A Master’s in Project Management is a popular degree offered by top universities in the USA.
The program covers key areas such as project planning, risk management, and quality control. Students also get to learn and acquire all the skills a project manager needs to oversee the completion of a project within a deadline and on a budget.
The surge in technological innovation has created an unforeseen demand for skilled project managers across multiple sectors such as IT, financial services, and manufacturing. An MS in Project Management from a university in the USA equips you with a strategic mindset and leadership skills to run a project successfully.
In this article, we look at the top universities in the USA that offer a Master’s in Project Management. We also discuss cost, course specifics, job outcomes, and more.
Top universities in the USA for an MS in Project Management
While specific rankings for project management programs are unavailable, here is a list of some of the most respected universities in the USA that offer an MS in Project Management.
| No. | University | Program | University’s Overall Rank in the USA |
| 1 | Northwestern University | MS in Project Management | 9 |
| 2 | New York University | MS in Project Management | 35 |
| 3 | Boston University | MS in Project Management | 43 |
| 4 | University of Maryland, College Park | M.Eng in Project Management | 46 |
| 5 | George Washington University | MS in Project Management | 67 |
| 6 | University of Connecticut | MS in Business Analytics and Project Management | 58 |
| 7 | Worcester Polytechnic Institute | Master of Science in Construction Project Management | 82 |
| 8 | Arizona State University | Master’s in Project Management | 105 |
| 9 | Saint Louis University | MS in Project Management | 105 |
| 10 | University of Kansas | M.Eng in Project Management | 151 |
| 11 | Westcliff University | Master’s of Science in Project Management | Not Available |
| 12 | University of Bridgeport | MS in Project Management | Not Available |
| 13 | The Catholic University of America | Master of Science in Management – Project Management | Not Available |
| 14 | Northern Arizona University | Master’s in Project Management | Not Available |
Now we’ll closely examine the top three Master’s in Project Management courses in the USA.
Northwestern University
Website: https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu
Rank: Northwestern University is ranked #9 among National Universities according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
Overview
Northwestern University, established in 1851, is a reputed private research university in Evanston, Illinois. The university alumni include researcher James Watson, who discovered the DNA.
The Master of Science in Project Management program is taught at the McCormick School of Engineering of Northwestern University. This course prepares professionals for project management leadership roles in the construction industry. It teaches technical expertise in development, design, and construction blended with management and human behavior principles.
Application Deadlines
Note: All application deadlines for the 2024 academic year have passed. Applications for Fall 2025 will open later this year (2024). Deadlines for the 2025 academic year are likely to be similar to those for the 2024 academic year, which are listed below.
Full-time Students:
Fall 2024:
- Priority Deadline: January 31, 2024
- Final Deadline: May 31, 2024
Part-Time Students:
- Winter 2024: November 15, 2023
- Spring 2024: February 15, 2024
- Fall 2024: August 15, 2024
Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is $50.
Tuition Fees
- Amount: $22,304 per quarter
Cost of Living
- Estimated Annual Expenses: $18,000 to $22,000
Additional Expenses
- Textbooks: $2,800
- Health Insurance: $4,000+
- Miscellaneous Costs: $5,000
The total annual cost over three quarters (which is the full duration of the program) is estimated at $96,800 including tuition, living, and additional costs.
New York University (NYU)
Website: https://www.nyu.edu
Rank: New York University is ranked #35 among National Universities according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
Overview
New York University, established in 1831, is a well-known university located in New York City. It has become the largest private university in the United States by number of students. NYU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its 14 schools and colleges.
New York University’s Master of Science in Project Management is a highly respected program that prepares students for leadership roles in project management across a range of industries.
Application Deadlines
- Important dates for Spring 2025 intake:
- Application Opens: March 1, 2024
Deadlines:
- Round 1: September 1, 2024
- Round 2: November 15, 2024
Decision Release:
- Round 1: November 1, 2024
- Round 2: December 1, 2024
The university recommends that international students seeking a student visa submit their applications by the Round 1 deadline. This timeline allows enough time for visa processing.
Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is $150.
Tuition Fees
Full-time Students:
- 9 credits: $23,175 per semester
- 10-12 credits: $25,483 per semester
Part-time Students:
- 6 credits: $15,450 per semester
The program is delivered over three semesters of 14 weeks each, all completed within one academic year.
Boston University (BU)
Website: https://www.bu.edu
Rank: Boston University is ranked #43 among National Universities according to the U.S. News & World Report 2024.
Overview
Boston University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1839, it is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr., the legendary Black activist and minister, studied here.
Boston University’s Master of Science in Project Management is a STEM-designated program. The curriculum blends theoretical foundations with practical industry insights and students can choose to pursue the degree either on campus or online, allowing for flexibility.
Application Deadlines
- Online applications for both the Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 semesters will open on September 1, 2024.
- Spring 2025 Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
Fall 2025 Application Deadlines:
- Round 1: January 15, 2025
- Round 2: March 15, 2025
Application Fee
The non-refundable application fee is $95.
Tuition Fees
According to the BU MET website, a full-time degree can be done in either three semesters or four.
| Enrollment Status | Courses per Semester | Time to Degree | Tuition | Fees per Semester | Total Degree Cost |
| Full Time | 3 courses (12 credits) | 4 semesters (16-20 months) | $33,335 per semester | $478 | $75,486 |
| Full Time | 4 courses (16 credits) | 3 semesters (12-16 months) | $33,335 per semester | $478 | $105,399 |
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Course curriculum for an MS in Project Management in the USA
The Master of Science in Project Management curriculum teaches a wide array of courses.
Core areas of study include:
Planning: Defining project goals, scope, timeline, and budget.
Organizing: Building the project team and assigning roles.
Executing: Carrying out project tasks according to the plan.
Monitoring: Tracking project progress and making adjustments.
Closing: Completing the project, evaluating results, and handing over deliverables.
The following table outlines key courses taught at a Master’s in Project Management course in the USA.
| Course Name | Description |
| Project Management Fundamentals | Introduces core concepts, processes, and methodologies in project management. |
| Project Communications and Leadership | Focuses on effective communication strategies and leadership skills for project managers. |
| Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making | Covers analytical techniques for making informed decisions in project management. |
| Financial and Managerial Accounting | Provides an understanding of financial principles and accounting practices in project contexts. |
| Managerial Finance | Explores financial decision-making and its impact on project management. |
| Project Management Seminar | A capstone course integrating project management theories and practices. |
| Agile Project Management | Introduces agile methodologies and their application in project management. |
| Risk and Cost Management | Covers strategies for identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks and costs. |
| Portfolio and Program Management | Discusses managing multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives. |
| Project Scheduling and Estimating | Focuses on techniques for scheduling and estimating project tasks and resources. |
| Sustainability Strategies | Examines strategies for incorporating sustainability principles into project management. |
| International Project Management | Explores project management practices in a global context. |
| Information Technology for Project Management | Covers the use of IT tools and systems in managing projects. |
| Business Analysis and Process Management | Provides an understanding of business analysis and process management techniques. |
| Change Management | Focuses on managing organizational change within project contexts. |
| Stakeholder Management | Discusses strategies for engaging and managing project stakeholders effectively. |
| Project Procurement and Contract Management | Covers the procurement process and contract management in project management. |
| Project Quality Management | Examines principles and methods for ensuring project quality. |
| Organizational Behavior | Explores the impact of individual and group behavior on project management. |
| Strategic Management | Discusses the strategic aspects of project management and its alignment with organizational goals. |
Eligibility for studying an MS in Project Management in the USA
Here is an overview of the eligibility requirements and application process for a Master’s in Project Management program in the USA:
- Applicants need to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field like engineering. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is commonly required.
- Many programs prefer or require applicants to have some relevant work experience, often 1-2 years or more.
- GMAT or GRE scores may be required. Competitive scores are in the range of 300-340 for the GRE and 500-700 for the GMAT.
- International applicants must provide proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores. Scores of TOEFL 90+, and IELTS 7.0+, are considered satisfactory.
- 2-3 letters of recommendation are commonly required from academic or professional references.
- A well-written Statement of Purpose is a key component of the application. It allows applicants to articulate their background and objectives.
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GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Project Management program in the USA
Requirements for GMAT/GRE scores vary across universities. At some schools, like Northwestern, a GRE or GMAT score is mandatory. However, others, such as New York University and Boston University, do not require these scores. When required, a GRE score of 320 or a GMAT score of 680 is generally considered sufficient. Some universities may also specify minimum cutoff scores.
Also Read: Best Exams to Study in USA for Indian Students 2024 (Masters & UG)
Scholarships to study an MS in Project Management in the USA
Most universities that offer MSPM have a financial aid program for international students. Many also have specific scholarships such as Trustee Scholarship and the Presidential Scholarship from Boston University.
Most universities provide financial aid to international students on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, they strongly recommend that students who need financial assistance apply during the earliest application period, often referred to as Round 1.
Besides there are numerous scholarships available for Indian students aspiring to study in the USA, granted by governments, and organizations. Some of these include:
- Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- KC Mahindra Scholarship
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
- AAUW International Fellowships
Note: While these scholarships provide substantial support, they may not cover all expenses, and not every student will secure one. This is where an affordable education loan becomes essential.
Also Read: Best Scholarships for Indian Students in USA in 2024
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Career scope of a Master’s in Project Management program in the USA
A Master’s in Project Management from the USA gives you the skill set to manage complex projects and complete them on time and within budget.
Entry-level positions include:
- Project Coordinator
- Assistant Project Manager
- Associate Project Manager
- Junior Project Manager
These roles provide crucial hands-on experience in planning, executing, and overseeing project tasks.
Transitioning into Project Manager roles involves:
- Leading teams and ensuring projects meet multiple deliverables including quality of service requirements
- Managing budgets, timelines, and communicating with stakeholders.
- Demonstrating adaptability across a wide range of industries such as technology, healthcare, and construction.
At the very apex are Senior Project Manager and Director of Project Management.
Top recruiters in the USA for graduates of Master’s in Project Management
Several tech giants and industry leaders frequently recruit graduates with Master’s in Project Management degrees in the USA.
According to data sourced from Glassdoor, these highly-rated companies include IBM with an employee rating of 4.0 out of 5, Honeywell rated 4.1 out of 5, and Deloitte with a 4.0 out of 5.
Here is the list of the top 10 companies that recruit project managers:
- IBM
- Honeywell
- AT&T
- Deloitte
- Accenture
- JPMorgan Chase & Co
- Jacobs
- Verizon
- Cognizant Technology Solutions
- Amazon
Job prospects and salaries offered to MS in Project Management graduates
Graduates with an MS in Project Management in the USA have strong job prospects and are paid well.
Glassdoor offers an in-depth look at the pay and prospects of a Project Manager in the USA:
General Salary Information
- Total Pay Range: $103K – $183K per year
- Median Total Pay: $136K per year
- Average Salary: $88,602 per year
- Estimated Additional Pay: $47,385 per year (includes bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing)
Pay Breakdown
- Base Pay Range: $67K – $116K per year
- Additional Pay Range: $36K – $66K per year
Career Growth and Trajectory
Graduates can expect strong career advancement opportunities:
- Project Manager: Starting salaries from $103,000.
- Project Manager: With experience, salaries remain in a similar or slightly higher range.
- Senior Project Manager: Typically earns around $126,000 annually, with increased responsibilities and experience.
Related Job Titles and Salaries
- IT Project Manager: $121K
- Project Coordinator: $62K
- Project Management: $106K
- Senior Project Manager: $126K
Top Paying Companies for Project Managers
| Company | Total Pay Range |
| McKinsey & Company | $103K – $183K /yr |
| NVIDIA | $103K – $183K /yr |
| ConocoPhillips | $103K – $183K /yr |
Top Paying Industries for Project Managers
| Industry | Median Total Pay |
| Energy, Mining & Utilities | $136,554 |
| Aerospace & Defense | $123,131 |
| Construction, Repair & Maintenance Services | $121,323 |
| Financial Services | $120,953 |
| Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology | $119,839 |
Also Read: Jobs (With Salaries) After MS in Mechanical Engineering in the USA
FAQs
The most in-demand skill is without doubt Agile methodologies. A good understanding of Agile principles and frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) is essential for managing projects. Agile is needed because it provides a durable framework for iterative development.
Generally, you do not need prior work experience to pursue a Master’s in Project Management in the USA. However, experience can deepen your comprehension of project management theories and practices.
Here’s a list of common specializations offered in Master’s in Project Management programs in the USA:
– Agile Project Management
– Construction Management
– Real Estate Development
– Sustainability
– Transportation Management
– Program and Portfolio Management
– Risk and Cost Management
– Program and Project Governance
