PM: Better school or higher degree

Should I attend Boston University for a MS in Project Management (PMI endorsed) or attend Walden University for PhD on Applied Management and Decision Sciences (specializing in project management)? This is my question that I would love to have someone else's opinion on.
I want to eventually teach and enjoy the field of project management. I will most likely continue to work in the field and teach on the side, but would love to make a good living just teaching. My dilemma is which degree to pursue.
Boston University is online and a highly rated university. It would only cost around 35k and requires no residency. Additionally, it can be completed in 2 years and is supported by the Project Manager Institute.
Walden University seems to have a pretty good reputation (not even close BU though). The degree would take 3+ years, cost 50K+, and require additional expenses for residencies (4 in total). I know that a Walden PhD works as an instructor in BU’s Psychology department, so apparently they think enough of Walden’s reputation.
The question is: Is a Masters from highly reputable university like BU enough to complete with for teaching positions in the future or is a PhD required (even though the institution is not as reputable)? Thank you for your feedback everyone.

 

If your goal is to teach at the University level, I would go for the PhD at Walden. The trend nowadays is towards a PhD as a minimum requirement to teach even as an adjunct.

If your goal is to stay in Industry, the BU degree would be a better choice because its reputation and cheaper cost.

 

Well, it depends on your situation. First all what is your age, and how many year experience you have in Project Management? Also, have you complete a Master degree, or this intended Master is your first one?

If you just have only a Bachelor degree, and have over 10 years experience in Project Management. Then you should go for Ph.D, 'cause the degree it helps you better than a Master; whether the school is well known or not. Some of Professors at University of California had a Doctoral degrees from California Coast University. If you already have a Master degree, then why bother to spend time and money for another one.

If you are a young bug likes me; who is only 25 with 5 1/2 experience in the Military and 3 years experience in the Civilian Work Force. And you don't have a Master degree, then you should finish your Master along with your current job.

Have you ever thought about Indiana State University's Ph.D in Technology Management?

 

Thanks for the input. I am have almost completed my Masters at Webster University in Information Technology and wondered if there is any value in taking on another Masters. I have the option to continue for my MBA at Webster with my company covering the costs. I am still considering that option.
I checked into the Indiana State PhD, but thought it has too many hoops. At least 5 years to complete, because it is a consortium of five institutions tuition and acceptance requirements could vary…? I do like that it is a traditional B&M with a distance program though.

 

I would be interested in hearing more on this topic as well. It seems logical to me that an accredited doctorate degree would carry more weight in the academic world. Although I'm a good ways from early retirement still, I've considered teaching in a field that aligns with my private sector experience and interests (like PM) to serve as an economic bridge to full retirement. That's still a good 20+ years away for me, but I'm a compulsive planner.

Danny

 

Currently, I don't think that a doctorate is all that important for teaching project management. I don't have statistics handy, but if you look at the faculty teaching project management as opposed to some other management fields such as finance or organizational behavior, I'd be willing to bet that the proportion of doctorates in PM is lower.

Maybe this is because project management is considered as being more practice than science. Maybe it's because project management is thought by some (particularly academics who are more used to teaching executive track students) to be a transitional career state. Maybe it's because the PM field is still maturing. But for whatever reason, many PM faculty I know typically come from management consulting backgrounds, and not from academic backgrounds.

 

I would go for the PhD but sit for your PMP now. The PMP plus a masters in PM will go a long way.

 

I have been studying for the PMP and should have my 4,500 hours by mid 2009. Thanks again everyone.

 

In the meantime, you could sit for the CAPM exam now.


Tom

 

Newbie Needs Advice please, Phd Programs Online

Hello Everyone,

Here is a little background information on me. I'm 24, I graduated from Indiana State University with my undergrad B.S. in Criminology in 3 years (combined with full loads in the summer at IUPUI in Indianapolis) and went on towards a M.S. in Criminal Justice through the distance education at University of Cincinnati and recently graduated this past March 08'. My experience includes working as a correctional officer at a work release facility, crime scene investigator, deputy clerk, and several internships for law firms. I was head chair of fundraising committee on my fraternity as well as in the Student Government Association. I have been wanting all along through my graduate degree to go on for a PhD in Criminal Justice/Criminology. I am currently teaching a class for Itt Technical Institute's online program in criminal justice.

Here comes the question....

Would it be advisable to complete an online Phd degree in Pubic Safety through Capella if I wanted to teach in the classroom, online, or work for a company conducting private research such as RAND corporation? I have maintained a 3.6GPA and have done well on my GRE.

Would someone please give me a list of options? The soonest I can get accepted into mainstream colleges would be Fall 2009 and I wanted to start earlier.

Someone please highlight if this would be suitable for me.

Thanks!

-Robert

 

No expert, but in my opinion...Capella only help you in teaching for a side job. If you want to be B&M Professor, then you should seek B&M school.

 

I'm sure this was just an innocent typo but it would be an interesting degree program...

 

If your goal is to work for RAND, I would ditch any plans on earning a Ph.D. from Capella or any other DL school. The resumes at RAND read like a top-20 list of universities throughout the country, and I'm pretty certain a Capella degree wouldn't exactly wow them.

If you desire a doctoral degree in CJ or a related area and want to go into private research, I would investigate top CJ schools like Maryland-College Park, Michigan State, SUNY-Albany, etc.