I am currently pursuing my BS in Project Management, afterwards I plan to go for my Masters in Project Management. Even though these degrees are relatively new, I still have not seen or heard of many people with a Masters in Project Management.
I am curious, as many of you are PMP certified and/or have years of experience, which do you think is better to pursue? An MBA or a Masters degree in Project Management? Saving Changes...
I have both an MBA and an MPM. Both are very relevant to a project manager's role. The MBA teaches how business should be run, and I had a few light bulb moments when doing this course. The MPM is more focussed on PM activities, I did a law module for PMs which I found very useful. So to sum up the MBA teaches you about the business landscape you are working in, and the MPM teaches you what you should be doing to deliver projects in that landscape. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
I would go for a MBA (very traditional and almost required in the market) and I would go for a PMP (not for an MPM if you already have an MBA)...
If you don't want to pursue the MBA then you can go for an MPM.
If you're a current or future Project Manager then PMP is a must, and if you have a PMP I wouldn't go for a MPM. Saving Changes...
George LewisProgram/Project Manager| DXC Technology CompanyHeredia, Costa Rica
In summary MBA and PMP Saving Changes...
M. Sahir A. Shatiry, PMI-RMP, PMPSenior Hook-up and Commissioning Engineer| Petronas Carigali Sdn BhdIpoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Interesting topic on discussion, for me since I'd already PMP, as george did mentioned, i think maybe the choice is go for MBA. Since the MBA traditionally popular among businesses. Saving Changes...
Elizabeth HarrinDirector| RebelsGuideToPM.comLondon, England, United Kingdom
Gosh, this topic gets asked a lot. I don't think there is one perfect answer, though, because it must rely heavily on the industry you are in and the country market too - different countries will have a different expectation of the level of qualification and relevant qualifications. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
I am professor inside both, MBA and Master in Project Management. I earn an MBA. While I am a professor inside a Master, I will say that you have to go for an MBA. Mainly if you agree about project manager is not a technical role. What most of the Universities offer as Master in Project Management is the same than any other non universitary organization could offer if they create a curricula to teach each PMBOK knowledge area in deep. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
I am professor inside both, MBA and Master in Project Management. I earn an MBA. While I am a professor inside a Master, I will say that you have to go for an MBA. Mainly if you agree about project manager is not a technical role. What most of the Universities offer as Master in Project Management is the same than any other non universitary organization could offer if they create a curricula to teach each PMBOK knowledge area in deep. Saving Changes...
Thank you everyone for your inputs! I really appreciate all of your thoughts and suggestions. My plan is to eventually earn my PMP, that is why I am pursuing my Bachelor's in Project Management, (for the prerequisite portion of a secondary degree). So I did not know if pursuing an MPM after was the best option vice branching out a little bit knowledge-wise for an MBA.
Again, all of your inputs have been very helpful! Thanks! Saving Changes...
One massive misconception is that an MPM replaces the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. It does not. Many employers value a top-tier MBA paired with a standalone PMP certification more than a standalone Master's in Project Management degree because it gives you the absolute best of both worlds: macro business strategy and technical execution skills. Saving Changes...
Hi Benjamin, if you already hold a BS in Project Management, I would personally recommend pursuing an MBA instead of a Master’s in Project Management. An MBA still includes project management concepts, but it also gives you broader knowledge in areas that can be very valuable in your career, such as finance, accounting, operations, leadership, and strategy, not just project management alone. In addition, any group projects you complete during the program will give you a great opportunity to apply the project management knowledge and skills you already have.
On top of that, many universities offer MBA programs with a concentration or focus in Project Management. I would suggest exploring the different options available to find a program that best fits your career goals.
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