Project Management Graduate Degrees and Certificate
Project management skills have never been more critical than they are today. Globalization and the automation of work processes are driving the need for project-based planning, and that demand is creating opportunity for well-prepared professionals.
Students in KU’s project management graduate degree and certificate programs learn essential skills and strategies in the classroom today and apply them on the job tomorrow.
Project management involves leading cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects. A project manager’s responsibilities include:
- Creating clear and attainable objectives
- Developing project requirements
- Planning project tasks to meet objectives
- Managing complex, interdependent activities to meet the cost, time, quality, and client satisfaction objectives
- Managing change on the project
- Leading the project team and managing project stakeholders
Master’s degrees
KU’s online and on-campus master’s degree programs in project management address workforce needs by providing individuals with the skills, confidence, and competence to manage a variety of projects as well as bridge the fields of engineering, technology, people, and business.
Students can opt for a Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Project Management or a Master of Science (M.S.) in Project Management, depending on their undergraduate degree and career interests.
These master’s degree programs help project or program managers — or those who want to be — learn how to lead simple and short-duration projects as well as large-scale and highly complex projects.
Program format
- M.S. in Project Management: online and in person at the KU Edwards Campus
- M.E. in Project Management: in person at the KU Edwards Campus
- M.S. in Project Management: competency-based program delivered asynchronously online. Learn more at Jayhawk Flex.
Graduate certificate
The Graduate Certificate in the Foundations of Project Management introduces the fundamental aspects of project management with an emphasis on planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals.
The certificate is for individuals who have at least two years of professional experience in project management or management systems.
The graduate certificate is offered online or in person at the KU Edwards Campus.
KU’s project management degree and certificate programs are supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT).
School of Professional Studies Project Management Graduate Student Handbook
Learn more about the Graduate Project Management programs by reading the SPS Project Management Grad Student Handbook.
Career Outlook
Driven by globalization, evolving technology, and rapid automation of work processes, all types of organizations are placing growing emphasis on project-based planning, development, and even operations to gain a competitive advantage.
Because most organization requires project management, these degrees have broad applications across a range of career options.
Between 2021 and 2024, there has been double-digit growth for project management opportunities in marketing management, computer operations, human resource management, sales management, public relations, fundraising management, facilities management, and more.
Leading skills required for project management careers include communication, management, leadership, planning, and problem-solving.
Potential Careers
Project manager
Program manager
Technology project manager
Construction project manager
Business project manager
Project management career data
A snapshot of overall growth and jobs availability in project management–related positions*
Project management career data
*Source: Lightcast. Information shown is not specific to the KU program, and KU students are not guaranteed to achieve these positions or income.
Helpful Information
Learn more about the Graduate Project Management programs.
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