One of my colleagues asked me whether he should opt for PMP Certification or an MBA in Project Management? Looking for suggestions from this community to guide him. Saving Changes...
I agree with Dr. James that to earn the PMP is more harder than just getting a university degree as mentioned you need pre requirements of thousands hours of experience to qualify to write the exam of PMP.
In universities they might teach project management as a science this is all about theories like teaching the theory of driving but until you sit behind the steering wheel and drive for so many mileage without incidents that's like you execute many projects on time & under budget. Saving Changes...
Tara BachmanDeputy Administrator| Public Service Commission of WisconsinMadison, Wi, United States
Jan 08, 2018 9:00 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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First, I really do not know how universities can offer an MBA in project mangement. Is not serious (sorry, I do not want to offend to somebody). I am writting because I am lecturer and professor in several well known universities belonging to different countries and I am part of the group that defines the curricula of some of the careers and masters. The discipline itself, the scope, is not enough to create a master or a doctorate as I saw in some places. BUT forget my personal point of view (while I can sustain it). Certification is totally different than an University career. A MBA is a must. But a real MBA (Master on Business Administration). A certification is not a must. At the end, what I have to recognize, is a matter of market demands.
Sergio, it is not an MBA in project management, in a literal sense. It is an MBA with a concentration in project management. I have an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I completed all of my MBA course requirements, and additionally, I took multiple courses that focused on Healthcare Administration specifically related to the business of healthcare, which is my concentration. The course requirements to qualify for an MBA remain the same and a person can choose which area they concentrate in. These courses are taken beyond the core MBA courses. It is an MBA, period. However, it is common to hear someone note they have an, "MBA in...." instead of an, "MBA with a concentration in...."
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Jan 08, 2018 2:41 PM
Sergio Luis Conte
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Thank you Tara. Now I understood. Thank you very much. As you mentioned by far it is not the same.
Saving Changes...
Saby WaraichCIO | CISO| Clackamas Community CollegeOr, United States
Anuj,
What are the goals of your colleague? It all depends on it. For some one who wants to get into Project Management, I will recommend PMP over MBA. I have seen individuals who have MBA's and struggle to get into Project Management field because they don't have experience and education. One of my team member has an MBA, went for CAPM and then after gaining some experience went for PMP.
Many organizations have now a desired or required need for PMP. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Jan 08, 2018 12:54 PM
Replying to Tara Bachman
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Sergio, it is not an MBA in project management, in a literal sense. It is an MBA with a concentration in project management. I have an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration. I completed all of my MBA course requirements, and additionally, I took multiple courses that focused on Healthcare Administration specifically related to the business of healthcare, which is my concentration. The course requirements to qualify for an MBA remain the same and a person can choose which area they concentrate in. These courses are taken beyond the core MBA courses. It is an MBA, period. However, it is common to hear someone note they have an, "MBA in...." instead of an, "MBA with a concentration in...."
Thank you Tara. Now I understood. Thank you very much. As you mentioned by far it is not the same. Saving Changes...
Thilanka DEHIANGESenior Engineer| ColomboDockyard PLCLisle, Il, United States
It is difficult to compare those two in one platform. What to be select is depending on the requirement. If your friend is new to project management and need to learn about the project management principles and theories it is better to go for MBA. But he has experience in project management and need to sharpen his skills in practical application then he has to do PMP certification. Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
They are totally very different certifications - Both together work great but if you have to chose one, you will need to see which one adds the most value to your career and line of business. Saving Changes...
First, I really do not know how universities can offer an MBA in project mangement. Is not serious (sorry, I do not want to offend to somebody). I am writting because I am lecturer and professor in several well known universities belonging to different countries and I am part of the group that defines the curricula of some of the careers and masters. The discipline itself, the scope, is not enough to create a master or a doctorate as I saw in some places. BUT forget my personal point of view (while I can sustain it). Certification is totally different than an University career. A MBA is a must. But a real MBA (Master on Business Administration). A certification is not a must. At the end, what I have to recognize, is a matter of market demands.
Sergio, I see your point that perhaps at first glance there is not enough material to justify a masters degree in project management, but here are some points to consider, and I speak from experience having been accepted into a masters degree in project management now (a third masters for me, but I am only considering doing it): the course subjects from what I can see are more advanced than those in an undergraduate bachelors degree, both in content, and certainly in assessment. Bachelors degrees require less critical thinking and analysis than at masters level. For instance, as you are well aware, the final assessments for masters are usually a 15,000 work thesis or dissertation, while for bachelors it may only be 3,000 words. Further, some of these final assessments for a masters in project management require on the job project work to fulfill the assessment as senior project managers in most cases, again something most bachelors students would not have as yet. However looking at both programs, I would say my MBA was harder than the masters in project management program I am looking at. Saving Changes...
I did my MBA with concentration in Finance for reasons 1. career progression into corporate level 2. I found technical profession as Engineer has less knowledge in corporate management skills & business acumen 3. Business acumen escalation improvement in applying strategic decision with optimal content of commercial judgement. MBA shall equip you with set of knowledge necessary to administrate a business entity more than just a project. Things that we don't learn during our undergraduate in engineering field. For this reason, MBA has fully drive me into another world of knowledge that is significant to my career progression. You started to look at financial report & company financial performance baseline. Funding strategic with investment option and corporate strategic & marketing and etc.
PMP is an international recognition of PM credential that only could be earned through PMI. Both contain commercial value in career progression however PMP is widely recognised as global credential in project management while MBA may still tie back to university ranking in its specialization for its indirect reputation as MBA holder. Both serve different milestone. Decide what is more relevant to your life plan in career. All above input by our seniors are valuable advice for consideration prior to decision.
PUI Saving Changes...
Andres LeandryProject Team Lead| Texas Mutual Insurance CompanyLeander, Tx, United States
As stated before the MBA in project management teaches the theory of project management. When applying for a job a candidate with a PMP certification is more likely to get hire than a candidate with just an MBA. Saving Changes...
Thank you everyone for your comments & suggestions. Let me clarify it's more of an career development alternative that my friend is looking for. I'm, therefore, concluding that going for an MBA in Project Management (as specialization) may help him instead of just the PMP certification. Although as some of you suggested, he may take up PMP certification later in his career if his job needs that as a credential. Saving Changes...
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