MS in Project Management

Expand Your Scope, Deliver Success

The online MS in Project Management (MSPM) degree at the GW School of Business takes a systems-oriented approach to project management. Our program balances hard skills like analytics with interpersonal skills so graduates are prepared to make complex decisions, manage risk and lead project teams effectively.

The GW Business online master’s in project management is STEM-designated and accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), meaning that students are guaranteed to gain the tools they need for a successful project management career. Going beyond the PMBOK, our challenging curriculum introduces students to international methodologies, decision sciences and advanced project management applications.

Our master’s in project management graduates excel in roles that require data-driven decision-making and can become successful leaders of technical and non-technical teams.

Achieve Your Education Goals With the Freedom of Flexible Learning

The online MSPM degree is designed to meet the needs of working professionals who want to enhance their ability to integrate complex projects, motivate people and achieve cost-effective results.

The online course experience for the master’s in project management includes:

• Course Capture: Campus lectures are recorded through advanced course capture technology and made available within three hours to all students via Blackboard. Students can watch course lectures at their convenience. Recorded lectures may also be downloaded to a variety of devices to watch or listen to on the go.
• Virtual Classrooms: Professors hold an optional live virtual class session each week. Students are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to interact with peers and professors.
• BlackBoard: Tests, assignments and communications are managed virtually through BlackBoard for campus and distance courses.

Online MSPM Program Outcomes

The mission of the MSPM program is to provide a superior graduate education experience that elevates student knowledge and expertise, enabling them to serve as leaders, educators and practitioners in the project management field. Master’s in project management students will:

• Build a comprehensive foundation in the project management principles that influence performance at all levels of an organization.
• Develop transferable skills in project management, problem-solving, critical thinking, systems thinking, communication and team building.
• Gain a solid theoretical understanding of and the ability to apply relevant methods for complex decision-making in business and project management.
• Learn to synthesize project management theory and methods in order to apply them to any domain.

View the Curriculum

Master in Project Management Versus PMP Certification: What’s the Difference?

A master’s in project management and PMP (Project Management Professional) certification serve different purposes, but can complement each other depending on your career goals.

An MSPM is a graduate degree that covers project management theory, strategy, leadership skills and advanced project management practices. It’s a good choice for those seeking an advanced understanding of project management as well as the opportunity to develop skills like risk management, financial planning and leadership.

The PMP certification is a professional certification focused on the practical application of project management methodologies. This credential is highly respected in the industry and demonstrates hands-on project management experience to employers.

Many professionals pursue both, using an MSPM to broaden their strategic skills and the PMP to validate their experience. However, an MS in Project Management offers deeper academic insight and is often preferred by those aiming for leadership roles or seeking a career shift into project management.