Program Overview: Associate’s Degree in Project Management
Majors Overview June 17, 2013Overseeing specific projects in a variety of industries such as sales, information technology and construction management is the responsibility of project managers. No school offers associate degree programs in the field; any individuals who want to gain project management training and skills would benefit by earning a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Project Management degree.
B.S. in Project Management Degree Program
Technical schools, private institutions and four-year universities are among the institutions that typically offer degree programs in project management. An individual enrolled in a business administration or business science program can opt for project administration as a concentration option. The Project Management Institute (PMI), an industry-recognized credentialing organization, often sets the guidelines on which these programs are based.
The Project Management Institute approves the coursework of such programs that cover subject areas such as human management, time management and project planning skills. Aspiring project managers who complete the program can expect to gain the management abilities and training needed for developing, planning and executing a specific business project or proposal.
Education Requirements
Most colleges and universities require students to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma, if they want to enroll in a four-year bachelor’s degree program in project management. Depending on the schools, some will accept transfer students who have earned their associate degree in a field such as business administration, construction, logistics, and management.
Program Course Topics
Project management associate degree program courses are designed to provide students with practical education and specific training necessary to manage a team of employees in the execution of a specific project. Management skills will be provided through the classes listed below:
•Small business management
•Business communication
•Project management specialization
•Organizational systems and behavior
•Management essentials
•Customer service skills
•Business principles
•Budget planning and cost estimation
•Basic accounting and financing
Career Options
Students who have earned their associate degree in project management will be prepared for management and leadership positions in various fields, including manufacturing and construction. Individuals may obtain the following positions:
•Information technology (IT) project manager
•Pharmaceutical manufacturing manager
•Banking manager
•Supply chain manager
•Wholesale project manager
•Quality assurance specialist
•Construction project manager
•Cost estimator
•Business project leader
Certification Options and Continuing Education
Most universities offer master’s degree programs in project management through both on-campus and online formats. Instructions offered in the degree program is tailored to satisfy the needs of individuals interested in high-level leadership positions and includes in-depth study in various management aspects such as risk management, laws and budgets. Some schools also offer project management graduate certificate programs, and the credits earned can be transferred to master’s degree programs.
Professionals employed in the management field are offered certification opportunities by the Project Management Institute (www.pmi.org). These professionals can opt for designations such as Program Management Professional (PgMP), Project Management Professional (PMP), PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP), PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP), and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). While different criteria of eligibility apply to each designation, applicants are usually expected to have completed a postsecondary degree and passed an exam, along with having many hours of management experience.
