M.B.A. with an Emphasis in Project Management

Best Online MBA
Grand Canyon University ranked among “Best Online MBA in Project Management Degree Programs”1

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 be taught 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.

Earn Your Project Management MBA and Prepare for Your PMI Certification

MBA in project management candidates will be given the tools to acquire foundational knowledge and skills in project management. The coursework aligns with the standards of PMI’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). This online degree can help prepare candidates for these PMI certifications:

    Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
    
    Project Management Professional (PMP)®
    
    Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)®

What You Will Be Taught in GCU's Online MBA in Project Management Program

GCU recognizes the needs of graduate students for online degree programs that are flexible and convenient. You can earn your MBA in project management from home with our 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. You may even be able to transfer from your previous education so you can graduate 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.

In this program, you will 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 the opportunity to position themselves for possible career advancement. A master’s in project management can hep 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 an institutionally 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).

1 Retrieved from Intelligent.com, “The Best Online MBA in Project Management Degree Programs” in May 2023

2 COVID-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, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Top Executives, retrieved on April 1, 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.