Master's in Project Management Online MS in Operations Degree Program
Program Overview Why get an MS Project Management online?
Develop the skills necessary to link operations and projects with relevant activities in almost all areas of business with the Master of Science in Project Management and Operations from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Areas of study include supply chain management, international supply chain management, project management for Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, management of service operations and Six Sigma-quality management.
Skills you'll learn:
- Strategies for optimizing production of goods and services
- Applying total quality management (TQM) principles
- Project planning creation, evaluation and assessment
- Strategies for improving the supply chain
- Operational and project management environments
- Management in cross-functional environments
Courses & Curriculum Online project management courses that prepare you for your career
Learn how to analyze, design, implement and manage projects for efficient operations in the online master's in project management degree program at SNHU. In foundational, major and elective courses, you'll study leading-edge topics while developing skills in operations management, project management, supply chain management, logistics, quality control and management science.
Online graduate project management and operations courses
The 36-credit MS Project Management online degree program explores the contemporary issues that make almost any business run smoothly. Through assignments, discussions and group projects, you'll learn concepts, language, insights, tools and leadership skills needed for success in operations and project management.
At Southern New Hampshire University, the master's in project management can be completed in as few as 15 months and provides a market-relevant combination of comprehensive business education and real-world applications. The program's technology-integrated coursework is continually adjusted to reflect the latest topics, technology and tactics in the field.
As an MS in Project Management and Operations student, you’ll take 6 required courses, an additional 4 elective courses in your area of interest and 2 graduate-level business courses. Of your 36 credits, 24 credit hours must be QSO (Quantitative Studies & Operations Management) courses.
Note: Students who take QSO 645: Project Management for PMP® Certification as part of their MS in Project Management will meet the 35 hours of project management education required in order to take the PMP® certification exam.
Courses may include:
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|
Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Get credit for earned industry certifications
You've earned it – now take advantage of it. Students bringing in the following certifications may be eligible to waive certain courses, helping you save time and tuition.
- Active CPSM Certification can be substituted for QSO-635: International Supply Chain Management
- Active CSCP APICS Certification can be substituted for QSO-630: Supply Chain Management
- Active Six Sigma Black Belt can be substituted for QSO-625: Six Sigma for Black Belt Certification
Becoming a Project Management Professional (PMP)®
Through SNHU’s relationship with the Project Management Institute (PMI)®, this program is designed to give students the education, experience and guidance needed to prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam.
The content provided in this program satisfies the 35 hours of project management education required to apply for the PMP® certification exam. In addition, we require all instructors to complete the PMI® Authorized Training Partner Train the Trainer – PMP® Exam Prep Program. This gives our faculty the authority to deliver PMP® exam prep and training content to PMI®’s quality standards for the revised exam, which went into effect in January 2021.
Students who choose to pursue their PMP® certification will find that this in-demand, industry-recognized credential adds significant value to their skill set and job prospect potential, helping to boost their career growth and earning potential.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 24, 2025
Next term starts:
Oct. 14, 2024
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
![How to Take an Online Class at SNHU](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O03iCa9IYes/sddefault.jpg)
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Learn from instructors with real-world experience
At SNHU, your classes will be led by instructors with impressive academic qualifications and many years of practical experience in the field of operations and project management.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Jimmie Flores
Dr. Jimmie Flores worked for Shell Oil Company following his undergraduate degree and decided education would help open doors. After earning his MBA and a PhD, he also earned several more master's degrees and 2 doctorates. In addition to teaching he works as an IT consultant and writes extensively about finance, project management, nonprofit management, international business and more.
Position
Adjunct Faculty
Joined SNHU
2018
Education
- BBA in Corporate Financial Management from St. Mary's University
- MBA in Educational Technology from the University of St. Thomas
- MS in Educational Technology from DeVry University
- MS in Computer Information Technology, MS in Management, MS in Nonprofit Management, MA in Human and Organizational Systems and PhD in Human and Organizational Development from Regis University
- DM/IST from the University of Phoenix
"If you are a student who is focused on affordable and high-quality education, then SNHU is the right place for you. The updated curriculum adds value to the students and their educational journey."
Dr. Zuzana Buzzell
Dr. Zuzana Buzzell began her SNHU career in 2005 as an adjunct faculty member before taking a full-time position in 2014. She has more than 15 years of experience developing and teaching programs in finance, business and economics, and has worked in hybrid, traditional and online academic programs, government agencies and in the private sector.
Dr. Buzzell’s research interests include digital ethics, finance technology, cryptocurrencies, and the future of finance and blockchains. She has published in several journals, conference papers and blogs on topics including mortgage-backed securities, finance technology, Brexit and more.
Dr. Buzzell earned a bachelor’s in business administration, an MBA, a master’s in finance as well as a PhD in International Business.
Read more about Dr. Jimmie Flores and other online faculty at SNHU.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
It's easy, fast and free.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,911 $3,822 $5,733 $7,644If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with a master's in project management?
One of the most exciting things about a career in operations management is that there's demand for it in just about every industry imaginable. Transportation, retail, military, e-commerce, healthcare, financial services, higher education, insurance, food service, manufacturing, hospitality – the list goes on.
Whether you're already in a project management role or you're looking to enter the field, an MS in Project Management can help you hone the skills you need to prepare for what's next.
Occupations
Upon completing SNHU's master's in project management, you may be prepared to take on a variety of project management roles, including:
Develop response systems to successfully mitigate damage in the face of crises, such as natural disasters or cyber threats.
Oversee all aspects of inventory control, from supplier relations and deployment to supply-and-demand forecasts and process improvement.
Develop operations strategies – such as budgeting, process improvement and risk mitigation – to overcome business challenges and achieve company goals.
Help improve your company's most crucial business practices, including cost, resource allocation and productivity.
Negotiate with vendors to purchase essential goods or services for your organization.
Promote the design and implementation of warehouse, distribution and logistics solutions.
Increase in project management specialist positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
Median annual pay for project management specialists as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
Learning about operations has changed my outlook on what I am capable of achieving. The degree I have earned has given me a chance to apply for positions that I am now qualified for.
Jill McCamant '21
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily, but an advanced degree can give you the boost of confidence you need to reach your goals – and even help open doors to new career opportunities.
Beyond professional advancement, there is some research to suggest that graduate degrees could lead to higher earning potential throughout various fields and industries. In 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that individuals with a master's degree earned a median weekly pay of $1,737.1 By comparison, those with a bachelor's earned $1,493.1
Read more about how to become a project manager.
Earning your master's in project management at Southern New Hampshire University puts you in a great position to pursue and maintain your Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. This program can provide the knowledge, skills and resources to help you confidently prepare for the PMP® certification exam.
To become a certified PMP®, you must:
- Meet educational and professional experience requirements set by Project Management Institute (PMI)®
- Apply to take the PMP® certification exam
- Complete and pass the PMP® certification exam, which is a 200-question test given in one 4-hour period
- Earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every 3 years
It's important to note that some prerequisites are required before you can take the PMP® certification exam. According to the PMI®'s website, these prerequisites will vary depending on your highest level of education.
If, for example, you have a secondary degree – such as a high school diploma, associate degree or the global equivalent – you will also need:
- 7,500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification
On the other hand, if you earn a 4-year degree, you would then need:
- 4,500 hours leading and directing projects
- 35 hours of project management education or CAPM® certification
Not better, just different. Let's compare, to help you figure out which option would be a better fit for you.
- A PMP® is a specialized credential for those interested in the operational and project management side of the house. It is often recognized as the gold standard for project management certification, as it helps prepare professionals for success in virtually any industry. It is also "global," in that PMP®'s lead projects in nearly every country in the world, whereas many other certifications instead focus specifically on a particular geography or domain.
- An MBA, on the other hand, is a bit broader. It's designed for those who want a deep understanding of business with the opportunity to specialize in certain areas (or concentrations). The online MBA program at Southern New Hampshire University, for example, features several concentration options, including operations and supply chain management, project management, entrepreneurship, accounting and many more.
When deciding which is better for you, consider your career goals. If you're interested in making project management the focus of your career, a PMP® might be the right path for you. On the other hand, if you want to get a broader understanding of business as a whole, you may want to consider pursuing an MBA. Earning your MBA gives you the flexibility to decide which area of business to specialize your degree in - one option being an MBA in Project Management.
Most jobs in the project management, operations and business industries require a bachelor's degree. But a master's or PMP® could set you apart in these competitive fields and give you opportunities to advance your career.
If you've earned your bachelor's in project management or a related field, you may qualify for a number of entry-level jobs, including:
- Distribution manager
- Inventory control analyst
- Production planner
- Production supervisor
- Project manager
- Purchasing manager
- Quality assurance (QA) analyst
- Supply chain planner
- Supply manager
- Warehouse manager
A master's degree, on the other hand, could open up opportunities to a number of leadership roles, including:
- Business continuity manager
- Director of inventory control
- Director for strategy & operations
- Operational strategy consultant
- Operations planner
- Operations research analyst
- Process improvement manager
- Project director
- Program analyst
- Purchasing director
- Quality assurance manager
- Supply chain manager
Southern New Hampshire University graduate Jill McCamant '21 already had operations experience, but knew a master's degree could take her further.
"The operations and project management program allowed me to learn more of how processes worked and how I can improve processes," she said.
As the point person for corporate projects both big and small, you'll be responsible for coordinating schedules, evaluating cost estimates and budgets, assessing risk and more. With all these moving parts, your day-to-day will likely require any number of tools to help keep everything in order, including:
- Gantt charts. If you're already working in the industry, you've no doubt come across a Gantt chart. Built to represent a project schedule from start to finish, this chart uses a series of bars to neatly lay out the steps it takes to complete individual tasks, thereby helping teams stay aligned at every step of the process. While there are plenty of programs out there to help you create Gantt charts, you can also build these simple tools with widely available software like Google Sheets or Excel.
- Project management information systems (PMIS). A project management information system uses one or more software applications to organize all the information relevant to completing, tracking or referencing a project. Typically, a PMIS provides tools for schedule and planning, resource management, budget, integration and reporting.
- Responsibility matrixes (RACI). RACI stands for "responsible, accountable, consulted and informed." True to its name, this model uses a chart to track all responsible parties in a project, keeping everyone accountable and managing expectations for each team member involved.
- Video conferencing software. With many businesses and global brands relying heavily on remote communication, video conferencing software is an important tool in any project manager's toolkit. Not only can it reduce time-consuming email chains or IM interactions, it gives teams an opportunity to align, ask questions, and deliver updates in real time.
- Work breakdown structure (WBS). A work breakdown structure takes deliverables and divides them up into smaller components. For example, if a team is planning to host a space at a marketing conference, they might separate deliverables into categories like "furniture," "swag" and "booth." From there, each step can be identified, estimated, scheduled, and budgeted in smaller, manageable sections.
In addition to proficiency with some of or all these skills, as well as knowledge of common project management methodologies, you'll need a handful of key soft skills, including:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Organization
- Self-motivation
It's worth noting that many of these soft skills are essential to military service members and veterans, making this a particularly well-suited master's program for those looking to transition back into civilian life.
Southern New Hampshire University proudly supports military service members and their families with up to 30% tuition discounts, career and academic advisors with military experience, and transfer-friendly programs that award college credits for military training.
If you’re a military service member or the family member of someone who serves, and you’re interested in a bachelor’s-level program, consider our online operations management degree.
Sources & Citations
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm (viewed June 6, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed June 6, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
The PMI® Authorized Training Partner seal is a mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.