Dec 26, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2023-24 [Archived Catalog]

Project Management - MS


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Master Science in Project Management

Project Management - MS7476

Department of Engineering Technology and Management
125 Stocker Center
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio 45701
740.593.1455
engineeringtech@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Online. Students are required to attend a minimum of one weekend residency in Athens, Ohio, over the course of the program.

Terms of Entry: Fall, Spring, Summer

​Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The mission of this program is to graduate dedicated leaders and  skilled project managers exceptionally well suited to lead people and projects.

The Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program is a comprehensive examination of the specific management and leadership skills aligned to industry standards such as the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) from the Project Management Institute (PMI) and others. With classes focused on the project management processes and universally applicable topics such as change and risk management, students who graduate will be prepared to lead with knowledge and confidence while enhancing credentials. Students will interact with and learn from a faculty of project management leaders experienced in industry, while gaining project management insights and expertise, which can immediately be applied to their current positions.

Through the unique selection of industry specific technical electives, students will be able to focus their Masters of Science in Project Management towards the industry in which they are currently employed to create an educational experience that is focused, current, relevant and applied. Students are equipped to succeed in their current career opportunities and create new ones that challenge and extend their abilities. This masters program has been designed to provide value to individuals working in many industries, including but not limited to Information Technology (IT), Healthcare, Hospitality, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, and Management.  

The MSPM is designed by veteran project managers who seek to share their stories and experiences with students. The MSPM program focuses on the soft and hard skills required to be a successful project manager. This program serves as a bridge between an MBA’s more general management focus and the necessarily more specialized focus of an advanced degree in one or more other disciplines. A graduate of this program will be able to apply both advanced leadership techniques and proven technical skills to direct people in cross-disciplinary teams to execute projects and programs that deliver consistently valuable results.In this 30 semester-hour program, MSPM students will complete four project management courses; PM 6100 Project Management I, PM 6200 Project Management II, PM 6500 Change and Risk Management, and PM 6600 Lean Six Sigma Methods. Students will select five courses from over 30 approved elective courses (listed below) to build an experience tailored to their professional aspirations. The program concludes with PM 6800 Project Management Capstone, where students will apply the tools, techniques, and knowledge gained during the program on an actual project. Students also have an option to choose to complete a thesis on an approved topic.

Students taking the normal load of two courses per term may complete the program in 1 year and 8 months, depending upon the courses selected by the student.

Complementary Certificates

Some courses counting toward the degree can also be combined into existing graduate certificates. No courses, however, may be applied to more than two programs (e.g., one certificate and one degree). Please contact the program for more information about certificate opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate and apply project management tools and techniques to successfully execute projects in a business setting.
  • Use analytical thinking skills to solve project management and business problems.
  • Exhibit leadership skills relevant to the business and project management profession.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills.

Opportunities for Graduates

Project management opportunities exist in many enterprises. The MSPM program provides a deep foundation for working as a project manager who aspires to become a certified CAPM® or PMP® through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/engineering-tech/academics/project-management

Program Contact: PM@ohio.edu

Admission Requirements

Applicants whose qualifications satisfy all elements of one of the following two criteria are reviewed for admission to the Master of Science in Project Management program:

Criterion A

  1. Bachelor’s degree in an accredited program in business, law, communications, engineering, technology, political science, mathematics, or physical sciences, Others considered
  2. Minimum GPA 3.0 or GPA waiver, please email pm@ohio.edu for details. 
  3. For non-native English speakers:
    • iBT – 70 Composite, Writing 17, all other Section Scores of 15 or higher
    • IELTS – 6.0 Composite, all Bands 6.0 or higher
  4. Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. At least one letter from a supervisor is strongly recommended.
  5. Official transcripts from all degree bearing institutions at the bachelor’s level or higher and unofficial transcript for any additional college coursework.
  6. A professional plan statement discussing your career goals, how the master’s degree will help you achieve those goals, areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you strengthen and what you plan to contribute to the learning community.
  7. Current resume.
  8. Transfer credits are considered for this program.

Criterion B

Applicants who meet requirements 2 - 3 from Criterion A above, but have a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or the equivalent four-year degree in a field not listed above, may be considered for admission if meeting these criteria:

  1. Minimum of two years of professional work experience.
  2. Two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. At least one letter from a supervisor is strongly recommended.
  3. Official transcripts from all degree bearing institutions at the bachelor’s level or higher and unofficial transcript for any additional college coursework.
  4. A professional plan statement discussing your career goals, how the master’s degree will help you achieve those goals, areas or competencies that you expect the program will help you strengthen and what you plan to contribute to the learning community.
  5. Current resume.
  6. For non-native English speakers:
    • iBT – 70 Composite, Writing 17, all other Section Scores of 15 or higher
    • IELTS – 6.0 Composite, all Bands 6.0 or higher
  7. Transfer credits are considerd for this program.
  8. Students may be required to successfully complete an introductory “bridge” course before admission at the discrection of the degree admissions committee.
  9. Exceptions will be considered based on the circumstances of prospective students. Please email PM@ohio.edu to set up an appointment to disucss your specific circumstances.

International Students

This program does not permit full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 cannot be issued based on admission to this program.

Graduation Requirements

Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours with no grade below a C as follows:

Required Courses


Complete the following courses for a minimum of 15 credit hours:

Technical Electives


Complete a minimum of 15 credit hours from among the following courses:

Additional Requirements


All students, including those taking only online coursework, must attend a one-weekend Professional Development Workshop in Athens, Ohio.

Culminating Experience


The required capstone course PM 6800 - Project Management Capstone, is the culmination of the Masters of Science in Project Management program. Students identify a real-world project in their workplace or similar setting approved by the instructor, such as a government or community organization. They will manage and document the project through the project lifecycle, and provide a closing report which will be published as a case study. Students are expected to initiate, plan, execute and close their project. These activities require integrating and applying the knowledge, skills and industry standard practices obtained in the Masters of Science in Project Management program, and emphasize learning by doing.

Students also have a thesis option, which requires no fewer than 3 credit hours of PM 6950 - Project Management Thesis in place of PM 6800, and the successful defense of an approved thesis topic.

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