Alejandro Aguilera had been managing complex projects for years without a title or compensation to match. As a planning assistant with the U.S. government, he independently handled full portfolios across public health, social services, and housing, however HR refused to promote him to planner because his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Dramatic Arts from Macalester College didn’t check the right boxes.
“I realized that I had unofficially been a project manager with the government since 2013. I had full responsibility for deliverables and accountability for results without getting the title or money to show for it,” Alejandro said.
That realization became the catalyst for pursuing the online Master of Science in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, a program he enrolled in during fall 2024. Through the Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development’s Dislocated Worker Program, Alejandro secured full funding for his graduate degree and expects to graduate by the end of 2026.
Choosing Quality, Affordability, and a Values-Aligned Education
Alejandro’s search for the right graduate program was thorough and deliberate. “I did extensive research and found the master’s in project management program at Saint Mary’s University to be a high-ranking, rigorous, and comprehensively intense project management program,” he explained.
Beyond academic rigor, Saint Mary’s alignment with Alejandro’s personal values sealed the decision. As a Dewitt Wallace scholar at Macalester College, Alejandro valued institutions that prioritize service over prestige. During his interview, he discovered that the Project Management Program Director was also a Macalester graduate.
“I know what that means; he knows what that means. We both are here to be of service for the betterment of humanity,” Alejandro said. “This commitment is reflected in the education at Saint Mary’s.”
Saint Mary’s status as one of only six Lasallian colleges and universities in the nation—rooted in a 300-year tradition of faith, leadership, respect, inclusivity, quality, and social justice—further distinguished the program as his top choice.
Learning From Global Perspectives in an Online Format
While Alejandro would have preferred an in-person experience, the online format offered unexpected benefits. “I have taken classes with people in Africa and Latin America,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to connect and learn from people in other countries, other states, and other cities in both urban and rural Minnesota.”
The diversity of his classmates’ backgrounds and industries enriched the learning experience. “Project management is ideal for learning management, leadership, and ethics in today’s ambiguous, volatile, complex, and uncertain world. It is not just a degree; it is a way of life based on mutuality, cooperative collaboration, and support.”
Experienced Faculty and Immediately Applicable Knowledge
Alejandro praised the caliber of Saint Mary’s faculty. “Saint Mary’s University faculty is excellent, top-notch, and experienced. They are not locked in an ivory tower. They know their stuff and teach it well.”
The demanding yet inspirational coursework proved immediately valuable in his professional work. “I have been able to implement knowledge right away in projects with the Department of Homeland Security, Hennepin County, and the White House,” Alejandro noted.
The program’s practical focus aligns with real-world demands. “The course load is demanding and inspirational,” he added, emphasizing how the curriculum bridges theory and application.
A Respected Program with Global Recognition
After enrolling, Alejandro discovered that Saint Mary’s M.S. in Project Management program has influenced curricula at prestigious institutions. “This program has inspired programs and courses at MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, Carnegie-Mellon, and Duke. The word is out there. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has a reputable, comprehensive program of quality excellence.”
This recognition reflects the program’s rigor and relevance in an increasingly vital field. “PM graduate programs are rapidly growing nationwide. It has been a predominant phenomenon in Europe,” Alejandro observed.
Is a Master’s in Project Management Worth It?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of project management specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 78,200 openings for project management specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Project management specialists held more than 1 million jobs in 2024, with a median annual wage of $100,750.1
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Project Management?
Graduates are qualified for high-paying leadership positions, including:
- Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Portfolio Manager
- Construction Manager
- IT Project Manager
- Operations Manager
Want to become a successful project manager?
Advance your career by pursuing an online M.S. in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
About the Online Master of Science in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
The Master of Science in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota delivers the leadership skills and industry credentials that today’s employers demand. This fully online program is designed for working professionals who need flexibility without sacrificing educational quality.
Program Highlights
- PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) accredited, ensuring your degree meets the highest international standards
- 36 credits completed through 12 courses, including seven core courses, a capstone experience, and elective options
- Finish in as few as 18 months or take up to two years to complete the program at your own pace
- PMP® certification preparation integrated throughout the curriculum based on the Project Management Book of Knowledge Guide
- Multiple start dates per year with spring, summer, and fall enrollment options
- No GRE or GMAT required for admission
What Sets This Program Apart
Saint Mary’s project management program combines technical expertise with the Lasallian ideals of excellence, ethics, and social justice. You will learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world project management experience into the online classroom.
The curriculum prepares you for leadership positions across nearly any industry, equipping you with skills in conflict resolution, crisis management, stakeholder communication, and strategic planning. Whether you’re already a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) or transitioning into the field, this program contextualizes your experience within a comprehensive management framework.
Learn more about the online Master of Science in Project Management at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Project Management Specialists.” Retrieved Dec. 3, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/.
