Master’s in Project Management (MS) vs. MBA with Project Management Emphasis: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between these two master's programs is the MBA with an Emphasis in Project Management typically offers a broader curriculum, covering various areas within business operations, including project management. Meanwhile, a Master of Science in Project Management is designed to focus on skill development specifically within project management. An MBA may be better suited to those who wish to examine how to develop top-level organizational strategy. In contrast, an MS may be ideal for those who wish to take a closer look at the implementation of organizational strategy via project management.
Project management is an important component of many industries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth rate for project management specialists is expected to be 7% from 2023 through 2033, faster than average.1 Individuals who work in project management or are considering this career may decide to head back to school to enhance their academic qualifications.
However, it can be difficult to choose the right degree program that aligns with your career goals. This guide delves into the specifics of your degree options and may help you choose between a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a project management emphasis and a Master of Science (MS) in Project Management.
In This Article:
- Examining an MBA Project Management Emphasis
- Evaluating a Master of Science in Project Management
- Should I Get an MS or an MBA in Project Management?
- Master’s in Project Management vs. MBA with an Emphasis in Project Management: Other Options To Consider
- Considering the Benefits of a Project Management Certification
- Take Your Next Steps in Project Management at GCU
Examining an MBA Project Management Emphasis
An MBA program is typically quite broad in scope, with a curriculum that covers wide-ranging areas in leadership and marketing, to more quantitative areas such as operations management, finance and accounting. You would still be taught broadly applicable business competencies. However, you can also expect to take courses that focus on skills that provide the traditional waterfall project management aligned with PMI and agile techniques. While project management is a focus, the priority lies in equipping graduates with a broad business-related skill set for virtually any industry.
What’s the best MBA for project management? An MBA program that offers a concentration or emphasis in project management may be an appropriate choice for aspiring project managers. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for project management specialists was $98,580 as of May 2023.2
Evaluating a Master of Science in Project Management
In contrast to an MBA in project management, an MS in Project Management has a narrower focus intended to teach advanced skills and knowledge in this specific topic area. Whereas an MBA student will explore how a company works and makes operational decisions, a master’s in project management student will delve into the planning, execution and evaluation of projects. An MS in Project Management dives into the details of how best to implement those organizational strategies within a project context.
Should I Get an MS or an MBA in Project Management?
Both options could be a good choice for individuals interested in positioning themselves to potentially pursue career advancement with a focus on project management. While earning a master’s degree is not a requirement for this career pathway, some graduates may find it helpful. When choosing between a master’s in project management vs. MBA with a project management emphasis, keep your career goals top of mind.
Master’s in Project Management vs. MBA with an Emphasis in Project Management: Other Options To Consider
If you are still having trouble choosing between these two degree options, there may be a third option available to you. Some business schools offer a Graduate Certificate of Completion in Project Management.
This type of program teaches the fundamentals of project management, as well as organizational development and the hands-on leadership skills that may prove helpful in various organizations. However, the curriculum is not as extensive as that of a master’s degree program. A graduate certificate may provide the opportunity to more closely examine key competencies in the field, but without requiring the full commitment of a degree program.
Considering the Benefits of a Project Management Certification
Regardless of whether you enroll in an MBA or MS program, it is important to choose your school wisely. You should look for a school that offers degree programs that feature a curriculum aligned with the standards of PMI®’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide).
Curricula aligned with the PMBOK® can help prepare you to pursue PMI® certifications. (Professional certification is not the same as a graduate certificate program.) Individuals might pursue these certifications after graduating from an MS or MBA program.
Some of the PMI® certification options available include the following:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)®
- Project Management Professional (PMP)®
- Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)®
Take Your Next Steps in Project Management at GCU
When you’re ready to advance your academic credentials, Grand Canyon University is here to help you turn your dreams into reality. GCU offers the Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Project Management degree program and a Graduate Certificate of Completion in Project Management. This MBA emphasis offers curricula aligned with the competencies in the PMBOK® Guide and is designed to prepare graduates to pursue PMI® certification. Connect with a university counselor today by filling out the form on this page to take the next step.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Project Management Specialists, retrieved Dec. 23, 2024.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Project Management Specialists as of May 2023, retrieved Dec. 23, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Project Management Specialists, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Approved and verified accurate by the director of academic operations of the Colangelo College of Business on March 3, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
