Brandeis Online

January 20, 2026

Looking to strengthen your management skills? See if a master’s in project and program management is right for you.

What jobs can I get with a master’s degree in project and program management?

Project and program management graduates are well-positioned for management roles in information technology, human resources, administrative services, construction, and more. However, not all project management roles have the word “manager” in the title. Alumni from Brandeis Online’s MS in Project and Program Management have held titles like logistician, database administrator, senior management analyst, project management quality lead, and executive director of donor relations.

Which industries hire graduates with project and program management degrees?

Project and program management graduates can find work in a variety of fields, including technology, healthcare, construction, government and consulting. Graduates of Brandeis Online’s MS in Project and Program Management have gone on to work at Pearson, John Hancock, the California Department of Transportation, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Raytheon and more. Project management skills are valuable in every industry.

Does a master’s degree in project and program management help me change careers or get a promotion?

A degree in project and program management can help you break into a new industry by strengthening your transferable skills. Students in Brandeis Online’s MS in Project and Program Management have used their degrees to make the switch from theater arts to higher education, or from lab work to management. Some graduates have even used their degree to obtain promotions or craft higher-impact roles on their current teams.

Does the program teach Agile, Scrum, or traditional project management?

Your decision to pursue a master’s in project or program management may depend on what project management style the degree employs. Programs like Brandeis Online’s MS in Project and Program Management offer students the opportunity to gain a solid foundation in agile, scrum, and traditional project management — meaning you’ll have the knowledge necessary to decide which techniques will work best in any given situation. This flexibility is highly valued in today’s job market, where adaptability is key.

Is a master’s in project management better than just getting PMP certification?

PMP certifications can be valuable for professionals who are already experienced in project management and are looking for a quick way to upskill or level-up in their career. However, for entry and junior-level professionals, a master’s degree in project and program management may be a better choice.

Master’s programs like Brandeis Online’s MS in Project and Program Management provide foundational knowledge in the field of project management, allowing for more in-depth exploration of key project management concepts, skills, and techniques. They also provide unique opportunities for networking and connection, which are key for early and mid-career professionals.

How is a master’s in project management different from an MBA?

A master’s degree in project and program management will give you more specialized management skills than a generalized MBA.

While MBAs touch on a wide range of business functions — like finance, marketing, and strategy — project management degrees zoom-in on leadership styles and the project life cycle. This deeper, more focused lens offers the opportunity to develop true expertise in the field of project management, preparing you to lead specialized project teams and fill specific leadership gaps in your industry.

If you’re looking to enter a technical field like IT, engineering, or construction, or if your passion lies in delivering projects efficiently and effectively, then a MS in Project and Program Management is the right choice for you.