MBA in Project Management: 5 Career Tracks

Earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Saint Leo University means that you have ten different concentrations from which to choose. From an MBA with an Accounting concentration to a concentration in Supply Chain Global Integration Management, these options enable you to specialize in the one area of business you love most. That being said, one of the concentrations that many Saint Leo MBA students have come to appreciate being offered is our Project Management concentration. But what kind of jobs are graduates with an MBA in Project Management qualified to do? Here are five to consider.

1. Project Manager

Companies of all sizes often hire project managers to oversee their upcoming projects from start to finish, ensuring that they begin and end on budget, as well as on schedule. Also, some project managers are brought on in full-time roles, whereas others contract this type of position. Either way, in this role you're tasked not only with planning the project and executing that plan, but also with overseeing the people contracted or hired to get the work done. According to ProjectManager.com, the average salary for project managers ranges from $89,286 for Project Manager roles to $134,791 for directors of project management. Additionally, those who manage projects over $10 million typically make 40% more than those who manage projects smaller than this amount.

2. General Manager

A second career option for those with an MBA in Project Management concentration is that of general manager. What's the difference between a project manager and a general manager? A general manager is like a project manager in that you are still overseeing certain things, just not on an individual project level. For instance, instead of overseeing one or two projects, your job will likely involve overseeing certain divisions within the company or an entire location. This means that you're responsible for making sure all of the roles are filled in the area that you are responsible for, and that the employees and/or contractors assigned to fill those positions are excelling in their duties.

3. Operations Manager / Director of Operations

If you like to evaluate and review a company's processes and procedures, looking for ways to improve the business's operations, a director of operations position may be a good career track for you. In this role, your goal is to figure out how to make the company as effective and efficient as it can be. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the mean annual wage for general and operations managers is $123,460. Furthermore, the five states that employ the most general and operations managers are California, Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida.

4. Project Analyst

Instead of managing a project, another option is to simply analyze what it would take to complete that project, which is what a project analyst does. This role requires that you take an in-depth look at what type of budget will be needed for the project, as well as how long it will take, subsequently working side-by-side with all of the employees and contractors to ensure that both of these factors are met. Glassdoor shares that the average base pay for project analysts is $61,330 per year. However, some companies pay more than six figures for individuals who are able to fill this type of role.

5. Executive Officer

The fifth potential career track for individuals with an MBA in Project Management is that of executive officer. Depending on which executive position you hold, you're responsible for overseeing those specific aspects as they relate to the entire company or organization. You're also tasked with creating policies and goals aimed at helping the business thrive throughout the year and in the future. How much do executive officers make? Based on information provided by almost 7,000 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Indeed indicates the average salary for someone in this position is $108,355. Some companies pay double or triple that amount (or more).

MBA in Project Management at Saint Leo

What makes the MBA in Project Management degree so desirable to those pursuing a higher-level degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo, other than the possible rate of pay? For starters, this program is offered online. This gives our students the flexibility they need to handle their obligations at home and work, while still being able to complete their coursework when it's most convenient for them. Second, Saint Leo's MBA in Project Management program is accredited through the ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs). This is an accreditation model that analyzes student learning outcomes, recognizes teaching excellence, and focuses on continuous improvement. Or, as the ACBSP succinctly says, it accredits programs that "are committed to continuous improvement that ensures their business program will give students the skills employers want." In short, having an MBA in Project Management enables you to work in a variety of management-type positions for companies large and small. Earning that degree from Saint Leo makes you a more desirable candidate, one that has a lot to offer to any organization.