Application deadline
Credits and costs
Nationally Recognized
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.
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) Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute, Inc. (2017), but also the European model as well (APM). As a student, you can learn how to better manage your projects with regard to:
- commercial and procurement law
- corporate and business strategy in project management
- cost control, planning, and resource management
- human relations and project teams
- organization theory in project management
Choose your Project Management Career Track
The master's degree program allows you to tailor the curriculum to match your personal interests and professional goals. You may choose 6 credits in electives from topical areas such as:
- enterprise architecture
- enterprise resource planning (ERP) with SAP software
- independent study for a creative research project, based on a current project management issue in your organization
- supply chain management
- engineering
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.
Courses
Based on the Needs of Multinational Corporations
The online Master of Project Management degree program is an interdisciplinary, 30-credit graduate program that uses problem-based learning to provide a thorough understanding of all aspects of project management theory and practice. It is designed to meet the needs of companies that are heavily engaged in large-scale projects. Penn State's team of faculty, headed by Dr. Jeffrey K. Pinto, an internationally recognized scholar in the field of project management, has joined forces with distinguished, multinational firm Rolls-Royce and the University of Manchester to develop a world-class curriculum for companies that require the highest level of expertise in the management of projects.
The master’s degree curriculum allows you to tailor your course work to align with your personal career goals. You can choose 6 credits of electives in a relevant topical area, or complete a research project based on a current project management issue in your organization. The program is structured so that you interact with high-caliber classmates who work in a variety of industries, enabling you to learn from each other and keep those relationships after graduation.
Required Courses (21 credits)
MANGT 510 must be taken in the first semester of study.
Elective Courses (select 6 credits)
In addition to the pre-approved elective courses listed below, you may choose courses in a topical area that align with your professional goals, in consultation with your adviser.
Prerequisites as listed may be waived by the course instructor if you can demonstrate the required level of competency.
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
Apply Earned Credits toward a Graduate Certificate or Minor
Because the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Project Management consists of the first four courses of the master's program, you are able to add a quality credential to your résumé even before you complete the full degree. Students planning to complete more than one master’s degree should contact the project management administrative office for additional information and credit sharing limitations prior to applying.
Credits earned for EA 871 and EA 873 may be applied toward the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Architecture.
ENGR 802 and ENGR 804 may be applied toward the Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management Graduate Minor.
SCM 800 may be applied toward the 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,017 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,203 per semester |
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all related materials, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete:
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
GPA and Test Scores — postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.
GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering the names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two professional references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Rolls-Royce employee applicants: Enter your own name and email address in all reference fields. You will receive emails (you can ignore) as if you are a reference.
Program-Specific Questions/Materials
Statement of Purpose — upload your statement, addressing these points:
- Why have you chosen to participate in the online project management degree program?
- Describe how your previous or current work experience will enable you to apply course concepts to project management situations you have experienced.
- How will these studies help you attain your career goals?
- How will your participation contribute to the program?
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials. Your application will not be considered complete until all requested documents are received on or before the application deadline.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
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.
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way
Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.
Contact Us
Learn more about the Master of Project Management, offered in partnership with the Penn State Behrend Black School of Business.
For questions regarding how to apply, contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
For academic and curriculum questions, contact:
Project Management Administrative Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 814-898-6716
For questions regarding your submitted application, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
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Jeffrey K. Pinto
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DegreePh.D., Organization Theory, University of Pittsburgh
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DegreeMBA, Finance, University of Pittsburgh
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DegreeB.S., Business, University of Maryland
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DegreeB.A., History, University of Maryland
Dr. Jeffrey K. Pinto is professor and Andrew Morrow and Elizabeth Lee Black Chair in the Management of Technology at Penn State. He has been the program chair for Penn State's Master of Project Management program since its inception in 2002. An internationally renowned scholar in project management, Dr. Pinto is the author of 28 books and 150 research papers, principally on project management topics. Among his honors, he has received research achievement awards from the Project Management Institute (2009) and the International Project Management Association (2017).
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Richard Peng
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DegreePh.D., Management Science, The University of North Texas
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DegreeMBA, Operations Management & Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Dallas
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DegreeB.E., Information Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Dr. Richard Peng is an associate professor of project and supply chain management at Penn State Behrend. His research articles have been published in journals including IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, Journal of Cleaner Production, Quality Management Journal, and Resources, Conservation & Recycling. His research and teaching interests include health care operations, operations management, project management, quality management, supply chain management, and technology management.
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B.C. Kim
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DegreePh.D., Construction Management in Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University
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DegreeM.S, Civil Engineering, Seoul National University
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DegreeB.S., Civil Engineering, Seoul National University
Dr. B.C. Kim is an associate professor in project and supply chain management. He is a registered professional engineer in Ohio and a registered structural engineer in South Korea. He has authored a book on project management and published research articles in European Journal of Operational Research, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Production Planning & Control, and Journal of Management in Engineering. His primary research interests include project analytics with an emphasis on probabilistic project control, forecasting, and risk analysis.
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Joongseo Kim
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DegreePh.D., Business Administration, Oklahoma State University
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DegreeM.S., Management, University of Colorado at Denver
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DegreeB.A., Business Administration, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
Dr. Joongseo Kim is an assistant professor of management at Penn State Behrend. His research interests include culture, deviance, and behavioral ethics. His research has appeared in top journals, including Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Journal of Applied Psychology, Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (PSPB), Harvard Business Review, and Human Relations. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Kim worked in the U.S. Army as a training noncommissioned officer.
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Diane H. Parente
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DegreePh.D., Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo
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DegreeMBA, Management and Accounting, Canisius College
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DegreeB.A., Physics, Wilson College
Dr. Diane H. Parente is the Samuel A. and Elizabeth B. Breene Professor of Business at Penn State Behrend. She is widely published in various fields, including management information systems, marketing and operations management, online auctions, and simulations in education. She has two books (Project Strategy and Strategic Portfolio Management: A Primer and Best Practices for Online Procurement Auctions) and a project management simulation (Sim4Projects™). She has been named a 2021 Fellow in the Midwest Decision Science Institute.
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Peerasit Patanakul
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DegreePh.D., Systems Science/Engineering Management, Portland State University
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DegreeM.S., Engineering Management, Portland State University
Dr. Peerasit Patanakul is a professor of management at Penn State Behrend. His research interests include project portfolio management, managing multiple projects, human aspects of project management, and managing government programs. He has published three books and multiple book chapters. His works also appear in Journal of Product Innovation Management, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, International Journal of Project Management, and Project Management Journal. He has received several research grants from the Project Management Institute.
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Ray Venkataraman
DegreePh.D., Management Science, Illinois Institute of TechnologyDr. Ray Venkataraman is a professor and department chair of project and supply chain management and marketing at Penn State Behrend. He has more than forty years of teaching experience and has taught a variety of courses in project management and supply chain management. He has several research publications in top-tier operations and supply chain management journals and has co-authored four books.
