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Overview of an Associate in Project Management Degree
An associate degree is the lowest level of actual degree you can earn. It shows that you have the ability to go through the process of earning a degree without taking up four years of your life. While an online associate degree in project management degree may not gain you access to the highest levels of employment, it will allow you to get into the field, gain entry-level positions, work your way up through a company, and give you a boost in entering bachelor’s degree programs for business management, business administration, or project management degrees. It may also allow you to gain experience, internships, and employment. If you go on to earn your Bachelor of Science in Project Management later, you’ll have the option to work while you make your way through school, possibly significantly lowering the debt you end up with at the end of your education.
Compare Popular Online Project Management Programs
PROS
The benefits of an associate degree in project management occur in the speed with which you earn it and the foundation it provides for you future. Applied science degrees focus on enabling the student to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. These programs can use extensive lab and real-world settings to provide hands-on training and instruction, but there are also options for hybrid (online and in-person) programs or even fully online programs that will help students earn their online associate degrees in project management. Students get fast results; you can complete the degree in 18-24 months. Students with applied science degrees could enter the workforce two or more years sooner than those seeking a four-year degree. However, the associate of science and associate of arts degrees prepare students for four-year degrees which are the most widely-used for those hired as project managers.
CONS
An online associate degree in project management can be an entry-level education for jobs and occupations in the project management field. Associate degree holders may be able to get jobs that help them gain experience with the duties and responsibilities of project managers while they move into an online bachelor's degree in order to boost their education. However, many employers ask for a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in business management or project management when selecting project managers. The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification demonstrates competence in project management. Holders of an associate degree will need 7,500 hours of relevant work experience to qualify for the PMP examination offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Those with an associate degree might do better to start with the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) at this level of education.
Top 5 Best Online Associate in Project Management Programs
Wake Technical Community College
Score: 86.5
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,336
- Out-of-State: $7,582
- Net Price: $3,914
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Total Enrollment: 21,551
- Undergrad Students: 21,551
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $35,300
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Central New Mexico Community College
Score: 81.48
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,934
- Out-of-State: $8,366
- Net Price: $4,742
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 28%
- Total Enrollment: 19,095
- Undergrad Students: 19,095
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $34,500
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Forsyth Technical Community College
Score: 77.65
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,256
- Out-of-State: $6,864
- Net Price: $5,887
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 29%
- Total Enrollment: 8,270
- Undergrad Students: 8,270
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $28,600
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology
Score: 76.91
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,908
- Out-of-State: $14,908
- Net Price: $16,309
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: 48%
- Total Enrollment: 939
- Undergrad Students: 939
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,200
- Student-to-faculty: 25:1
Saint Paul College
Score: 76.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,318
- Out-of-State: $6,318
- Net Price: $11,797
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Total Enrollment: 5,365
- Undergrad Students: 5,365
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $36,300
- Student-to-faculty: 21:1
Certificate vs. Associate's
Many schools offer online or on-campus certificates in various fields, such as business management or project management. These are generally short courses of one year or less that focus on a narrow subject area. In the field of project management, certificates can run from a few weeks to one year and offer specific courses on the fundamentals of project management. Certificates can be valuable and if they have wide acceptance or if they meet the requirements and standards of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). Certificate courses can prepare applicants for the project management institute (PMI) Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam and the PMP credential.
A certificate in project management is the shortest way to achieve a credential that can support entry into the project management profession. An undergraduate certificate does not require a college education. The graduate certificate requires that students have completed an online or traditional bachelor’s degree or higher level of formal education. Online project management courses may also be available, making this an even more attractive option.
What Online Project Management Associate Degrees are Available?
- Associate of Science (AS) degrees are like the associate of arts in that it prepares graduates to go further towards an online bachelor’s degree. The online associate of science differs from the associate of arts by requiring more science, math, and technical course content.
- An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) offer a career or vocational level of education. They may or may not provide an educational base for an online bachelor’s degree in project management; the determining factors are in the course selection. The associate of applied science degree is especially useful for students that do not plan on going further and getting a bachelor’s degree. The AAS degree puts maximum attention on the skills and knowledge that the student will need to enter an occupation after graduation.
- Associate of Arts (AA) programs resemble the first two years of a four-year college program. The AA curriculum includes general education courses and a wide range of business and similar offerings. Many community colleges offer AA degrees and work with four-year schools or community college courses at the four-year college level to ensure credit transfers.
- Associate of Applied Business (AAB) is a vocational and occupational degree program; the Applied business degree prepares graduates to go to work in many types of business environments. Many applied business degrees do not have transferable credits towards an online bachelor’s degree, but each institution differs on this and students will need to investigate prospective schools for themselves. The applied business project management degree is an ideal choice for those that do not intend to seek a bachelor’s or higher-level degrees in business or project management.
- Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) is a degree aimed at preparing students to enter the workforce ready to perform. The AAA degree uses practical situations and hands-on instruction to enable graduates to perform at a high level.
Find Online Project Management Programs
Admission Requirements
An online associate degree program in project management is an entry-level degree that can open a pathway for students from an assistant-type role into full professional status as project managers. The requirements for admission to an online or on-campus associate level of education include a high school diploma, GED, or another educational equivalent.
Applicants can also take preliminary courses that strengthen their application and reduce the need for additional classes in college. If students take solid mathematics, sciences, and computer science courses while in high school, before entering an online associate degree program, they’ll have an easier time getting into, and through, an applied degree course.
How long does it take to earn an Online Project Management Associates?
A typical online associate degree curriculum runs two years, or four semesters. The requirements vary with each school, but a typical range is between 60 to 65 semester hours. Most schools require some type of internship or other hands-on experience as well. Some programs are extensive and require semester hours in the range of 85-90 overall. However, online students may have the option to accelerate their period of learning or take courses part-time and take online courses for 5-6 semesters, or more.
Some students can shorten the time needed to complete an online associate degree to less than two years. They can do things like take additional courses during the school year and take advantage of policies such as credit for life experience, competency testing, and credit for other coursework. As long as they complete all courses, they will be prepared for certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Potential Careers in Project Management with an Online Associate
- Human Resources Assistants work to support a wide range of personnel management functions. They promote efficiency, and they can represent the organization in all types of employee matters. They typically manage communications with employees including hires, terminations, and information about benefits.
The median salary range for a human resources assistant is about $41,200. - Project Assistants work closely with project managers. They help guide the overall project to a successful conclusion by managing each step of the process. Assistants can play important roles, such as overseeing specific parts of the project and providing communications support for the manager.
The median salary range for a project assistant is about $44,200. - Supply Chain Analysts help their organizations run smoothly and efficiently by providing the right flow and location of supplies, materials, and other requirements. They must coordinate with employees across their organizations and communicate effectively.
The median salary range for a Supply Chain Analyst is about $60,500. - Associate Project Managers can play the important role of coordinating communications and events in the process of managing a project. The associate can help create plans, timelines, and budgets. The associate plays a key role in solving problems and issues.
The median salary range for an associate project manager is about $59,000. - Budget Analysts assist and analyze budget plans and options. The analyst is key in the budget development and budget management process including changes and revisions.
The median salary range for a budget analyst is about $62,200. - Project Coordinators can manage projects of significant size and importance to their organizations. These include new products, marketing strategies, or other goals. In day-to-day operations, they can coordinate events, conferences, or other activities. Coordinators can work between organizational divisions to coordinate the company as a whole.
The median salary range for a project coordinator is about $50,400.
Options to Advance
An online or traditional associate degree in project management, or an associate degree in business with a concentration in project management, is a stepping stone to a career in project management. The options for advancement include an online bachelor’s degree, a graduate certificate, and a master’s degree in project management. For those that seek to become experts or college-level faculty, there are doctoral programs centered around project management that can help fulfill those goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a project management associate (entry-level role) do?
A product management associate is responsible for supporting the product management team in the development and management of a company's products. This may include tasks such as researching market trends and customer needs, gathering and analyzing data, and assisting with the development of product strategy and roadmaps. They may also help the project manager collaborate with cross-functional teams, especially in engineering, sales, or marketing to ensure that products are developed and launched successfully. They may also gather and analyze market and customer data to inform product development and strategy. They may assist with product roadmap development and work to support product launches, including tasks such as creating marketing materials and coordinating with sales teams. Product management associates may also be responsible for maintaining accurate and up to date product documentation, including product specifications and user manuals.
What are the do’s and don’ts of project management?
DO:
- Clearly define the scope, goals, and objectives of the project
- Create a detailed project plan to keep the project on track and ensure that deadlines are met
- Communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to keep them informed about project progress and any changes or issues that arise
- Monitor and manage project risks and put measures in place to mitigate them.
- Stay organized and manage your time effectively to keep the project on track and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently
DON'T:
- Overestimate your resources or capabilities, but be realistic about resources and time available
- Neglect to involve key stakeholders in the planning process so that the project is aligned with the needs and goals of the organization
- Ignore potential risks, which can lead to project delays or failures
- Be inflexible, but be open to changes and adjustments to the project plan as needed
- Communicate poorly or not at all as this can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and project delays