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Online Degrees in Project Management

Project managers are often called by many other names: superintendent, supervisor, team leader, or manager, just to name a few. No matter what they're called, however, the job is the same: they plan, coordinate, budget and direct projects. Whether it involves construction of buildings or implementing a technology plan, project managers can be found in a wide variety of industries.

Options for project management degrees

There are numerous degree options for those pursuing careers in project management. Since project management has a broad focus that can encompass many types of industries, degree requirements vary. The most popular degree paths include the master's degree and certificate. In most cases, certificates are awarded to those who have already earned a bachelor's degree or associate degree in a related field.

Project management degrees earned through a program accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center might make it easier for graduates to find jobs in their chosen fields. In the article "Career Paths for the Entry Level Project Manager," career coach Josh Nankivel points out that for entry-level and mid-level project managers, a bachelor's degree is usually the minimum educational requirement. When first rising through the ranks, experience might matter more than an advanced degree.

Those who choose to earn online project management degrees often do so for the ease of scheduling and ability to work at their own pace. Students in online classes can also immediately apply what they learn to the work environment, thus turning their jobs into a laboratory to test new concepts.

What to expect from a project management career

Project managers can expect to guide projects from concept to completion. Key responsibilities include ensuring the job is finished on deadline and within budget. Those best suited for project management work well in a fast-paced environment, work well under pressure and can make firm decisions. They must be able to analyze many situations at once and handle a wide variety of problems.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to work diplomatically with others are important competencies of the job. According to the Project Management Institute, up to 42 percent of a project manager's time at work could be spent resolving conflicts.

Project management careers are found in a wide variety of industries, including aerospace and defense, construction, financing, government, information systems, manufacturing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, utilities and more.

Since project management jobs can be found across such a wide variety of industries, the pay for a project manager varies quite a bit. According to Salary.com, project managers in construction had a median annual income of $84,878, while project managers in technology services had an average income of $71,131. Project managers in more advanced positions in information technology brought in $101,085. As with any career, the degree level earned, experience gained and the industry chosen help determine final pay grade.

Project management at a glance

Education: The bachelor's degree is usually the minimum requirement for project management education.
Skills: According to the Project Management Institute, up to 42 percent of a project manager's time at work could be spent resolving conflicts.
Salaries: Construction project managers made an average of $84,878 per year, and IT project managers made $71,131, according to Salary.com.

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