OVERVIEW
What is a Scrum Master?
A scrum master is responsible for implementing scrum practices within a project team. They also form a bridge between the scrum team and those who work outside of the team.
Scrum masters need to have strong leadership skills to provide the guidance and direction needed for their team to complete technology projects. They also need to be able to mentor and foster an environment of independence where their team members can develop solutions without relying on a manager to resolve issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Scrum Master Do?
A scrum master helps manage information exchange among team members, but is not the leader of the team. Instead, they facilitate exchanges and interactions with the team. Scrum masters build consensus on next steps, keep everyone on task following agreed-upon rules, and do everything they can to maximize the team’s performance.
Scrum masters in various industries share common duties:
- Work with team members to establish timelines for project stages called “sprints”
- Ensure their team has the resources needed to complete tasks
- Remove obstacles that could slow down a timeline
- Schedule and attend a variety of meetings, referred to as “ceremonies”
- Ensure the team follows best scrum practices throughout a project
- Hold meetings after sprints to review progress and setbacks
- Encourage a positive working environment for all team members
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How to Become a Scrum Master?
Scrum masters need a combination of education, training, and certifications to develop the skills needed for their roles. A bachelor’s and master’s degree can be extremely beneficial in preparing someone for a role as a scrum master.
Most scrum masters will begin their career by earning a bachelor’s degree to be a competitive candidate in the field. A specialization in information technology can be a great fit, giving candidates the opportunity to learn about information technology fundamentals as they prepare for a role focused on tech.
Because scrum masters are often managers leading teams and implementing processes, It’s also often useful to have a master’s degree in information technology management to up the chances of being hired for this role. An IT management degree focuses on combining the business, strategy, and organizational elements of IT to help students be well-versed in leadership of IT teams.
After getting a degree and gaining work experience, most enter this career through a recognized scrum certification program, such as:
- Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
- Scrum Master
The certification program and exam covers scrum principles and practices, including project management, team building, sprints, release planning, progress reporting, and scalability.
Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a copy of the certificate to become an official scrum master. Scrum master certifications expire every two years. To remain a recognized scrum master, you’ll need to pay a fee to renew your certificate.
Scrum masters receive training on the job where they learn about their company’s policies and procedures and about the product or service they create. They typically undergo ongoing education and training to ensure they maintain their current knowledge and to learn new techniques. Ongoing training can include courses, scrum conferences, or conferences in their industry.
Best Degrees for a Scrum Master
Technology
Information Technology – B.S.
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online...
Award-winning coursework and value-add certifications make this online program a top choice.
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 39 months.
- Tuition: $3,725 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
Technology
Information Technology Management – M.S.
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead....
A degree for experienced IT professionals ready to lead.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,040 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Included in your program—at no extra cost—is the opportunity to earn the valuable PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification.
- Technology operations and integration
- Sourcing and planning
- Risks and influence
- Solutions development
- Project management
Maximize the opportunities that your IT career path has afforded you—earn your master's and keep moving up.
Technology
Accelerated Information Technology Bachelor's and Master's Degree
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster...
Earn both your bachelor’s in IT and master’s in IT management at a faster pace with fewer courses.
- Time: Approximately 5 years.
- Tuition: $3,835 per 6-month term for the bachelor's degree; $4,040 per term for the master's portion.
- Courses: 42 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no additional cost:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- Amazon AWS Cloud Practitioner
- ITIL®*^ Foundation Certification
- PMI CAPM
- LPI Linux Essentials
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Scripting and programming
- Networking and security
- Systems and services
- Data management
- Business of IT
This program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in IT and move directly into a master's degree in IT management, cutting down on the total number of courses to complete.
How Much Does a Scrum Master Make?
$106,024
The estimated total pay for a Scrum Master is $106,024 per year in the United States area, with an average salary of $97,951 per year. Scrum masters are some of the most highly paid professionals in any field. Salaries can vary by region and metropolitan area.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
15%
Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms expand their business to digital platforms.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Scrum Master Need?
Scrum masters need to develop certain skills to be successful in their roles. These include:
- Communication. Scrum masters need to communicate effectively with all team members and stakeholders to ensure a project’s success. They facilitate and take part in team meetings throughout a project’s progress. They also serve as a liaison between project teams and stakeholders.
- Time management. Scrum masters are the facilitators of project timelines and sprints. They communicate with their teams to gather requirements. They coordinate achievable sprints to maintain consistent progress throughout projects.
- Organization. Scrum masters ensure their team completes each part of a project. They review each step and ensure team members have the necessary resources to perform their duties. They also remove obstacles that could prevent their team from working.
- Computer skills. Scrum masters use time-management software to plan meetings and schedules. They often communicate and manage projects through online platforms.
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