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I am currently in a facilities services group mainly doing drafting work. I have managed serveral small projects in the past, but because of recent downsizing, I am the only drafter left and that's where I spend the majority of my time. I obtained a bachelor's degree in Inustrial Technology back in 1998, but decided a couple of years ago to go back to school for a mechanical engineering degree with the long term goal of focusing on project management. However, I've been concerned all along whether or not a second bachelor's is really the best option or if I should be working on a master's instead, since I already have a bachelor's. I have recently become interested in a degree plan that my college has. It's a Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering. Beside the fact that the structural side of things is appealing to me, the other appealing things are that I can get the master's in less time than it will take to finish my ME bachelor's and several of the classes for the master's are available online. So here's my question... In my situation (almost 40 years old, 14 years of experience in facility related positions, a desire to move up into project management) which is better. A broad based degree such as an ME even though it is just another bachelor's, or working toward a master's such as the one mentioned above even though it has a narrow focus? Or is there an even better option? I am also looking into obtaining credentials such as the Certified Associate in Project Management from PMI, and a Facility Management Professional through IFMA.

I would go with the Masters degree. If you want to get into project management check with your school and see if they offer an MBA with a concentration in Project management. There are also schools that offer engineering management at the graduate level. I think the MBA would be the best bet.