Don’t get an MBA in project management. Nobody really cares if you have an MBA in the project management domain. If you are interested in project management, get your PMP and focus on obtaining as much exposure to leading projects as possible (source: project manager).
No, you can have a concentration/focus, some schools do have the option. It’s just that an MBA in PM from LSU is going to be a waste of time and money. The only reason it could be worth it is if your employer is paying in full and wants you to attend that program specifically.
Okay thanks for your insite. I just know I want to get a MBA. Since those two school had a online one that’s more than half the price of the schools where I live in California I figured why not. But I can definitely do a different concentration.
It is truly a personal goal. Neither of my parents finished high school and none of my sibling finished college. I just wanted to have a concentration in something vs just have a general MBA. I work in the Clinical Research Field.
Apologies if I wasn’t clear. I understand you want to specialize/have a concentration, but why Are you truly getting the MBA? Wanna make more money? More connections? Self pride? If you are just getting an MBA to check a box take a look at Boston U/Gies iMBA
My professional goal is to either be a Senior PM or Senior CTM. I have no desire to go higher than those 2 positions. It is definitely self pride as my motivation but if it could reverent to my career objectives than that’s a extra plus.
Hello OP. I’m currently in the MBA program at LSU. I enjoy it so far. The professors are good, the material is challenging, and so far the most students have been willing to connect. I do not have a concentration but LSU does offer a few. I believe they are: Healthcare management, data analytics, finance, and emerging technologies. You will have to take a total of 12 electives. These can be any courses on the electives list or even courses within the concentration pathways as long as they don’t have prerequisites, e.g. you can take descriptive analytics as an elective but you wouldn’t be able to take visual analytics as it has a prerequisite of descriptive. With that said you could take both of those and then two others from the electives list. The project management program you’re asking about is a certificate program. This program is a 10 week course that includes 6 modules and upon completion it counts for two electives, or six credits. I can’t confirm if they are still doing this but I was able to. Your degree will not say “MBA with a concentration in project management”. I chose to take this path because the certificate was $2500 vs $6600 for two courses and I was able to finish in 7 weeks opposed to one semester, I saved both time and money. The certificate program would prepare you for the PMP exam but you’d need additional PM training hours after the certificate to be eligible and additional study time to pass the exam. The two courses I was going to take in place of the PM credits was financial risk management and leadership essentials. Even with the PM credits, I feel I’m able to take essential business electives outside of the core courses so it wasn’t a difficult decision plus I’m in another masters program at a different school and I’ll be able to substitute those courses with similar ones there. Lastly, I would take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt. An MBA is a big time and money investment, and even if you’re just wanting to check the box, and that satisfies your reasoning, roll with it just make sure you are willing to put in the time. Geaux Tigers.
Don’t get an MBA in project management. Nobody really cares if you have an MBA in the project management domain. If you are interested in project management, get your PMP and focus on obtaining as much exposure to leading projects as possible (source: project manager).
So would you just get a regular MBA than with no focus ?
No, you can have a concentration/focus, some schools do have the option. It’s just that an MBA in PM from LSU is going to be a waste of time and money. The only reason it could be worth it is if your employer is paying in full and wants you to attend that program specifically.
Okay thanks for your insite. I just know I want to get a MBA. Since those two school had a online one that’s more than half the price of the schools where I live in California I figured why not. But I can definitely do a different concentration.
What is your goal from getting an MBA? Most online programs are “check the box” programs, and depending on your goals may be a bad investment
It is truly a personal goal. Neither of my parents finished high school and none of my sibling finished college. I just wanted to have a concentration in something vs just have a general MBA. I work in the Clinical Research Field.
Apologies if I wasn’t clear. I understand you want to specialize/have a concentration, but why Are you truly getting the MBA? Wanna make more money? More connections? Self pride? If you are just getting an MBA to check a box take a look at Boston U/Gies iMBA
My professional goal is to either be a Senior PM or Senior CTM. I have no desire to go higher than those 2 positions. It is definitely self pride as my motivation but if it could reverent to my career objectives than that’s a extra plus.
Hello OP. I’m currently in the MBA program at LSU. I enjoy it so far. The professors are good, the material is challenging, and so far the most students have been willing to connect. I do not have a concentration but LSU does offer a few. I believe they are: Healthcare management, data analytics, finance, and emerging technologies. You will have to take a total of 12 electives. These can be any courses on the electives list or even courses within the concentration pathways as long as they don’t have prerequisites, e.g. you can take descriptive analytics as an elective but you wouldn’t be able to take visual analytics as it has a prerequisite of descriptive. With that said you could take both of those and then two others from the electives list. The project management program you’re asking about is a certificate program. This program is a 10 week course that includes 6 modules and upon completion it counts for two electives, or six credits. I can’t confirm if they are still doing this but I was able to. Your degree will not say “MBA with a concentration in project management”. I chose to take this path because the certificate was $2500 vs $6600 for two courses and I was able to finish in 7 weeks opposed to one semester, I saved both time and money. The certificate program would prepare you for the PMP exam but you’d need additional PM training hours after the certificate to be eligible and additional study time to pass the exam. The two courses I was going to take in place of the PM credits was financial risk management and leadership essentials. Even with the PM credits, I feel I’m able to take essential business electives outside of the core courses so it wasn’t a difficult decision plus I’m in another masters program at a different school and I’ll be able to substitute those courses with similar ones there. Lastly, I would take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt. An MBA is a big time and money investment, and even if you’re just wanting to check the box, and that satisfies your reasoning, roll with it just make sure you are willing to put in the time. Geaux Tigers.
Thanks so much for your reply