Students working on a group project

Choosing The Right MBA For Project Management

One popular career for many MBAs is project management.

Project managers, or PMs, are “responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the completion of specific projects for an organization while ensuring these projects are on time, on budget, and within scope,” according to Northeastern University.

Ilana Kowarski, a reporter at U.S. News, recently spoke to experts about how applicants can choose a project management MBA and why.

WHO SHOULD GET A PROJECT MANAGEMENT MBA?

Project manager job descriptions often highlight characteristics and skills such as being detail-oriented, practical, and able to apply a methodical approach to projects.

Experts say successful project managers pay close attention to meeting the standards of a project.

“Project managers are responsible for leading the entire project through all of its steps — from planning and execution to completion,” Vanja Djuric, an associate professor of practice in the marketing department at the University of Akron College of Business Administration in Ohio, tells U.S. News.

SELECTING AN MBA PROGRAM

Experts recommend that applicants seek out MBA programs that offer relevant coursework for project management positions including topics such as strategy, finance, accounting, operations, and human resources.

Additionally, having an area of expertise can be helpful as well.

“Increasingly, organizations are also interested in project management programs that include the skills and ability to conduct a Social Impact Analysis,” Russell Darnall, a leading faculty member in the MS in Project Management program at Walden University, tells U.S. News.

“A Social Impact Analysis provides a mechanism for the project manager to assure that the environment, social and economic impact of their project is consistent with the Corporate Social Responsibility goals of the organization.”

Sources: U.S. News, Northeastern University