survey by the Project Management Institute, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports full-time project managers had median earnings of $96,000 in 2006, an amount that includes both salary and bonuses, which are often granted upon completion of projects early or under budget.
Job prospects will continue to be best for those in urban areas as well as for those with more experience, training, and education, which makes an online project management degree an asset for someone trying to move up the project manager career ladder.
