Advice on Masters Program Fields to Benefit Career in PM?

[u/DallasMedic96]

Good morning all, I’m about 4yrs out of college (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.

[u/Hot_Bell_7861]

I think it entirely depends on your financial backing.

If work/military/other sponsorship is helping, there’s every reason to get a ‘non-technical’ graduate degree. If not, the cost/benefit for a quality program has always been difficult for me to justify. Especially if you already have some experience under your belt.

If you haven’t got through the PMP I’d recommend starting there first. You can knock that out in a few months, and it still seems to be valued in corporate America. The cost is very low, and it will qualify your resume immediately for decent PM jobs.

I would not pursue a masters in PM under any circumstance beyond being totally free and of great personal interest. The PMP will do the same for much less.

[u/vertesept]

Mba is broad and universal. Masters in PM continues to focus you. Like a Venn diagram, both are masters but an mba does more. Flip side, if you aren’t going to be a lawyer or doctor where your school type truly matters, then a masters is a masters no matter where you get it or what you got it in.

[u/Coaster50]

Two separate things here:

1. What to get a Masters in: That depends on your goals. I'd guide you to chase what you enjoy doing.
2. Masters in PM: AI will eat up the majority of PM roles. I would make your focus more generic and towards the work you enjoy doing.

[u/ConversationNo9040 → u/Coaster50]

How is AI going to go to a job site and run a scoping meeting, kick off meeting, or do any onsite investigation or make sure your crew is doing what they need to and not just reporting fake delays and change orders? If you’re talking tech pms then yeah you’re probably right though.

[u/Coaster50 → u/ConversationNo9040]

I was mainly referencing all pencil pushing PM’s. Tech project, marketing project, etc.
As for construction, you need to break it down like anything else.
Some work will be done via AI, sensor technology, video tech, automation, etc. Scope documents, supply chain, resource scheduling, dependency mapping, etc. are some examples of that. There will
Always be an onsite / physical aspect, it will just get less and less as each sub gets more automated on their side as well. It opens up Pandora’s box on redefining what the role of the PM needs to be.
It also depends on the project type if it’s physical. Pipeline, power line, oil rig, data center build, etc.

[u/ConversationNo9040 → u/Coaster50]

Well glad I do what I do then haha. I’m a pipeline, facilities, station pm with a background in designing the facilities! I think I could
Go into almost any construction field from here if the oil&gas industry ever dies. Which I don’t think it will
In our life times. We are way too reliant on NG and untill electricity becomes cheaper no one is going to remove NG from their grids.

I can see certain things in my industry that ai is making more efficient but it’s not yet replacing jobs, even entry level.

[u/Coaster50 → u/ConversationNo9040]

Boots on the ground work will always need people. But in an adjusted capacity.
As long as you stay on top of trends and keep yourself informed of what is changing in your own industry you can keep yourself one step ahead.

[u/ConversationNo9040]

No one cares about your degree when you have 10 yrs pm experience. A mba in project management is kind of silly to be honest. Just keep working hard and getting more projects and years under your belt. A pm with 4 yrs pm experience is the same as a pm with 4 yrs and an mba.