Master of Business Administration in Project Management
Lead Complex Projects. Connect Strategy to Execution.
Organizations rely on projects to launch new products, implement technology, improve operations and turn strategic priorities into measurable results. Leading those initiatives requires more than keeping a project on schedule. It requires the ability to manage people, resources, risk, budgets and competing organizational priorities.
Waldorf University's online Master of Business Administration in Project Management combines advanced business education with specialized project management coursework to help professionals develop the strategic, analytical and leadership capabilities needed to guide complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.
Designed for Professionals Who Turn Strategy into Action
Waldorf University's online MBA in Project Management is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their ability to plan and lead complex initiatives while developing the broader business perspective needed to understand how projects affect organizations.
The flexible online format allows students to continue working while developing project management, business, and leadership capabilities they can apply across industries and organizational settings.
Program Highlights
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100% online format
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Flexible learning for working professionals
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36-credit curriculum
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15-credit Project Management concentration
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Business and project leadership focus
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Coursework in project teams, strategy, research and complex project management
Why Pursue an MBA in Project Management?
Projects are how organizations make change happen.
From digital transformation and process improvement to product launches and organizational change, businesses need professionals who can translate strategic goals into executable plans and lead teams through completion. An MBA in Project Management brings project execution and business strategy together, building knowledge across finance, economics, marketing, human resources, leadership, and information systems alongside specialized project management skills.
Professionals may pursue an MBA in Project Management to:
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Advance into project, program or organizational leadership roles
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Strengthen project planning and strategic decision-making skills
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Lead cross-functional and multidisciplinary teams
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Improve budgeting, resource allocation and risk management capabilities
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Connect project outcomes with broader business objectives
For professionals seeking greater organizational influence, the MBA can help expand the focus from managing individual projects to understanding how projects contribute to business performance and long-term strategy.
MBA in Project Management vs. a Master's in Project Management: What's the Difference?
Both an MBA in Project Management and a traditional master's degree in project management can prepare professionals to lead complex projects and initiatives, but they typically approach graduate study differently.
A traditional master's in project management generally concentrates more extensively on project management methodologies, processes, tools, and execution. An MBA in Project Management combines specialized project management study with a broader graduate business foundation.
At Waldorf University, students complete 21 credits of core MBA coursework in areas including accounting, human resources, leadership, information systems, marketing, economics, and finance, along with 15 credits of specialized Project Management coursework focused on project management, research, team leadership, strategy and tactics, and complex projects.
MBA in Project Management |
Traditional Master’s in Project Management |
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Combines graduate business education with specialized project management study |
Centers graduate study more extensively on the project management discipline |
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Builds knowledge across finance, marketing, HR, leadership, economics, and information systems |
Typically provides deeper specialization in project planning, execution, methodology, and control |
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Connects project decisions with broader business strategy and organizational performance |
Focuses more extensively on managing projects, programs, and project systems |
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May appeal to professionals seeking broader business, operational, or organizational leadership |
May appeal to professionals seeking deeper specialization within project management |
For professionals whose next step involves not only leading projects but understanding how those projects affect people, finances, operations, and organizational strategy, Waldorf University's MBA in Project Management offers the business foundation of an MBA combined with focused project management study.
Project Management Talent Is in Growing Demand
As organizations invest in technology, infrastructure, operational improvement, and business transformation, they need professionals who can turn strategic priorities into well-managed initiatives. PMI projects significant global growth in project talent needs through 2035, while U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows continued demand for project management specialists in the United States.
Project Management Career Outlook
Project Management Insight |
Current Outlook |
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Project talent demand |
Global demand could grow 64% from 2025-2035 |
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Global talent gap |
Up to 29.8 million additional project professionals may be needed by 2035 |
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U.S. employment growth |
6% projected growth from 2024-2034 |
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U.S. job openings |
Approximately 78,200 openings per year |
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Median annual wage |
$100,750 for U.S. project management specialists, May 2024 |
Sources: Project Management Institute, Global Project Management Talent Gap, 2025; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Project Management Specialists Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The Waldorf Difference
The Power of AND
Waldorf's MBA in Project Management combines a broader business perspective with focused project management study, helping students connect project decisions to people, finances, operations, and organizational strategy. The combination of advanced business coursework and specialized project management study helps students develop both perspectives: how to guide complex projects and how those projects connect to broader organizational priorities.
Lead Projects AND Understand the Business
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Manage project strategy AND understand financial impact
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Lead project teams AND strengthen organizational leadership
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Manage risk and complexity AND support business objectives
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Build specialized expertise AND expand business knowledge
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Advance your career AND continue working
YOUR LIFE CONTINUES. YOUR EDUCATION DOES TOO.
Who Should Consider This Program?
Waldorf University's MBA in Project Management is designed for professionals who want to combine advanced business knowledge with the ability to plan, lead, and evaluate complex projects. It may be especially relevant for project managers, project coordinators, business analysts, operations professionals, and team leaders responsible for cross-functional work or strategic initiatives.
Because project management capabilities are used across industries, the program may be relevant to professionals working in business, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, financial services, construction, government, nonprofit organizations, and other project-driven environments.
For experienced professionals with technical or industry expertise, the combination of advanced business coursework and specialized project management study can help develop the broader perspective needed to move toward program, portfolio, operational, or organizational leadership.
Curriculum Designed for Complex Project Leadership
Successful project leadership requires more than managing schedules, scope, and deliverables. Project leaders must also guide teams, evaluate information, manage resources and risk, and understand how project decisions affect broader organizational priorities.
Waldorf University's Project Management concentration progresses from foundational project management and research into team leadership, project strategy and tactics, and the management of complex projects.
Combined with the MBA business core, the curriculum helps students develop both specialized project management capabilities and a broader understanding of the organizations in which projects take place.
This program is available online only.
Master's Degree Requirements
- Completion of 36-credit hour curriculum
- Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
- Grade of B or higher in all required courses and professional electives
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC | 5301 | Management Applications of Accounting | 3 |
| HRM | 5200 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| ORG | 5100 | Leadership Theory and Practice | 3 |
| MBA | 5401 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| MBA | 5501 | Advanced Marketing | 3 |
| MBA | 6053 | Economics for Managers | 3 |
| MBA | 6081 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| Total Major Requirement Credit Hours: | 21 | ||
| Prefix | Number | Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| PMP | 5100 | Project Management | 3 |
| PMP | 5600 | Research Methods | 3 |
| PMP | 5800 | Managing Project Teams | 3 |
| PMP | 6100 | Project Management Strategy and Tactics | 3 |
| PMP | 6300 | Managing Complex Projects | 3 |
| Total Concentration Credit Hours: | 15 | ||
| Total Credit Hours: | 36 | ||
Ready to Lead More Complex Projects?
Develop the project management expertise and business perspective to lead teams, manage complex initiatives, and connect project outcomes with broader organizational goals.
MBA in Project Management Degree Requirements
Students must complete the 36-credit curriculum with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA and earn a B or higher in all required courses and professional electives. Graduate applicants must hold an earned bachelor's degree from a college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Additional admission, GPA and transcript requirements apply.
For complete admission requirements and current application information, request information or speak with an admissions representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is project management in demand?
Yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of project management specialists to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 78,200 openings projected each year. PMI also projects significant global growth in demand for qualified project professionals through 2035.
What industries use project managers?
Project management skills are used across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, construction, financial services, professional services, government, education, nonprofit organizations and other sectors that rely on projects to implement strategic initiatives.
Is an MBA in Project Management the same as PMP certification?
No. An MBA is an academic graduate degree, while the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a professional credential administered by the Project Management Institute. Professionals interested in PMP certification should review PMI's current education and professional experience eligibility requirements separately.
Do I need to already be a project manager?
No. The program may support professionals already involved in project management as well as those preparing to take on greater responsibility for projects, teams, operations, or strategic organizational initiatives.
What career areas can an MBA in Project Management support?
Depending on professional experience, industry, and employer requirements, graduates may pursue opportunities in project management, program management, project management offices (PMOs), operations, consulting, business analysis, and other roles involving responsibility for complex organizational initiatives.
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