Degree Advice

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by rtongue, Apr 14, 2006.

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  1. rtongue

    rtongue New Member

    I am PMP certified and will be finishing my MBA this summer. I want to pursue another masters to complement the MBA. A doctorate is “not in the cards” for me at this time. I have been considering going for a MSPM at either The George Washington University or the University of Wisconsin-Platteville Recently I have been thinking that a MSPM would add little value to my resume and I would be better off going for a MMIS degree. Here is my reasoning. The MBA with PMP would qualify me for most project management positions. However, I do not have an IS or CS degree and may not qualify for certain Technical/BA or Technical/PM positions. I do have programming and modeling experience. Does my logic appear sound?
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Personally, I think you should approach this from the other direction, which is to say decide what you want to do, then figure out what credentials you need to do so.

    If what you're saying is that you want to project manage IT projects, then I don't necessarily think you need another degree. I think that simply gaining experience with those technologies, perhaps accompanied by relevant certifications, would do.

    -=Steve=-
     
  3. rtongue

    rtongue New Member

    Steve,

    This is the approach that I am now taking. I have the experience and premiere certification in PMP. The only gap that I see is not having an IS or CS degree which I have seen as a requirement for certain technical/BA and technical/PM positions. Although they usually say combination of education and experience, I have seen some that specifically require the degree. I also would like to add some name recognition to my resume and an MMIS degree from a reputable school would take care of both concerns. I would probably pursue a traditional MMIS from Penn State.

    Randy
     
  4. stock

    stock New Member

    While it is always better to have additional Masters, I think that you already have the credentials for a PM job.
     
  5. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    You could always study for some IT Certs.

    It also depends on what type if IT PM work you want to be doing. Are you working with COTS systems, or maybe something less vendor specific?

    Keep in mind, a good PM will have the "experts" to gather technical information, estimates, ect - you do not *have* to know all of that stuff. Have a good understanding of the systems, the architecture and software - it will help.

    What PM work have you done to date?
     
  6. rtongue

    rtongue New Member

    I have several yeas of experience as a Business Analyst. This has included managing projects and documenting business and system requirements. My experience has been primarily with mortgage banking workflow applications and payment processing systems. My career goal would probably be more toward Sr. BA rather than PM because I enjoy modeling and working with the user community.
     

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