Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
I know this is an age old question, and it's probably been discussed for ages, but would like to hear some up-to-date opinions on it. I've read a bit about the differences between a Masters degree in Project Management and a Project Management certificate. One might provide short term goals, vs long term goals.
My question is, does a PM Masters degree vs a PM Certificate really matter in industry? If so, how? If not, why not? Saving Changes...
I think it really depends on the industry and the company you are targeting. For example, in some companies, having a Masters degree might get you an additional week's vacation.
In general, I'd suggest that having some evidence of formal PM training is a good thing, but experience will trump accreditation in most cases.
I would put certification over masters,
considering the fact that certification is assessed to check your knowledge + experience.
I have mostly seen that organization more look for experience as key factor.
PM masters gives the indication of your knowledge, but you experience + certification gives it a better prospect. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Kiron, @Tarun, very valuable point. Certainly appreciate the advice. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The problem is: what some organizations or Universities published like a master, is really that? You will see not. A master degree like a doctorate degree has to fullfil specific requirements to be consider "serious". In my case I found dificult to justify that something like project management can be supported by a master. But just my personal opinion I can sustain because I work as a professor inside international well known Universities and beside that I am participating to create the curricula. Returning to your point, certifications are just only a credential that could help you to get a new job, no more than that. In fact, there are a lot outside there. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Sergio, I like your perspective. Certificates are always faster to achieve than a Masters, for short term goals.
I'm thinking if someone already has a Masters in a different discipline, like say an MEng, MA, or MEd, then I suppose getting a certificate in project management makes sense, especially if one is already in the PM field, or wants to transition to the PM field.
But, if one doesn't have a Masters at all, then attaining a Masters in Project Management might be a good avenue to take, if one wants to enter the PM field, and if one can afford the 1-2 years that it will take to complete the degree.
I suppose the value from the PM Masters degree could be a personal one, but is it really functional, as you say. Whereas the certificate has a very immediate functional value.
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Jun 14, 2020 9:07 PM
Sergio Luis Conte
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In my case, I have a Ph.D with Major in Software Engineering, a Master Degree in Business Administration, a Master Degree in Knowledge Engineering (is related to AI) and a Master Degree in Software Engineering (it helps me to apply for the Ph. D). I made all these because my personal need to achieve excellence in my work (obviously to have Masters or Ph.D just help on that but excellence demands other things). I spent time and effort on getting certifications after making my own estimations on future market demands, no more than that. If you ask me, just for me, the value is on getting a Master but if and only if it is 2 years plus tesis. Ph. D is in other layer of exigence.
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Jun 14, 2020 2:51 PM
Replying to Marcus Udokang
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@Sergio, I like your perspective. Certificates are always faster to achieve than a Masters, for short term goals.
I'm thinking if someone already has a Masters in a different discipline, like say an MEng, MA, or MEd, then I suppose getting a certificate in project management makes sense, especially if one is already in the PM field, or wants to transition to the PM field.
But, if one doesn't have a Masters at all, then attaining a Masters in Project Management might be a good avenue to take, if one wants to enter the PM field, and if one can afford the 1-2 years that it will take to complete the degree.
I suppose the value from the PM Masters degree could be a personal one, but is it really functional, as you say. Whereas the certificate has a very immediate functional value.
In my case, I have a Ph.D with Major in Software Engineering, a Master Degree in Business Administration, a Master Degree in Knowledge Engineering (is related to AI) and a Master Degree in Software Engineering (it helps me to apply for the Ph. D). I made all these because my personal need to achieve excellence in my work (obviously to have Masters or Ph.D just help on that but excellence demands other things). I spent time and effort on getting certifications after making my own estimations on future market demands, no more than that. If you ask me, just for me, the value is on getting a Master but if and only if it is 2 years plus tesis. Ph. D is in other layer of exigence. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Sergio, taking a degree based on estimations on future market demands, is certainly a very valuable criteria, reason, and motivator.
Marcus
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Jun 15, 2020 8:53 AM
Sergio Luis Conte
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I do that just for certifications but not for degree. Regards.
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Jun 15, 2020 2:40 AM
Replying to Marcus Udokang
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@Sergio, taking a degree based on estimations on future market demands, is certainly a very valuable criteria, reason, and motivator.
Marcus
I do that just for certifications but not for degree. Regards. Saving Changes...
