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Master's in Project Management Online MS in Operations Degree Program

John Egan, who earned his MBA in project manager in 2016, wearing eyeglasses and a light blue button-down shirt.

Cost per credit $637

Total courses 12

Term length 10 weeks

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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
Jesus Suarez, who earned his degree from SNHU in 2021, in his kitchen writing in a small notebook with his open laptop with a SNHU sticker on the front next to him.

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.

Degree Courses

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:

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.
Course ID: QSO 600
This is a study of the concepts of production and operations and of a variety of methods and techniques used in their management. Background preparation: 6 credit hours in economics.
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.
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.
Course ID: QSO 690
This course is designed to prepare students to function as high-impact manufacturing and/or service managers. The course theme is Total Quality Management and focuses on manufacturing systems, quality controls and inventory management with the goal of finding constant approaches to productivity improvement through in-depth investigation of JIT and OPT and their adaptability to manufacturing and service systems.
Course ID: QSO 700
This capstone course is the culminating experience for the MS in Project Management and Operations program. The aim of the capstone is to assess students' ability to synthesize and integrate the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout their coursework, rather than introducing new concepts. This course is structured to support student success in fulfilling program requirements.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MS in Project Management & Operations curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024

Next term starts:
July 29, 2024

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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

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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
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You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (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.

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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 programs

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$22,932
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920

*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 $7,644
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 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.

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.

6%

Increase in project management specialist positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

$98,580

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

Jill McCamant '21
Jill McCamant '21

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.

Related Articles

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.