Project Management Degree Program and Career Education

Project management refers to the planning, organizing, and managing of specific business projects. Project managers set goals, define budgets, create schedules, and coordinate the activities of various individuals and departments, all in an effort to complete the work of a given initiative on time and on or under budget. While managers oversee specific functions within a business, project managers direct all aspects of a schedule-driven, specific project. For the duration of the project, they may supervise and manage employees from various departments, such as IT, marketing, engineering, or advertising, who are assigned to work on that project.

Individuals interested in pursuing a career in project management should be detail-oriented, organized, and skilled at time management. They should enjoy working with others, as they'll likely be working with clients, vendors, coworkers, and consultants. In addition, they should be clear communicators, and they should possess strong leadership, business, and technical skills.

Education, Training and Degrees in Project Management

Nearly all jobs in the field of project management require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. While most hiring managers look for a degree in project management, candidates with a bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, or management, along with relevant work experience, will generally be looked upon favorably. Additionally, some hiring managers prefer candidates with a master's degree in project management.

Many colleges and universities offer degrees in project management, or certificates and degrees which can lead to a project management degree. Numerous online colleges also offer these degree programs, tailored for the busy professional who wishes to begin, change or advance a career in project management.

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Explore Career Opportunities in Project Management

Career opportunities for project managers exist in a wide range of fields, including technology, engineering, graphic design, fashion design, interior design, real estate, manufacturing, construction, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and architecture. Project managers, who can also go by titles such as project coordinator or project scheduler, may be responsible for launching new products, developing new technologies, or managing alliances with partners. Project managers who work for consultancy agencies may be hired by banks or insurance companies to implement new practices in branch offices, or high-tech companies may hire them to oversee the launch of a new product.