United States Masters in Project Management On Campus Programs & Degrees

Individuals who possess strong organization and communication skills and who are proficient at multitasking and problem solving may be interested in attending masters in project management schools. Depending on their background and careers goals, they may choose to pursue a masters of project management degree, or an MBA in project management.

Many industries utilize project managers to oversee a project from the planning phase through the final closeout. Project managers coordinate with a team to create a budget, define the scope of work and set deadlines for the project. They then work to utilize human, material and technological resources to compete the project within the agreed-upon parameters.

Masters in project management schools seek to prepare graduates to take on these and other challenges through a combination of coursework, practicums and projects. Universities that offer masters degrees in project management on campus also provide students with the opportunity to interact with peers and professors face-to-face as they learn the tools and techniques needed to excel in this industry.

Basics of Masters in Project Management Schools

Masters in project management schools may offer a wide variety of programs. A master’s in project management program focuses specifically on the skills necessary to see a project from its inception through its completion. Schools may also offer MBA programs with a project management concentration alongside more general business classes.

Typically masters in project management schools offer courses on-campus at a set time. However this does not mean you sacrifice flexibility. In fact, many campus based project management masters programs offer night courses or part time options for working students.

In between classes, students may be able to take advantage of campus resources, like libraries, labs, gyms and student services. This may make it a perfect choice for those looking for the "traditional" grad school experience, full of opportunities to network with professors and peers.

Certification in Project Management for Masters Degree Students

In addition to the potential career benefits that earning a masters in project management degree on campus provides, many students also wish to become certified by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This respected organization sets quality and educational standards for the global project management community. Some university programs are accredited by the PMI’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). GAC accreditation is a rigorous process, but one that adds prestige to a program and its graduates. Others schools offer opportunities for students to accrue PMI credits and credentials as part of their master’s level coursework.^[i]

Potential Careers for Project Management Masters Degree Holders

Project management is a diverse field that may offer professionals the opportunity to purse a number of different potential career paths. Project managers might pursue potential career opportunities in industries including; healthcare, information technology, construction, transportation and engineering. Depending on their education and experience, they may oversee projects related to green technology, software development or infrastructure. While many work for corporations, government and nonprofit organizations also employ project managers. A small sampling of project management careers includes:

• Information Technology Project Managers – Oversee computer, electronic and software activities within an organization. Projects may include the creation of new technologies or the implementation and expansion of existing technologies.
• Environmental Engineers – Prevent, control and remediate environmental hazards with various engineering techniques and technologies. May collaborate with scientists, technicians, government organizations, lawyers and engineers.
• Construction Managers – Direct the activities needed to construct or maintain structures and facilities. Coordinate with architects, owner’s representatives, superintendents and subcontractors to plan, schedule and complete construction projects that are in compliance with local and national safety and building codes.

Regardless of the industry, one of a project manager’s primary tasks is to constantly monitor the progress of a project and ensure that budgets, deadlines, quality control standards and other specifications are being met. They must serve as a liaison between laborers or technicians and owners or clients to ensure that the product delivered meets expectations in every way, while also providing a profit for the company. 

Potential Career Outlook for Project Managers

Job prospects in project management are as varied as the industries this field encompasses. However, the outlook is positive for project managers in many sectors. According to O’Net, in 2014 the median wage for a project manager in information technology was $83,410 annually, with a projected growth of 3% to 7% over the next ten years^[ii]. Environmental engineers earned $83,360 in 2014, and face a faster-than-average project growth of 15% to 21% in the coming years^[iii]. The 2014 median wage in construction management was $85,630. This field also faces faster-than-average job growth (15% to 21%) over the next ten years^[iv].

A project manager must be able to balance the needs and expectations of many individuals and groups as they plan, schedule and execute a project. They should be adept at building teams and coordinating with others. In many ways, they are like the hub of a wheel, serving as the center where the disparate elements of a project come together. Students who choose to pursue master’s degrees in project management on campus can find a number of interesting programs and unique opportunities. They may have the chance to participate in research projects, network with peers and professionals, and gain valuable professional certifications. By advancing their education, they can enhance their current career or pursue new potential career opportunities.

Find Masters in Project Management Schools

Ready to attend classes on campus and earn your project management masters degree? Start your search right here. Click on any of the program listings to read descriptions and contact masters in project management schools directly.

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Sources: [i] http://www.pmi.org/Certification.aspx | [ii] onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.09 | [iii] onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2081.00 | [iv] onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9021.00