Accelerated Project Management Degree Programs
Organizations are striving to boost productivity and efficiency, and they need skilled project managers to do so. In an accelerated project management program, you’ll learn how to manage projects and teams effectively and meet specific organizational goals.
By earning an accelerated project management degree, you can fast-track your studies and enter the workforce more quickly. Keep reading to explore different programs and the possible career pathways you can pursue.
What Is an Accelerated Project Management Degree?
Accelerated programs provide the same education as a traditional program, but in a condensed format. In an accelerated project management degree program, you’ll cover the same course topics and develop the same project management skills at a much quicker pace.
You’ll learn how to create timelines, set budgets, and best lead teams to achieve specific goals. Accelerated bachelor’s degrees in project management can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years, compared to about four years or more for a traditional program.
Accelerated Project Management Degree Overview
An accelerated project management degree program is one of the fastest routes to starting a career in the field. While these condensed programs are more intensive, they can help you save time and even money.
How to Get a Project Management Degree Fast
- 1 Figure out what you want from your degree, including the type of training, curriculum focus, postgraduate career, program length, and schedule. Then prioritize and rank these requirements.
- 2 List and research the schools that have project management degrees online. Take down all the information, and see how each school aligns with your wants and needs.
- 3 Call or visit the schools that best meet your needs. Ask questions about the programs and support services. Find out how past graduates have done in your field.
- 4 Look at the program cost and financial aid options available. To get an accurate picture of the final cost, dig into the aid requirements and get an idea of how much support you could realistically receive.
- 5 Start collecting all your application materials, including reference letters, transcripts, and personal essays. This will give you a headstart in the process and avoid last-minute scrambles.
Types of Accelerated Degree Programs in Project Management
You can find accelerated project management degrees at every level. Learn more about each of these degrees below.
Accelerated degree programs in project management include:
- Associate degree in project management
- Bachelor’s degree in project management
- Master’s degree in project management
Associate Degree in Project Management
An associate degree program in project management covers the fundamentals of managing and delivering on projects.
These programs often include foundational training in business, finance, and accounting as well.
Pursuing this degree will give you quick access to the field. From there, you can build on your training with professional experience or continuing education.
Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
A bachelor’s in project management provides comprehensive coverage of the field. You will pick up leadership, organization, risk management, and budgeting skills.
You may also have the chance to specialize in a field like IT management, construction management, or nonprofit management.
With an accelerated bachelor’s degree, you can qualify for entry-level project management careers in a relatively short period of time.
Master’s Degree in Project Management
A master’s in project management tackles advanced topics in the field, including business analytics, project governance, and procurement and supply.
These programs also offer concentrations, such as Agile project management and technical project management.
An accelerated degree at this level can help you access promotions and leadership roles with less than two years of postgraduate study.
Project Management Careers
The broad applicability of accelerated project management degrees can lead to careers in many industries. You can apply the training to management and analyst positions in construction, manufacturing, and business.
While most project management careers require an undergraduate degree at a minimum, many top employers prefer master’s graduates, specifically when hiring for executive management positions.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|
| Project Management Specialist | $98,580 |
| Cost Estimator | $74,740 |
| Logistician | $79,400 |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 |
| Operations Research Analyst | $83,640 |
| Budget Analyst | $84,940 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Project Management Degree Programs
An accelerated project management degree program can get you into the workforce as quickly as possible. You’ll build applicable and in-demand skills and training in a condensed format. Not only will this save you time, but it can also fast-track you to higher earnings.
However, you do need to consider if an accelerated program is right for you. Your courses will be more condensed, which means more compact study schedules and faster deadlines.
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