Master's (MS) in Project Management Online & Onsite

A Master's in Project Management is a graduate-level academic program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in effectively managing projects across various industries. A master's program equips you with a strong foundation of the skills needed to be an unstoppable force for an organization: strategic planning, problem solving and executing complex projects while adhering to time constraints, budget allotment, and available resources.

An MSPM degree is a Master of Science in Project Management. It is a postgraduate academic program that provides in-depth education and training in the principles, practices, and advanced techniques of project management. This specialized degree equips students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively plan, execute, monitor, and complete projects for a variety of industries and organizational contexts.

While a Master's degree can provide you with advanced knowledge and potentially open doors to more complex projects and leadership positions, it's not a strict requirement to become a project manager.

Pursuing a Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) offers a range of advantages that can enhance your career prospects and skill set. Here are some key benefits of earning an MSPM degree:

• Advanced knowledge and skills: Go beyond a solid foundation of core competencies to be a fiercely competitive applicant. Gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of project management principles, methodologies, tools, and techniques.

• Career advancement: Completing a project management program can open doors to higher-level leadership positions.

• Increased earning potential: On average, people with advanced degrees tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with a bachelor's degree. With an MSPM degree, you can negotiate higher compensation or apply for roles that require advanced qualifications.

Our project management graduate program usually takes 2 years to complete as a full-time student.

The cost of attendance varies depending on the number of credits (units) and whether you are attending part-time or full-time. Please visit the NYU SPS Tuition page for information regarding tuition.

All quality project management programs teach you the fundamentals every project management professional needs to be successful: planning, scheduling, and executing large-scale projects. Our program strives to go beyond core competencies to give students a competitive edge in the job market.

• Expert navigation of organizational culture: Dive into the principles of enterprise architecture and organizational behavior to understand how to best adapt communication, decision-making, and project methodologies to propel operational strategies forward.

• Professional conflict resolution: Untangle misunderstandings and preserve the harmony of project dynamics with effective leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Masterfully balance competing demands: Uncover problem-solving strategies to thrive in the midst of a myriad of constraints and differing stakeholders' desires.

• Thoughtful risk management: Anticipate roadblocks and bottlenecks before they become an issue with expert risk analysis and agile change management.

CORE CURRICULUM: The MS in Project Management core curriculum is designed to provide you with a deep and broad foundation in project management that supports the work you complete in the specialization courses and prepares you for a wide range of project management career options.

• Principles of Project Management

• Leading Global Organizations

• Transforming Organizations

• Organizational Ethics

• Intercultural Business Communication

• Management of Information Systems

SPECIALIZATION COURSES: These courses provide the opportunity to fine-tune your skills while building your leadership capacity.

• Applying Project Management Principles in IT

• Project information and Communication Management

• Project Risk Analysis and Quality Assurance

• Project Management Operations

• Agile Project Management

• Special Topics in Project Management

• Internship

CAPSTONE: The capstone project in Enterprise Project Management (EPM) focuses on organizing an enterprise’s resources in a direct relationship to its mission, strategy, goals, and objectives.

The NYU SPS Admissions team carefully weighs each component of your application during the admissions review process to evaluate your ability to benefit from and contribute to the dynamic learning environment and the challenging curriculum that the NYU School of Professional Studies offers.

No, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is not equivalent to a Master's in Project Management. They represent different credentials and offer distinct benefits. In essence, the PMP certification validates your expertise as a project manager, while a Master's in Project Management provides a formal education encompassing a broader spectrum of project management concepts. The choice between the two depends on your career goals, educational preferences, and the depth of knowledge you seek to acquire. Some professionals even choose to pursue both to enhance their credentials and knowledge base.

Our program is designed to prepare you for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam. When students pass the exam, they receive the PMP certification.

A Master's degree in Project Management can open the door to a wide range of career paths in a variety of industries. Here are some typical roles for project management careers:

1. Project Manager: The most direct career path, traditional project management involves leading and overseeing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are executed successfully within the defined scope, budget, and timeline.

2. Program Manager: Program managers oversee multiple projects that are related and collectively contribute to larger organizational goals. They ensure alignment between projects and strategic objectives.

3. Portfolio Manager: Portfolio managers manage a collection of projects and programs, ensuring that the overall portfolio aligns with the organization's strategic priorities and maximizes value.

4. Project Coordinator: Project coordinators assist project managers in planning, executing, and monitoring projects. They handle administrative tasks, maintain project documentation, and facilitate communication among team members.

5. Business Analyst: Business analysts work closely with stakeholders to identify business needs, gather requirements, and help translate them into project plans and deliverables.

6. Consultant: Project management consultants offer their expertise to organizations seeking to improve their project management practices, implement new strategies, or resolve project-related challenges.

7. Operations Manager: Operations management involves overseeing the day-to-day activities of a department or division within an organization, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and alignment with broader goals.

8. IT Project Manager: Specializing in IT projects, these professionals manage projects related to software development, project analytics, infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, and more.

9. Construction Project Manager: Construction management involves managing construction projects, from residential buildings to large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within project cost.

10. Healthcare Project Manager: In the healthcare sector, project managers oversee projects related to facility upgrades, new technology implementations, process improvements, supply chain management, and regulatory compliance.

11. Engineering Project Manager: Engineering project managers handle projects involving product development, manufacturing processes, and engineering design.

12. Environmental Project Manager: These professionals manage projects related to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, conservation efforts, and compliance with environmental regulations.

13. Marketing Project Manager: In marketing, project managers oversee campaigns, product launches, and other marketing initiatives to ensure they are executed effectively.

14. Nonprofit Project Manager: Nonprofits also require project management expertise to execute initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and community projects.

15. Entrepreneur / Startup Founder: A Master's in Project Management can be valuable for entrepreneurs interested in business management, overseeing the complexities of launching a new business, managing projects, and ensuring growth.

Project management can be a fulfilling and rewarding career for individuals who are well-suited to its demands and responsibilities. If you enjoy keeping a team organized and seeing a project through from ideation to completion, the day-to-day tasks of a project manager could be extremely satisfying.

Positive Aspects of Project Management:

1. Variety and Challenges: Project managers work on diverse projects, each with its unique objectives, teams, and complexities. This variety can keep the role engaging and prevent monotony.

2. Impact and Accomplishment: Successfully completing projects and seeing tangible results can be incredibly satisfying. Project managers contribute to the achievement of organizational goals and experience a sense of accomplishment.

3. Skill Development: Project management requires a blend of technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills. Individuals in this role often have opportunities to enhance their skills in communication, problem-solving, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

4. Leadership Opportunities: Project managers are often in leadership roles, responsible for guiding teams, making decisions, and driving projects to success. This leadership experience can be personally fulfilling.

5. Career Growth: With experience, project managers can progress to more senior roles, such as program or portfolio management, which offer increased responsibility and influence.

Project managers earn a median annual salary exceeding $95,000 according to a Forbes guide to a Project Management Master's Degree. Here's a breakdown of average salaries in careers where professionals have a master's in project management from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Construction Manager

• Median Annual Salary: $101,480

• Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +8%

Operations Manager

• Median Annual Salary: $98,100

• Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +7%

Project Manager

• Median Annual Salary: $95,370

• Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +7%

Yes, accredited online Master's degrees, such as the onsite and online Project Management Master's degree at NYU, a PMI GAC Accredited University Program, are credible and valuable in the professional world.

Deciding whether to pursue a Master's in Project Management depends on your career goals, personal circumstances, and aspirations. Here are some factors to consider when making this decision:

Advantages of Getting a Master's in Project Management:

1. Skill Enhancement: A Master's program can deepen your understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools. You will develop a comprehensive skill set that can make you more effective in managing projects.

2. Career Advancement: A Master's degree can open doors to higher-level positions, such as program or portfolio manager roles. It can enhance your chances of securing leadership positions and earning higher salaries.

3. Specialization: Some programs offer specialized tracks that allow you to focus on specific industries or areas of project management, aligning your education with your career interests.

4. Networking: Master's programs provide opportunities to connect with professors, classmates, and industry professionals. Building a strong network can lead to valuable career connections.

5. Certification Preparation: Some programs prepare you for project management certifications like the PMP, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a Master's in Project Management should align with your aspirations and be based on a thorough assessment of your goals, needs, and circumstances. If a Master's degree will genuinely enhance your skills, provide you with opportunities for advancement, and align with your career ambitions, it can be a valuable investment in your future.

The difficulty of a Master's in Project Management program can vary depending on your background, prior experience, the program's curriculum, and your personal learning style. Some students might find the program challenging but rewarding, while for others it might be easier due to their background and learning approach. It's important to research the program's curriculum, read student reviews, talk to current or past students if possible, and assess your own strengths and weaknesses before deciding on a Master's in Project Management program.

The Master's of Project Management at NYU SPS is designated as a STEM degree.

To become a project manager, there are several Master's degree options that can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge. The choice of degree depends on your career goals, background, and industry preferences. Here are some Master's degrees that are commonly pursued by individuals aspiring to be project managers:

1. Master's in Project Management (MPM): This is a specialized degree tailored for individuals who want to excel in project management roles. It provides a comprehensive education in project management methodologies, leadership, risk management, and other essential skills.

2. Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Project Management Concentration: An MBA with a concentration in project management equips you with a broader understanding of business principles while focusing on project management techniques. This degree can be valuable if you're interested in leadership roles or starting your own business.

3. Master of Science (MS) in Project Management: Similar to an MPM, an MS in Project Management provides specialized education in project management principles and practices. It can be particularly useful if you want to focus solely on project management in your career.

4. Master of Science (MS) in Technical or Engineering Management: This degree is suitable for individuals with a technical background who want to combine their expertise with project management skills. It often covers topics like technical leadership, innovation, and project execution.

5. Master of Engineering (MEng) with Project Management Focus: If you have an engineering background, an MEng with a project management emphasis can provide you with technical skills along with project management expertise.

6. Master's in Business Analytics or Data Science: In today's data-driven world, project managers with strong analytical skills are in demand. A Master's in Business Analytics or Data Science can complement your project management abilities with data-driven decision-making skills.

7. Master's in Information Technology (IT) Management: If you're interested in project management within the IT sector, a Master's in IT Management can provide you with the technical and managerial skills needed to oversee IT projects.

8. Master's in Healthcare Management: If your interest lies in project management within the healthcare sector, a Master's in Healthcare Management can equip you with the knowledge to manage healthcare-related projects effectively.

The choice between the two depends on your career goals, educational preferences, and the depth of knowledge you seek to acquire. The PMP certification validates your expertise as a project manager, while a Master's in Project Management provides a formal education encompassing a broader spectrum of project management concepts. Our program is designed to prepare you for the Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam, so you can graduate with a master's in addition to being PMP certified.

No, a Master's in Project Management (MPM) is not the same as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). While both degrees can offer valuable skills and knowledge, they have different focuses and areas of expertise. Here's a comparison between the two:

Master's in Project Management (MPM):

• Focus: MPM programs are specifically designed to provide a comprehensive education in project management principles, methodologies, and practices.

• Curriculum: MPM programs typically cover topics such as project planning, execution, risk management, quality control, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

• Specialization: MPM programs are specialized and offer a deep dive into project management concepts, making them ideal for individuals who want to excel in project management roles.

• Career Path: MPM graduates often pursue careers as project managers, program managers, portfolio managers, or other roles directly related to project management.

Master of Business Administration (MBA):

• Focus: MBA programs provide a broad business education with a focus on leadership, management, strategy, and a variety of business disciplines.

• Curriculum: MBA programs cover a wide range of subjects including finance, marketing, operations, human resources, business ethics, and more.

• Specialization: While some MBA programs offer project management as a concentration or elective, the degree itself is not specialized solely in project management.

• Career Path: MBA graduates can pursue a diverse range of careers, including management roles in various industries, entrepreneurship, consulting, marketing, finance, and more.

The choice between an MPM and an MBA depends on your career goals and interests. If you're specifically interested in project management and want to excel in that field, an MPM would provide focused expertise. On the other hand, if you want a broader business education that encompasses various aspects of management and leadership, an MBA might be more suitable.

No, a Master's in Project Management (MPM) is not the same as strategic management. While both disciplines are related to management and business, they have distinct focuses and areas of expertise. Here's a comparison between the two:

Master's in Project Management (MPM):

• Focus: MPM programs are specifically designed to provide a comprehensive education in project management principles, methodologies, and practices.

• Curriculum: MPM programs typically cover topics such as project planning, execution, risk management, quality control, leadership, communication, and stakeholder management.

• Specialization: MPM programs are specialized and offer a deep dive into project management concepts, making them ideal for individuals who want to excel in project management roles.

• Career Path: MPM graduates often pursue careers as project managers, program managers, portfolio managers, or other roles directly related to project management.

Strategic Management:

• Focus: Strategic management focuses on the long-term planning and decision-making processes that guide an organization toward achieving its goals and objectives.

• Curriculum: Strategic management programs cover topics such as strategic planning, business analysis, competitive analysis, organizational culture, corporate strategy, and decision-making.

• Specialization: Strategic management provides a broader understanding of how organizations develop and execute strategies to stay competitive and achieve their vision.

• Career Path: Graduates in strategic management can pursue careers as strategic planners, business consultants, corporate strategists, and executive leadership roles.