From project initiation and planning to execution and closure, project managers steer project success. A project manager’s role involves integrity, honesty, and adaptability. They must offer constructive criticism, establish targets, and optimize resource usage. Leading a task from start to finish poses challenges, requiring motivation during deadlines and adept decision-making in complex situations.
As the driving force behind any project and its accomplishment, it is important to have leadership skills. There are many masters one can pursue to develop these skills to be an efficient project manager.
Importance of Leadership Skills in Project Management
Not an easy challenge, but a project manager across industries is responsible for creating and scheduling the timelines of the project, acting as a link between all the stakeholders, troubleshooting when necessary, and ensuring that each phase of the project is executed successfully. Leadership plays a necessary role here as one has to be able to communicate properly with all the stakeholders to decimate the information. Leadership skills are required to ensure a smooth onboarding process while creating a team and handling difficulties that arise in an easily automated and digitized world. Leadership also translates to cultivating cultural sensitivity, navigating interpersonal conflicts, and guiding remote teams, among other abilities.
Embarking on a project management career allows you to apply leadership skills to aid businesses or organizations like NGOs in achieving their goals and navigating your project to success. While not mandatory, pursuing a master’s degree in this field offers significant advantages. Why consider a master’s in project management?
Is it worth getting a Master’s degree in Project Management?
As per the Project Management Institute (PMI), there will be a requirement to recruit approximately 2.2 million positions related to projects annually until 2027. This demand arises concurrently with the retirement of numerous project management professionals, thereby amplifying the necessity for individuals in the early or mid stages of their careers to possess the requisite skills and project management expertise.
Top Benefits of Completing a Master’s in Project Management
A Master’s in Project Management will help you develop your leadership skills in the following manners:
- Work in a real-world setting
Co-ops and internships allow students to acquire the skills necessary to work in the real world. Additionally, your job experience will permit you to bring more than required to the table while completing your master’s degree. If you’re currently employed as a project manager while pursuing a master’s degree, you benefit from a valuable synergy of academic learning and real-world experience. Applying lessons from your job to studies and vice versa provides a unique advantage, enhancing your understanding and practical skills in project management.
- Preparedness for the role
A master’s degree in project management isn’t always obligatory for a project manager, but it’s increasingly sought after. This advanced degree enhances your preparedness for a senior project management role, offering opportunities for salary increases and expanded responsibilities. According to a PMI survey, progressing from Project Manager II to Project Manager III typically results in a 13% raise, while overseeing larger teams and projects can yield additional earnings of 8%, and up to 18-40%, respectively, based on project budgets exceeding $10 million.
- Skill development
A bachelor’s in project management equips you with foundational skills. Enhance these skills with a master’s degree, refining areas like communication, risk management, critical thinking, quality management, and cost management, all of which are qualities of a good leader.
- Specialized expertise growth
Project Management is ideal for those dedicated to it as a core business function. Gaining expertise through a degree positions you as a trusted leader, specializing in fine details, pain points, theories, and solutions within your chosen field.
You can also add to your degree by completing this certification:
- PMP Certification
While it might take some extra time to pursue, set yourself apart in the field by completing this reputed certification. While not obligatory for project managers, the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, upon successful completion, offers substantial benefits, including enhanced job prospects and higher salaries. Its recognition signifies dedication and compliance with industry standards, providing a competitive career advantage. Consider master’s degree programs that incorporate PMP exam preparation courses for thorough readiness.
Here are some degrees in Project Management which will help you become an efficient project manager:
Online Master of Studies in Project Management at Georgetown University
Georgetown University’s Master of Professional Studies in Project Management program allows students with comprehensive skills to organize, oversee, and execute complex projects proficiently. Combining classroom instruction with practical experience and real-world case studies, the 30-credit program offers flexible options for working professionals to balance studies with their careers.
What students will learn: Emphasizing communication and leadership, students learn to integrate across organizational boundaries, solve challenges, and achieve corporate goals. The curriculum covers essential tactics for scope control, cost reduction, risk management, and integrating research findings. Using simulation software and real-world scenarios, students master the project lifecycle, from a project charter to a risk management strategy, gaining expertise in team creation, conflict resolution, and overseeing initiatives for corporate benefit.
Admission Requirements: To get into the Online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management at Georgetown University, your application must include –
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
No GRE scores are required for admission to this degree. The cost per credit of the program is $1,527, totaling a $45,810 total program cost.
Online Master of Studies in Project Management at Georgetown University
Online Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Southern California
The Online Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Southern California is designed to advance individuals in the project management industry, offering a comprehensive curriculum covering technical project delivery, agile methodologies, and essential business relationship components. The program spans one to two years and comprises 24 courses.
What students will learn: With a focus on communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution, students gain expertise in fundamental management procedures, including performance, quality, risk, cost, and budget. The program encourages the immediate application of knowledge in the workplace. Developed by leading industry experts, the curriculum aims to shape students into confident leaders, proficient in addressing challenges across various organizational structures.
Admission Requirements: The Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Southern California requires the following admission procedures –
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or foreign equivalent
- Resume submission
- Transcript submission
- Letters of recommendation
The admission requirements do not necessitate GRE scores. The total cost of the program is $56,174 with each credit costing $2,340.
Online Master of Science in Project Management at the University of Southern California

Online MS in Project Management at the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor
The Master of Science in Program and Project Management at the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor is designed for technical professionals across various sectors—engineering, IT, military, government, healthcare, energy, and transportation—aiming to transition from team roles to program managers. This 30-credit graduate program prioritizes practical understanding over theoretical concepts, leveraging faculty expertise and industry professionals.
What students will learn: Emphasizing application, it equips students with skills to efficiently plan and coordinate resources, ensuring timely, budget-friendly, and successful project completion. Ideal for professionals seeking enhanced leadership, project organization, and cost-effective results, the program offers part-time options with evening courses. It can be completed fully online, on-campus, or through a combination of both.
Admission Requirements: Students need to fill out the following requirements to get admission to MS in Program and Project Management at the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor –
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in engineering, business, economics, math, computer science, or other physical sciences
- Two letters of recommendation needed
- Typically, a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is expected for admission.
GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission at MS in Program and Project Management. The total program totals up to $29,888 since each credit costs $996.
Online MS in Program and Project Management at the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor
Online Master of Science in Project Management at Boston University
Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides a Master of Science in Project Management, allowing students to integrate business and management principles with specialized project-based methods. The flexible 40-credit program can be completed in 12 to 20 months, tailored to individual academic and professional goals, with optional degree emphases for a more specialized focus.
What students will learn: In the master’s program, students acquire skills to create comprehensive project plans, exhibit an advanced understanding of project delivery concepts, enhance teamwork abilities, and grasp project analytics, governance, portfolio management, and strategic planning.
Admission Requirements: Students need to hold a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution while applying for the Master of Science in Project Management at Boston University.
GRE scores are not required while applying for the Master of Science in Project Management. The total program tuition is $38,500 as each credit costs $962.
Online Master of Science in Project Management at Boston University
Online Master’s in Computer and Information Technology with a Concentration in Project Management at Purdue University
Purdue University-Main Campus offers an online Master’s in Computer and Information Technology with a focus on Project Management, preparing students to navigate complex IT initiatives. Purdue’s tier-one research status empowers students to tailor research projects toward their career goals. Graduates can pursue diverse roles such as computer scientists, network specialists, support specialists, database administrators, IT analysts, leaders, and security specialists. The program, requiring 34 credits, can be completed within 12 to 15 months.
What students will learn: In response to the rising importance of remote work, this program covers topics like requirements discovery, schedule formulation, portfolio management, and outsourced resource management. The curriculum aligns with the Project Management Institute’s Body of Knowledge.
Admission Requirements: To get admission into the Online Master’s in Computer and Information Technology with a Concentration in Project Management at Purdue University, you will need the following-
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.00 or higher for unconditional admission
- Minimum 1 year of industry experience in an IT-related position
- Personal History Statement
- Two letters of recommendation, including one from the current employer
- Official transcripts from all institutions
- Resume
No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission to the Online Master’s in Computer and Information Technology with a Concentration in Project Management at Purdue University. Each credit costs $800 so it totals up to $27,200.
Online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management at Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers the MPS in Project Management program, teaching students to design plans, manage budgets and schedules, identify risks, and report to stakeholders. The 30-credit program, completed in two semesters, focuses on strategies for managing large-scale projects with virtual teams, addressing challenges in communication, time zones, language, and multicultural aspects.
What students will learn: The master’s program imparts skills in recognizing project management’s corporate and cultural significance, planning comprehensive project management, utilizing effective communication tools, understanding team dynamics, and navigating business components in project management.
Admission Requirements: The students must hold the following documents before getting admission into the MPS in Project Management at Syracuse University-
- Official transcripts required
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Current résumé
No GRE or GMAT scores are required to get admission into the MPS in Project Management at Syracuse University. The cost per credit is $1,872 so the program tuition totals up to $56,160.
Online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management at Syracuse University
Career outlook after completing a Master’s degree in Project Management
Completing a Master’s degree in Project Management positions individuals for diverse and dynamic career paths. Armed with advanced skills and knowledge, graduates are well-suited for leadership roles such as Project Manager, Program Manager, or Director of Project Management across various industries. The global nature of businesses and the increasing importance of efficient project execution further enhance the appeal of these professionals, offering opportunities for international roles and specialized positions in areas like IT, healthcare, or construction project management.
As organizations continue to recognize the importance of effective project management, individuals with advanced education in this field are in high demand. Here’s an overview of the career outlook after completing a Master’s degree in Project Management:
Traditional Project Management:
- Junior Project Manager: $64,756 – $75,523
- Project Manager: $75,523 – $94,296
- Senior Project Manager: $94,296 – $121,426
- Program Manager: $121,426 – $153,499
Specialized Project Management:
- Construction Project Manager: $89,040 – $133,570
- IT Project Manager: $98,220 – $147,330
- Engineering Project Manager: $103,600 – $155,410
- Healthcare Project Manager: $92,010 – $138,020
Other Related Careers:
- Business Analyst: $87,350 – $130,620
- Project Management Consultant: $98,220 – $147,330
- Project Portfolio Manager: $107,010 – $160,520
- Product Manager: $91,290 – $136,940
For more details, see Jobs, Salaries and Career after Masters in Project Management
How to Select a Master’s Degree That Works For You?
When contemplating pursuing a master’s degree in project management, it’s crucial to assess your options thoroughly. To identify the program that aligns best with your personal and professional objectives, consider the following points:
- Whether the program provides experiential opportunities for the students to have a practical use of their learning
- Whether the program offers a concentration in your specialised field or area
- Whether the program faculty have personal experience as project managers
- Whether or not you have the flexibility to work while pursuing your degree.
