Certificate v. Masters

[soliloquy]

If one (me) wanted to take the PMP after completing coursework for Project Management, under what circumstances would it be advantageous to complete the Masters rather than the Certificate.

I am looking at Western Carolina University - Project Management or Extended Academic Programs | Project Management Certificate.

Is there a general rule of thumb for other degree v. certificate programs or does it depend on heavily on the field. Thanks!

[andrewtn]

If one (me) wanted to take the PMP after completing coursework for Project Management, under what circumstances would it be advantageous to complete the Masters rather than the Certificate.

I am looking at Western Carolina University - Project Management or Extended Academic Programs | Project Management Certificate.

Is there a general rule of thumb for other degree v. certificate programs or does it depend on heavily on the field. Thanks!

I'm not sure that I understand the question.. but I'll tell you what I think anyway... ;-P If you want to get your PMP and you meet the experience and educational requirements then I would not spend time with a PM Masters or Cert. The PMP is the most highly recognized cert in Project Management. I would suggest focusing all efforts around obtaining that. If you need help prepping for the PMP then this can be accomplished relatively inexpensively with the purchase of the Rita book and online training hours obtained through the PMP Prepcast.

If you are looking at advanced degrees I personally don't think a PM specific masters is the way to go. I would go for MBA or if you are in IT then maybe MIS. Just my two cents..

Andrew, PMP

[soliloquy]

Thank you. I am interested in obtaining certification so I can be more competitive as a legal project manager. I didn't realize there was an official title but after speaking with a friend of mine who is a PMP - she's working on her MBA, I realize that I am already a legal project manager. It may seem odd that I didn't know that but LPM is something that is extremely new in the legal field. When I read the overview on various websites, to my surprise it describes what I already do (but am not compensated for) - in addition to my paralegal duties. I spoke with HR yesterday and they stated they would certify that I have the number of ours to meet the experience requirements to take the cert exam. But, I still need the educational component. I'm looking into the most cost effective way to accomplish this.

Legal Project Management in One Hour for Lawyers
Mastering the Move to Legal Project Management

[cookderosa]

I would say that no matter what you decide, I'd add to my resume only if I *knew there would be an added benefit in my current job (or future job if I were looking) and could pay cash.