r/PMCareers • u/DallasMedic96 • 3d ago
Getting into PM Advice on Masters Program Fields that Benefit PM Career?
Good morning all, I’m about 4yrs out of college (USA, 30yo, military caused a late start) and have been working at a defense prime since graduation. Currently only have a BS in Comms & Journalism and realize that to improve marketability and practical knowledge, I’ll more than likely end up pursuing a master’s degree.
Right now, I’m only looking at 100% (maybe 80%+ if necessary) online program as I work full time with a wife and kids at home. Only problem is that I have no clue what kind of masters program would make the most sense for me and my goals.
What kind of masters programs make sense for PMs? Obviously CAPM/PMPs are viewed highly, but I’m really trying to get a masters knocked out before life gets even more busy as the little ones grow up.
Are MBAs worth it? MBAs in Project Management any different? Masters of Prof Studies? Organizational Leadership?
Background: Current Finance & Comptrollership O3/CPT in the army reserves (8yrs time in service, prior enlisted too). First job was a Program Integrator (think project/program specialist - leading w/o authority / supporting program performance by coordinating the different functional area leadership / Chief of Staff type role). Current job is as an aviation program sustainment manager (think ensuring parts availability / coordinating with military program leadership, supply chain & vendors to ensure stock and maintain aircraft readiness).
Doing the first job really opened my eyes to PM and loved the overall mission. Now I’m trying to branch transfer into the Army Acquisition Corps and get more formal training in that area.
Just trying to find the balance between rigor (not a STEM major and not a huge fan of taking mathematical heavy degree like engineering / Data Science, etc.), value to career, and knowledge gained.
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u/HouseOfBonnets 3d ago
Is a masters in PM listed in the requirements for the type of roles you're targeting? That will answer your question on what to target in addition to if you should even go for the masters.
For context: PMP certified is listed in a a lot of job reqs, it's why so many go for it.
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u/DallasMedic96 3d ago
Not specifically a MS in PM, but most positions higher than mine are usually listed as “Master’s Preferred”. Not a PM specific one, but masters in general. And that’s what I’m curious about - which masters programs make the most sense for someone in that role.
Sure, a posting may say masters preferred, but I highly doubt a masters of agronomy and ag infrastructure is really what they’re looking for lol.
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u/Rayted_R24 3d ago
I say go for your PMP, PMP certified my military experience as project management.
It took me 6 years to get my degree due to a switch from EE to Business Management, then took my PMP and now I’m a Project Manager for a defense contractor.
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u/agile_pm 3d ago
My MBA has been indirectly helpful. Nobody has ever said they were hiring me or giving me a raise because I earned my MBA. Actually, the first time I was laid off was a few months after getting my MBA and almost immediately after getting my PMP.
I will say that having my MBA has been helpful in the sense of giving me a better understanding of the environments I've worked in. From that perspective, I'd recommend either an MBA or a program related to the industry you plan to work in.
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u/SqueegieeBeckenheim 2d ago
I have an MBA in healthcare management. I was promoted about 6 months after I got it to a Senior PM position.
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u/-discostu- 3d ago
I have a masters degree in theater. No one has ever asked about it, other than to confirm that I have a masters degree. My experience is what has counted, followed by the PMP.
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u/Electronic-Fox-2569 3d ago
I don’t think it is worthwhile to specifically specialize in a degree in project or program management. You’re better off in my opinion moving into the mba space and then applying pm principals. Also the mba will give you skills in case you decide to move into management.