What can you do with a Project Management degree?

First, some facts. Of the Project Management graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 332 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 62%, Project Management graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 62%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 20% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Project Management graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Project Management graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 44%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2010 from Colorado Technical University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Project Management. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Staff Writer
Steampunk Magazine
Apr 2012 - Nov 2015
The Staff Writer position at Steampunk Magazine does not require the specific project management skills or knowledge developed in a Business Administration degree.

Quality Control Manager
Rsci
Aug 2019 - Jan 2022
As a Quality Control Manager at Rsci, some skills related to project management may be applicable, but the core qualifications of the job focus more on quality assurance than direct project management principles.

Contracts Professional
Naval Nuclear Laboratory (FMP)
Jan 2022 - Present
The role of Contracts Professional at Naval Nuclear Laboratory directly involves project management skills, including contract negotiation and project planning, which are central to the bachelor's degree earned.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)
Western Governors University
2011 - 2013
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Project Management degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Project Management from various institutions, it's apparent that there are some common patterns and trends in the types of jobs they have secured. Many of these graduates have ventured into roles that either directly or indirectly relate to project management, although the degree of relevance and alignment with their academic training varies significantly. From project managers to operations managers and even roles in logistics and client services, the scope is as wide as it is diverse.

The most prevalent job titles among these graduates include Project Manager, Operations Manager, and roles in client relations and analysis. Many individuals, such as those working as Project Managers in construction or IT, apply core project management principles daily, aligning well with their educational backgrounds. However, a notable number of graduates have found themselves in positions that, while they might require organizational or leadership skills, do not fully leverage the specific knowledge gained during their studies. Jobs like sales associates, general managers in retail, or even technical roles, often focus more on operational tasks than on the critical project management methodologies they learned.

On the other hand, roles like Scrum Master, Program Manager, and various project-related positions in health care or technology directly utilize project management expertise, indicating strong relevance. For instance, graduates employed as Project Managers, whether in logistics, construction, or IT, demonstrate a clear correlation between their roles and their academic training. Furthermore, even within non-project management titles, applicable skills such as teamwork, analysis, resource management, and strategic planning are frequently encountered, highlighting the essential nature of project management competencies in today's job market.

Ultimately, while many positions occupied by graduates do draw on the skills associated with project management, not all of these jobs are directly relevant to their degrees. Factors like industry demands and individual career choices heavily influence the job landscape for these graduates. It becomes evident that while a degree in project management opens several doors, the relevance of the various positions can vary significantly based on the nature of the job and expectations placed upon the individual within that role.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Project Management graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Project Management graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Analyzing the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Project Management reveals a diverse landscape of professional paths. Many of these graduates start in roles that align directly with their degree, such as project coordinators or managers, reflecting a positive progression from education to relevant employment. For instance, several alumni transitioned smoothly into project management roles soon after graduating, while others seem to have taken a more circuitous route, initially landing in unrelated positions or differing fields before re-entering project management. This indicates that while there is generally a strong correlation between education and career choice, market conditions and personal circumstances also play crucial roles in individual career paths.

In the early stages post-graduation, many individuals begin their careers in entry-level positions like project coordinators, administrators, or assistants. This is a logical step as it allows them to gain practical experience while leveraging their academic background. However, the five- to ten-year mark tends to show a more varied picture. Some graduates advance significantly and secure higher-level positions such as senior project managers or department heads, suggesting that their degrees have provided a meaningful career trajectory. On the flip side, others have drifted into unrelated roles or experienced job instability, which raises questions about the effectiveness of their programs or individual adaptability in the job market.

Overall, it’s clear that a degree in Project Management can open up beneficial pathways for graduates, allowing for both immediate employment in relevant roles and longer-term career growth. However, there are pockets of less favorable outcomes, with some graduates struggling to find consistent roles related to their field of study. This highlights the necessity for support systems such as internships, networking, and ongoing professional development to help graduates navigate their early careers successfully.

How hard is a Project Management degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Project Management can be pretty manageable for most students, especially if you have good organizational skills and enjoy working with people. While it does have its challenging moments—like learning about different management theories and how to handle complex projects—the coursework is often more about applying concepts rather than rote memorization. Compared to some other degrees that delve deep into technical stuff like engineering or the sciences, a Project Management degree tends to focus on practical skills, which can make it a bit easier for those who like hands-on learning. So, if you're the type who enjoys coordinating activities and keeping things on track, you might find it to be a reasonably straightforward path!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Project Management.

Do Project Management graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these project management graduates, there's a mixed bag when it comes to financial success. Some individuals have steadily climbed the corporate ladder, landing roles with significant titles like "Senior Project Manager" or "Operations Manager," which usually indicate decent salaries. For instance, graduates from well-respected institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Liberty University seem to have found their footing in positions that likely pay well. On the flip side, several profiles show folks in entry-level or less stable roles, like "Assistant" positions or freelance gigs, which often come with less financial security and lower pay. Overall, while some have notably lucrative careers, a good portion may not be earning as much as they’d like, especially if they’re still in the early stages of their careers.

In essence, for those who've upgraded their roles and taken up managerial positions, it looks like they're making decent money, and some even have entrepreneurial ventures on the side. But for others, the journey seems a bit bumpier, indicating that making good money in project management can very much depend on the specific career path chosen, and the industry one works in. So, while there's potential for financial success in this field, it's clear that it requires time, experience, and perhaps a bit of luck too.

What buzzwords do Project Management graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Project Management. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Project Management?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Project Management (ordered by the average relevance score of their Project Management graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
DeVry University 73 18
University of Phoenix 67 24
Liberty University 67 18
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 64 12
Colorado Technical University 64 26
Ashford University 48 19