Earn Your Associate Degree in Project Management - Accredited Program Options

An associate degree in project management provides the certification, fundamental project management training, and entry-level skills you need to begin a career as a project manager or coordinator. This article explains what an associate degree in project management is, its benefits, online accredited program options, and more to help you determine if it's the right path for you.

What is an Associate Degree in Project Management?

An associate degree in project management is a two-year undergraduate degree program that provides foundational knowledge and skills related to coordinating projects. Coursework covers areas like:

• Project management fundamentals

• Planning, budgeting, and scheduling

• Leading and motivating teams

• Quality and risk management

• Using project management software/tools

The curriculum prepares you for entry-level project management roles and to take the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam from the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Unlike a four-year bachelor’s degree, an associate degree is faster to complete and more affordable. It gets your foot in the door to start a project management career. Later on, you can transfer credits towards a bachelor’s degree.

Why Earn an Associate Degree in Project Management?

There are many advantages to earning an associate degree in project management:

1. Prepares you for project coordinator and junior project manager roles - With fundamentals training and CAPM certification, you’ll be qualified for entry-level project management positions like project coordinator, junior project manager, and project assistant.

2. Versatile career opportunities - Project management skills are valued across industries like IT, construction, marketing, business, engineering, and more. An associate degree keeps your options open.

3. Earn while you learn - Many associate degree programs feature online courses with flexible schedules. You can work while studying to gain professional experience and make professional connections.

4. Pathway to a Bachelor’s degree - Associate degree credits can often transfer to a bachelor’s program. You can save money and fast track a more advanced project management degree.

5. Affordable and faster than a 4-year degree - Associate degrees take just 2 years to complete and cost significantly less than a bachelor’s program.

What is the CAPM Certification?

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry-level credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The CAPM exam tests your understanding of project management concepts, terminology, and processes. 

To take the exam, PMI requires candidates to have:

• A secondary degree (high school diploma or associate degree)

• At least 23 hours of project management education

Earning your CAPM certification shows employers you have baseline project management knowledge and skills. It can give you a competitive edge for entry-level positions.

Later on, CAPM certificate holders can upgrade to the prestigious Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.

Why Get Your CAPM Certification?

There are a few key reasons to earn your CAPM:

• Prove you grasp project management basics

• Expand your job options 

• Shows commitment to the field

• Gain project experience before the PMP

• CAPM renews your motivation

• Salary potential increases

Overall, the CAPM certification says you’re ready to apply fundamentals in a hands-on role. It shows you’re dedicated to advancing your career long-term in project management.

Which Associate Degree Programs Offer CAPM Prep?

Many accredited associate degree programs in project or business management include CAPM exam prep. They ensure the curriculum covers the minimum 23 education hours required to qualify for the CAPM.

Common examples of associate degrees with CAPM prep include:

• Associate of Science in Project Management

• Associate of Applied Science in Project Management 

• Associate of Science in Business Administration

Look for a degree program that aligns with PMI’s standards and includes a project management focused curriculum. Ask if CAPM prep classes are offered for certified training.

Degree Options: Online vs On Campus

Online and on-campus are the two main options for earning your associate degree in project management:

Online

• Flexible scheduling

• Saves on housing costs

• Available anywhere with internet access

• Self-paced action

• Less pressure in online classes 

On Campus

• Face-to-face professors/peer engagement 

• Campus facilities/resources 

• Structured environment

• Network in person

• Get involved in campus activities

Think about your unique needs and situation to decide if online or on-campus classes suit you better. Many working students value online program flexibility to balance school, professional, and family responsibilities.

What Courses Are in an Associate Degree for Project Management?

While programs may vary, expect core courses like:

Project Management Courses:

• Introduction to Project Management

• Project Scope and Time Management

• Managing Project Budgets and Resources 

• Project Quality and Risk Management

• Project HR Management

• Project Communication Tools and Strategy

• Project Leadership and Teamwork

General Education:

• English Composition

• Math/Business Statistics 

• Public Speaking/Business Communications  

• Accounting

• Introduction to Business

• Management Principles

• Business Ethics

Electives:

• Technical Writing

• Cost/Benefit Analysis

• Negotiation Skills

• IT/Software Courses

• Business Law

The mix of soft skills, project management competencies, general academic, and elective courses give you well-rounded expertise. This strengthens your employability while providing important transferable credits.

What Project Management Associate Jobs Can You Get?

An associate degree coupled with CAPM certification equips you for these entry-level jobs:

• Project Assistant

• Project Coordinator 

• Junior Project Manager

• Associate Project Manager

• Project Administrator

• Project Scheduler

• Project Analyst

Later on with a bachelor’s degree and PMP certification, you could advance to higher roles like:  

• Project Manager

• Program Manager

• Senior Project Manager

• IT Project Manager

• Construction Project Manager 

• Project Portfolio Manager

• Project Management Consultant

The median salary for a Project Coordinator is $50,090 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries go up with certifications like CAPM and PMP as well as for specialized or leadership project management positions.

Find the Best Accredited Online Project Management Associate Degree

Choosing an accredited online program ensures your degree maintains quality standards and is valued by employers.

Here are tips for selecting the best online associate degree in project management:

Look for Accreditation

See if the college or program holds accreditation from agencies like:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

• Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) 

ACBSP, ACPHA, and other reputable accreditors confirm academic excellence and continuous quality improvements.

Compare Total Cost

Check what tuition fees, textbook expenses, and prerequisite costs you’re responsible for paying. Having a budget and reviewing financial aid options prevents surprise bills.

See What Support Exists

Does the program offer advisors, career services, tutoring, technical assistance, libraries databases, etc. to guide your success? Support resources impact your experience.

Review Course Format

Does the course design fit your learning preferences? Different programs use discussion forums, lectures, group work, reading materials, assignments, quizzes, or projects differently across classes.

Associate Degree in Project Management FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about getting an Associate Degree in Project Management:

Do I need work experience to enroll in an associate degree program?

Most programs don’t expect relevant work experience. However, any office, retail, volunteer or informal management experience helps connect course topics to real situations.

What general education prerequisites are required? 

Standard admission requirements are a high school diploma or GED and minimum placement test scores for math, writing, and reading skills. Programs range from open enrollment to selective admission policies though.

Should I earn the CAPM before or after graduation? 

It’s smart to earn your CAPM a few months before graduating or immediately after completing an associate degree. This timing means concepts are still fresh to help you pass the exam. Holding CAPM certification also strengthens resumes when applying for entry-level jobs.

Can I work while earning my associate project management degree?

Yes, many students work part-time or full-time jobs with flexible class scheduling through online programs. However, carefully balance your bandwidth if juggling school, professional, and personal responsibilities.

How much does an associate degree in project management cost?

Overall costs for an accredited online program range from $7,000-$28,000. Public colleges offer the lowest rates while private schools are more expensive. Factor in added textbook, technology, certification exam, and prerequisite fees too. Applying for scholarships and grants helps significantly lower costs.

How long does it take to complete an associate degree in project management?

When attending full-time and including summers, most students finish in 2 years. Part-time enrollment adds 1-2 more years. Fast track options condense a 60-credit degree down to 18 months in some cases as well.

Summary - Worth Earning an Associate Degree in Project Management?

Key takeaways about earning an associate degree in project management:

• Two-year degree program develops entry-level project management skills

• Curriculum covers planning, budgeting, quality/risk management, soft skills

• Prepares you for CAPM and project coordinator/junior PM jobs  

• Credits often transfer towards a bachelor’s degree later

• Online options offer flexible access and affordable tuition rates

Overall, an accredited online associate degree in project management delivers excellent value. The focused curriculum, low cost, and certifications gained make it worthwhile. With CAPM certification and fundamentals training, you can land a project management associate role and begin climbing the career ladder.