Degree Overview: Master of Science (M.S.) Degree in Business Communication – Project Management
Majors Overview June 22, 2015This article talks about Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Business Communication – Project Management and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Business Communication – Project Management
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Project Management degree is typically awarded to students who complete educational programs approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Through the use of knowledge areas and processes in project management, project teams can complete a project through the use of a particular set of operations.
Students enrolled in many programs are required to develop professional value through the completion of a portfolio of work. Varying by program, classroom or online courses may be offered. Courses that count towards Project Management Professional continuing education credits may also be available at some schools.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to submission of GMAT and GRE scores. References and resumes may also be requirements at some schools.
Coursework
PMI defines project management as connecting a project’s results with a business’ goals via the execution of projects through effective employment of knowledge and skills. In performing the five processes that comprise project management, professionals in the field initiate, plan, execute, monitor and close. The field involves nine knowledge areas, including cost, integration, scope, human resources, communications, quality, procurement, time, and risk management.
Studies in management functions and business practices are available through most programs. Core coursework is devised to connect budgets, projects, information and planning, project quality, cost benefit analysis and teaching learners’ information on resource allocation. Students learn ways of defining project outcomes, tracking performance, estimating resource needs, controlling labor and charging clients. Practical skills are usually gained by them in communication, negotiation, listening, evaluation, team facilitation, management, leadership, and customer relations. Project-based strategies are typically used by individuals to gain a grasp of balancing cost, time, scope and quality of projects. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Financial concepts
•Organizational leadership
•Risk management
•Project communication
•Project communications
Career Choices
Master’s degree holders can seek careers in numerous areas, including manufacturing, government, information technology, transportation, and education. They can choose from possible job options such as:
•General manager
•Project manager
•Program manager
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 11% has been predicted for top executives, including general and operations managers (the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2014, general and operations managers brought in an average annual wage of $117,200.
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates can seek continued education by pursuing a Ph.D. in the area of business. The Ph.D. in Business Administration focuses on marketing, accounting, finance, and the research, analysis, and methodology of management.