How long does it take to become a project management specialist?

Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.

How much do project management specialists make?

The US median is $102,320 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.

Do you need a degree to become a project management specialist?

Yes — a degree is the usual way in.

Where can you train to become a project management specialist?

2,520 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

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How to become a project management specialist

Business & finance · SOC 13-1082

$102,320US median pay, 2025

+6.7%Projected growth, 2025–35

76,500Openings per year

DegreeUsual way in

How you get in

A degree is the usual way in.

Bachelor's degree
Work as a project management specialist

Programs that lead to this job

These are the federal program codes (CIP) that the Department of Education maps to this occupation, and how many US colleges, community colleges or trade schools report awarding credentials in each.

Program	Code	Schools
Business Administration and Management, General	CIP 52.0201	2,320
Business/Commerce, General	CIP 52.0101	782
Project Management	CIP 52.0211	167
Information Technology Project Management	CIP 11.1005	61
Science/Technology Management	CIP 52.0216	16
Construction Project Management	CIP 52.2002	1

See the 2,520 schools that offer these programs →

Common questions

How long does it take to become a project management specialist?: Typically about four years for the degree. That is the usual route rather than a rule — people arrive by other paths all the time.
How much do project management specialists make?: The US median is $102,320 a year, meaning half earn more and half less. Pay varies widely by state, employer and experience.
Do you need a degree to become a project management specialist?: Yes — a degree is the usual way in.
Where can you train to become a project management specialist?: 2,520 US colleges, community colleges and trade schools award credentials in a matching program. See which ones →

Pay and growth are national figures. What you earn depends on where you work, your employer and your experience, and these are projections rather than promises. Education requirements describe how most people enter the job, not a rule — plenty of people take another route.

Pay, growth, openings and entry requirements: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35. Program-to-occupation mapping: NCES CIP–SOC crosswalk (2020/2018). School counts: IPEDS completions, 2022–23.

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