Heather TollesMinistry Director| Vertical Life ChurchFuquay Varina, NC, United States
Recently I have been researching Masters in Project Management programs. Does anyone have experience with this degree? Have you found it to be beneficial on the job and progressing in your career?
I have my PMP (& a BA degree) and am in the 3-5 years PM experience range. I find it difficult to get good "by the book" mentoring and shadowing opportunities within my organization and feel that coursework may help me further develop my knowledge and skills as well as connect me to others in similar positions within their careers.
In a world full of PMP's I would hope this degree would also help me further set myself apart when applying for my next role. What is your experience with this degree? Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I must say, Heather, that I never saw project manager job postings that requested a Masters in PM. Most of them only ask for an undergraduate degree and, optionally, PMP.
Don't get me wrong: the Masters will definitely give you an edge. You may find that the edge is more for moving within an employer's organization, rather than across employers.
...
1 reply by Ahmed Fouad Sedky
Aug 25, 2016 10:57 PM
Ahmed Fouad Sedky
...
I am doing my Masters in Construction law but I was searching before starting this Masters about PM Masters and the one offered by George Washington University seemed nice especially I was interested in online delivery method also ODU in Norfolk have a good program.
I agree with Stéphane about the postings. The degrees and certifications are nice to have; but consistently delivering on projects will get you noticed. Project Management is an art/craft and depending on the project; your approach may vary, so finding a A-Z formula may be difficult. I do agree, finding mentors who implement best practices whom you can learn / model would be valuable. If you are aspiring to become an c-suite executive, I would recommend earning your MBA. Saving Changes...
Here in Montreal a program of Master in PM exist, I don't recall request for that degree in job posting.
I agree with Stéphane and Demetrius. It all depend on your gold. Saving Changes...
Linda ZinnDirector, Enterprise Project Management Office| FlightSafety InternationalRutherford, Nj, United States
I have my MSPM from The George Washington University. Prior to getting my degree I was in the project management field in a variety of capacities for about 10 years. When I took the program I actually said to myself that wow, I haven't really been doing project management all of these years I just thought I was. I haven't taken the PMP because honestly I have seen too many people that paid for the skills to pass the test without having the actual skills to back it up. My personal recommendation is that an MSPM is valuable to your career as you will gain skills that are applicable to virtually all management positions and you will have something that differentiates you. I also have an MBA and found my MSPM degree much more valuable. Saving Changes...
Ahmed Fouad SedkySenior Claims Consultant | Systech CanadaToronto, Ontario, Canada
Aug 25, 2016 11:15 AM
Replying to Stéphane Parent
...
I must say, Heather, that I never saw project manager job postings that requested a Masters in PM. Most of them only ask for an undergraduate degree and, optionally, PMP.
Don't get me wrong: the Masters will definitely give you an edge. You may find that the edge is more for moving within an employer's organization, rather than across employers.
I am doing my Masters in Construction law but I was searching before starting this Masters about PM Masters and the one offered by George Washington University seemed nice especially I was interested in online delivery method also ODU in Norfolk have a good program. Saving Changes...
Heather TollesMinistry Director| Vertical Life ChurchFuquay Varina, NC, United States
Thank you all for your thoughtful insights and feedback! It is very helpful to see these various points of view. Saving Changes...
Julia CunninghamManager Project Management| BattelleRichland, Wa, United States
I have a Master of Project Management (MPM) degree from Western Carolina University. I have had it for quite a long time (although not as long as my PMP), but back in the day the courses were worth HUGE PDUs. YMMV. I liked that the delivery was online which suited my learning style, as well as my relocation from Texas to Washington during the degree program. The only time I went to WCU was for graduation, but I really felt like I knew all my classmates through the time we spent together.
I think it is certainly an important differentiator. As a hiring manager, I do give advanced degrees an additional consideration because of the commitment hat it takes to complete, especially as many people are working professionals by the time they pursue additional education. Good luck to you.
...
1 reply by Heather Tolles
Aug 26, 2016 11:49 AM
Heather Tolles
...
Thanks, Julia! The WCU program is the one I have been researching. I am very glad to hear that you had a great experience with it.
Saving Changes...
Heather TollesMinistry Director| Vertical Life ChurchFuquay Varina, NC, United States
Aug 26, 2016 11:47 AM
Replying to Julia Cunningham
...
I have a Master of Project Management (MPM) degree from Western Carolina University. I have had it for quite a long time (although not as long as my PMP), but back in the day the courses were worth HUGE PDUs. YMMV. I liked that the delivery was online which suited my learning style, as well as my relocation from Texas to Washington during the degree program. The only time I went to WCU was for graduation, but I really felt like I knew all my classmates through the time we spent together.
I think it is certainly an important differentiator. As a hiring manager, I do give advanced degrees an additional consideration because of the commitment hat it takes to complete, especially as many people are working professionals by the time they pursue additional education. Good luck to you.
Thanks, Julia! The WCU program is the one I have been researching. I am very glad to hear that you had a great experience with it. Saving Changes...
Julia CunninghamManager Project Management| BattelleRichland, Wa, United States
I did, and still keep in touch with several of my classmates. Lots of things have changed during the course of my career to date, and I expect will continue to change at a rapidly accelerating pace well into the future.
I still use some of the excellent texts from my coursework, and appreciate the comprehensive library that I developed during that time.
The best topic of conversation book continues to be one I acquired well before that time, earlier in my PM journey - an August 1994 Exposure Draft of A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge. I cherish all 64 pages of it, and now that I've exposed over 2 decades of study in project management, I'm going to go find another cup of coffee. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I believe Masters in PM would give you more knowledge but frankly speaking, I do not see it getting you ahead of others if you do not have enough experience. PMP and BA with good experience should be great unless you specialize in a specific topic in project management.
As Stephane said, I've never heard of an employer asking to Master in PM. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
