Best PhD Programs in Project Management

The admissions requirements and application process for doctoral degree programs in project management vary by program and school. Many schools have advisors specifically for the program that can help walk students through the admissions process and answer any additional questions. In general, applicants will need to fill out the designated application form(s) and submit any required application fee. Often, schools will require additional forms to be included with one's application. For example, most schools require that students include transcripts from their other college-level coursework. Some project management programs also require a resume or CV to be included with a student's application. Depending on the school, students may be admitted through direct-entry or an evaluation track that requires additional coursework.

Many doctoral programs in project management also have some educational and professional prerequisites that students are required to meet prior to admission. However, these requirements also vary widely by school. It is fairly common for these degree programs to require applicants to hold at least a master's degree from an accredited institution. Schools that offer direct-entry may require that this master's degree be in a field related to the degree program, so in this case, a degree in business management, business administration, or other specialized area of business. There are also some programs that require doctoral students to have some professional work experience, such as 5 years of field or life experience. Typically, this experience needs to come from a related field.

Students in any field studying at any level should look to attend an accredited institution, as these schools have met general criteria for academic quality. This type of regional accreditation can also help qualify students for financial aid, allow credits to transfer more easily, and may stand out to employers. Some degree programs have additional program-level accreditation that is usually specific to the subject area. Although there are no accrediting bodies specifically in project management, there are some business-related degree programs with a concentration in project management that hold program-level accreditation. This accreditation is usually from business-related organizations, such as the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Most doctoral programs in project management are designed to take between 3 and 4 years to complete, but it varies by program. For example, some DBA programs in project management may allow students to finish faster, such as in 3 years, versus other PhD programs where students have to complete a dissertation. The amount of time it takes to complete a dissertation is often what determines the time to degree completion, but some PhD programs can be completed in about 40 months (a little over 3 years). PhD programs often give students up to 7 years to complete their program.

The curriculum requirements for doctoral programs in project management vary, but students usually need to complete around 60 credits of coursework. Typically, students take some core required courses and some electives. Depending on the type of degree, students may take required courses and some specialization courses in project management, such as for a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in project management. Other programs include core project management courses, research courses, and orientation courses in their required coursework. Either way, students are commonly required to take courses in topics such as leadership/management, statistics, project risk management, communication, ethics, project monitoring and control, project law, and more. Some programs that offer electives may allow students to explore various topics related to project management, such as project administration, project procurement management, or sustainability for project managers. Programs that include orientation courses aim to help students better understand the program and process to earn their degree. Most programs conclude with dissertation credits.

Preparing Your Project Management Dissertation

A dissertation is a big writing project that is typically broken up into multiple pieces to help students complete it over time. Students may begin learning about the dissertation process in orientation courses or other dissertation overview classes. Usually, students have to undergo a pre-candidacy prospectus that requires them to demonstrate a mastering in knowledge of their subject area. This typically occurs after coursework has been completed. Once students reach candidacy status, they begin working on their dissertation proposal. This proposal requires them to choose a dissertation topic and begin thinking about the methods they will use to address it. The proposal has to be approved by a student's dissertation committee before they can begin collecting and analyzing data. After students have collected and analyzed data, they can begin writing their dissertation. Students then defend their finished dissertation before their committee. Afterward, students are typically encouraged to work on getting their research papers published.

Most PhD programs in project management do not have traditional concentrations. However, there are project management programs in a variety of different industries. For example, there are PhD in Information Technology (IT) Project Management programs available for students who wish to apply their skills in project management specifically to technology-related careers. There is also a range of PhD and other doctoral programs that offer project management as its own concentration, such as a PhD or DBA in Business Administration with a concentration in the field.

Although project management degree programs are not common at the associate level, students can still find undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the field. Many of these degree programs are available in online formats and help prepare students for project management in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, and technology. Each degree level helps students prepare for more education and further advances their career. Find out what project management degree programs are available at each degree level below.

Project Management Associate Degrees

While they are relatively rare, there are at least a couple of associate degree programs available in project management. These degree programs are usually offered as Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and are typically available in flexible formats. Students can complete these programs in 2 years and could be required to take between 60 and 90 credits of coursework. The curriculum for these programs aligns with the standards and practices set by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Project Management Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's degree programs in project management are more widely available and are offered as Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees. There are also a number of degree programs in various subject areas that offer project management as a concentration, such as a bachelor's degree in business with a project management concentration. Bachelor's degree programs are usually designed to be completed in 4 years and are commonly available online. Students receive hands-on training in the field and may conclude the program with a capstone course or project.

Project Management Master's Degrees

There are several different kinds of master's degree programs in project management available, including a Master of Project Management, Master of Science (MS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS), and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Most of these programs are designed to be completed in 2 years or less and may be available in online formats. Students typically complete around 30 credits of coursework. Some programs conclude with a capstone, and many help prepare students for professional certifications in the field.

Project Management Graduate Certificates

There is no shortage of business graduate certificate programs available, including those in areas such as business analyst, finance, business management, marketing, organizational leadership, and project management. Project management certificates are commonly offered online, and some can be completed in as little as 9 months. Several of these certificate programs require around 16 credits of coursework and prepare students for professional certification in the field. Credits from certificate programs can often transfer and count towards other graduate degrees, such as an MS in Project Management. Some of these programs are customizable and allow students to choose from a few different courses.

As mentioned, project management can be applied to many different fields and industries, and therefore, graduates with a background in the field can choose from a wide range of careers. For example, some may enter the field of design and construction and work as a construction project superintendent, landscape design project manager, or construction project engineer. Others may enter the field of technology as an internet project manager or the field of consulting as a project management consultant. Usually, the field that students enter depends on the area of focus of their degree and/or other prior education. In general, graduates with their PhD in Project Management are prepared to take on upper-level leadership jobs and/or those involved in research and academia.

Become a Top Executive

Top executives include job titles such as city managers, school superintendents, managing directors, and other top management positions that often oversee various projects. These professionals are typically required to hold at least a bachelor's degree, but some positions or employers may require at least a master's degree. Depending on the position, it is also a common requirement for these executives to have prior work experience in their field and/or any industry-related certifications or licenses.

The job duties of top executives vary greatly based on the job title, employer, and even the size of the organization. However, in general, these executives are responsible for big-picture goals and tasks. They may help set goals for the organization and figure out strategies and policies to reach these goals. They also usually oversee the work of other employees and managers.

Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Graduates of project management who are interested in working in IT may become computer and information systems managers. Usually, these managers have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but it is fairly common for employers to require a master's degree. These managers also need to have prior work experience, especially for larger organizations or higher-level positions, such as directors.

Computer and information systems managers put their project management skills to use as they plan and oversee various types of computer-related activities and projects. These activities help meet the technology needs of the organization and commonly require updates and new installation of technologies. These managers are also responsible for running the cost and benefit analysis for projects, as well as overseeing the work of other IT professionals.

Become an Engineering Manager

Graduates of project management who have a prior background in engineering may work as an engineering manager. Engineering managers need to hold at least a bachelor's degree, usually in an engineering specialty. A graduate degree for these managers may focus more on the management aspect of the profession. It is also important for these managers to have several years of engineering-related experience.

Engineering managers oversee engineering-related projects, which requires them to manage the budget, staff, equipment, and more. They usually need to conduct research for their projects and then carefully check the work of other team members for accuracy. It is up to the engineering managers to coordinate the work of the entire team to ensure that a project is safe and effective. They may need to work with other managers on a project, such as those in finance or marketing.

Joining a professional organization is a great way for professionals in any field to continue growing in their knowledge of the field and connect with other professionals. In the case of project management, professionals can choose from organizations related to their industry, as well as organizations designed specifically for project management. These project management groups work to promote the field, support working professionals, and offer resources to other organizations in need of quality project management. A couple of groups that project management professionals may consider joining include:

• Project Management Institute- The PMI is one of the best-known organizations in project management and provides a number of professional certifications in the field. The group also has a variety of training and development opportunities, as well as various events. Other organizations may take advantage of the group's business solutions resources and project management standards.
• International Project Management Association- The IPMA is an international project management group that provides trainings and events for professionals. The organization keeps professionals up-to-date with current news in the field, as well as resources for researchers in the field.

Tuition rates vary greatly between schools that offer project management doctoral programs. Students should be sure to carefully research the cost of their program, as well as consider additional costs. Often, tuition does not include additional costs, such as books or fees. Tuition rates may vary by department, residential status, or other factors. Although it varies, some doctoral programs in project management charge over $1,200 per credit hour. Usually, fees are charged in addition to the tuition rate, such as course material fees or other university fees. Finally, students need to consider their living situation and the various costs associated with food, transportation, and housing.

Paying for a doctoral degree in project management can be challenging, so students should explore the various financial aid options that are available to them. Students should always begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for state and federal funding. Then, students should check with their school or schools of interest to see what types of financial aid they may offer. For example, many schools have their own scholarships or other forms of funding, such as assistantships and fellowships through grants or other funding.

Students can also look for outside scholarships from local, state, national, or even international organizations and groups. Scholarships are widely available for diverse reasons, including financial need, academic merit, demographics, interests, and more. Specifically for project management students, there are even project management organizations that offer scholarships. For example, the PMI Educational Foundation offers the James R. Snyder International Student Paper of the Year Award (ISPA) and the Donald S. Barrie Award for winners who have submitted a paper in the field.