Top Five Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree in Project Management

Updated 07/14/2025

Earning a project management degree can boost your career prospects. According to a recent global survey by the Project Management Institute (PMI)^®, organizations will need 25 million additional project managers worldwide by 2030. Not only that, but there is demand for project managers across industries, providing career opportunities to people interested in this field.¹

Across industries, project managers play an increasingly critical role in the workplace. They enable organizations to be productive and successful, whether it’s by organizing complex projects or fostering collaboration among team members based in multiple locations. One way to stand out for roles is to earn a graduate-level degree with certification as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP)^®. If you’re looking to advance your career in this industry, you will benefit from getting a master’s in project management.

Know Your Options

Three of the most popular graduate-level degree options for those pursuing project management careers are:

• Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM)
• Master of Arts in Project Management (MAPM)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management

Advance to a leadership role

Invest in your future and create a fulfilling and rewarding career as a project management leader with a Master of Science in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University.

While it may seem tempting to go straight for the MBA, there is compelling evidence for pursuing an MSPM instead. Here are the top five reasons to get a Master of Science in project management:

1. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you get an MSPM instead of an MBA. While it may seem more prestigious, getting an MBA could be a more expensive option. Many MBA programs are extremely competitive, requiring high standardized test scores and undergraduate GPAs. Some programs won’t even admit you unless you have a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, such as marketing or finance. In terms of preparing you for a career in project management, many MBA programs do not require you to complete a project management project to graduate, which puts you at a disadvantage once you enter the job market.
2. The coursework for an MSPM focuses directly on how to become a project manager without being specific to any one industry. This allows for more flexibility when searching for jobs. It also allows you to transition from one industry to another later in your career, whether you are looking for a change or hoping to expand your options.
3. By earning an MSPM, you will learn organization, communication, and problem-solving skills that are extremely practical and will prepare you for optimal success. For example, many master’s degrees in project management programs require you to complete at least one project management-related project. This type of experience allows you to apply your knowledge to real-life situations before entering the workforce. It also lets you tailor your education toward a particular field or interest.
4. A Master of Science in project management provides you with the knowledge and experience to embark on a fulfilling career. You will learn how to manage diverse groups effectively, make adjustments as a project evolves, and incorporate best practices and recognized principles into your work. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to address the challenges of leading international projects and maintaining ethical and professional standards throughout a project’s life cycle. You will also know how to implement new tools and technology for planning and managing complex projects.
5. You will have the opportunity to learn from classmates and highly qualified faculty — one of the most overlooked benefits of getting a project management degree. Under the guidance of instructors who teach from their own experience, students can engage in practical applications of project management principles. The learning environment can be further enriched through interactions with fellow students. Many people who pursue an advanced degree in project management have already been in the workforce for several years. Class discussions and team projects will present you with opportunities to network and explore career possibilities.

Pursuing an online project management degree will help you acquire the technical and leadership skills needed to pursue a career as a project manager. The online Master’s in Project Management program from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center, which is an assurance that the program is aligned with the PMI’s Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

According to PMI, project management professional certification is “the gold standard in project management” and “validates your competence to perform in the role of a project manager, leading, and directing projects and teams.”² Saint Mary’s University equips you for the project management role you want by delivering the leadership skills demanded by today’s employers, in addition to preparing you to take the PMP^® exam.

For more information about the online Master of Science in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University, contact us today at 877-308-9954 or request information.

Sources

1. Project Management Institute, Inc. “6 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Project Management.” August 9, 2024. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://www.pmi.org/blog/pursue-a-career-in-project-management.
2. Project Management Institute, Inc. “PMI^® Certifications.” n.d. Retrieved May 19, 2025, from https://www.pmi.org/leadership-central/sitecore/content/home/certifications.