What is Project Management?
Nevada is a state that is known for many things, though gambling usually sits at the top of the list. However, though hospitality, entertainment, and recreation sit at the top of their economy, Nevada has a lot more driving its total economy. Further, the $28 billion that comes from this top economic sector boosts other aspects of the economy. For instance, Nevada's #2 economic sector is real estate, which can be directly tied to tourism and all the glitz of Las Vegas and Reno.
A project manager is a business professional who focuses their work on individual jobs. Where other management professionals work with no foreseeable end in sight, project managers have specific start and end dates to their work. For instance, project managers might oversee a team of IT professionals who are tasked with installing a new network for a client. Project managers find the most qualified IT experts, surmises the scope of the project, and then determines a budget. Along the way, the PM keeps open lines of communication with both the team and the client to ensure that the project stays on track and that everyone is satisfied.
Project managers can work in-house for firms that have a series of one-off jobs. Or they might also work as consultants and seek out a project that they manage for a commission. They can focus on IT, natural science, construction, and more.
Online Project Management Degree Levels for Nevada Students
The third strongest sector in Nevada, professional and business services, generates $19 billion each year. This sector includes waste management firms, commercial laboratories, and management consulting firms. These firms have an impact on the Las Vegas Strip and sleepy towns in remote areas of the Nevada desert. In fact, one key part of that super sector, project management, is vital to the growth and development of the entire state.
For example, Las Vegas has exerted a lot of effort to prepare for a Formula One race in November. They had to decide which streets to block, how to route all sorts of emergency contingencies, where to put grandstands, and more. To ensure that Vegas' Formula One experiment is a success, the city needed to work with project managers.
Outside of the glitzy casinos in Las Vegas, the state has growing interests in construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, tech, and more. To ensure the success of each of these economic drivers, the state needs a strong cadre of project managers who are armed with the best techniques for ensuring that all the jobs are finished on time and within budgetary constrictions. Thus, the Nevada state legislature fully funds its public colleges and universities.
These schools use their funds to attract the best PM experts that academia can provide. They also look to hire master’s level project managers who have experience in the Nevadan economy that will inspire young students. With a balanced faculty, Nevada's colleges and universities can continue to provide a steady stream of highly qualified project managers for the state's economy.
Online Associates (AS)
Those who are interested in a career in project management may consider starting their path with an associate degree. A two-year degree in project management introduces you to the core concepts involved in the field as a project manager, while also requiring them to complete the core, general education college curriculum. This way, graduates can start a career at the entry-level while having the academic background to move forward with a bachelor's degree.
Nevada students who enroll in local community colleges have several advantages after completion of the program. For one thing, community colleges charge far less per credit hour while you earn an associate degree or applied science degree. Graduates who then finish their bachelor's at a four-year college or university may end up with far less debt than those who start with a four-year institution. Further, community colleges tend to feature small course sizes, and the instruction is often on par with any school in Nevada. Just be sure that you attend a regionally accredited institution so your credits transfer later.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A four-year bachelor's project management degree is probably the very best way to start a career. During the course of a four-year PM program, you will be able to dive deep into the field. After they complete general education requirements and move into the third- and fourth-year courses, students will have the opportunity to focus their work on special topics courses such as IT, construction, or special events project management.
Those in a four-year degree program will also have the opportunity to expand their learning with courses in other, complementary departments. Those who are intent on being IT project managers might want to complete a minor concentration in IT or computer science. Others who are interested in managing construction projects might take engineering courses. This way, they can administrate a project with the benefit of personal insight into the field.
Online Masters (MS)
Nearly every professional can benefit from a master’s degree, and project managers are no exception. For project management, there are a few options such as a MS in project management, an MBA with a PM concentration, or a dual MBA program. The MS option is for those who want to expand their knowledge of the field without worrying about any other concerns.
An MBA with a project management concentration is a good option for those who aspire to rung their own firm or move up into the C-suites of their organization. The first year of an MBA program is dedicated to a general business education, though at the master’s level. The second year can be dedicated to PM.
The dual-MBA option brings everything to the next level. A dual-MBA is an intense program that allows project managers to earn their MS in project management along with an MBA. Those attending can then choose an MBA concentration area that complements their PM career. For example, IT project managers might choose IT for their MBA concentration. These programs allow you to take only three years to complete two master’s programs. However, students are often unable to work until the completion of these intensive programs.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in project management may not be in high demand by corporate recruiters, but it is a degree that can have a positive impact on one's career. Many corporate executives tend to think that a doctorate relies too much on theories and scholarly research, while they want someone with a more pragmatic, experienced approach. Nevertheless, project managers who earn a PhD may still find success.
A doctorate in project management that's paired with business experience may be a great background for someone interested in starting their own consulting firm. Their broad and deep view of PM can help them train and develop their team. They can also put their credentials on the corporate masthead. While many executives shy away from hiring a PhD for their own team, they do like to hire contractors and consultants who have advanced degrees. Finally, a PhD is the best credential for someone who wants a career in academia. A doctorate will qualify them for a full-time, tenure track position.