A career in IT and project management can be highly satisfying as you lead others and see projects through to fulfillment in the growing information technology space. Get started by applying to the hybrid M.S. in Information Technology Project Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota on our Minneapolis Campus. We’re a Lasallian Catholic university offering faith-based academic programs online and at campuses in Winona, Minneapolis, and Rochester, MN. Here, we explore IT and project management careers and your first steps to an exciting career.
How Can You Get into IT and Project Management?
Pursuing a career in project management requires meeting educational requirements, with certain roles requiring some work experience. You need a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related field like business management. If you wish to become an IT project manager, ScrumMaster, or Product Owner, your educational journey may begin with a bachelor’s degree program in a tech field like computer science or information technology.
Many companies look to hire project managers with on-the-job experience, so gaining some via an internship or job is recommended. You can also pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute to enhance your marketability when applying for jobs. For IT-related roles, you might seek industry-specific certifications. Another way to boost your marketability is by pursuing a master’s degree in project management, like the M.S. in Project Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
What Does an IT Project Management Career Look Like?
Like any project manager (PM), an IT project manager helps plan, control, and implement IT initiatives at an organization, ensuring they proceed correctly, efficiently, and within budget. They may work in various industries, from IT to healthcare to finance, which dictate their specific job duties. Some common responsibilities of IT project managers include:
- Implementing new technologies and developing training programs for employees
- Creating project budgets
- Communicating with various stakeholders, from company executives to service providers
- Devising risk management strategies
- Leveraging metrics to track performance and drafting reports
Advantages of an IT Project Management Career
Working as a project manager in the IT field can offer several advantages. Although these roles may differ depending on the industry or organization, some shared benefits across most IT project management careers include:
Positive Job Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to increase by 17% through 2033, significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This growth accounts for an average of about 54,700 openings yearly as businesses across industries seek to increase their use of innovative technologies and cybersecurity measures.
Self-Satisfaction
Another benefit of working in IT project management is the self-satisfaction it can offer. Project managers are responsible for completing projects properly and efficiently. Therefore, it can provide a rewarding sense of fulfillment when they finish a project and see their hard work come to life.
Strong Salary
Working as an IT project manager or project management specialist can lead to a strong salary, especially if they are certified or hold a master’s degree. BLS states that the median annual wage for computer and information systems managers was $169,510 as of May 2023. You may find that salary ranges differ depending on the industry or specific role.
M.S. in Information Technology Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The M.S. in Information Technology Project Management program is a great step for technology and business professionals seeking to advance their careers in IT project management. This hybrid program incorporates in-person instruction at the Minneapolis campus with remote, synchronous instruction and can be completed in two years.
The program is open to all applicants who qualify but is specifically designed for international students. International students can access support with the application process, as well. No GMAT or GRE is required to apply.
This innovative STEM-designated program comprises courses from several other programs within the School of Business and Technology, including Cybersecurity, Business Intelligence and Analytics, Data Intelligence and Geo Analytics, and Project Management.
The coursework prepares students to earn a range of professional certifications, including PMP, Agile-PMI, and more. Students develop competency in key areas to help them thrive in different IT project management roles. Skills you’ll learn include:
- Functions of project management (scope, schedule, budget, risk, and quality)
- Project management approaches (agile, waterfall, and hybrid)
- Information security and cybersecurity
- Software management
Coursework also prepares students with soft skills applicable to most project management roles and other positions, such as effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, business ethics, and leadership.
Take the First Step Toward IT Project Management
Enroll in the M.S. in Information Technology Project Management program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota to launch your career journey. Our high-quality academic programs are grounded in Lasallian Catholic principles, helping students develop ethically and compassionately as working professionals. Request more information to speak with a counselor and learn more about the program or its requirements. Apply for admission today.