Project management is one of the fastest-growing professional disciplines in the world. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the global economy may need up to 30 million new project management professionals by 2035, a shortage that makes project management expertise increasingly valuable across industries.
If you are exploring how to become a project manager (PM), this guide covers the education requirements, experience pathways, certifications and career trajectory, including what it takes to enter the field without a degree. It also looks at how a focused graduate program, such as the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management program from the University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler), can help compress that timeline into a single degree. Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the program pairs core business training with project management coursework.
What Does a Project Manager Do?
PMs plan and oversee projects from initiation through completion. They define the scope, set timelines, manage budgets, coordinate team members and communicate progress to stakeholders. The role requires a combination of organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills that develop over time through education and hands-on experience. Knowing what the role demands is essential before mapping out how to become a project manager yourself.
Because projects vary widely between industries, the specific tools and terminology a PM uses can differ from one employer to the next, but the underlying responsibilities stay consistent. Most project managers track progress using scheduling and budgeting software, run regular status meetings and adjust plans as risks or roadblocks emerge. The role also spans a wide range of sectors, from technology and healthcare to construction and manufacturing, which is part of why demand for the skill set continues to grow.
What Project Manager Degree Do You Need?
The project manager degree requirement depends on the employer and the level of the role. Most entry-level and mid-level project manager positions require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, management, engineering or information technology.
For senior roles and leadership positions, many employers place a premium on a graduate-level credential: GMAC’s 2025 Corporate Recruiters Survey found MBA hires commanding a projected median salary of $125,000 in the U.S., about $25,000 more than experienced hires without a graduate credential. A project management MBA, such as UT Tyler’s, is the most common path, combining advanced business knowledge with specialized project management coursework.
The degree you hold as a project manager also affects your path to certification. The PMP credential from the Project Management Institute (PMI) requires 36 months of project management experience for bachelor’s degree holders, down from 60 months for candidates without one.
Steps to Become a Project Manager
Most people who want to know how to become a project manager follow a similar four-stage pathway: education, experience, certification and advancement. Each stage builds on the last, so skipping ahead, such as pursuing certification before gaining hands-on experience, rarely works out.
Step 1: Earn a relevant degree
Most hiring managers expect a bachelor’s degree in business, management or a technical field. A graduate degree, such as UT Tyler’s online MBA in Project Management program, qualifies candidates for senior roles and prepares them for the PMP exam within the same degree program.
Step 2: Build experience in entry-level roles
Very few professionals move directly into project management. The most common entry points are roles such as project coordinator, project administrator, business analyst or operations associate. These positions develop hands-on skills in scheduling, resource coordination, stakeholder communication and risk tracking, the core competencies project managers use every day.
Step 3: Pursue professional certification
Two PMI credentials are most recognized. The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is designed for newer professionals and requires only 23 contact hours of project management education. The PMP is the industry standard for experienced professionals and demonstrates advanced project leadership. Both certifications strengthen your qualifications and are recognized by employers across industries.
Step 4: Advance to senior and program management
With five or more years of PM experience, many professionals move into senior project manager roles or transition into program management, overseeing multiple related projects aligned to a shared organizational goal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for project management specialists was $100,750 as of May 2024, with employment projected to grow 6% through 2034.
Can You Become a Project Manager Without a Degree?
Yes. PMI allows candidates without a bachelor’s degree to sit for the PMP exam, though the required experience varies by education level. A high school diploma requires 60 months of project management experience, while an associate’s degree requires 48 months. Both tiers must also complete the same 35 hours of project management training required of bachelor’s degree holders, since PMI’s training-hour requirement does not change by education level; only the experience requirement does.
For those looking to get into project management without experience in formal PM roles, the key is to accumulate evidence: a track record of managing timelines, coordinating teams or overseeing budgets in any role. Construction, logistics and manufacturing offer operational team lead positions that build the same core skills as a project coordinator role. Certification, starting with the CAPM, then formalizes those skills with a recognized credential.
How to Become a Construction Project Manager
Construction is one of the most active sectors for project management hiring. How to become a construction project manager differs from other industries primarily in the technical knowledge required. Construction PMs are expected to understand building codes, permitting processes, contractor management and safety compliance. Most roles require a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or business, or equivalent field experience. The PMP is valued alongside construction-specific credentials such as the Certified Construction Manager (CCM).
The credential is administered by the Construction Management Association of America. It requires several years of verified construction management experience, a construction-related degree and a passing score on an exam covering scheduling, safety, cost control and other core practice areas.
Construction management itself is a strong-paying specialty. According to BLS, construction managers earned a median annual wage of $106,980 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 9% from 2024 through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Project Manager?
The answer depends on your starting point. For most people, the full journey, from undergraduate education through entry-level experience to a first PM role, takes four to seven years.
A four-year bachelor’s degree provides the academic foundation. Two to three years in entry-level roles, such as project coordinator or business analyst, builds the practical experience base. With that background, most candidates are eligible to pursue PMP certification and apply for project manager positions competitively.
A graduate program can accelerate this timeline. UT Tyler’s online MBA in Project Management program, for example, builds advanced skills, helps prepare candidates for the PMP exam and is structured for working professionals who want to reach a senior role without pausing their career.
How UT Tyler’s MBA Prepares You for Project Management
UT Tyler’s MBA in Project Management is a 100% online, AACSB-accredited program that covers both traditional and Agile project management frameworks. The concentration includes Project Management Certification, a course built around the PMBOK framework and designed to prepare you for the PMP exam alongside your degree.
The online MBA program from UT Tyler is designed for working professionals and prepares graduates for senior PM roles, program management and portfolio leadership. For a closer look at where the discipline is headed, see UT Tyler’s related article on trends and innovations in project management.
Explore UT Tyler’s online MBA in Project Management program to learn how it can accelerate your path to project management leadership.
About UT Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler is a public research university and member of the University of Texas System, located in Tyler, Texas. UT Tyler has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, whose 2026 rankings placed several UT Tyler programs, including its online nursing and bachelor’s degree offerings, among the nation’s top 100 online options. The online MBA in Project Management program itself carries the publication’s 2026 “Best Online MBA” recognition.
For working professionals balancing a career with graduate study, the combination of AACSB accreditation, national recognition and flexible online delivery makes UT Tyler a strong choice for building the advanced project management skills employers are looking for. Students can complete coursework on their own schedule while gaining credentials that carry weight with hiring managers across industries.