Pursue Your MBA. Specialize in Project Management.
Many professionals view the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as a challenging next step in their careers. Adiel’s experience shows it can be far more accessible, especially when pursued alongside an MBA at Northwest University with a Project Management concentration.
When Adiel first explored the PMP, she wasn’t fully familiar with the application or exam requirements. Over time, she realized she was already practicing many project management skills in her role including communication, coordination, and managing timelines.
The PMP framework simply gave structure and language to work she was already doing, making the certification feel achievable.
How NU’s MBA Supported PMP Preparation
Adiel found strong alignment between her MBA coursework at NU and PMP preparation. Through the Project Management concentration, she developed skills in:
- Stakeholder communication
- Project lifecycle and execution
- Strategic decision-making
- Servant leadership principles
Faculty experience, including insights from professors with industry backgrounds, helped bridge classroom learning with real-world project management practices.
Preparing for the PMP Exam
The PMP exam is highly scenario-based, focusing on decision-making rather than memorization. Adiel’s MBA experience helped her think through how project managers should respond in real situations, strengthening her confidence and readiness for the exam.
Confidence, Community, and Professional Growth
Beyond her coursework, Adiel benefited from exposure to the broader PMI network, including the PMI Puget Sound Chapter. She gained access to study groups, professional connections, and a global community of project managers. She also discovered that PMP certification adds structured credibility and expands career opportunities across industries such as business, technology, healthcare, and other opportunities.
Adiel’s journey highlights a key advantage of Northwest University’s MBA Project Management concentration: PMP preparation is not separate from the degree—it is built into it.
For students pursuing leadership in project management, the MBA provides both the academic foundation and practical readiness to pursue PMP certification with confidence.
Upcoming Visit Event
Discover what graduate business education looks like at Northwest University during our School of Business Graduate Visit Day on Tuesday, June 16, starting at 4:30. Enjoy a light dinner while connecting with faculty, current students, and future classmates. Experience our learning environment firsthand by sitting in on a live graduate class, meeting with a professor, and engaging in conversation with the Dean of the School of Business.
Whether you’re exploring an MBA or advancing your career goals, this is the perfect opportunity to see how Northwest University can help you take the next step.