MBA Project Management

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a major in Project Management at Drexel University prepares students to plan, organise, execute, and manage complex projects across different industries. The programme combines core business education with specialised training in project planning, scheduling, quality management, cost estimation, risk assessment, and resource allocation, helping students develop the leadership and analytical skills required to manage project teams, control budgets, meet deadlines, and deliver successful business outcomes. It also provides academic preparation for students interested in pursuing professional credentials such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Business Foundations and Project Management Principles

Students begin by developing essential business and management knowledge through courses such as Essentials of Financial Reporting, Business Analytics for Managers, Managerial Economics, Corporate Financial Management, and Marketing Strategy and Planning. They also study Strategic Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Analyzing Legal Options in Decision-Making, and Leading in Dynamic Environments: A Personal, Relational, and Strategic Approach. Specialised learning begins with Introduction to Project Management, where students explore project initiation, resource allocation, scheduling, team coordination, risk assessment, and project monitoring.

Year 2: Advanced Project Planning and Professional Development

Students deepen their project management expertise by selecting two specialised courses from Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Quality Management, Project Estimation and Cost Management, and Project Risk Assessment and Management. These subjects develop their ability to manage project timelines, control costs, maintain quality standards, evaluate risks, and coordinate project resources. Students also complete an experiential learning requirement through options such as Graduate Internship, Business Consulting, International Business Seminar and Residency, MBA Capstone, or Design Thinking for Digital Innovations, applying their business and project management knowledge to practical organisational challenges.

Focus Areas

Project Management, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Quality Management, Project Cost Estimation, Risk Assessment and Management, Resource Allocation, Project Leadership, Business Analytics, Financial Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Strategic Management, Team Coordination, Project Monitoring and Control, Business Consulting, and Organisational Leadership.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to initiate and evaluate project proposals, develop comprehensive project plans, manage project schedules and budgets, allocate resources effectively, assess and mitigate project risks, implement quality management processes, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, monitor project performance, and successfully complete projects within defined scope, time, and quality requirements. They will also develop ethical decision-making, leadership, communication, and strategic management skills required to manage projects across different industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Drexel University's Bennett S. LeBow College of Business holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an internationally recognised accreditation body for business education. The Project Management MBA curriculum also provides academic preparation for students interested in pursuing professional credentials from the Project Management Institute (PMI), including the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP). However, completing the MBA does not automatically award these professional certifications; candidates must meet the relevant PMI eligibility and examination requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Graduate employment rate: 93% of Drexel LeBow master's and MBA graduates from the Class of 2025 were employed 9–12 months after graduation.
Average graduate salary: The average salary for LeBow master's and MBA graduates was $96,235, according to the university's Class of 2025 employment statistics.
MBA employment outcomes: 83.33% of full-time MBA students who reported employment plans received at least one job offer within three months of graduation.
Industry connections: LeBow graduates have secured opportunities with organisations such as BlackRock, Comcast, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, JPMorgan Chase, KPMG, and PwC.
Potential career opportunities: Project Manager, Programme Manager, Project Management Consultant, Operations Manager, Project Coordinator, Risk Manager, Project Planning Analyst, Project Controls Manager, and Business Transformation Manager.

Curriculum Note: The supplied catalogue specifies 48 quarter credits and provides 12-month, 15-month, 18-month, and 24-month study plans. Drexel is transitioning from a quarter-based to a semester-based academic calendar for 2027–2028, so students should confirm the applicable curriculum and credit requirements for their intended entry year.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the MBA in Project Management program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience that translates theory into practice. Through a combination of innovative coursework, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, students develop the practical skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of project management. The program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only learn the concepts but also apply them in real-world scenarios.

Here are some key components of the experiential learning opportunities available in the MBA Project Management program:

- Capstone Projects: Engage in real-world projects that allow you to work with industry partners, applying your knowledge to solve actual business challenges.
- Internships: Gain valuable work experience through internships that provide insights into project management practices across various industries.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on team-based assignments that simulate real project environments, enhancing your teamwork and leadership skills.
- Access to Software Tools: Utilize industry-standard project management software such as Microsoft Project, Asana, and Trello to manage projects effectively.
- Field Trips: Participate in site visits to local businesses and organizations, offering a firsthand look at project management in action.
- Research Facilities: Take advantage of dedicated spaces for group work and research, equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.
- Libraries and Resources: Access extensive library resources, including databases and journals specific to project management and business practices.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals through events and workshops hosted by the university, expanding your professional network.

These experiential learning opportunities are designed to ensure that you graduate not only with theoretical knowledge but also with the practical skills and experiences that employers are looking for.

Choosing Drexel for your MBA in Project Management means you’re investing in a program that prioritizes your hands-on learning and prepares you for a successful career in project management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing an MBA in Project Management at Drexel University opens the door to a wealth of career opportunities. Graduates often find themselves in roles such as Project Manager, Operations Manager, Program Coordinator, or Business Analyst. With a strong foundation in project management principles and practices, you’ll be well-equipped to lead teams and drive projects to success in various industries.

Here’s how Drexel supports your journey toward a successful career:

- Career Services: Drexel offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events that connect you with industry professionals.
- Employment Statistics: The university boasts an impressive employment rate, with over 90% of graduates securing jobs within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for MBA graduates is around $80,000, reflecting the high demand for skilled project managers.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established partnerships with leading companies such as Comcast, SAP, and Lockheed Martin, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world project experience.
- Accreditation: The MBA program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ensuring that your degree holds long-term value and is recognized globally.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates of the program report high levels of satisfaction with their education and career advancement, with many moving into leadership roles shortly after completing their degree.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA in Project Management, you may choose to further enhance your qualifications by pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. in Management. These advanced degrees can open doors to academic positions, research opportunities, or high-level consulting roles, allowing you to contribute to the field of project management in even more impactful ways.

Drexel University is committed to your success, and the MBA in Project Management is a fantastic step toward a fulfilling career.