6 Reasons to Choose an MBA in Project Management
Every industry needs leaders who can turn ideas into results. Whether it’s a new hospital wing, a software rollout, or a global marketing campaign, projects are the engines that move organizations forward. But projects don’t run themselves; they need skilled professionals who can manage people, budgets, and strategy.
That’s why the University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers an MBA concentration in project management 100% online, designed for professionals who want to lead at a higher level. Let’s look at the top reasons an MBA in Project Management could be the right move for your career.
1. Project Management Skills Are in High Demand
Even in an uncertain economy, organizations are doubling down on projects. The Project Management Institute’s Global Project Management Job Trends 2024 report points to construction, IT, and energy as key growth industries in North America.
Much of this momentum comes from initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a federal plan funding transportation, energy, and utility projects, which PMI estimates will create 800,000 new U.S. jobs.
Meanwhile, the rise of artificial intelligence is fueling projects in software development, automation, and data management — all requiring skilled leaders to guide organizations through change. An MBA in Project Management gives you both the big-picture business training and the specialized tools to meet that demand.
2. You’ll Gain More Than Just Management Techniques
Project managers turn strategy into action and teams into high performers. UL Lafayette’s MBA equips you with the skills to do both, blending core business courses like finance, marketing, and policy formulation with hands-on training in budgeting, risk assessment, scheduling, communication, and leadership.
Graduates leave ready to tackle real-world challenges with tactical know-how and strategic insight. You’ll learn to manage projects while motivating teams and creating measurable value.
Menaka Gopinath, CMO of the Project Management Institute, notes that high-performing teams succeed when leaders build trust, understand diverse perspectives, and connect each person’s work to the organization’s purpose.
3. Career Growth and Earning Potential Expand
With advanced training comes advanced opportunities. An MBA in Project Management opens doors to leadership roles, including project manager, program director, operations executive, and project consultant.
These positions often come with higher salaries and greater responsibility. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, project management specialists earn a median salary of $100,750 per year, with jobs projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033.
The degree also positions you for executive exposure and promotions. Project managers frequently collaborate with senior leaders, shaping organizational strategy while demonstrating leadership skills that can fast-track career advancement.
4. You’ll Strengthen Leadership and Strategic Thinking
One of the biggest benefits of an MBA is how it sharpens decision-making and critical thinking. Layer on a project management concentration, and you’ll be prepared to manage teams and lead them through high-stakes initiatives.
Core courses like MGMT 590: Policy Formulation, Strategy, and Administration, FNAN 522: Advanced Financial Management, and MGMT 518: Management of Information Technology reinforce these skills, preparing graduates to make strategic decisions that drive results.
5. Networking Opportunities Boost Your Career
Earning an MBA is also about who you meet. Even fully online, UL Lafayette’s MBA program connects students with peers, alumni, and faculty with real-world experience through class projects, study abroad opportunities, and student organizations like the MBA Association. These relationships can lead to mentorship, career opportunities, and industry insights.
The University’s Office of Student Engagement & Leadership helps students develop their leadership skills and connect with others through virtual events and professional communities. Students may also tap into professional organizations such as PMI, strengthening their connections across industries.
6. Flexibility Makes It Accessible
The right MBA program balances quality with convenience. UL Lafayette’s MBA in Project Management is delivered 100% online, with accelerated 8-week courses that let you continue working while you earn your degree.
Tuition is $12,800 total, $387.88 per credit, with payment plans and financial aid options available. All courses use no-cost educational resources, allowing you to gain advanced knowledge without added financial burden.
UL Lafayette students also benefit from a dedicated student support team and 24/7 online tutoring. Whether you need guidance on coursework or help mastering a complex topic, support is just a click away, making it easier to stay on track and succeed while managing a busy schedule.
Invest in Your Future
Earning an MBA in Project Management online is a career investment. The program combines advanced business knowledge with the specialized skills organizations need to deliver results.
Whether you’re ready to move into leadership, transition into a new field, or build a stronger network, this degree can help you get there.
Advance your career with an MBA in Project Management online from UL Lafayette.
