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By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
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University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for Project Management in Texas.

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What is Project Management?

Texas is one of our largest states. It's also home to the nation's second largest economy. If Texas were its own country, it would rank as the world's 10th largest independent economy. The state is home to more farms than any other state and each of its top industries rank in the top three nationwide.

While its oil industry surely comes first to mind, the Texan economy is not led by that sector. Rather, Texas’ top industry is manufacturing. While much of that manufacturing is involved with processing and refining oil for gasoline, diesel, and other products, it also focuses on manufacturing foodstuffs from the state's many farms. Since Texas is a top exporter in the nation, many other states, and even countries, are surely dependent on it for a wide range of products.

Texas' second strongest industry is the sector known as business and professional services. While this area is prominent in the top ten of most states' economies, it's rarely ranked so high. This sector brings Texas over $212 billion in annual revenues and it ranks 3rd nationwide. It includes industries such as waste management, commercial laboratories, and management services. Essentially, any sort of enterprise who makes its money servicing other businesses is included.

Thus, project management is a big part of the Texan economy. Project management is a key function of many consulting firms, real estate development concerns, and human resources firms. Even the oil industry needs project managers to oversee new exploration projects both on state soil and offshore. To help ensure that this vital part of the Texan economy is supported, the Texas legislature allocates ample funds to ensure that its students continue to learn and succeed. Students looking for the best project management colleges can find many options throughout the state, such as Sam Houston State University in Huntsville or the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, and other options in nearby states or available through online programs. Attending a university in a large city may give you a better chance to network or develop a portfolio through part-time work. However, some choose to study project management in a community college or other institution closer to home.

A project manager is a degreed business management professional who focuses on short-term projects. Where other managers oversee a department or business for a long period of time, most often a project manager is supervising projects that conclude in weeks or months. They often work for consulting firms where they are in charge of assembling a team of professionals that best suits the client's needs. Depending on the project at hand, teams may be comprised of professionals who each have different, if overlapping, skill sets. Thus, they may specialize in projects related to IT, accounting, corporate finance, supply chain management, or business restructuring.

Project managers tend to work in business offices, where they keep normal business hours. However, the post-COVID world may find many project managers working from remote locations. After all, they typically oversee project teams who are already in the field. However, their employer may require their presence for periodic staff meetings if they cannot be conducted via streaming media.

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Project Management Education in Texas

Associate Degree in Project Management (AS)

An associate project management degree can help students form a foundation for success. These two-year degrees will help students gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts related to project management. Many go on to land terrific entry-level project management jobs with top firms in Houston, Dallas, or Austin. On top of that, most students complete the core college curriculum for any bachelor’s degree program. Many community colleges are ensuring that those credits will indeed transfer to four-year degree programs in public institutions.

An associate project management degree is a great idea for many reasons. One of the primary reasons most students cite is the low cost of community college credits. The affordable nature of a community college degree puts their graduates in a better financial position than those who dive into a four-year program. Students are also able to access high quality instruction without having to move very far from home. There are even many community colleges that offer online associate degrees.

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Bachelor's Degree in Project Management (BS)

A four-year bachelor’s project management degree is perhaps the best start to a career in project management. Over the course of a full undergraduate degree program, project management students should dive deep into the topics that will matter the most to them later. They can also take advantage of exciting internship programs that enhance academic knowledge with practical experience. Many internships result in long-term professional contacts that can be beneficial to all.

Bachelor’s project management degree students may also be able to augment their business studies with classes, perhaps even a minor concentration, in related topic areas. Some options can include courses in the area or industry in which they hope to work. If they want to manage IT projects, they can minor in information technology. Other options might include accounting, finance, computer science, or construction management. A minor concentration can help students guide the trajectory of their career toward the work that interests them the most.

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Master's Degree in Project Management (MS)

A master’s project management degree should be the goal of every current or aspiring project manager. Professionals who complete their master’s degree find that their salaries rise and that they are offered more advancement opportunities. Plus, their hard work in school makes them better project managers.

There are a few options when it comes to a master’s degree as a project manager. The first is an MS in project management. This option focuses students on project management for two years. This provides the opportunity to dive very deep into what makes a great project manager. The second option is an MBA with a concentration in project management. This option may be best for students who are interested in a position in the C-suites. After all, the first year is a deep dive into general business subjects at the graduate level that can help fill any knowledge gaps for those looking to move into upper management. The third option is a potent brew known as a dual-MBA. These intense programs take three years, but students emerge with both an MS in project management, as well as an MBA with a concentration of their choosing.

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PhD Degree in Project Management (PhD)

A PhD in project management can help project managers focus in on the specific areas of their field that they feel demand the most attention. While hiring managers aren't always seeking these credentials, they may prove useful in some companies or firms. Consulting firms, for instance, like to hire candidates with top academic credentials. This is because their clients want to know that they're hiring the very best experts in the field.

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A PhD is also great for students who want to pursue a career in academia. A doctorate is a de facto requirement for a full-time, tenure track position with a four-year college or university. It can also lead to a position as a research faculty member. These academic professionals don't teach students, but they attract grant funds from firms that need reports on specific issues. This work is not unlike that of a consultant but is couched within a university position.

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Become a Project Manager Professional in Texas

Project management is a field that has no specific requirements for entry, or even success. Project managers can come from any sort of background and learn the position on the job if their employer sees their potential. However, competition is fierce, and it is best for any aspiring project manager to do their best to prepare for success. The first step to success as a project manager is taken early, even in high school.

Much of project management relies on effective leadership. Young students who are eager to find success in business should look for leadership opportunities in high school. This may include student government, but students who also take initiative in other clubs can gain leadership experience. For instance, helping to organize and execute a fundraiser can be an invaluable first step toward success in project management. Plus, these activities can be fun and rewarding on their own.

When it comes to summer jobs or other working experience, young students should look for opportunities in fields that interest them the most. Any experience in an industry will be helpful later when they take that first project management position. For instance, a student who loves computers might learn coding and take on a few clients for website design and development as early as high school. Later, as a project manager, they will have a perspective on what it takes to complete an IT project.

When it comes time to apply to colleges, students should look for colleges and universities that support project management degree programs. These should be fully accredited programs that provide recognized diplomas. The minimum standard for such a program is a regional accreditation from a CHEA-approved agency. For Texas' colleges and universities, students should seek those with accreditation from the Southeastern Association of Colleges and Schools.

However, students should also look for programs with credentials from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. These agencies accredit programs that are focused on business subjects, including project management. A degree from a program that boasts accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE will go a very long way. This is because those agencies are focused solely on business topics and curriculum. They are nationally recognized, and the resulting diploma will be a tremendous boon when it comes time to apply to entry-level positions or graduate school.

Careers for Project Management Graduates

General and Operations Managers

To succeed in this position, it's recommended to earn a bachelor’s management degree and gain experience over three or five years. These management professionals oversee an entire operation, including multiple departments or business segments, so they need broad knowledge and experience.

Sales Manager

Sales managers are typically experienced sales professionals who have decided to move up into management. Leadership skills and a proven track record in sales are necessary for success. Sales managers who lead their teams to great heights often receive generous bonuses.

Project Management Specialists

These business professionals are often found working in consulting firms. They oversee teams of consultants who are tasked with solving specific problems for their clients. For the best success, project managers complete degrees in business and then earn certifications for project management.

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Marketing Manager

These business executives oversee marketing departments, both the analytical and creative sides. Marketing managers work with the rest of their firm to conceptualize and execute a marketing campaign. Most successful marketing managers have an MBA with a concentration in marketing.

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Construction Manager

These building experts may come from an academic background where they earned a bachelor’s construction management degree. It can also be very helpful to have experience in the field as a carpenter, electrician, or plumber. Construction managers often need to travel to remote building sites.

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Software Developers

These technology workers are experts in multiple coding languages. They also tend to focus their development work on certain sorts of software such as financial software, video games, or even the hidden software that manages devices such as washing machines. Most software developers have certifications in multiple programming languages.

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Database Administrators

These information technology workers typically have a bachelor’s information technology degree with a focus on databases. While database administrators may not need to create a database, they should have a strong working command of the coding language SQL or its variants.

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Financial Manager

Every firm with substantial size needs a financial management team to oversee its assets and debts. Financial managers help companies create budgets for upcoming quarters and fiscal years. Some help the firm make sound equity investments in the stock market, but they may also work on mergers and acquisitions in the private market.

Facilities Manager

These managers oversee buildings and properties for their owners. Facilities managers may spend their time inspecting the physical plant of skyscrapers, office parks, or apartment complexes. They delegate tasks to their team of landscapers, handypeople, and others.

Training and Development Manager

This position is often part of a human resources department. However, some firms are so large that their training and development functions require their own manager and department. Most training managers have years of experience training employees for the same firm and can help new trainers become effective in their jobs.

Fundraising Manager

Organizations in the non-profit sector typically don't have a product or service for sale in the market. Even if they do, most still augment their revenues with fundraising efforts. Fundraising managers organize efforts to generate funds by way of mass mailings, social events, and various events throughout the year.

  • Public Relations Manager
  • Administrative Services Manager
  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Architectural and Engineering Manager
  • Art Director
  • Digital Marketing Manager/Director
  • Supply Chain Manager
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