Project Management Graduate Programs

Project Management Graduate Programs and Curriculum

Those considering a project management master’s degree ideally possess the following skills and attributes:

• Driven to succeed
• Team player
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organization Skills
• Good time management skills
• Ability to multitask
• Good business sense
• Decisiveness and ability to prioritize
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Problem solving

Specific courses vary by program, but many project management graduate programs include the following classes:

• Project management
• Planning and strategies
• Project organization
• Financial accounting
• Legal and ethical issues
• Communication techniques
• Tools and technology

Many programs culminate in the completion of a research project. A number of project management programs have a certificate program built into their master’s degree. This allows graduates to have an additional credential before completing their master’s work.

Many programs accept applicants from a variety of undergraduate programs; however, having prior coursework in business may be helpful.

Along with university accreditation, many project management programs strive to obtain accreditation from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Accreditation from the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) is a rigorous process. Accreditation for the GAC shows the program’s dedication to quality education in the field of project management.

Project Management Career Paths

Project managers are employed by a variety of business fields such as:

• Healthcare
• Infrastructure development
• Green technology
• Nonprofit organizations
• Global business
• Governmental agencies
• Construction
• Transportation

Within in these fields, project management graduates work in a wide variety of positions including, but not limited to:

• Project/program manager
• Financial analyst
• Procurement
• Supply chain management
• Computer and information systems management
• Industrial production management
• Sales manager
• Administrative service manager
• Event manager
• Human resource manager
• Quality management

Project Management Future Job Outlook

According to the Project Management Institute, an average of 1.2 million project management positions will be available each year through 2016. The average annual salary for a project manager is approximately $72,000 based on data comparisons from reports by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average salaries for typical project management graduate positions are listed in the table below. Many of these positions are expected to see significant growth by 2018.

Data according to

Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Ed.