Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management
What Is an MBA in Project Management?
With a master's degree in project management, working professionals can prepare for future leadership positions by developing critical project management skills. Curriculum in Grand Canyon University's (GCU) online Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Project Management explores technical, human and conceptual skills across the functional areas of business. This MBA program integrates the principles of efficient business practices with traditional agile project management skills.
The master’s in project management degree is offered by the Colangelo College of Business. MBA candidates will learn the core competencies necessary to become effective and ethical project managers. There is an emphasis on the role of innovation and interpersonal skills in maximizing productivity and business processes. The master's in project management program is an intense academic experience that helps MBA candidates prepare for certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI)®.
The Colangelo College of Business believes in these three aspects of how business affects the greater good:
- Business as a force for good
With a focus on conscious capitalism, business is done the right away. - Free markets and purpose for prosperity
Long-term success is gained when you have a focus on keeping stakeholders engaged and happy. - Business as ministry
Apply a Christian worldview to your business structure and take care of your team with a loving, caring and supporting nature.
Loading Form
Earn Your Project Management MBA and Prepare for Your PMI Certification
MBA in Project Management candidates acquire the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to serve as effective project managers. The coursework aligns with the standards of PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This affordable online degree may prepare candidates for these PMI certifications:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
- Project Management Professional (PMP)®
- Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)®
PMI certification, along with an MBA in Project Management, has long been considered the gold standard in credentialing for project analysts and managers.
What You Will Learn in GCU's Online MBA in Project Management Program
GCU recognizes the needs of modern graduate students for online degree programs that are flexible and convenient. You can earn your MBA in Project Management from home with our robust digital platform. Connect with your professional peers and benefit from engaging discussions on the coursework and projects. Learn from anywhere, at a time that is convenient for you. GCU allows for your credits to transfer from your previous education so you can graduate even faster.
This master's in project management program requires a total of 54 credits for graduation. Most of the online classes are eight weeks in length. MBA courses are also offered on campus, including evening schedules.
Study a 21st century curriculum with courses such as:
- Strategic Management
- Applied Business Probability and Statistics
- Leadership and Organizations
- Marketing Management
- Managerial Finance
You will also complete an advanced course in Agile Project Management. This course is designed to prepare you for the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) exam. Examine agile principles, best practices, tools and techniques of agile methodologies. Other learning objectives of the MBA in Project Management include the following:
- Core concepts in traditional project management as endorsed by the PMBOK® Guide
- Logistics of taking the CAPM and PMP certification exams
- The role of innovation and leadership in strategic management
- Microeconomics and macroeconomics, and the application of economic data in responsible decision-making
Careers With a Master's in Project Management
Graduates with an MBA in Project Management degree have demonstrated that they have the drive and dedication necessary to succeed in a senior-level position. A Master’s in Project Management can prepare future business leaders to pursue opportunities in private companies, nonprofit organizations or government agencies. Some examples of careers that may be related to this MBA degree include:
- Project analyst or manager
- Director of operations
- General manager
- Executive officer
GCU is a regionally accredited university. The core programs within the Colangelo College of Business have achieved additional approval from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Master's in Project Management (MBA) Degree FAQs
As of May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for general and operations managers to increase by about 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 226,300 jobs in the field.2 While the BLS does not provide information specific to project managers, it does list managers as having project management as part of their everyday job responsibilities.
Nearly all businesses and companies have initiated projects at some point in time to increase revenue, minimize cost or boost efficiency. Project management MBA graduates can leverage their skills and knowledge gained to become an important asset to a business’s bottom line. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, project management specialists have a median annual wage of $94,500 as of May 2021.3
Project managers face challenges similar to those of CEOs, such as working with investors, managing project teams and dealing with many of the same pressures and financial restraints. Project managers are always learning and regularly refreshing their knowledge of processes and structures, new markets, technology and services. Project managers become experts in time management, organization and client relations, providing them with valuable skills to meet project goals and timelines without stress.
It can be difficult to secure a job with no experience. Most employers look for candidates with a working knowledge of best practices in the field. While a master's in project management is not always required, it communicates your dedication to your profession and can set you apart from other candidates. Holding skills such as multitasking, management, job delegation within teams and even goal setting shows employers that you have skills in managing projects.
Project managers are needed in a wide variety of industries. Although very common in the IT fields, project-oriented work is also common in the following fields:
- Chief executives
- General, operational and sales managers
- Facility managers
- Transportation and distribution managers
- Human resource managers
- Construction managers
- Postsecondary business teachers
1Retrieved from Intelligent.com, “The Best Online MBA in Project Management Degree Programs” in February 2020
2COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2021, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, retrieved on 04/01/2022.
3 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Project Management Specialists as of May 2021. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as project management specialist. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.
Course Description
This course is designed for students who are preparing for more advanced coursework in business but who have not had accounting in undergraduate work. Topics covered include the principles and practices of financial accounting, including the fundamentals of revenue recognition, the components of the balance sheet, and financial statement analysis. ?The course explores accounting theories using publicly traded companies and case studies.
Course Description
This course is designed for individuals who are preparing for more advanced coursework in accounting and is designed for students who have not had finance in undergraduate work. Topics covered include financial analysis, financial planning, asset evaluation, capital structure, and working capital management.
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to prepare students in mathematical, probability, and statistical concepts for their upcoming studies in quantitative methods. The course is intended for those students who have not had any prior statistical education, although students who have had statistics should also consider taking the course as a refresher.
Course Description
This course introduces microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts that are relevant to contemporary business. Emphasis is placed on using economic data for business decision making.
Course Description
This course is a study in the quantitative tools and techniques used to model business functions and applications. Emphasis is placed on how to set up models, and how to interpret and apply their results. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
Management of the marketing function, market environmental analysis, and marketing planning, strategy, and control are fundamentals of marketing management. The course examines the marketing process, marketing research, product development innovation and diffusion, pricing strategy, distribution value drain, advertising and promotion, and strategic marketing issues. Emphasis is placed on case study analysis and current academic research with a marketing plan as a significant curriculum component.
Course Description
This course covers managerial accounting concepts and procedures for internal reporting, including the study of cost behavior, cost systems, budgeting, and performance evaluation. Coursework includes case studies, group projects, and class discussion. Prerequisite: ACC-502.
Course Description
Operations Management examines managerial concepts and strategies relating to the management of operations in both manufacturing and service environments. Emphasis is placed on methods to streamline and drive inefficiencies out of a firm’s internal processes to build a highly efficient organization. The course also focuses on external processes by examining ways to achieve greater supply chain integration with suppliers and customers. Quantitative and qualitative methods and tools are introduced and applied. Prerequisite: SYM-506.
Course Description
This course discusses elements of business financial decisions, including financial forecasting and development of proformas, management of working capital, capital budgeting, capital structure, and raising funds in capital markets. Prerequisite: FIN-504.
Course Description
This capstone course focuses on preparing and conducting a strategic analysis of a selected publicly traded firm to produce actionable intelligence used to formulate recommendations to promote the creation of a value-adding strategy. Based on the results of their strategic analysis, students are then required to prepare the framework of a strategic plan that creates significant value for the selected firm. Prerequisites: MGT-605, MKT-607, ACC-650, and FIN-650.
Course Description
This course covers fundamental aspects of traditional project management as delineated in the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). This course is designed to help prepare students for the PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) exams. The course also covers the basic logistics of taking the CAPM and PMP certification exams.
Course Description
This course covers agile aspects of project management including agile principles, best practices, and tools and techniques across major agile methodologies. This course is designed to help prepare students for the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) exam. The course also covers the basic logistics of taking the ACP certification exam. Prerequisite: MGT-640.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.