What Degree Do You Need to Be a Project Manager?

If you seek a leadership role and enjoy team-building, delegating, problem-solving, and taking on significant responsibilities, becoming a project manager may be the right career path for you. The outlook for people who work in project management is positive, with a competitive salary and projected job growth over the next decade or so. You may have plenty of opportunities for advancement depending on where you work. 

But you may wonder, "What degree do you need to be a project manager?" No single specific degree is necessary for becoming a project manager, nor will you find a direct career path. It all comes down to the career you envision for yourself.  

Explore the educational requirements for project managers and learn more about what they do, how much they make, and other compelling details you may want to know.  

What does a project manager do?

When an organization has a project to complete, the project manager ensures all team members know what to do and work together efficiently. In this role, you will typically see a project through from start to finish, ensuring the work is high quality, within budget, and completed on time.  

You'll typically work in an office setting, though you may do some traveling to meet with clients. Some of your specific tasks might include: 

• Conducting daily check-ins to make sure all team members are on the same page 

• Communicating with and answering questions from employees 

• Ensuring everyone on the team understands and performs their unique role in the project 

• Meeting with clients and stakeholders who aren’t members of your core team

• Reporting KPIs (key performance indicators) to clients and stakeholders

• Creating a plan to ensure a project meets a client's needs 

• Taking whatever steps necessary to execute a plan 

• Finding solutions to problems that arise while a project is in progress 

• Maintaining a specific budget and schedule for each project 

• Managing all required resources for a project

• Eliminating risks when working on a project

• Using workflow software and other project management tools

• Receiving feedback from clients and using it to adjust your process going forward 

What degree do you need to be a project manager?

Requirements for becoming a project manager will vary from organization to organization, but in many cases, you will need a bachelor's degree. Even if a specific job doesn't require a bachelor's degree, having one may help make you a more competitive candidate and can even lead to a higher salary. According to Zippia, 68 percent of project managers hold a bachelor's degree, 14 percent hold a master's, and 11 percent have an associate degree. Only 3 percent do not have any sort of advanced education beyond high school [1]. 

Project manager degrees: What is the best major? 

Some schools offer a specific degree in project management or a project management specialization, but you also have other options when choosing a major. Many project managers pursue business or business project management majors, which help them gain a business background and build human skills needed for the job, like leadership, communication, problem-solving, and time management. 

Other project managers take a more technical approach to their education, majoring in areas like engineering or information technology. However, to become an engineering project manager, you must acquire a Professional Engineer (PE) license by passing the PEexam. This might help you find a job in a specific industry that hires project managers. You can even become a project manager with a degree in areas like art or graphic design if this is a field in which you want to work. 

Project management certifications 

No matter your major or the type of degree you have, one way to prove your competence in project management to an employer is by earning a project management certification. Specifically, certifications offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) can look great on your resume. Many employers consider the PMI an industry leader in the field. Three sought-after certifications include the Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) credentials. 

Project Management Professional (PMP)

The PMP certification is widely considered an industry-leading standard created by project management professionals. Earning it can not only help expand your professional opportunities but also open the door to a robust network and a supportive community. According to PMI, those with this certification in the United States have a 32 percent higher median salary than those without it [2].   

To earn the credential, you must meet specific requirements, which include a combination of education and experience, and pass a 180-question exam. 

Program Management Professional (PgMP)®

PgMP® certification demonstrates your ability to successfully manage the complexities of multiple projects across various locations while providing effective leadership to those working with you.  PMI reports that those with this certification can earn up to 42 percent more than those without it [3].   

To earn this certification, you must pass a multiple choice exam and a written panel review, distinguishing this certification from the PMP. 

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

According to Entrepreneur, the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification is among the most in-demand professional certifications you can earn [4]. PMI reports that this credential demonstrates that you’ve amassed the robust skill set and expertise necessary to positively contribute to project teams. It's considered an entry-level certification for project management and requires you to pass a 150-question exam [5].

Other skills and qualifications required for project managers  

You won't find one direct path to becoming a project manager. Still, some organizations may prefer you to have some work experience in related roles, like business analyst, information security analyst, and training and development specialist. You might also gain experience as an assistant to a lead project manager. 

Employers may want to see that you have worked in roles that show you have experience recruiting new employees, focusing on employee relations, or handling compensation and benefits, as well as previous roles that prove you can take on tasks like budgeting, scheduling planning, and leading others. You may also need technical skills like knowledge of spreadsheets and the ability to use certain types of software.

It's also vital for you to possess a certain number of human skills, such as empathy, adaptability, decisiveness, and competence, if you want to become a project manager. Some other essential human skills for project managers include:  

• Analytical skills for going over large amounts of data and information 

• Leadership skills so you can effectively manage your team

• Enthusiasm so you can motivate and support your team

• Communication skills for effective interactions with teams, clients, and stakeholders

• Time management skills to ensure projects reach completion on time

• Critical thinking skills for assigning strategies to projects

• Delegation skills so you can assign tasks to the right team members

• Organizational skills, especially if you handle multiple projects

• Problem-solving skills for when you encounter the unexpected 

Work environment for a project manager 

As a project manager, you will typically work in an office, though you may travel to meet with clients. You may also work in almost any industry, including IT, engineering, marketing, health care, HR, advertising, manufacturing, and construction. Internship participation can help you get a feel for the field that best aligns with your interests. 

Is a project management degree worth it? Salary, job, and industry outlook 

Project management is a relatively new field, but it's becoming increasingly popular as businesses and other organizations learn how important it is, which means the future is positive in terms of employment for anyone seeking a role as a project manager. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the need for project managers will likely grow at a rate of 6 percent by 2032, which is higher than average compared to other careers [6]. 

It can also help you earn an attractive salary. The US BLS also reports a median salary of $98,580 per year for people who work in the field [6]. Additionally, Lightcast™ reports annual earnings of $102,918 [7]. 

Learn more on Coursera

Project management can be an exciting career for those with the skills and passion for the work. Gaining education and experience can help you prepare for the road ahead as you forge your project management career.

Take the next step in your project management career by completing the Google Project Management: Professional Certificate. This certificate program equips you with essential skills in planning, execution, and stakeholder communication, enhancing your knowledge and credibility in the field.