Project Management
- Masterʼs Degree
- Summer term study is optional.
Advance with Columbia. Lead Projects That Shape the World.
The Master of Science in Project Management program at Columbia University equips individuals with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills essential for a successful career managing complex projects across industries and borders.
Now more than ever, the world needs bold project leaders who can navigate complexity, drive innovation, and deliver results at any scale. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the global economy will need nearly 22 million new project management-oriented roles by 2027, representing a 33% growth in the profession over a 10-year period. In addition, artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming how projects are planned, executed, and monitored.
To meet the demands of a changing industry, the M.S. in Project Management program—available both full-time and part-time—offers a rigorous blend of theory and practice through a curriculum developed and taught by scholar-practitioner experts and supplemented by the resources of New York City’s premier Ivy League institution. Students are also introduced to emerging digital tools and AI-driven practices to help them make data-informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.
The M.S. in Project Management is a perfect opportunity for professionals who want to advance into leadership roles or formalize their project management experience with a strong academic and practical foundation. Graduates will be prepared to lead high-stakes projects with confidence and clarity, and return to the job market with a competitive edge.
Specialization Options
Students may choose from a general track or one of four specialized concentrations tailored to high-demand sectors:
General Track
Preparing Adaptable Leaders to Manage Projects Across Industries and Organizational Contexts
Specialized Concentrations
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Construction: Shape the Built Environment of the Future video
The Construction concentration—offered with Columbia Engineering’s Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics—prepares students for rol...
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Construction: Shape the Built Environment of the Future
The Construction concentration—offered with Columbia Engineering’s Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics—prepares students for roles in construction and infrastructure development, ensuring that they acquire strategic project management skills necessary to navigate complex construction and infrastructure projects in an evolving built environment.
Students learn to navigate the technical, contractual, and operational demands of building in today’s rapidly evolving urban environments. Whether managing skyscrapers, transportation hubs, or major infrastructure developments, graduates are prepared to transform visions into reality and shape the built environment of the future.
Building on the foundations of Columbia’s Construction Administration program, the Construction concentration within the M.S. in Project Management program combines real-world projects and expert faculty against the backdrop of New York City.
“There’s no better program in the U.S. in which industry leaders from New York City, managing mega-projects worth millions, come together to share the best practices right in our classrooms. These professionals aren’t academicians; they’re leaders who are active in their fields and aim to make us leaders too.”
—Tanya Deegoju (’24SPS, Construction Administration)
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Sports Management: Game-Day Precision, Strategic Leadership video
The Sports Management concentration prepares students to lead high-stakes projects in the dynamic and fast-paced global sports industry. Grounded in p...
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Sports Management: Game-Day Precision, Strategic Leadership
The Sports Management concentration prepares students to lead high-stakes projects in the dynamic and fast-paced global sports industry. Grounded in project management principles, this concentration emphasizes project planning, facility operations, capital projects, mega-event execution, and stakeholder management. Students develop the expertise to deliver complex sports projects on time, within budget, and with measurable outcomes by applying core project management principles to one of the most dynamic and competitive global industries.
Drawing from the resources of Columbia’s M.S. in Sports Management program, students in the Sports Management concentration within the M.S. in Project Management will learn to oversee everything from capital facility builds to event logistics and stakeholder coordination across leagues, teams, and entertainment platforms.
“[The Sports Management faculty] are fantastic and inspiring. All of them were very knowledgeable, well-connected in the industry, and demonstrated the right leadership and soft skills.”
—Stephanie Marciano (’12SPS, Sports Management)
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Sustainability Management: Drive Innovation That Lasts video
The Sustainability Management concentration equips students to develop and manage projects that balance organizational goals with more mindful managem...
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Sustainability Management: Drive Innovation That Lasts
The Sustainability Management concentration equips students to develop and manage projects that balance organizational goals with more mindful management of projects and their impact on an organization’s personnel, its surrounding community, and the ecological environment. Students gain the skills to plan, execute, and manage initiatives that align with sustainability targets, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations. The concentration enables graduates to incorporate sustainability management into the organization of projects while meeting the operational and budget constraints of effective project management.
Collaborating with the M.S. in Sustainability Management program, students concentrating on Sustainability Management within the M.S. in Project Management program will learn to integrate sustainability targets, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder expectations, without compromising on operations or budgets.
“The Sustainability Management concentration within the Master of Science in Project Management is ideal for project managers who want to lead with purpose—those who seek to embed sustainability into every decision and apply it across sectors to create meaningful, lasting impact.”
—Dr. Steven Cohen (Senior Vice Dean and Director of the M.S. in Sustainability Management, Columbia University School of Professional Studies)
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Technology Management: Run Agile Projects, Lead Digital Change video
The Technology Management concentration prepares students to lead projects at the intersection of innovation, digital transformation, and organization...
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Technology Management: Run Agile Projects, Lead Digital Change
The Technology Management concentration prepares students to lead projects at the intersection of innovation, digital transformation, and organizational strategy. Designed for professionals in tech-driven environments, this curriculum builds applied skills in digital product development, technology roadmapping, and organizational leadership—grounded in research and industry insight.
Students in the Technology Management concentration in the M.S. in Project Management benefit from the resources of the M.S. in Technology Management program, a hands-on technology leadership development program designed to train professionals for equal fluency in tech fundamentals, business operations, and ethical leadership.
“[The Technology Management program] significantly impacted my mindset and helped me to think like a leader. It helped me to take a step back and ask the right questions at the right time to the right people to understand the big picture.”
—Subbu Muthukrishnan (’23SPS, Technology Management)
| Program Option | Course Formats | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Science Full‑Time | On-Campus |
3–4 semesters |
| Master of Science Part‑Time | On-Campus |
6–8 semesters |
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