The Right Degree Makes You Stand Out Among Project Manager, ScrumMaster and Product Owner Candidates
Project management is a dynamic field that attracts many ambitious and aspiring professionals. For those wishing to pursue project management related to information technology, one of the most common questions is what degree you need. The M.S. in Information Technology Project Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota blends real-world practice with advanced theory, educating aspiring project managers on how to lead complex projects in the IT industry. Keeping with our mission and sticking to our Lasallian Catholic heritage, this program aims to awaken, nurture, and empower learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Here, we detail the benefits of earning an IT project management master’s degree.
Standing Out With an IT Project Management Master’s Degree
Organizations across industries increasingly rely on structured approaches to manage resources and timelines, including those in the IT field. Therefore, the demand for skilled project managers with IT-specific training, such as ScrumMasters and Product Owners, has surged, making the field highly competitive. With the ability to tap into talent pools globally, qualified IT project managers can be sourced from anywhere, increasing competition for positions, particularly in high-demand sectors like information technology.
As businesses increasingly prioritize hands-on experience, certifications, and skills, a specific degree isn’t always required to secure a project manager, ScrumMaster, or Product Owner position. However, earning a master’s degree in information technology project management can help you become the in-demand professional that organizations are looking for and set yourself apart from others. Choosing to further your education by completing a master’s program in IT project management can benefit you in several ways, such as:
Advanced Knowledge and Skills
While enrolled in a master’s degree program in IT project management, students will receive in-depth training in foundational and advanced concepts relevant to project management and IT. The program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides coursework from four key areas in the School of Business and Technology, including:
- Cybersecurity
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Data Intelligence and GeoAnalytics
- Project Management
Students will learn advanced IT project management tools and techniques that are essential for success in today’s competitive market.
Credibility and Professionalism
Having a master’s degree demonstrates your high level of commitment and expertise. Many top organizations seek candidates with advanced degrees for project management roles. This is because they are viewed as more qualified and prepared to handle the responsibilities associated with the position, such as managing teams and executing large-scale projects. Prospects with IT-specific project management degrees are ideal for roles in the IT field since they have an enhanced knowledge of industry techniques and tools.
Opportunities for Career Advancement
Individuals with a master’s degree may be more likely to move into higher-level roles as their careers progress. These positions demand more responsibility and often require expertise beyond technical skills, such as strategic thinking, team management, and business acumen. These areas of advanced project management are covered extensively in Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s master’s degree in IT project management program.
Increased Earning Potential
Completing the necessary requirements for a master’s degree in project management can boost your earning potential. The median annual wage for a project management specialist is $98,580, according to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Project managers with advanced degrees commonly earn higher salaries than professionals with lesser credentials. The specialized knowledge gained in the program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota can position you for roles with higher compensation. IT-specific roles may also offer higher salaries since the project managers need to be well-versed in information technology. According to ZipRecruiter, the national average salary for IT project managers is $113,676.
More About the M.S. in IT Project Management Program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Our master’s degree program in IT project management is a two-year hybrid program specifically designed for international students, although it is open to all applicants. It is a STEM-designated program, which specifically focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The coursework prepares students for a variety of professional project management certifications, including the:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Agile-PMI
- Certified ScrumMaster
- Certified Product Owner
The program is headed by industry-trained faculty who are experts in IT and project management and passionate about teaching the next wave of young professionals. To learn more about the program, view the course catalog.
Get Started Today at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
A master’s degree in information technology project management can help you stand out in a competitive job market by signaling your commitment to continuous learning and a thorough understanding of the field. Those wishing to earn an advanced IT project management degree can enroll in the program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Get in touch with our admissions team to learn more about our project management programs or request more information today to start investing in your future.
