Is a Master's in Project Management Worth It?

The Master’s in Project Management (MPM) degree focuses on core principles of project management, including planning, execution, and risk management, preparing you for leadership roles in a wide range of sectors. Whether you have work experience with an interest in moving into project management or hold a certification in the field, you may wonder if obtaining a master’s in project management is worth it.

This guide will examine the value of pursuing this advanced degree and outline its benefits, costs, and the career opportunities it can create. By evaluating the potential impact of an MPM degree on your career, you can make an informed decision about whether this investment aligns with your goals. Let’s delve into what this degree has to offer.

What Is a Master’s in Project Management (MPM)?

A Master’s in Project Management is an advanced degree for professionals across industries who want to deepen their expertise in the knowledge, skills, and techniques needed to manage large projects effectively and efficiently. A master’s program in project management may require some background in a related degree or experience in the field.

The Bellevue University MPM degree suggests that you have some experience, a relevant certification, a CIS course, or a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related subject. See the graduate degree admissions requirements for the MPM at Bellevue University.

The Bellevue program is offered fully online with flexibility in mind, allowing you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. With a manageable course load, you can expect to engage deeply with the curriculum, gaining practical skills and knowledge that can be immediately applied in your career, while engaging with faculty who are experts in their field.

Key Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Project Management Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand is growing for skilled project managers. As organizations seek ways to improve productivity and efficiency, employment of project management specialists is expected to increase. Earning an MPM can give you a competitive edge and open doors to exciting career opportunities, making it a strategic investment. Here's how:

Increase Your Earning Potential
Professionals with a master’s in project management often earn significantly more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Position Yourself for Leadership Roles
An MPM sets you up for leadership and executive roles by demonstrating mastery of project strategy, execution, and management.

Prepare for PMP® Certification
The MPM curriculum can help prepare you for certifications like PMP® (Project Management Professional) and CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management),* further enhancing your credibility and job prospects.

Gain Practical, Immediately Applicable Skills
Learn tools, techniques, and frameworks you can apply immediately in your current role or future opportunities.

Earn a Terminal Degree
The MPM is a terminal degree in the field—an academic signal that you’ve reached the highest level of formal education in project management.

Not only will you have the opportunity to gain these skills, but you’ll also build a professional network. Bellevue University offers students the opportunity for elevated levels of engagement with faculty and professionals in the field with vast amounts of experience.

Skills Gained in an MPM Degree

The MPM degree program equips you with the technical know-how and leadership skills to manage complex projects. Skills you will learn include, but are not limited to:

• Project Risk Analysis and Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Project Planning and Execution: Strategically coordinate resources, timelines, and tasks to stay on schedule and on budget.
• Project Communication and Leadership: Guide teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Agile Project Management: Manage projects in fast-paced, iterative environments.
• Global and Virtual Collaboration: Navigate the complexities of international and remote teams.
• Procurement and Contract Management: Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Quality Assurance in Projects: Deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes.
• Lean Product Development: Maximize customer value while minimizing waste.
• Organizational Practices and Structures: Understand how businesses support project success.

Financial Considerations for an MPM Degree

When considering whether an advanced degree like the MPM is worth it, you must factor in several things, such as time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these considerations above with the benefit of an advanced degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the current median annual salary of project management specialists as $98,500 per year (2023) and notes that this role typically needs at least a bachelor’s degree. Salaries in the science/technology sector may be higher than in other industries. Although not always required, relevant certification may be beneficial. Those holding an advanced degree typically have higher earning potential than those with a bachelor’s degree alone.
However, earning potential with an MPM degree varies depending on factors such as industry, location, experience, and specific job role.

Cost

Costs can vary greatly between schools and are usually measured by cost per credit. It’s essential to do some research to guide your decision. Here are some of the facts:

• Cost per credit and other fees are found on the Bellevue University Tuition and Fees page.
• Graduate students are eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
• Military education funding and corporate tuition assistance are other popular ways to fund graduate courses.
• You may be able to transfer in up to 6 graduate credit hours from a previous accredited university. Contact us to learn more about how to have your credits evaluated.

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits you take per term and how many are required (part-time students may take longer). An MPM degree, including Bellevue University’s program, typically requires 36 graduate credit hours.

How Has the Master’s in Project Management Benefited Your Career?

Tony Ellworth was working in finance when he realized the biggest potential for future careers would be in the information technology (IT) field. “I saw the tech boom happen and then the economy go down,” he said. “I thought ‘if you don’t have the education and the certifications around IT, you’re going to be left behind.’”

After leaving the military, Tony Ellsworth found his experience at a traditional university frustrating. “I couldn’t afford to quit work and no one around me had experience like I had,” he said.

That all changed when Ellsworth decided to complete his bachelor’s degree in marketing through an accelerated program at Bellevue University. “My instructor was a business owner. It was fantastic,” he said. “Bellevue University is not only military friendly; they’re family friendly and workplace friendly.”

That experience led to a Master of Business Administration and later a Master of Project Management (MPM). “I continued to choose Bellevue University because I was happy with my bachelor’s degree experience,” Ellsworth said.

Following this, he landed a project management role as a senior scrum master at a major insurance company.

Today, the three-time Bellevue University alum owns his own retail food business, Ellsworth Crossing.

Lifelong Learner and Faculty Member Leads a Successful Career in IT Project Management and Cybersecurity

As a Bellevue University alumnus and cybersecurity professional, Professor David Petty provides the perfect balance of expertise and relevancy for his students in the College of Science and Technology.

Petty has dedicated his career to various areas of technology, growing and learning along the way. He spent 20 years in the military as an Intelligence Analyst focused on defense against cyber attacks. He then devoted 14 years to the Defense Intelligence Agency as a Cyber Intelligence Officer and IT Project Manager. He now works as a Geospatial Systems Analyst/Engineer for the U.S. Forest Service.

Building on his expertise, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bellevue University in 2004 and 2007. During this time, a faculty member suggested he apply to become an adjunct. He’s been serving in that role since 2009.

Sharing a Love for Technology

For over a decade, Petty has taught both online and on-campus courses in cybersecurity, project management, and information and systems management.

“I have always been a technology nerd and love to share that passion with students,” he said.

Petty tries to give his students a valuable learning experience by sharing his knowledge and encouraging them to share perspectives based on their own backgrounds.

I believe that Bellevue University’s greatest strengths are its faculty and students, and how their individual life experiences contribute to the active learning environment. I have tried to do the same, where I can. This helps to reinforce the curriculum and applies not just what you can learn out of a textbook, but provides those real-life examples.

– David Petty, MS, project management, IT, and cybersecurity adjunct faculty

You Can Be Assured of a Quality, Accredited Program

Bellevue University’s MPM program is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Programs accredited by recognized organizations, such as GAC, often carry greater weight in the job market, as they adhere to rigorous academic standards.

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Project Management Right For You?

This terminal degree is ideal for project management practitioners seeking to work toward their Project Manager Professional (PMP®) credentials. It’s also a smart choice for a PMP® certification holder to earn an MPM degree to complement their extensive professional experience. The Master’s in Project Management (MPM) program may be a great fit if you have a bachelor’s degree and want to move into a project management-focused role, or are looking to grow into leadership or executive roles. The future looks bright for versatile project management professionals.

Start Your Master’s in Project Management at Bellevue University Today.

Related resources we think you’ll like.

What Is a Master’s in Project Management (MPM)?
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