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Master ofProject Management

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of project management theory and practice in this interdisciplinary online project management program that incorporates problem-based learning.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by November 15 to start January 13

30 Credits$1,027 per credit

Nationally Recognized

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Gain Skills to Become an Effective Project Manager

  • Connect project strategies with overall corporate strategies and manage the associated risks.

  • Apply appropriate concepts and techniques to develop comprehensive project plans.

  • Solve scheduling, supply chain, and resource assignment problems while maintaining project quality.

  • Identify, analyze, and solve issues surrounding employee performance in project teams and leadership positions.

  • Evaluate project performance, identify key errors and opportunities, and recommend relevant solutions.

This interdisciplinary, 30-credit project management degree lets you choose 6 credits of electives in a relevant topic area or complete a research project based on a current project management issue in your organization.

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

  • project risk recognition, analysis, and mitigation
  • 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 topic 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  

Required Courses (21 credits)

MANGT 510 must be taken in the first semester of study.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based, interdisciplinary course in project management skills and techniques needed to manage projects in a modern business environment.

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that emphasizes project cost control and teaches students to apply techniques to control projects in business.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that addresses techniques for planning the project development process, including securing resources and resource management.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    An examination of organizational theories and processes of organizational behavior.

  • 3
    credits

    A human relations–based course that identifies the significant challenges that managing individuals on project teams represents.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based course that focuses on linking projects to overall corporate strategy.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510

  • 3
    credits

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently.

    • Note

      Only MANGT 597: Project Risk Management satisfies this course requirement.

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.

  • 3
    credits

    Formal courses given on a topical or special interest subject which may be offered infrequently.

    • Note

      Only MANGT 597: Agile Project Management satisfies an elective.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise architecture.

  • 3
    credits

    Theoretical foundations and practice of enterprise modeling.

    • Prerequisite

      EA 871

  • 3
    credits

    Explores cultural differences and impact on business practices and team dynamics working on virtual project teams with global partner universities.

  • 3
    credits

    Develop competencies for leading new product/process development or participating in corporate spinouts using entrepreneurial skills within a corporation.

  • 3
    credits

    This course focuses on the development of team leadership skills and the ability to solve team problems related to human interaction.

    • Prerequisite or concurrent

      MANGT 510 and MANGT 535

  • 3
    credits

    This is a graduate-level project management elective designed to expose project managers to strategic issues in marketing, opportunity recognition, and new product/service development.

  • 1–6
    credits

    Creative projects, including nonthesis research, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

    • Prerequisite

      All other courses in the program must be completed prior to enrolling in this course

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based, interdisciplinary course on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) concepts and business processes.

    • Prerequisite

      MIS 204 or first-level programming course or with permission from the program

  • 3
    credits

    Aggregate production planning procedures, disaggregation methods in hierarchical production planning, sales and operations planning, master production scheduling, material requirements planning, production activity control, lot-sizing, and capacity planning.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301

  • 3
    credits

    Purchasing policies, procedures, order specifications and agreements, supplier selection, and the role of purchasing in production planning and inventory management.

    • Prerequisite

      SCM 301 or SCM 310

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the core concepts of the strategic supply chain management framework, including process orientation, a systems viewpoint, intra-frim coordination, and extended enterprise collaboration.

Capstone Experience (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    A problem-based capstone course that integrates the themes necessary to appreciate the overall challenge of project management.

    • Prerequisite

      MANGT 510 and completion of at least 15 credits from MANGT 515, MANGT 520, MANGT 525, MANGT 531, MANGT 535, or MANGT 540

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.

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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.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Project Administrator
  • Project Controller
  • Project Management Specialist
  • Project Manager

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Project Management Specialists

6.2%
employment growth (10 years)
843,910
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

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.

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Learn more about this program

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by November 15 to start January 13. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

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.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
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

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 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. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

This program can prepare you to earn various professional certifications offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI) and Association for Project Management (APM) after gaining experience leading projects and/or completing a qualifying exam, such as:

PMI Certifications

  • Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Construction Professional (CP)
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Risk Management Professional (RMP)

APM Certifications

  • Chartered Project Professional (ChPP)
  • Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
  • Project Professional Qualification (PPQ)
A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

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.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

Supplement your technical engineering skills with courses focused on communication, ethics, entrepreneurial thinking, and professionalism. This online certificate program was designed for working engineering professionals who want to prepare for leadership positions.

Learn more

This online project management program uses problem-based learning to provide a strong foundation in project management skills and takes you one step closer to PMP certification. Plus, you can customize your learning to tailor your certificate to your career goals.

Learn more

AACSB Accredited

This program is AACSB Accredited

The Penn State Behrend Black School of Business carries the elite AACSB accreditation, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB–accredited programs.

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.

Adult student doing course work online while a child plays nearby

Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

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Apply by November 15 to start January 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 13

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by March 15 to start May 19

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by June 15 to start August 25

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox 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.

    Transfer Credit Process — Transfer of graduate credit is at the discretion of the academic department. Request for transfer of credit requires approval from both the department and Penn State Graduate School. You must submit an official graduate transcript along with the course syllabus to Dr. Jeffrey Pinto at [email protected] and Lea Saunders at [email protected]. 

    GPA — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.

  2. 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. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — 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 Fox 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, mail 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.

    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?

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. 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.

    • 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. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For questions regarding how to apply, contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

For academic and curriculum questions, contact:

Project Management Administrative Office
Phone: 814-898-6107
[email protected]

For questions regarding your submitted application, contact:

[email protected]

The Master of Project Management is offered in partnership with the Penn State Behrend Black School of Business.

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).

Faculty

  • Jeffrey K. Pinto

    • Ph.D., Organization Theory, University of Pittsburgh
    • MBA, Finance, University of Pittsburgh
    • B.S., Business, University of Maryland
    • B.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).

  • Richard Peng

    • Ph.D., Management Science, The University of North Texas
    • MBA, Operations Management & Supply Chain Management, The University of Texas at Dallas
    • B.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 includingIEEE 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.

  • B.C. Kim

    • Ph.D., Construction Management in Civil Engineering, Texas A&M University
    • M.S, Civil Engineering, Seoul National University
    • B.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.

  • Joongseo Kim

    • Ph.D., Business Administration, Oklahoma State University
    • M.S., Management, University of Colorado at Denver
    • B.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.

  • Diane H. Parente

    • Ph.D., Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo
    • MBA, Management and Accounting, Canisius College
    • B.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.

  • Peerasit Patanakul

    • Ph.D., Systems Science/Engineering Management, Portland State University
    • M.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.

  • Ray Venkataraman

    Ph.D., Management Science, Illinois Institute of Technology

    Dr. 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.

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what does a project manager do?

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by November 15 to start January 13. How to Apply 

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