Master of Science in Project Management (older page version)
Online, On-campus and Hybrid
The Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) degree at the GW School of Business adopts a systems-oriented approach to project management focused on both hard skills (such as project management analytics) and soft skills (which prepare our graduates to make complex decisions, manage risk, and lead project teams). This complementary approach is critical for success in the field.
The MSPM program is offered in two modes: online and on-campus. The online version of the program offers a live/synchronous class session; this allows us to offer our online students the same program as our on-campus students. The MSPM program was ranked #9 in the "2023 Best Project Management MBA Programs" rankings published by U.S. News & World Report.
Our MSPM degree is STEM-designated and also accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), equipping students with everything they need for a successful career in project management and positioning them to succeed in any role that requires data-driven decision making and the ability to lead both technical and non-technical teams. Students on an F-1 visa are eligible for an additional 25 months of optional practical training (OPT) as well, giving them valuable work experience.
Inside the MSPM Degree Program
Join Dr. Homayoun Khamooshi, faculty director of the MSPM program, as he and MS/MBA student Doug Robertson discuss the benefits of earning an Master of Science in Project Management degree at GW School of Business.
Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program is to provide a superior, state-of-the-art graduate educational experience that elevates the knowledge and expertise to a level that enables students to serve as leaders, educators, practitioners and activists in the project management profession.
- Learn More About Our Mission
To accomplish our mission, the Master of Science in Project Management seeks to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles of project management that influence performance at all levels of an organization.
- Provide students transferable skills that incorporate a mixture of core concepts with knowledge and understanding of problem-solving, critical and systems thinking, communication and team building.
- Provide students with a solid theoretical understanding and the ability to apply relevant methods for making complex decisions in business and project management decisions by identifying objectives and alternatives, setting priorities, allocating resources, planning, scheduling and estimating, ensuring quality, managing risk, resolving conflict and making effective group decisions.
- Provide students with the ability to synthesize project management theory and methods to apply them to any domain.
- Connect With Us
Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more. Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.
The George Washington University School of Business
Master of Science in Project Management
2201 G Street NW, Funger Hall, Ste. 415
Washington, D.C. 20052Phone: 202-994-6145
Fax: 202-994-2736
Email: [email protected]
The MSPM program is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center (PMI-GAC). The PMI-GAC is a specialized accrediting body for project management and related degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels of higher education worldwide.
- About the GAC Seal
The GAC Accredited Program Seal reflects GAC’s image as the leading academic accreditation body for project, program and portfolio management. The various symbols in the seal communicate the following:
- GAC is a community of academic programs and faculty, committed to quality assurance in project management education.
- GAC is committed to outcomes, as graduates of GAC accredited programs can be assured that they have the knowledge and skills to be successful professionals.
- Growth is a critical component of GAC, supporting change and transformation in our increasingly projectized world, spurring progress, both within the discipline of project management and the profession.
A highly specialized program applicable to all industries, the Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program has an innovative and unique curriculum with discipline-independent coursework. The program brings realistic examples from the workplace to the classroom and integrates those examples into the overall curriculum.
The curriculum encompasses personal and qualitative issues, as well as the technical, quantitative aspects of managing projects. Courses immerse students in teamwork and team dynamics, helping them develop the skills to tackle complex projects and the savvy to synthesize diverse perspectives.
Global PMI Standards
Our program is consistent with, but not limited to, the Project Management Institute’s PMBOK standards. Students study planning, scheduling, risk management and cost estimation, and learn project portfolio management and executive decision making.
Learn More About the Project Management Institute (PMI)
Curriculum
GW’s MS in Project Management offers an innovative curriculum that combines the core principles of project management with general management and leadership training. Every course is offered on-campus as well as in the distance learning mode. Students must complete foundational courses before progressing to advanced coursework and the capstone.
The MSPM program is offered in three modes: online, on-campus and hybrid.
Credits
The MSPM program is 30 credit hours long. Some students may be eligible for academic waivers, which allows them to complete the program with less than 30 credit hours. Three-credit courses are a full semester long (14 weeks). Courses that are 1.5 credits are seven weeks in length and are offered either in the first or second half of a semester.
Duration
Students typically complete degree requirements in the following time frames:
- Part-Time: as little as 24 months
- Full-Time: 12-15 months
Program Requirements
- Achieve at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at the time of graduation.
- Complete all degree requirements within five (5) years.
Degree Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 30 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| DNSC 6250 | Project Economics and Finance | |
| DNSC 6252 | Risk Analysis for Decision Making | |
| DNSC 6254 | Risk Measurement and Management | |
| DNSC 6257 | Cost Estimation and Control | |
| DNSC 6258 | Collaborative Decision Making and Portfolio Optimization | |
| DNSC 6261 | Project Management Principles | |
| DNSC 6262 | Integrated Project Analytics | |
| DNSC 6267 | Planning and Scheduling | |
| DNSC 6271 | Agile Project Management | |
| MBAD 6224 | Decision Making and Data Analysis | |
| Electives | ||
| 6 credits in elective courses selected from the following: | ||
| DNSC 6210 | Decision and Risk Analytics | |
| DNSC 6237 | International Project Management | |
| DNSC 6302 | Programming for Analytics I | |
| DNSC 6303 | Programming for Analytics II | |
| DNSC 6306 | Decision Models | |
| DNSC 6319 | Time Series Forecasting for Analytics | |
| DNSC 6325 | Business Process Simulation | |
| MGT 6210 | Leading Teams | |
| MGT 6215 | Conflict Management and Negotiations | |
| MGT 6253 | Leadership and Executive Development | |
Additional Requirements for Specific Degree Programs
- Combined Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
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This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.
- MBA/Master of Science in Project Management
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Up to 18 credits may be shared between the programs, thereby decreasing the number of credits normally required for the degrees. All requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled.
Admissions
Admission to the MSPM program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.
Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.
The following admissions requirements apply to all Master of Project Management (MSPM) degree formats: on-campus, online and hybrid.
- Prerequisites
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- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Strong academic performance
- Demonstrated professional interest in project management
- Admissions Process
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Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.
- Application Requirements
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To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:
- Completed online application form
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- Additional Application Requirements
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- Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
- The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
- International Applicants
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Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.
Admissions Process
Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.
Admitted Student Profile
While we do not have minimum requirements for test scores, GPA or work experience, our program does attract top academic and professional talent. Statistics from a recent admission period are as follows:
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Percentage Female: 41%
- Percentage International: 34%
- Average Age: 35
Application Deadlines
Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.
- Spring 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
- Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
- Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025
Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.
Tuition and Other Costs
Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.
- Tuition and Fees
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Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.
- Other Expenses
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- Student Health Insurance
GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
- Housing
View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.
- Student Health Insurance
Financial Resources
From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.
- GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support
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The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.
In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.
- Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships
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The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.
- Federal Financial Aid
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U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:
- Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
- Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program
To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.
- Tuition Discounts
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Employer Discounts
The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:
- Leidos
- Lockheed Martin
- Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
- SAIC
Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.
- Veterans and Military
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Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
- Student Employment and Internships
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The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.
Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.
International Students
Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.
For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.
For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.
- Billing and Payment Processing
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The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.