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Master of Science in Project Management Online Degree
Get More With an Online Master's in Project Management
Project management plays a critical role in today’s organizational innovation and productivity, making an online Project Management master’s degree more valuable than ever.
Our online master’s degree in Project Management is accredited by PMI Global Accreditation Center and aligned with the PMI Guide’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and will prepare you for the Project Management Professional (PMP®) exam. Learn to define, implement, evaluate, and lead initiatives from conception to completion.
Why Choose an Online Project Management Master’s Degree From Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota?
- Explore the latest software/apps
- Study predictive, hybrid, and adaptive (agile) methodologies
- Learn from industry-trained faculty
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Project Management Degree (2023 Forbes.com)
- Prepare for the PMP® exam
- Add a graduate certificate to your degree. Saint Mary’s Accelerators are a carefully crafted series of graduate certificates designed to help you meet your goals
Read More
What Sets Our Online Master's Degree in Project Management Apart?
Prepare to elevate your career with Saint Mary’s online Master of Science in Project Management. This program builds the leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills that Fortune 500 companies demand for top management roles. Learn to decisively and collaboratively lead cross-functional teams, drive operational excellence, and manage complex projects. Designed for working professionals, the flexible online format prepares you for certification and positions you for advancement in today’s competitive marketplace.
We also offer a hybrid IT Project Management master’s program at our Minneapolis campus.
Program Highlights
- Accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (PMI GAC)
- Student Membership into PMI – access to professional associations for networking
- Digital Badging and Graduate Certificates Available
- Valuable PMP® Exam Preparation
- Skills aligned with Fortune 500 leadership roles
- Discover scholarships available through our partnerships with several regional and national employers. See if your employer is part of our Trusted Partnership Program. Learn more.
M.S. in Project Management Program Accreditation
This program is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), recognizing our commitment to delivering business education that aligns with the university’s mission of developing confident, competent, and ethical leaders for today’s changing business environment.
This accreditation not only reflects the high quality of our graduates — who possess in-demand skills valued by employees — but also reflects the strong presence of the Lasallian mission in action, as witnessed by the IACBE in every interaction with students, alumni, faculty, staff, leaders, and external business partners. At Saint Mary’s, we deliver on our promises. They go beyond words — they’re a commitment we live by.
Accredited by the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (PMI GAC).
Course List & Requirements
Saint Mary’s online Project Management master’s degree immerses you in a curriculum that combines project management with the Lasallian ideals of excellence, ethics, and social justice. You’ll complete 12 courses for a total of 36 credits, including seven core courses, a capstone experience, and elective options.
Specialize with Graduate Certificates
Saint Mary’s offers graduate certificates so you can specialize your online project management degree and accelerate your advancement potential. Choose from the following:
Share Your Success
Saint Mary’s supports your success by providing you with the tools necessary to not only achieve your professional goals but to share them with the world—especially the digital world.
As part of our commitment, Saint Mary’s offers an opportunity for you to be awarded digital badges. Digital badges are a graphic verification representing your achievement after completing a specific online course or program.
Admissions
Ready to apply? Learn about taking the next steps.
General Requirements
- Applicants may apply for admission to master’s degree and graduate certificate programs at any time during the year.
- Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale.
- Applicants must demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate coursework.
Prerequisite Coursework and Experience
No prior experience is necessary beyond an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
GMAT and GRE Exam Scores
GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer a maximum of six semester credits earned before admittance upon recommendation of the program director and with approval of the dean.
All transfer credits are also subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria.
English Language Proficiency
Students with transcripts from universities located outside of the United States, unless from a waiver country listed here, are required to take and pass English Proficiency testing.
Saint Mary’s accepts:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 4 (formerly 72)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6.0
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 105
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4.0
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- EIKEN with a minimum of Pre-1
- Manchester Exam with a minimum score of 360
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
1. Completed application form.2. An official transcript(s) issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one that is sent to the university by the credit-granting institution.)
Saint Mary’s can order and cover the cost of transcripts from institutions that allow third-party requests for eligible degree-seeking applicants. Contact your enrollment counselor for more information.
Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must be evaluated on a course by course basis by a university accepted evaluation service, such as World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators, Educational Perspectives, One Earth International Credential Evaluators or any approved member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES.org) and be deemed equivalent to accredited U.S. university standards.
Application Materials should be directed to the Office of Admission
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2500 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Or electronically: tcadmission@smumn.edu
Application Deadlines
Fall semester term 1 – August 1
Fall semester term 2 – October 1
Spring semester term 1 – December 1
Spring semester term 2 – February 1
Summer semester term 1 – April 1
Summer semester term 2 – June 1
Notice of Acceptance
You can expect to be notified about your acceptance approximately two weeks following your application completion date.
Tuition and Fees
A college education is invaluable. You can take it wherever you want to go or as far as you want to go. The cost of quality education should not get in the way of reaching your goals. Here at Saint Mary’s, we are committed to providing an accessible, quality education that is focused on enhancing your personal and professional growth. Explore cost breakdowns for tuition and other fees.
Online Project Management Master's Degree Careers & Salary
With Saint Mary's online master's degree in project management, you will acquire leadership skills, learn to handle and resolve conflict, and discover how to properly implement crisis management through our curriculum's comprehensive training. The skills you learn will allow you to be successful in high-paying leadership positions in nearly any industry, such as:
Human Resources Manager
$126,2301General and Operations Manager
$115,2502Construction Manager
$98,8903Management Analyst
$93,0004Risk Manager
$90,5775Operations Research Analyst
$82,3606Logistician
$77,0307Project Manager (General)
$76,2338Site Manager (General)
$74,1129
9%
Overall employment in management occupations is projected to grow from 2020 to 2030, resulting in about 906,800 new jobs.10
Student Testimonial
“As I look ahead, I can see how these skills will continue to shape my career. The tools I have gained — whether its in stakeholder management, communication, or risk planning — are not just valuable for today; they are essential for the leadership roles I hope to take on in the future.” -Melissa Gurung, May 2025 Graduate, MS in Project Management
Program Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:
- Plan and manage complex projects using industry technologies and tools
- Employ recognized project management principles and best practices
- Manage and incorporate change through the project lifecycle
- Address the cross-cultural, social, and political challenges of international projects
- Effectively lead and understand diverse groups and populations
- Incorporate an ethical perspective in all communications and professional activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special entry requirements for the online project management degree program?
Yes. Beyond the standard admission criteria, the M.S. in Project Management program also requires that you have had at least one formal or informal experience as a project manager or as a member of a project team.
When can I start?
You may apply for admission to Saint Mary's online M.S. in Project Management at any time. After you are admitted, you may begin taking classes at the start of any semester —spring, summer, or fall.
How long does the program take?
The online M.S. in Project Management program takes most students around 2 years to complete and can be completed within 18 months.
How much time does it take to complete coursework each week?
Although the time it takes each student to complete coursework varies, the general rule is to allocate 15 hours per week for each three-credit class.
Are there any special technology requirements I need for my coursework?
This depends on what type of hardware and software you are using. Microsoft Project is a required software for the degree coursework. This software is only compatible with a PC and will not properly work on a Mac computer (Apple iOS). Therefore, to be successful while using Microsoft Project, you will need to use a PC or partition your Mac so the Windows OS software is available.
Will Saint Mary's project management degree program help me to prepare for the PMP® exam?
Yes. The M.S. in Project Management curriculum is based on the Project Management Book of Knowledge Guide, which you will need to master to successfully pass the exam. You'll gain PMP® preparation throughout the program's coursework.
What if I already have my PMP® Certificate?
If you hold PMP® certification at the time you are admitted to the program, you may waive the PRM600 Fundamentals of Project Management course and substitute it with another course offered within the School of Business and Technology that has been approved by the Program Director.
What will my classmates be like?
The majority of students attending Saint Mary's Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs are working adults balancing the demands of career, family, and civic responsibilities. Most students in the project management degree program are practicing project managers who realize that they need a master's to advance. Other students are middle managers who want to add valuable project management skills to their résumés. Some students recognize that project management is a new role with growth potential and are seeking a career change.
Can I transfer credits from another university and graduate program?
Upon recommendation of your program director and with the approval of the dean, you may transfer a maximum of six semester credits. Your transfer credits are subject to both graduate school and programmatic criteria
Is there a campus residency requirement, or is the program entirely online?
The program is fully online. You do not need to attend Saint Mary's on-ground campuses.
Will I be required to attend online classes during set times?
No students are not required to attend online classes However, they are often recorded for future viewing and are beneficial.
Is the online project management degree program accredited?
The Master of Science in Project Management is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC). Saint Mary's University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Where do students work who get accepted into the program?
Students accepted into the M.S. in Project Management online program are from a variety of industries. We find that incorporating a variety of industries brings additional perspectives as well as unique learning experiences to the classroom. Some of the more common industries students come from include healthcare, information technology, sales, military, construction, manufacturing, large public companies, and non-profit organizations.
Is there a thesis or comprehensive exam at the end of the M.S. in Project Management program?
There is a capstone paper that needs to be completed in the last course of the degree. The instructor will guide you through the writing of this paper.
What types of courses are in this program?
The 36-credit-hour program is a blend of program management and general management courses. You will gain knowledge in leadership, employee development, human resource management, project communications, and project planning and estimating to name a few. Our program offers a competitive skill set that hiring managers are seeking.
What is the enrollment and graduation data for the program?
For 2025, the number of enrollment was 32 master's and 23 graduate certificate students, and the number of graduates was 10.
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Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Human Resources Managers.”” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”General and Operations Managers.”” March 31, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Construction Managers.”” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 23, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Management Analysts.”” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm.
- Payscale. “”Average Risk Manager Salary.”” June 12, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Risk_Manager/Salary.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Operations Research Analysts.”” April 27, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Logisticians.”” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/logisticians.htm.
- Payscale. “”Average Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General) Salary.”” June 7, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Project_Manager%2C_(Unspecified_Type_%2F_General)/Salary.
- Payscale. “”Average Site General Manager Salary.”” June 8, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Site_General_Manager/Salary.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “”Management Occupations.”” April 18, 2022. Retrieved on June 22, 2022, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/home.htm.
*Completion times may vary