Program Overview
KU offers both a Master of Science and a Master of Engineering in Project Management, preparing professionals to lead complex projects, coordinate diverse teams, and deliver results across a variety of industries. The master’s in project management is designed for professionals seeking advanced leadership, technical, and strategic skills to manage projects from initiation through completion in dynamic organizational environments. Designed with working professionals in mind, this graduate program emphasizes strategic planning, risk management, budgeting, leadership, and organizational communication—all essential competencies in today’s fast-paced global economy.
KU’s program delivers practical knowledge rooted in real-world application. With a focus on performance, innovation, and adaptability, students develop the skills to align projects with organizational goals, manage change, and lead cross-functional initiatives in high-stakes environments. Students in KU’s project management graduate programs gain experience applying industry-recognized frameworks and tools to solve complex problems and deliver measurable business value.
Offered through the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, the master’s degree in project management is ideal for mid-career professionals and aspiring leaders in fields such as engineering, technology, healthcare, construction, business, and government. Students may complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis, with both on-campus and fully online options available to support flexibility and work-life balance.
The master’s in project management online option delivers the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus program, allowing students to complete coursework remotely while maintaining professional and personal commitments. Courses are taught by KU faculty with industry experience and are delivered in an engaging online format that emphasizes collaboration, applied learning, and real-world relevance. This modality is well suited for professionals seeking an online master’s in project management without sacrificing academic quality or career momentum.
Whether you’re seeking career advancement, a career shift, or alignment with professional credentials such as PMP®, KU’s project management master’s program provide the tools and strategic mindset needed to lead with confidence and clarity. Graduates are prepared to advance into leadership roles across industries where project-based work is central to organizational success.
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Project Management, MS/MEKU School of Professional Studies
The Master’s in Project Management is part of the KU School of Professional Studies, offering cutting-edge programs that develop sought-after skills.Master’s in Project Management Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Master’s in Project Management program will be able to:
- Manage complex projects, programs, and portfolios utilizing current best practices in the industry.
- Solve complex problems utilizing current and emerging project management methodologies, tools, and techniques through the entire project lifecycle.
- Synthesize concepts, engage teams, conduct financial analysis, and propose pathways through complex business situations.
- Synthesize knowledge from different fields and cultures to create inclusive project management procedures and processes aligned with ethical and professional practices.
- Construct innovative solutions that create strategic alignment and provide value to the project organization and the communities served.
- Evaluate risks on a project, analyze the likelihood that each might occur, and recommend a mitigation plan for prioritized risks.
These learning outcomes reflect the competencies required of graduates of project management graduate programs operating in complex, project-driven organizations.
What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Project Management
Graduates from KU’s master’s in project management online and on-campus programs are equipped for high-demand leadership roles across industries. According to Lightcast labor market data:
- Median Salary: $90,000–$120,000 depending on industry and location
- Career Paths: Project manager, Program manager, Operations manager, Agile project lead, Technical project coordinator, PMO analyst
- Top Employers: Healthcare systems, IT firms, manufacturing companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and global consultancies
- Job Outlook: Increasing demand for project professionals across sectors with strong growth in project-based work environments
Project management master’s jobs offer competitive compensation, career mobility, and opportunities to lead innovation, transformation, and organizational change. Graduates may also see strong long-term earning potential, reflected in project management master’s salary trends across industries.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Kansas offers competitive tuition rates. For information about financial aid options, visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.Admission Requirements
To apply to the Master’s in Project Management at KU, applicants must:
Master of Science
- Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- A 2.5 or higher undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants may be admitted with a grade point average between 2.0 and 2.5 upon program review of their overall credentials.
- Two or more years of qualified professional experience.
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
Master of Engineering
- A bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science from an accredited institution, including official transcripts.
- A 2.5 or higher undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Applicants may be admitted with a grade point average between 2.0-2.5 upon program review of their overall credentials.
- Two years full-time, post-undergraduate work experience in a technological environment.
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose
Application deadlines for each term are:
- Summer 2026: 05/01/2026
- Fall 2026: 08/04/2026
For more information on the admissions process, please visit KU Graduate Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in KU’s Master of Project Management program benefit from:
- Applied research on project performance and organizational outcomes
- Case studies simulating real project environments
- Guest lectures from industry professionals and alumni
- Collaborative projects reflecting workplace dynamics
- Optional PMP® or CAPM® preparation pathways
Students enrolled in the project management master’s online format experience the same engagement through interactive course design, virtual collaboration, and instructor-led discussions.
Master’s in Project Management Sample Courses
KU’s project management graduate programs offer an industry-relevant curriculum that emphasizes both theory and practical skills. Sample courses include:
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Project Financials and Budgeting
- Interpersonal and Persuasive Communication Skills for Managers
- Managing Teams and Leading People
- Project Cost Estimation, Analysis, and Control
See the full course list in the KU Catalog:
Master’s in Project Management Frequently Asked Questions
Is KU’s MS in Project Management aligned with PMI standards?
Yes. KU notes that program content aligns with standards from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
How long does it take to complete the degree?
Program length varies by course load; many students finish in roughly two years of part‑time study.