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Flex Online Master’s in Project Management

Program Overview: Flex Project Management

Advance your career with the online Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Kansas, delivered through our innovative Jayhawk Flex format. Designed for working professionals, this fully online, competency-based program offers a flexible, student-paced path to building leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that are essential in today's fast-moving industries.

Whether you're already managing projects or looking to move into a new role, this master's in project management gives you the tools and confidence to lead teams, manage change, and deliver results in any industry. From healthcare and construction to technology and finance, your skills will be in demand across a wide range of fields. 

Note: The Jayhawk Flex program is not currently eligible for federal financial aid under Title IV of the Higher Education Act.

What Is Jayhawk Flex?

Jayhawk Flex is the new flexible learning option from the University of Kansas, designed for busy adults who want to earn a respected KU degree on a schedule that works for them. Offered fully online, these programs are built for working professionals, military members and anyone looking to advance or complete their education without putting their life on hold.

Unlike traditional programs that follow a fixed semester schedule, Jayhawk Flex is competency-based and you progress by demonstrating what you know, not by spending a set number of weeks in a course.

Why Jayhawk Flex?

Jayhawk Flex offers a different kind of online experience. You can progress based on what you already know, making it ideal for professionals who want to move quickly through familiar concepts and spend more time on new material. You can earn your master's in project management online at your own pace, while continuing to work and grow in your career.

You can move quickly through material you've already mastered and take more time with new concepts. This format gives you greater control over your learning while maintaining the academic rigor and reputation that come with a KU degree.

Key Advantages of the Jayhawk Flex Project Management Master’s Program

The Flex Master's in Project Management consists of 33 one-credit courses offered fully online. Each course focuses on a specific skill or knowledge area so you can learn at your own pace and engage in targeted, practical learning.

What sets the Jayhawk Flex Project Management program apart:

  • Career-focused and practical, hands-on experience through projects, simulations and case studies.
  • A flexible, fully online and self-paced format, ideal for working professionals.
  • Progress at your own pace, accelerate through material you already know.
  • Personalized learning plans and continuous faculty feedback.

Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

 
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What Is a Master’s in Project Management?

A master’s in project management is a graduate degree focused on teaching students how to plan, execute, and lead complex projects from start to finish. This degree combines practical training in areas like budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and stakeholder communication with advanced leadership and strategy skills.

KU’s Project Management graduate program is designed by industry experts and taught by experienced instructors. And because it's part of a respected research university, you’ll benefit from KU’s strong connections to employers and its reputation for producing competent, ethical, and effective leaders.

Gain Skills That Set You Apart as a Project Manager

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  • Apply project management tools and techniques to real-world challenges
  • Demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership in managing complex projects
  • Lead diverse teams and communicate effectively across stakeholders
  • Analyze risks, budgets, and timelines to deliver high-quality project outcomes

Professional Studies Career Statistics

$103,700
Median earnings per year
14%
Job growth (2021-24)
4.12
Current jobs in U.S. in millions (2024)

These figures show strong earning potential and long-term stability. According to Lightcast*, individuals with a master’s in project management can expect a salary boost, with ranges typically between $80,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and industry.

*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU program or its graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions.

Project Management Career Outcomes

Graduates of KU’s master’s in project management program are well-prepared for leadership roles across industries. The program aligns with the skill sets employers seek in project and program managers, and KU’s reputation adds weight to your résumé.

  • Project Manager: Lead cross-functional teams to achieve specific goals within a set timeline and budget. Adapt to different organizational needs and manage projects from kickoff to completion while communicating with stakeholders at every stage.
  • IT Project Manager: Guide the planning and delivery of tech-based solutions such as cloud migration, infrastructure upgrades, or system integrations. Bridge the gap between technical teams and business units to ensure clarity, efficiency, and timely execution.
  • Healthcare Project Manager: Oversee initiatives within hospitals, clinics, or health systems such as process improvement, electronic records implementation, or regulatory compliance projects. Collaborate with clinicians, administrators, and vendors to improve patient outcomes.
  • Operations Project Manager: Manage internal efficiency projects like supply chain improvements, facility upgrades, or resource optimization. Use data and process analysis to keep operations running smoothly and effectively.
  • Product Development Manager: Guide the lifecycle of new products or services from concept through launch by coordinating cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and aligning product goals with market needs.
  • Corporate Strategy Project Manager: Support high-level initiatives like mergers, acquisitions, or organizational change by aligning timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders with overall business strategy.

A master’s in project management can lead to leadership opportunities in fields such as construction, information technology, healthcare, and engineering. According to Lightcast*, professionals with a master’s in project management can expect to see a significant salary boost. For instance, the salary for someone with a master’s in project management can range from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience and industry.

If you’re wondering what you can do with a master's in project management, the answer is clear: you’ll be equipped to manage large teams, coordinate complex projects, and drive organizational success. Whether you’re leading a tech company’s project team or overseeing infrastructure development, your expertise will be in high demand.

Tuition and Funding Options

The Jayhawk Flex format is designed to be a flexible and affordable way to earn your master’s degree while continuing to work. Because you move through the program at your own pace, the total cost will depend on how quickly you complete each competency.

However, the program does qualify for VA education benefits and is an excellent fit for students using employer tuition reimbursement programs. If you have questions about financing your education or exploring other funding options, the team at KU Financial Aid is here to help. Please visit KU Financial Aid for more information.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Jayhawk Flex online master’s in project management program is designed for professionals who bring relevant experience to the table. Requirements include:

  • A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, or from a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree requirements
  • A 2.5+ undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants may be admitted with a grade point average between 2.0 and 2.5 upon program review of their overall credentials
  • Two or more years of qualified professional experience
  • Résumé or CV
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

Sample Competency Units for the Jayhawk Flex Master's in Project Management

Courses in the Jayhawk Flex online master's in project management cover a range of topics essential to leading successful projects. You'll build knowledge and demonstrate mastery through real-world scenarios, performance-based assessments, and projects tailored to your industry goals.

Sample competency units include:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Project Scheduling
  • Budget Development
  • Utilizing Project Management Applications
  • Business Writing 
  • Information Synthesis
  • Team Development 
  • Conflict Management
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Personnel Management

For a full list of competencies and academic requirements, view the full curriculum in the KU Academic Catalog.

FAQ's and Q&A's:

The application for this program opens in the coming months and has a rolling application deadline with six start dates per year. We will work with applicants up to a month before the start of the 16-week subscription period. If you’re unable to meet that deadline, you can wait until the next available start date.

Yes. The Project Management Flex program is delivered fully online. You will access course materials, complete assessments and interact with faculty and advisors through a virtual platform.

With a master’s degree in project management, you can pursue leadership roles in almost any field. Consider options such as IT project manager, construction manager, operations manager or program director. The degree is especially useful if you're looking to advance into senior roles or transition into new industries that require strong project oversight.

A master’s in project management helps you build advanced leadership, planning, and communication skills. It prepares you to manage complex projects across many industries and makes you more competitive for higher-level roles.

A master’s in project management is the most direct path for aspiring project managers. It focuses specifically on the tools and strategies needed to lead successful projects in today’s workplaces.

The best degree is one that’s practical, flexible, and aligned with your career goals. A competency-based program like KU’s lets you move at your own pace while gaining real-world project skills.

Most project management master’s programs take about two years to complete. KU’s Jayhawk Flex program lets you move faster by showing what you already know, so some students may finish sooner.

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How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses contain the same rigorous curriculum and instruction — taught by the same highly regarded faculty — as the instruction in our on-campus programs.

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FAQ: Online Degree

The application for this program opens soon and has a rolling application deadline with five start dates per year. We will work with applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course. If you’re unable to meet that deadline, you can wait until the next available start date.

Most students will earn their degree in 18 - 24 months. Students will work closely with their academic success coaches to ensure they progress toward a graduation timeline that best fits into their lives.

Yes, this program is completed 100% online.