An Increased Demand for Project Managers

Corporations rely on project managers to oversee all aspects of a project so that everything flows seamlessly and the timeline, scope, and budget goals are met. As more organizations use project-based methods to accomplish tasks, experienced project managers are in higher demand. When you earn a master’s degree in project management, you can possess a skill set valued by companies in virtually every industry.

Why Project Management at Penn State

The online Master of Project Management degree offered through Penn State World Campus is an interdisciplinary graduate program that uses problem-based learning to provide a thorough understanding of all aspects of project-management theory and practice. This 30-credit degree program, which you can complete in as little as two years, is a well-respected credential and is AACSB accredited. In addition, Penn State is a Project Management Institute (PMI)^® Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.).

Headed by Dr. Jeffrey K. Pinto, an internationally renowned scholar in the field of project management, this program covers not only the curriculum found in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide) Fourth Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc. (2008), but also the European model as well (APM).

As a student, you can learn how to better manage your projects with regard to:

• planning, cost, and value management
• project control
• human issues in project management
• strategic issues in project management
• commercial and procurement law

Embedded in the master’s degree program is a 12-credit graduate certificate program. You will receive the certificate after you complete the first four courses — which will give you an added credential even before you complete the degree program.
 
The program also holds a Community of Practice Conference event every August. At this plenary event, you will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the program’s faculty and other industry leaders, as well as to network with other high-caliber students in the degree program.

Choose your Project Management Career Track

The master’s degree program allows you to tailor the curriculum to match your interests and professional goals. For your final two courses you may choose from the following options:

• a 6-credit research project based on a current project management issue in your organization
• 6 credits of course work in advanced project management
• 8 credits of course work in supply chain management
• 6 credits of course work in SAP enterprise resource planning software

Please see our curriculum pages for more information on how to best customize your degree program.

Who Should Apply

Whether you are involved in construction management; project execution; or project, program, or portfolio management, this is an ideal program if you are looking for career development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skill sets in managing large, complex projects.

Career Opportunities for Project Management Graduates

Because project managers are in high demand in a variety of industries, as a graduate of the Master of Project Management degree program you can be prepared for a variety of positions, including:

• project manager
• project management analyst
• quality management project coordinator
• master scheduler
• computer and information systems manager
• industrial production manager
• sales manager
• business planning analyst
• administrative services manager

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.

"PMI" and "PMBOK" are registered marks of Project Management Institute, Inc.