Project Management

The Northwestern University Project Management program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and advanced knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage projects across various industries. This comprehensive program offers a blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to handle complex project challenges in today's dynamic business environment. Through a rigorous curriculum, students gain expertise in project planning, scheduling, risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder communication. The program emphasizes the development of leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities that are critical for successful project execution. Participants will have opportunities to engage in real-world projects, simulations, and case studies that foster hands-on learning and collaboration. The program also covers emerging topics such as agile methodologies, digital tools, and sustainability practices, reflecting current trends in project management. Designed for working professionals and aspiring project managers, the Northwestern University Project Management program provides flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend courses, to accommodate diverse student needs. Graduates of this program will be prepared for certification exams such as PMP (Project Management Professional) and PgMP (Program Management Professional), enhancing their credibility and career advancement prospects. Whether seeking to advance in existing roles or transition into new leadership positions, students will benefit from Northwestern’s distinguished faculty, extensive industry connections, and a strong alumni network. The program's holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire technical skills but also develop the ethical and interpersonal competencies essential for effective project leadership. Join the Northwestern University Project Management program to elevate your professional capabilities and drive successful project outcomes in a competitive global landscape.

REQUIRED COURSES

• PROJ_MGT 401 Communication
• PROJ_MGT 403 Financial and Managerial Accounting
• PROJ_MGT 405 Managerial Finance
• CIV_ENV 533-1,2,3 Project Management Seminar

COMMONLY SELECTED COURSES

• CIV_ENV 332 Building Construction Estimating
• CIV_ENV 336 Project Scheduling
• CIV_ENV 435 Cost Engineering and Control
• CIV_ENV 436 Construction Contracts and Dispute Resolution
• PROJ_MGT 402 Negotiations
• PROJ_MGT 411 Commercial Land Use and the Regulatory Environment
• PROJ_MGT 412 Project Funding/Global Capital Markets
• PROJ_MGT 413 Transaction Management and Risk Mitigation
• PROJ_MGT 414 Project Feasibility Analysis and Valuation
• PROJ_MGT 415 Asset Management and Strategic Planning
• PROJ_MGT 421 Principles of Project Management
• PROJ_MGT 423 Business Development in the Built Environment
• PROJ_MGT 427 Real Estate Development
• PROJ_MGT 429 Program Management
• PROJ_MGT 430 Construction Management
• PROJ_MGT 431 Construction Business Strategy
• PROJ_MGT 433 International Construction
• PROJ_MGT 437 Heavy Construction Estimating
• PROJ_MGT 441 Sustainability in the Construction Industry
• PROJ_MGT 443 Sustainability Strategies in Organizations
• PROJ_MGT 445 Sustainability Policy and Regulatory Context
• PROJ_MGT 446 Systems Thinking for Sustainable Design
• PROJ_MGT 448 Metrics of Sustainability
• PROJ_MGT 449 Economics of Sustainability
• PROJ_MGT 451 Information Technology for Construction
• PROJ_MGT 453 E-Business in Construction
• PROJ_MGT 455 Computer-Integrated Project Delivery
• PROJ_MGT 481 Transportation Context Sensitive Solutions
• PROJ_MGT 483 Transportation Economics and Finance
• PROJ_MGT 485 Intelligent Transportation Systems
• PROJ_MGT 487 Management of Operations in Transportation

ADDITIONAL COURSES

In addition to the foregoing list of commonly selected courses, any appropriate course within the University may be taken with the approval of the Director. Typical sources of other elective courses are:

• Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences
• Kellogg Graduate School of Management

Requirements

• Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in engineering or architecture, but individuals with quantitatively based degrees and/or appropriate work experience will be given serious consideration, provided certain basic engineering, science, and mathematics requirements are satisfied in addition to the stated requirements of the program.
• Minimum of 3.0 overall grade point average on a 4.0 scale for all undergraduate work.
• All colleges and universities attended must be listed on the application form, whether or not a degree has been awarded, or is expected to be awarded, and an official transcript from each institution must be filed with the application. An official transcript bears the original signature of the registrar and/or the original seal of the issuing institution. Unofficial transcripts are helpful for preliminary evaluation, but they are not acceptable for admission.
• We require three letters of recommendation from people who are able to evaluate your professional experience and your capacity for independent academic work. The recommendation letters will be used to aid in the a
• Unless a written waiver is obtained, all applicants must provide either GRE or GMAT scores. For GRE the INSTITUTION CODE is 1309 (no Program Code is required) and for the GMAT Exam the program code is 6WZ-TL-06.
• You must upload a currrent resume or CV in the online application.
• A non-refundable $50 application fee is required. Payment can be made either online by a credit card or by a check payable to Northwestern University (all checks must be in U.S. funds and drawn on a U.S. bank). Payment cannot be waived or postponed.

• This is a professional degree program and all participants are responsible for their tuition and fees in accordance with the prevailing schedules established by the University.  Limited financial aid is available for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, but no aid is offered to international students.

  The MPM program supports military veterans and active duty personnel in their pursuit of graduate education.  Limited financial aid is available to match funds provided by the Yellow Ribbon program and to assist those who might not be eligible for Post 9/11 GI benefits.

• International student applicants must submit all required application materials. Official academic records (certificates, mark sheets, examination results, etc.) must be provided from all colleges and universities attended. "Official records" are copies of original documents certified by an official of the school issuing the original document, an official of the American Embassy, the Institute of International Education, or the American Friends of the Middle East. An international student currently registered in a college in the United States may have a copy of his original records certified by the registrar of that college. Documents certified by any person other than the officials listed above cannot be used as a basis for admission. If the original documents are not recorded in English, translations certified by one of the above officials must accompany the application.

• All international student applicants whose native language is not English and who have resided in the United States for less than two years must furnish certification of proficiency in the English language by means of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). An absolute minimum TOEFL iBT score of 85 is required for admission, but a score over 90 iBT is highly desired. The INSTITUTION CODE for the MPM Program is 0331. A minimum IELTS score of 7 is required for admission.

The financing of the Project Management program at Northwestern University is structured primarily through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, financial aid, and assistantship opportunities. Tuition rates for graduate students enrolled in the program are consistent with the university’s overall fee structure for master's programs, with current figures reflecting an annual cost that covers instruction, access to university resources, and student services. Northwestern University offers a range of financial aid options to support students pursuing this program, including federal and state grants, institutional scholarships, and private funding sources. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based financial assistance.

In addition to need-based aid, Northwestern University provides merit-based scholarships that recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and professional experience related to project management. These scholarships may cover a substantial portion of tuition costs and are awarded based on application review processes. Furthermore, the university facilitates work-study programs and part-time assistantships, which allow qualified students to gain practical experience while earning income that offsets educational expenses. There are also fellowship programs available for outstanding candidates, which may include full or partial tuition stipends, along with stipends for living expenses.

Many students finance their studies through a combination of these resources, often supplemented by personal savings or other external funding sources. The university’s financial services office provides comprehensive support and counseling to help students navigate their financing options, prepare financial plans, and apply for various funding opportunities. International students, in particular, are advised to explore scholarship programs and sponsorships tailored toward international scholars, as well as any additional visa-related financial requirements. The goal of Northwestern University’s approach to financing the Project Management program is to ensure that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds have access to education without undue financial hardship, supporting the development of future leaders in the field.

The Master of Science in Project Management at Northwestern University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the planning, executing, and closing of projects across various industries. This program emphasizes the development of core project management skills, such as scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management. Through a curriculum that combines theoretical fundamentals with practical applications, students gain a comprehensive understanding of project methodologies, including Agile, Scrum, and traditional Waterfall approaches.

The program offers a rigorous coursework structure that may typically include advanced topics like project budgeting, scheduling techniques, and project portfolio management, all aimed at enhancing strategic decision-making capabilities. Northwestern University’s program integrates real-world case studies and industry projects to provide experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to apply learned concepts directly to current industry challenges. Furthermore, the program encourages the development of leadership, negotiation, and team management skills which are essential for managing diverse project teams and stakeholders.

Students benefit from Northwestern’s esteemed faculty, many of whom are active practitioners and researchers in the field of project management, providing insights grounded in current industry trends and research. Additionally, the program often provides networking opportunities through industry partnerships, career services, and alumni connections, facilitating access to a broad professional network essential for career advancement.

This program is suitable for working professionals seeking to enhance their project management expertise while continuing their careers. It may be structured to offer flexible learning options, including evening or weekend classes or online components, aligning with the needs of working students. Upon completion, graduates are equipped to pursue various roles such as project managers, program managers, consultants, or operational leaders across sectors including technology, healthcare, construction, finance, and more.

In summary, Northwestern University's Project Management program aims to cultivate skilled, strategic thinkers who can lead complex projects effectively, adapt to changing environments, and deliver value to their organizations. Its focus on practical skills, industry relevance, and leadership prepares students for success in the dynamic field of project management, supporting career growth and organizational success in a competitive global market.