SNHU Spotlight: Jessica Yonice Vazquez, MS in Human Resource Management Grad
Business | 10min Read
MBA in Project Management Online Master of Business Administration
Program Overview Why get an online MBA in project management?
If you like to to plan, monitor, measure and adapt projects from start to finish, then the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University might be right for you. This degree program combines theory with practical application, helping you achieve the skills you'll need to successfully oversee workplace projects.
Skills you'll learn:
- Data analysis
- Cost identification
- How to define project scope
- Timeline development
- Leadership and collaboration
- Global awareness
Courses & Curriculum Online MBA courses designed to meet today’s business needs
The MBA in Project Management online curriculum focuses on how to lead a project from beginning to end – smoothly. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to complete QSO-645: Project Management for PMP® Certification, satisfying the 35 hours of project management education required to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam.
Online project management degree courses
Within your 7 core business courses and 3 concentration courses, you'll engage in scenario-based learning that mimics real-world business problems and work settings. Plus, with embedded credentials for tools such as Power BI, MS Excel and Tableau, you'll have plenty of opportunities to boost your marketability in the field.
Courses may include:
Leading People and Organizations
Course ID:
MBA 530
Impactful leaders have the ability to define direction, understand their uniqueness, communicate effectively, and use emotional intelligence to lead people, teams, and organizations. Students will explore leadership theories, issues, and trends, while also applying evidence-based methodologies and tools to assess and elevate their personal leadership plan. By connecting leadership theories and methodologies to trends, challenges, and opportunities facing leadership, this course will help students to effectively lead and empower others.
Measuring Success in an Organization
Course ID:
MBA 620
Effective leaders need a comprehensive understanding of financial and management accounting principles, analytical techniques, and computer-based tools. Students will prepare, monitor, and evaluate financial and accounting reports and metrics and present their findings and recommendations. From reporting to planning, students will develop an acute awareness of a perpetually changing business environment and how entities measure its success, challenges and resources.
Optimizing Brands
Course ID:
MBA 645
Organizational leaders balance brand management and its relationship with impactful marketing strategies. Students will study the key brand elements of identity, trust, and building habit-forming brand experiences. By applying market research, target market identification, customer trends in the marketplace, and ethical considerations, students will develop a marketing strategy for an organization.
Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making
Course ID:
QSO 510
This is a survey of the mathematical, probabilistic and statistical tools available for assisting in the operation and management of industrial organizations.
Project Management
Course ID:
QSO 640
This course includes the study of concepts, tools, and practices of project management. The course adopts a managerial process approach to Project Management, which consists of initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the project. Major topics will include project scope, project time, project cost, project quality, project risk, project resources, project communications and how to be an effective project manager. Cases are utilized to integrate the learning in the course and provide decision- making experience for the student.
Project Management for PMP Certification
Course ID:
QSO 645
This course is designed to help learners gain insights into the process groups and knowledge areas that guide project management professionals as well as help them prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. Learners will use process inputs and outputs, as well as tools and techniques, to effectively plan and manage projects. Exploration of the professional and social responsibilities of project management will also be addressed. In partnership with the Project Management Institute (PMI), our instructors completed the Authorized Training Partner (ATP) Train the Trainer - PMP exam prep program and are equipped to deliver PMP exam prep and training content to PMI's quality standards. For learners, passing this course will result in satisfactory completion of the 35 hours of project management education required in order to take the PMP exam. However, successfully completing this course does not guarantee success on the PMP exam. (Project Management Professional (PMP) is a registered mark of the Project Management Institute, Inc.)
Seminar in Project Management
Course ID:
QSO 680
Project management is a core skill in today's fast-moving business environment. Project managers are required to manage complex, time- pressured projects and programs using advanced tools and techniques for maximum effect. Through this course, the students will learn advanced methods to initiate, plan and control projects. They will gain experience planning complex projects using both manual and PC-based tools.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MBA in Project Management curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps 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.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: 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.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
MBA Technical Requirements
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
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.
Project Management for PMP® Certification
If you’re interested in seeking the PMP® certification, you have the option to take QSO-645: Project Management for PMP® Certification as part of your MBA program. In this course, you'll explore the professional and social responsibilities of project management. You can also get a deeper understanding of the tools and techniques you can use to plan and manage projects.
But that's not all. This course also satisfies the 35-hour education requirement needed to take the PMP® exam. Please note that while it does not guarantee certification or passage of the certification exam, the course does get you closer to earning this key credential. You must meet all other PMP® requirements, including work experience hours, in order to sit for the exam.
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: Aug. 25, 2025 | Nov. 10, 2025
Next term starts:
June 9, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ 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
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.
Dedicated to your success
With real-world business experience and a deep commitment to your success, our instructors are with you every step of the way. Whether they're engaged in discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, SNHU instructors strive to make your learning experience the best it can be.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Arnetra Arrington
Dr. Arnetra Arrington has spent more than 20 years in government, IT, engineering, healthcare, entertainment and beyond. She holds a Project Management Professional® certification from the Project Management Institute® and is a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma.
Position
Adjunct Business Faculty
Joined SNHU
2015
Education
- BA in Literature Arts from the University of Michigan
- DBA in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Project Management from Capella University
"SNHU is an institution that is designed to put students first while supporting faculty in a way that allows them to continuously offer students guidance in attaining success in their academic career."
Zuzana Buzzell
Associate Dean
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.
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
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
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!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
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). 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
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 30-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$19,110
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$14,100
*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:
$1,274 $2,548 $3,822If 2 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,836
If 4 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $16,562
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
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 MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 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
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. See if your organization partners with us.
Career Outlook What can I do with an online project management MBA?
A project manager's job is to keep projects and people on track, and the field of project management is growing as more companies move to project team-based business models. Our MBA is all about understanding and optimizing the functions of a business. The project management MBA builds a strong foundation of management skills, and you can apply these skills to leadership roles across a variety of industries, including construction, healthcare, IT development, manufacturing and more.
Occupations
The online MBA in Project Management can help prepare you for a number of roles in just about any industry. Some of the most notable occupations include:
Project Management
Oversee a project from start to finish to ensure its scope and goals remain on track throughout.
Risk Management
Analyze market and operational conditions prior to a project's start to create risk versus reward assessments for stakeholders.
Cost Estimation
Gather and analyze data to estimate the amount of time, money, materials and labor required to keep a project on time and within budget.
Procurement
Oversee a project from start to finish to ensure its scope and goals remain on track throughout.
Quality Control
Maintain project quality from start to finish by monitoring performance/outcomes and identifying any needed areas of quality improvement.
Supply Chain Management
Satisfy deliverable demands by managing the effective movement of products, resources and people during each stage of the supply chain.
6%
Projected job growth for project management specialists through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$98,580
Median annual wage 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 are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
The MBA in Project Management not only prepares you to carry a project management certification, it also provides you the business acumen to put those project skills to work in any industry and any project model environment.
Gina Cravedi '18G
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions, answered
What can you do with an MBA in Project Management?
It depends on your career goals, because there's demand for project management skills in just about every industry. Even if your career doesn't lead you directly to the job title of project manager, you can gain key management and career skills that can enhance any business leadership role.
“Because the role of the project manager differs in an organization, it's important to have a well-rounded business background to understand how you fit into that particular organization and how their business functions around you and your project,” said Gina Cravedi '18, Southern New Hampshire University's director of student experience operations.
Demand for project managers is high. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI®), there will be 25 million new project management job openings worldwide through 2030.2
Project management jobs can be found across many industries, including transportation, retail, military, e-commerce, healthcare, financial services, higher education, insurance, food service, manufacturing and hospitality.
You could find yourself leading a team of engineers to work toward a common goal, like the creation of a new product. Or you could focus on boosting the efficiency of a construction project, keeping an eye on the bottom line and working to minimize waste. You could even work as a project management consultant, helping businesses set up better project management systems.
Jobs for project managers include, but are not limited to:
- Program or project manager: Oversee a project from start to finish and make sure the scope and goals of the project are on track.
- Project risk manager: Research and analyze project risks, and communicate risk mitigation practices for a project’s workers.
- Project cost estimator: Estimate the amount of time, money, materials and labor needed for a project.
- Project procurement manager: Communicate with vendors to source cost-effective supplies, equipment and service contracts.
- Project quality manager: Monitor the performance and outcome of a project and identify any areas of quality improvement needed.
Should I get an MBA in Project Management?
If you want a rewarding career leading a team or department, then yes. An Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management can give you the communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills you need to succeed in a leadership position.
“In many organizations, the project manager works with team members who don’t report to them, which really calls on leadership skills and understanding human behavior to inspire and motivate a team to accomplish a project goal,” said Gina Cravedi '18, Southern New Hampshire University's director of student experience operations.
MBA graduates are in demand, and in 2022, a Graduate Management Admission Council survey said the percentage of recruiters who wanted to hire MBA graduates was up to 92% — with most stating demand will increase in the next 5 years.3
With an MBA in Project Management, you’ll develop key career and leadership skills taught in the core MBA business courses. You can also benefit from advanced project management courses designed to prepare you to lead a project from start to finish.
With a project management MBA, you could find work across virtually any industry, including:
- Construction and engineering
- Healthcare
- Information technology
- Government agencies
- Food service and hospitality
- Financial services
- Music and entertainment
- Law
Is a PMP® better than an MBA?
A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification and an Master of Business Administration (MBA) can both help to advance a project management career. Determining which one is right for you depends on your career goals. For some project managers, earning both credentials may be the best move.
A PMP® certification is a specialized credential for workers interested in operational and project management. Often recognized as the gold standard for project management certification, a PMP® certification can prepare you to lead teams and manage projects across virtually any industry. Earning a PMP® certification demonstrates proven skill and experience in project management and may lead to higher earning potential.2
An MBA is a graduate-level degree program designed to give you a strong foundation of business and leadership skills. With a project management MBA concentration, you’ll also explore the tools, practices and processes used to keep projects and organizations running smoothly.
At SNHU, we offer many other online MBA concentrations that may also support a project management career, including an MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management.
What degree is best for a project manager?
It depends on the career you want to pursue. Project managers need strong organizational, communication and problem-solving skills. Strong leadership skills are also key. There are many degree options that can help you gain these critical skills and start – or advance – a project management career.
Most project management jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree. Southern New Hampshire University offers 2 project management bachelor’s degree options.
An online operations management degree can prepare you for a career developing, improving and managing the processes used to produce and transport goods or services. With an optional degree concentration in project management, you could gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage projects on time, on budget and within scope in almost every industry.
An online project management degree concentration under the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration program also offers project management learning, supported by a broad-based business education. You’ll explore how to successfully plan, execute and close a variety of projects. And you can gain a strong foundation in the strategies and principles used by successful organizations to get more done.
If you want to advance your career even further, a project management master’s degree can help. At SNHU, you have 2 options for graduate degrees in project management.
With a master’s degree in project management, you’ll explore operations management, project management, supply chain management, logistics, quality control and management science. You can gain the tools and leadership skills needed for success in an advanced project management position.
The MBA in Project Management also explores the ins and outs of project management. Additionally, the program provides a deep understanding of what makes a business work. You’ll study business law, ethics, marketing, economics and decision-making. The skills you learn in a project management MBA program can be applied to project manager jobs and other business leadership positions.
Is project management a good career choice?
Project management is a growing field with opportunities in virtually every industry. Do you have a passion for engineering and product creation? Do you want to work in the field at a construction site or healthcare facility? A project management degree can help you get there.
Project managers are in high demand. According to the Project Management Institute®, jobs for project managers are projected to grow by 25 million jobs worldwide through 2030.2
Demand for project managers is expected to continue to grow, as more businesses move toward project team-based models and supply chains continue to grow more complex. Skilled managers are critical to the success of these complex processes that keep organizations – and entire industries – running smoothly.
Project managers also have strong career and salary potential. With an Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management, you could boost your career prospects even higher.
Related Articles
What is Management Accounting?
Business | 10min Read
SNHU Spotlight: Jerron Trice, BS in Business Administration Grad
Business | 10min Read
Sources & Citations
1Bureau 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 Apr. 23, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm (viewed Apr. 23, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/OOH/math/operations-research-analysts.htm (viewed Apr. 23, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2Project Management Institute, on the internet, at:
- https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/career-central/talent-gap-report-2021-finalfinal.pdf (viewed Apr., 2024)
- https://www.pmi.org/-/media/pmi/documents/public/pdf/learning/pmi_salary_survey_12th_edition_freeversion_final.pdf (viewed Apr. 23, 2024)
3Graduate Management Admission Council, Demand of Graduate Management Talent: 2022 Hiring Projections and Salary Trends [PDF], on the internet, at: https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/employment-outlook/2022_gmac_corporate_recruiters_survey_summary_report_final.pdf (viewed Apr. 23, 2024)