Online Master’s Degree Program in Project Management

Master of Science in Project Management

*This program is not currently accepting new students.*

Drexel's accredited online master's degree in project management (PM) meets the needs of mid-career professionals seeking marketable skills to help them step into higher level positions. As more companies rely on project managers to stay on budget and timeline, earning a Master of Science in Project Management can be a vital asset for advancement.

The online Master’s in Project Management program will help you learn how to manage projects, programs, and portfolios from start to finish. While developing as a leader, you’ll gain solid business and valued communication skills. Upon graduation, you'll not only be capable of managing single projects, but also efficiently coordinating integrated projects to achieve a set of business goals.

Drexel University’s Project Management program is approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI) as a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.). R.E.P. status means that Drexel is now authorized by PMI to issue professional development units to meet education requirements needed by PMI credential holders. For instance, the Project Management Professional (PMP)^® and Program Management Professional^®.

MS in Project Management Program Features

• 45 credits
• Delivered in a flexible, 100% online format to fit the needs of busy adults
• Learn from industry professionals with experience in the public and private sectors and in union and open shop environments
• A highly interactive online learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates
• Build technical skills and a business mindset

Archived Webinar

• MS in Project Management Online Open House

What is a Master’s in Project Management?

A Master of Science in Project Management is a professional graduate program with a singular focus: to help you understand the concepts, tools, and tasks of a project manager, while ensuring you gain the practical leadership skills needed to excel on the job. This includes procurement, risk, collaboration, modern software, and goal-setting. Plus, you’ll gain a strong handle on how to define a project’s scope, and manage costs, time frames, and outcomes.

Why is Project Management Important?

High-performing companies understand that project management practices help save money. They strive for their projects to meet business goals – on time and on budget. Valuing standardized project management fuels their success, drives change, reduces risk, and leads to better outcomes.

When a project does not perform, it can derail these intentions. Recent PMI reports show that 9.9% of every dollar is wasted because the project failed to hit its strategic goals. That translates to $99 million dollars for every billion invested. A well-executed project can thus make a huge impact on a company’s bottom line.

Why Do You Need a Project Manager?

A skilled project manager has an eye on both the goals and the means to reach them. Savvy PMs use tried and true practices to meet deadlines, business intent, budget, and overall strategy. They take care of overseeing every detail of a project from start to finish, usually following some type of process map. That could look like:

• Assembling the team and brainstorming
• Defining the project and its scope
• Forming an initial plan that is realistic
• Estimating risks, cost, time lines, and resources
• Conveying project to other managers for approval
• Managing any changes, taking the temperature of stakeholders, and ensuring smooth delivery
• Project completion (finish line)

6 Ways Project Managers Keep Your Project in Line

Project managers have the agility to keep a project in line. Seventy-one percent of organizations report that the ability of a PM to adapt to external and internal changes helps them stay competitive. Here are 6 ways that PMS can keep a project on track:

Communicate
PMs are in touch with C-suite executives, technical project team members, and individual departments (finance, human resources, customers). The ability to clear up confusion on tasks and manage expectations helps keep the project on track.

Manage Time
PMs help everyone focus on the task at hand. Effective time management skills improve productivity and the likelihood of the project wrapping up when it’s supposed to. Tracking time also feeds into a PM’s understanding of resource allocation.

Lead the Team
Successful PMs run a tight ship while also fostering a team environment. They set the tone that each member plays a vital role in the project and the deliverable is a shared goal.

Manage Workflow
PMs strive to resolve issues as they arise. This keeps the workflow on schedule while also identifying any gaps in information that stand in the way.

Collaborate
PMs get to know the strengths and weaknesses of the individual contributors. They help identify which person to pair with specific tasks, keep the focus, and provide the support a team member may need.

Use Industry Technology
Today’s PMs know how to use industry tools to their advantage, such as project tracking software which identifies tasks, deadlines, and progress. They also use file sharing, video and live meetings, reminder notices, and other protocols to engage participants and keep the team productive and focused.

What is the Difference between Project Management and Construction Management?

While a construction manager (CM) handles building-related activities, a project manager has more authority. A type of PM, a construction manager is an expert in electrical, carpentry, plumbing, and similar trades. As such, CMs manage the construction site, hiring contractors, order and allocate resources, set schedules, obtain building permits, and oversee workmanship.

Usually a client will use a real estate project manager to oversee a construction process. This process can involve selecting an architect, engineer, or general contractor, among others. As such, a CM often reports to the PM and is part of the team working to complete the project.

Project Manager vs Construction Manager

• PMs work in all sectors (IT, engineering, real estate). CMs work in construction.
• PMs working in real estate manage all facets of the project (planning, site selection, design) while CMs only manage the construction portion.
• PMs have an understanding of client goals and communicate them to CMs.
• PMs hire CMs. They are in charge of supervising the CM.
• CMs hire tradespeople who pertain only to the construction process.

What Jobs Can You Get with a Master’s in Project Management?

Almost every industry needs a focused project manager, which means there may be a wide range of jobs available. Project managers set strategy, goals, tasks, resources, schedules, costs, contingencies, and more. Within the broader context, they also oversee team members, ensuring that each contributor hits deadlines and comes in on budget. They also help everyone stay on track or re-focus when setbacks occur.

If you go the route of certification, you might want to carve out a niche for yourself by focusing on a specific aspect of project management such as:

• Portfolio Manager
• Project Manager
• Program Manager
• Risk Manger
• Scheduling Manager
• Agile Manager

How Can I Become a Project Manager?

To become a project manager, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Many students on track to becoming project managers work their interests into their education. Some come from business administration, marketing, engineering, or computer science. After a bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a graduate certificate in project management or a Master’s in Project Management degree. Some students also pursue professional certification to stand out to potential employers.

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Graduate Certificate in Project Management or Master of Science in Project Management
• Professional Certification (e.g. through the PMI^®)

Project management positions usually require solid communication and people skills. Employers want to see a candidate is able to stay organized, solve problems, and adapt to changing conditions with a positive and tactical mindset. These may be qualities you already posess, or ones you want to develop.

What Industries Need Project Managers?

Virtually every industry needs project managers. Drexel's MS in Project Management degree may help you pursue a wide range of opportunities in sectors such as:

• Construction/Real Estate
• Defense Contracting
• Engineering
• Financial Services
• Government Contracting
• IT/Software Development
• Media Arts and Design

How Much Does a Project Manager Make a Year?

Salaries for project managers vary by location, workplace, and experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not classify project managers in a separate category. Instead, you’ll find these professionals under other job titles.

*Data from BLS.gov

Is a Master’s Degree in Project Management Worth It?

There are several reasons to pursue a master’s degree in project management. One links to rising demand for skilled project managers. Another speaks to edging out the competition by earning industry-focused credentials. Consider five popular reasons for pursuing a MSPM degree:

The job outlook for project managers is favorable
Per a recent report by the PMI^®, by the year 2027, employers around the globe will need 87.7 million people to fill project management roles. But there is so far, a shortage of qualified workers to fill these jobs.

There are more project management job openings
The world economy is project-oriented, bringing with it jobs in many sectors. One of the sectors with the biggest growth (17%) is health care. Other leading sectors include manufacturing/construction, information services, finance and insurance, management, utilities, and oil/gas.

Build the ideal skillset for a wide range of jobs
A master’s degree in project management provides several things employers seek in candidates. These are technical project management skills, strategic thinking, and leadership. Together, these may help you take on more complex projects across many lines of business enterprise.

Prepare for a potentially rewarding salary
Based on the BLS figures above, salaries for project managers can be lucrative. Per the PMI report, project management-oriented workers earned an 82% wage premium over other industries.

Gain transferable soft skills
Apart from an understanding of organizational issues and how to execute strategic goals, a MSPM program may help you build soft skills. The ability to collaborate and motivate others is one example. These skills often make you more marketable.

Related Program

• MBA

*PMBOK, PMP, Project Management Professional, PMI and CAPM are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.