Online Associates Degree in Project Management

As a project manager, you could coordinate the work of teams across diverse industries, with specializations such as business administration, organizational management, technical management, information technology, construction management or engineering. Project managers monitor all aspects of a project, including time, resources and personnel, costs, quality, and risks.

Associate degrees in project management are rare in the U.S.; most schools offer a bachelor's or master's degree, or a certificate for those with a degree in a different field and related work experience. In addition to core education classes, associate degree coursework may cover information systems and computer literacy; communications; and business fundamentals such as HR management, finance, accounting, marketing, economics, and management and leadership.

Project management career options and salary

With an associate degree, you may seek entry to positions that could lead to project management careers with additional experience and education. The Department of Labor estimates faster than average employment growth between 2008 and 2018 for the following project management-related occupations, which are shown with median 2010 salaries:

1. Cost estimator: 25 percent job growth; salary, $57,860
2. Construction manager: 17 percent growth; salary, $83,860
3. First-line supervisor/administrative support and construction trades: 11 to 15 percent growth; salary range, $47,500 to $58,700

Industries ranging from aerospace to telecommunications have projects that need to be planned and managed, both strategically and technically; for example, projects must be initiated, executed, controlled and closed.

Outlook for project management

Associate degrees in project management can help prepare you for the transition to a specialized or advanced program in the field. Bachelor's degree programs feature different concentrations. Master's degree programs focus on specialties such as e-business, purchasing, operations or supply chain management. Advanced courses at the bachelor's and master's levels could include cost and economic analysis, procurement, organizational management, risk management, and productivity measurement and improvement.

Also available are Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Organization and Management with a specialization in project management or Doctor of Project Management degrees. Depending on your focus, career opportunities could include research and publication, high level leadership roles, university teaching, or consulting.

Project management programs are conveniently available online for those already working or who have personal obligations. To enter this in-demand profession, earn your associate degree and position yourself for a bachelor's or master's degree. Gain experience and the skills to manage a project from beginning to end.

As a project manager, you could coordinate the work of teams across diverse industries, with specializations such as business administration, organizational management, technical management, information technology, construction management or engineering. Project managers monitor all aspects of a project, including time, resources and personnel, costs, quality, and risks.

Associate degrees in project management are rare in the U.S.; most schools offer a bachelor's or master's degree, or a certificate for those with a degree in a different field and related work experience. In addition to core education classes, associate degree coursework may cover information systems and computer literacy; communications; and business fundamentals such as HR management, finance, accounting, marketing, economics, and management and leadership.

Project management career options and salary

With an associate degree, you may seek entry to …