Master of Science in Project Management — Arlington
The Master of Science in Project Management is designed to provide you with the practical skills and theoretical concepts you need to lead complex projects.
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From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Overview
Companies succeed or fail based on their ability to bring quality products and services to market in a timely manner. Rapid technological and digital transformation, with never-ending disruption, requires project managers to be true innovators within their organizations. Without skilled project managers in place, companies are challenged to deliver projects on time, on budget, and according to specifications. From inception to completion, project managers are responsible for every step in the process: project definition, cost and risk estimation, schedule planning and monitoring, budget management, negotiation and conflict resolution, project leadership, and project presentation and evaluation.
Featuring real-world case studies and project work, this project management degree presents techniques and tools for managing long- and short-term projects, successfully and cost effectively. Augmenting the core project management courses are concentrations that provide you with content-specific expertise—enabling you to deepen your knowledge in your field of interest.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Master of Science in Project Management in the College of Professional Studies is to prepare learners as project management practitioners capable of applying project management processes and the technical, professional, and strategic expertise necessary for managing projects successfully. With emphasis on experiential learning, the program provides dynamic opportunities for learners with varying degrees of work experience to practice their knowledge both globally and collaboratively while implementing traditional and innovative project management concepts to real-life and complex projects.
More Details
Unique Features
- Our program is designed to include practical experimentation throughout. Early courses rely on individual experiences simulated with software, evolving to group experiential network projects sponsored by local businesses before culminating in a complex, individually managed real-world project in the capstone course.
- Students’ past professional experience in project management may be eligible for degree credit toward the program.
- Our curriculum is organized into a sequence of logical, bite-sized morsels, which make it easier to be a part-time student. We offer 6-week courses in fundamentals, scope, schedule and budget, quality assurance, and risk management so that in just 18 weeks, students will have practical learning under their belt to put into practice.
- Our curriculum supports a deeper dive into topics of relevance through concentration courses, including analytics, agile project management, construction management, leadership, organizational communication, project business analysis, and leading and managing technical projects.
- This program was designed using a network approach, where each of the six campuses has a principal instructor who owns ongoing monitoring for content updates and quality delivery across our adjunct faculty. This means that you are not only exposed to content in a more streamlined and organized manner, but you’ll also benefit from the ongoing perspective of a large, global faculty community who are actively monitoring one another to assure quality across each classroom.
- Our STEM-designated degree is delivered through a hybrid model of online and on-site learning, allowing students to take courses every term, taking advantage of the program's "always-on" approach to learning.
Program Objectives
- Specialized Knowledge – Effectively lead and manage sometimes interrelated, complex projects in a mature manner while avoiding common project management pitfalls.
- Broad, Integrative Knowledge – Manage project scope, risk, quality, and performance metrics while effectively communicating with all project stakeholders.
- Civic Learning – Understand the need for ethics and social responsibility in the practice of project management as outlined in the PMI Code of Ethics.
- Intellectual Skills – Develop the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary to lead projects in a complex and dynamic project environment.
Career Outlook
- Over the next decade, employment for project management roles is projected to grow by 6 percent — faster than the average for all occupations. This includes over 68,100 job openings per year for the next decade (2022 to 2032). SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
- The outlook for the median salaries of project managers is $95,370, more than double the median annual wage for all workers ($46,310).
- Project managers working in project-intensive sectors such as finance and insurance ($104,930), professional and tech services ($100,390), and manufacturing ($97,350) are leading the salary curve. SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Accreditation
The Master of Science in Project Management is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
In October of 2021, the Master of Science in Project Management accreditation was re-affirmed for the maximum five-year accreditation cycle (originally accredited in 2009) by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC), the world's leading association for project management professionals. Accreditation is achieved by meeting the GAC’s rigorous standards, which include an assessment of program objectives and outcomes, a review of onsite and online resources, evaluations of faculty and students, and proof of continuous improvements in the area of project management.
Graduates of our GAC-accredited program are granted a substantial 12-month reduction credit toward the experience requirement when they complete an application for any PMI certification. This means that those applying for the PMI certification will only need 24 months of project management experience, instead of 36 months as outlined by GAC. This new benefit applies retroactively to our program’s initial accreditation date of 2009.
| Enrollment Data | |||||
| Enrolled Students | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| MS in Project Management | 1249 | 1362 | 1254 | 1656 | 1754 |
| Degrees Conferred | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
| MS in Project Management | 413 | 481 | 530 | 416 | 505 |
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Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
General Requirements
Required Courses
Note: PJM 5900 is for students with less than three years of experience directing or leading project tasks and is recommended for students who do not have a basic working knowledge of Microsoft Project software. Students who do not complete PJM5900 may take any project management elective to satisfy the required credits.
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The following course should be taken last:
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The remaining required quarter hours for the program may be completed by: 1) a combination of completing a concentration, project management electives, and 6000-level elective or 2) a combination of project management electives, and selecting any courses listed in the concentrations and elective lists.
Project Management Electives
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| 1.00 | 4.00 |
Elective List
Complete courses from the 6000 level. Below is a list of courses regularly offered as electives within the Project Management Program.
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Concentrations
Concentration in Agile Project Management
Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 quarter hours dedicated to a concentration in order to meet overall degree requirements. This minimum also applies to students who elect to create a custom concentration as approved by their advisor.
Students in this concentration are only required to complete one project management required elective.
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Concentration in Analytics
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Choose from one of the following:
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Concentration in Construction Management
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Concentration in Leadership
Required Courses
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Elective
Complete one of the following:
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Concentration in Leading and Managing Technical Projects
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Concentration in Organizational Communication
Required Courses
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| 1.00 |
Electives
Complete four of the following:
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Concentration in Project Business Analysis
| 3.00 | ||
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| 3.00 |
Follow Our Leaders
Students are able to learn and collaborate with faculty who have in-depth knowledge about project management in areas such as construction management, nonprofit, power generation, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, retail, publishing, supply chain, consulting, government, insurance and engineering industries, bringing real-world case study examples to the classroom to enrich your learning experience.
This degree allowed me to start a new career. I am now a program manager at a major world-renowned hospital, and while I am only just starting out, I know that this degree and field has unlimited opportunities for growth. It's an exciting field if you are someone who likes to challenge yourself in your career.
Melissa Grella, current MS in Project Management student
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1,000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
PlusOne
Your Head Start on a Master’s Degree
The PlusOne Accelerated Master’s Program provides motivated students with the opportunity to start earning their master’s degree while pursuing their undergraduate education. By completing the BS in Information Technology or BS in Management, you can advance your learning by applying up to 16 earned semester hours (or up to 22.5 quarter hours) toward both your bachelor's and master’s degree, allowing you to receive your graduate degree one year sooner than you would with a traditional Master of Science in Project Management program.
View the registrar’s website for program-specific information
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
FAQ
What is the Project Management Student Organization (NUPM)?
Northeastern University's Project Management Student Organization is a student-run organization founded in 2017 to advance the discipline of project management and provide you with an unmatched opportunity to gain real-life experience in the field. NUPM is the largest club at the College of Professional Studies with a membership base of 400 members, including alumni.