When you’re choosing a bachelor’s degree, graduate school might feel a long way off. But if project management is where you see your career going, it can pay to choose a program that gives you options for what comes next.
Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Project Management can do just that. Qualified students may have the opportunity to begin graduate coursework during their final year and apply up to nine graduate credits toward both their bachelor’s degree and Boise State’s accelerated Master of Project Management.
In other words, you can start with your bachelor’s and have a pathway to get a head start on your master’s — potentially saving time and reducing the overall cost of earning both degrees.
Start by building practical project management skills
A bachelor’s degree in project management can prepare you to organize projects, work with teams, manage timelines and budgets, communicate with stakeholders and solve problems when plans change.
Those skills aren’t limited to one type of workplace. Organizations in business, technology, healthcare, construction, public service and other fields rely on people who know how to move projects from an idea to a successful outcome.
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Arts in Project Management also gives you the flexibility to shape your education around your goals with emphasis areas in business management, communications management, cybersecurity or public health.
And if your goals grow as you progress through your bachelor’s program, you have another option to consider: graduate school.
Get a head start on your master’s
Qualified Boise State undergraduate students can participate in an accelerated master’s in project management.
Instead of finishing your bachelor’s degree and then starting graduate coursework from scratch, you may be able to take up to nine graduate credits during your final undergraduate year. Those credits can count toward both degrees.
Boise State’s Master of Project Management requires 30 graduate credits, so eligible students could complete nearly one-third of the master’s coursework before finishing their bachelor’s degree.
You’ll still earn two separate degrees. You’re simply making some of your coursework work toward both.
Make more of your time and tuition
Going back to school is an investment, especially when you’re balancing your education with work, family and other priorities.
The accelerated pathway gives qualified students a way to make that investment go further. Because up to nine graduate credits can apply toward both degrees, you may be able to reduce the total time and cost involved in earning a bachelor’s and master’s separately.
You don’t need to decide today whether a master’s degree is in your future. But choosing a bachelor’s program with an accelerated pathway means that option can be there if your career goals eventually call for it.
Why consider a master’s in project management?
As your career develops, you may want to lead larger projects, manage more complex work or strengthen your leadership and project management expertise.
Boise State’s online Master of Project Management builds on undergraduate skills through advanced study in areas such as project planning, budgeting, documentation and team leadership.
The accelerated pathway can make the transition between the two degrees more efficient. You can build your foundation during your bachelor’s program and, if you qualify and decide graduate school is right for you, begin taking the next step before you graduate.
How does the accelerated pathway work?
You don’t have to map out the process on your own. As you progress through your bachelor’s degree, your Boise State advisor can help you determine whether the accelerated pathway fits your academic plan.
When the time comes, the process includes three main steps:
- Meet with your undergraduate advisor. Your advisor can help you determine your eligibility and how graduate coursework could fit into your bachelor’s degree.
- Connect with the graduate student success coach. Contact ProjectMgtGraduate@boisestate.edu to learn more about the Master of Project Management and accelerated pathway.
- Complete the required steps. As needed, you’ll submit a Permit for Seniors to Take Graduate Courses and complete an academic adjustment so eligible graduate credits can apply toward your undergraduate degree.
Give your future self more options
You don’t need to have your entire career mapped out before starting a bachelor’s degree.
Maybe your goal is to earn the credential you need to pursue a new opportunity. Maybe you want to build skills for the work you’re already doing. Or maybe you already see yourself moving into project leadership down the road.
Boise State’s online Bachelor of Arts in Project Management gives you a place to start — and an accelerated pathway gives qualified students an opportunity to keep going.
By choosing a bachelor’s program that can lead directly into graduate study, you can build career-ready project management skills now while keeping the door open to a Master of Project Management later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I start graduate courses while earning my bachelor’s degree?
Qualified Boise State undergraduate students may take graduate-level project management courses during the final year of their bachelor’s program through Boise State’s Accelerated Master’s Programs.
How many credits can count toward both degrees?
Eligible students may apply up to nine graduate credits toward both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
Do I have to decide now if I want a master’s degree?
No. If you’re considering Boise State for your bachelor’s degree, the accelerated pathway is an option you can explore later if you qualify and decide a Master of Project Management fits your career goals.
How do I know if I qualify?
As you progress through your bachelor’s program, meet with your undergraduate advisor to discuss eligibility, your remaining degree requirements and whether the accelerated pathway fits your academic plan.
Quick overview of the accelerated vs traditional master’s degree timeline
Learn more about the project management program
Earning an online Bachelor in Project Management from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.