Master of Science in Project Management — Online
The Master of Science in Project Management is a STEM-designated academic degree program that empowers you with the technical, professional, and strategic expertise to manage projects from inception to completion across global markets.
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Overview
Northeastern’s Master of Science in Project Management is a STEM designated graduate degree accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). This program gives students the skills and tools to drive organizational innovation and effectively lead volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous projects from inception to completion in global markets.
This master’s degree program features a curriculum with a two-pronged approach that provides students with BOTH:
- the foundational knowledge of scientific-based project management tools, organizational strategies, and theoretical concepts
- the opportunity to deepen subject matter expertise through targeted concentrations and innovative project management strategies
- Early courses rely on individual experiences simulated with software, evolving to group experiential network projects sponsored by local businesses before culminating into a real-world project in the capstone course.
This program was designed to include practical experimentation throughout the progression of a student’s experience.
The faculty that teaches project management specific courses each possess a minimum of ten years of professional project management experience along with a variety of advanced project management and industry credentials.
This combination of academic background and real-world experience allows faculty to provide students individual guidance on how to transition into the field of project management along with the insights and skills needed to launch a journey into a successful, thriving career.
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.
Unique Features
- STEM-designated graduate degree
- Opportunity for experiential learning and the co-op education program
- Project management concentrations allow students to focus their study on content-specific knowledge
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 2016, 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 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
MS in Project Management | 962 | 1059 | 1188 | 1249 | 1362 |
Degrees Conferred | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
MS in Project Management | 270 | 398 | 386 | 413 | 481 |
Check Out Your Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Popular Jobs
Job Title | Growth Rate | Median Annual Salary |
---|---|---|
Project Manager | 6% | $95,370K |
Finance and Insurance | 0% | $104,930K |
Professional and Tech Services | 0% | $100,390K |
Manufacturing | 0% | $97,350K |
alumni across 179 countries
corporate partners
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 or future workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience that prepares you to apply your learning outside the classroom – giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Experiential Network (XN)
Apply classroom learning to real-world professional settings during experiential project execution inside of coursework. Students can gain job experience by participating in industry-sponsored virtual experiential projects inside of select curricular and extracurricular courses.
Learn more about experiential projects inside of coursework and more
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.
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.
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
The following course should be taken last:
Credits 3.00 |
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
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
1.00 | Credits 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.
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
3.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Concentrations
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.
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Choose from one of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 |
Electives
Complete four of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Follow Our Leaders
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 over 500 active members, including alumni, with chapters on the Boston and Toronto campuses.
This program has over 100 faculty members, with a minimum of 10 years of experience as a working professional. Our instructors don’t just teach project management within our program – they practice it on a day-to-today basis. They are adept at connecting theory to practice - which will prepare students to be job-ready from day one of their career.
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Jacques Alexis
Scholar practitioner with a unique combination of expertise in business economics, general management, portfolio, project, and operations management.Full bio
My colleagues definitely take my degree into account, which enhances my reputation and perceived aptitude within my organization. This degree allows for new doors to open and expedites your career by obtaining direct knowledge from industry experts who have decades of real-world experiences. Then, you are able to use these insights in your everyday role.
Scott Whear - Master of Science in Project Management '20
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
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.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where alumni who studied in one of our Project Management programs work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Partners Healthcare
- Verizon
- Dell EMC
- State Street
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Program and Project Management
- Information Technology
- Operations
- Engineering
- Consulting
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What They're Skilled At
- Project Management
- Management
- Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Program Management
*Alumni data courtesy of Linkedin.
FAQ
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.
Related Programs
Admissions
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 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
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.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
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