Master of Science in Project Management

Preparation for Project Management Certification

The MS in Project Management (MSPM) is a 30-hour online or on-campus program. The master's in project management degree is designed for students interested in technical or managerial roles in project controls, project management and program management.

With opportunities for hands-on learning, including an internship option for on-campus students, the MSPM curriculum equips you to deliver successful projects across industries and to excel in roles that demand clear communication, strategic thinking, and effective execution.

Courses count as the education credit required to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification offered through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

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Master of Project Management Degree Snapshot

30 credit hours
Online program offers ultimate flexibility with 8-week courses, complete in as little as 11 months
On-campus program offers hybrid attendance with mix of on-campus daytime and evening 16-week courses and online 8-week courses
Course-based projects included in multiple courses, developing skills needed by top New Mexico employers
Mandatory internship in Spring semester for on-campus students, with placement supported by program
Free access to Primavera P6 during the program, one of the most powerful project planning tools
2.2 million new project-oriented jobs projected by 2027

MSPM Degree Curriculum

Learn about the MSPM curriculum

“The asynchronous format for the Project Management degree was a crucial aspect in my graduate degree selection process, and it made pursuing this degree while working full time with a family easy. The ability to stream lectures and complete assignments after hours was a highlight of the MSPM program at Anderson.”

Jasper Kigar
MSPM 2022
Sr. Project Manager, Los Alamos National Laboratory

MSPM FAQs

How many credits is the MS in Project Management?

The MS in Project Management is a total of 30 credit hours.

What is the cost of tuition for the MS in Project Management?

The MS in in Project Management has a flat rate tuition of $813.06 per credit hour, not including student fees.

When does the MS in Project Management program start?

The on-campus option of the MS in Project Management starts in August for the Fall semester, January for the Spring semester, and June for the Summer semester. For the online option, classes start every 8 weeks.

Is the MS in Project Management program on-campus or online program?

The MS in Project Management program is offered on-campus or online. The online option means you are only taking classes online. The on-campus option allows you to be hybrid, offering classes both online and on-campus.

What time do the classes for the MS in Project Management meet?

On-campus classes for the MS in Project Management program are offered throughout the day morning, mid-day, and evening. Online classes are asynchronous.

Is there an internship requirement for the MS in Project Management?

There is an internship requirement for the on-campus option of the MS in Project Management program. There is no internship requirement for the online option of the MS in Project Management program. The internship requirement for the on-campus program is mandatory. You are assisted with placement by the Ellis Career Services team.

Do MSPM students graduate with the PMP certification?

No, MSPM students do not graduate with the PMP certification. You will graduate with a Master of Science in Project Management, which includes the 35 hours of project management education and training required to sit for the PMP exam. This gives you the best chance of passing your examination.

What does the PMP certification require?

Four-year degree
36 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
35 hours of project management education/training or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. The MSPM program provides this training.
Pass a 180-question exam

High school diploma or associate degree
60 months of experience leading projects within the past eight years
35 hours of project management education/training or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification. The MSPM program provides this training.
Pass a 180-question exam

Where can I find more information about the PMP certification?

Learn more about the PMP Certification on the Project Management Institute website.

You may also contact the local Rio Grande Project Management Institute Chapter at P.O. Box 3273, Albuquerque, NM 87190.

Can I complete the on-campus program as a working professional?

The on-campus program includes daytime, evening, and online courses. This schedule can be difficult for a working professional to accommodate. Additionally, the internship is mandatory for all students in the on-campus program. We recommend most working professionals choose the online program for ease of work-school balance.

Is the MS in Project Management STEM designated?

No, the MS in Project Management program is not a STEM designated program. However, it is designed around the key project management skills needed to be a project manager in New Mexico.

Does the MS in Project Management qualify for an international student visa?

Yes, the on-campus MS in Project Management program does qualify for an international student visa.

How do I get in contact with someone to answer my questions?

You can schedule a meeting with an admissions counselor using our One-on-One Appointment Link. You can also call our team at 505-277-2525 or email us at ellisgrad@unm.edu.

4+1 Program

The 4+1 Program enables UNM undergraduate students to begin MSPM studies early, guaranteeing admission upon completion of the undergraduate degree and reducing the graduate degree’s cost.

Suggested Timeline

For the first three years of university studies, you will pursue a normal program of undergraduate work. Every UNM degree qualifies for admission to the 4+1 Program.
During the second semester of the third year of academic work, you will apply for graduation and for admission to the MSPM program.
In the fourth year of academic work, you will begin the first year of the MSPM program, completing 9 credits, and complete the remaining requirements for your bachelor’s degree.
In the fifth year of study, you will complete the remaining 21 credit hours in the MSPM program.