MS in Project Management
One degree. Two ways to earn it.
Northeastern University's MS in Project Management (MSPM) is available fully online and on-ground at campuses across the country. Both are Northeastern University College of Professional Studies degrees. The credential is identical. Compare the differences below.
Online MS in Project Management
Built for flexibility and accessibility. 100% asynchronous, with no campus visits and no in-person requirements at any point in the program.
On-Ground MS in Project Management
Built for full-time, hands-on learning. In-person classrooms, campus community, and co-op built into your degree.
Side by side details
How they compare.
| Online | On-Ground | |
|---|---|---|
| Format and schedule | ||
| Delivery | 100% online, asynchronousOptional weekly faculty office hours | BlendedSome courses are delivered online and some on campus. The on-ground courses are required. |
| In-person requirement | NoneNo campus visits, residencies, or on-site sessions at any point in the program. | RequiredYou attend the on-ground portion of the curriculum in person at your campus of enrollment. |
| Location | Study from anywhere | 7 campusesArlington, Boston, Miami, Portland, Seattle, Silicon Valley, Toronto |
| Pace | Part-time friendlyRoughly 15 to 20 hours per week per course | Full-time or part-time |
| Duration | 16+ months | 12 to 18 months full-time |
| Entry terms | 6 per year | 3 per yearFall, spring, summer |
| Cost | ||
| Total tuition | ~$26,000Pay-as-you-go, one course at a time | ~$44,000AY 2025–2026 estimate, subject to change |
| Admissions | ||
| Application type | Fast App or standard applicationFast App: no essays, no application fee, performance-based, enrolled in minutes | Standard graduate application |
| Required materials | Transcripts only | Transcripts, two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, résumé |
| GRE or GMAT | Not required | Not required |
| Prior project management experience | Not requiredHowever, those with fewer than three years directing or leading project work complete Foundations of Project Management as part of the program. | Not requiredHowever, those with fewer than three years directing or leading project work complete Foundations of Project Management as part of the program. |
| F-1 visa eligible | No | Yes |
| Curriculum and experience | ||
| Concentrations | Agile Project Management, Construction Management, Organizational Communication, or no concentration | Agile Project Management, Analytics, Applied Logistics, Construction Management, Organizational Communication, Organizational Leadership, Project Business Analysis, or a custom concentrationNot all concentrations are offered at every campus. Confirm availability with the campus you are considering. |
| Student support | Dedicated online student support through Northeastern OnlineCount on your success manager from your first enrollment through graduation. | Academic advising through the College of Professional Studies |
| Co-op | Not availableExperiential learning is integrated into all coursework. | Available |
| Graduation ceremony | Yes, at any Northeastern campus | Yes, campus of enrollment |
Tuition figures are estimates and do not include fees or other expenses. On-ground tuition reflects the Academic Year 2025–2026 estimate and is subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Program details, concentrations, and entry terms are subject to change. The GAC Accredited Program seal is a mark of Project Management Institute, Inc.
What both programs share
The things that are the same.
The same accreditation
Both programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute's Global Accreditation Center. Graduates of a GAC-accredited program receive a 12-month reduction toward the experience requirement on any PMI certification application, meaning 24 months instead of 36.
The same diploma
Both programs award a Master of Science in Project Management from Northeastern University's College of Professional Studies. The diploma does not reference "online" or a specific campus.
The same faculty
Project management courses are taught by faculty with a minimum of ten years of professional project management experience and active industry credentials. They practice the discipline as well as teach it.
The same STEM designation
The Master of Science in Project Management is a STEM-designated degree in both formats, reflecting the technical and analytical core of the curriculum.
The same employer recognition
Graduates from both programs work at Verizon, Dell EMC, State Street, Liberty Mutual, and Mass General Brigham, in roles across program and project management, information technology, operations, engineering, and consulting.
The same alumni network
Northeastern's alumni network spans 179 countries and hundreds of corporate partners. It does not distinguish between formats, campuses, or delivery models.
Ready when you are
Take the next step.
Both programs lead to the same Northeastern University College of Professional Studies degree. Choose the format that fits your life and we'll take it from there.