Product managers sit at the intersection of business, technology, and design, and the demand for skilled PMs continues to grow across industries.1 Project management roles are projected to add hundreds of thousands of new openings this decade, which creates strong opportunities for professionals who can bring ideas to market and lead cross-functional teams.1
This guide walks you through the best product management master’s degrees that are available today, from specialized STEM programs to MBA tracks. You’ll also find details on admissions, program costs, career outcomes, and salaries so that you can choose the path that best fits your goals.
Key Takeaways
- Product management master’s degrees can be standalone MS programs, MBA specializations, or adjacent fields like engineering or technology management.
- Admission requirements usually include a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, recommendations, and in some cases GRE/GMAT scores or professional experience.
- Degree structures vary widely: some programs are nine months to a year, others span two years with internships or capstones.
- Costs depend on program type and residency, with tuition ranging from more affordable public options to high-priced private MBAs.
- Career paths include product manager, technical PM, product marketing manager, and leadership roles like group product manager.
- While not required to enter the field, a master’s can accelerate career transitions, expand networks, and improve access to competitive roles.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Product Management?
You can earn a product management master’s degree from accredited US universities offering STEM, MBA, or engineering-focused programs. Most higher education institutions require students to hold a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a master’s degree. Some accredited schools also offer product management bootcamps explicitly designed for students who don’t have a technical background.
What Schools Offer the Best Product Management Master’s Degrees?
The best product management master’s degrees are offered at top US universities with MBA, STEM, and engineering management options. Schools that provide strong product management master’s options include Boston University, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Penn State Great Valley, and Regent University.
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Product Management?
Admission to product management master’s programs typically requires a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, and sometimes GRE or GMAT scores. The admission requirements of every program are different. If you are interested in a program, you should visit its official website and check the eligibility requirements.
Many schools also ask students to send their GRE or GMAT scores. However, this is increasingly optional, as many US universities have moved to test-optional policies for graduate admissions. If you cannot submit standardized test scores, you can contact the admissions office of your chosen university and ask for a waiver.
Some graduate schools require students to procure work experience before enrolling in a master’s program. Students also have to submit professional recommendations, a statement of purpose, and a detailed resume while applying to a graduate school.
Product Management Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
Most master’s in product management programs require transcripts, recommendations, and a qualifying undergraduate GPA.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Standardized test scores, most preferably GRE or GMAT
- Online admission form
- Application fee
- A minimum GPA (many programs now require 3.0 or higher)
- Proof of citizenship, letters of recommendation, and latest resume
- A short personal essay or statement of purpose
How to Get a Product Management Master’s Degree
To graduate with a product management master’s degree, students must complete required credits, maintain GPA, and often finish a capstone or internship. Most universities require students to meet specific credit requirements to qualify for graduation. Students are also required to maintain a healthy GPA.
Other degree requirements can include writing a thesis, passing a graduation test, or gaining professional experience through an internship. The degree requirements of a graduate program vary from university to university. Before enrolling in a program, you should check the degree requirements of your chosen university.
Some programs embed structured applied learning, such as a summer internship and a capstone with industry partners, so it pays to plan early for recruiting cycles aligned to your program’s calendar.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Product Management?
Most product management master’s programs require between 30 and 60 semester credits. Some universities have a semester-based academic calendar where students must complete 15 to 16 credit hours per term. Others follow a quarter system requiring five to six quarters.
A few universities do not use credit hours but instead require nine to 12 months of full-time enrollment. Programs like MIT’s MSMS are structured as fixed, lockstep cohorts rather than credit-based systems.
Product Management Degree Requirements
Typical degree requirements include GPA standards, internships, capstone projects, and graduation fees.
- Credit requirement. Most universities require 30 to 60 credits for a master’s degree.
- Grade point average. Many universities have a defined GPA requirement. Usually, students must score at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Professional internship experience. Many universities require students to enroll in an internship program to gain real-world experience. Graduate internships usually count for 3–6 credits per semester.
- Capstone project. Students often complete a capstone project to qualify for graduation. Some programs pair capstones with external sponsors for real-world PM projects.^4
- Graduation fee. Many schools require a graduation fee. You must clear all dues to receive your diploma.
Best Product Management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
Leading universities across the US offer master’s programs in product management and related fields.
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University | Master of Science in Product Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Duke University | Master of Engineering Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Management Studies | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| New York University | MBA With Specialization in Tech Product Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northwestern University | MS in Integrated Marketing Communications | Higher Learning Commission |
| Pennsylvania State University | Master of Engineering Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Regent University | MBA With a Concentration in Product Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Illinois | MS in Technology Management | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Texas at Austin | MS in Technology Commercialization | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Wisconsin | MBA in Technology Strategy and Product Management | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Schools for Product Management: Top Product Management Master’s Degree Programs
These profiles highlight top universities offering product management and related graduate programs.
Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA
Carnegie Mellon University is a private university founded in 1900. According to US News and World Report, it is ranked among the top 25 national universities.
Master of Science in Product Management
The MSPM is offered jointly by the Tepper School of Business and the School of Computer Science. It is a STEM-designated, one-year program that combines business fundamentals, technical coursework, and experiential learning. Students complete a required internship and capstone project.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition and Fees: $68,0964
- Required Credits: Cohort-based program
- Program Length: 1 year
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 81%4
Admission Requirements
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Resume, essays, letters of recommendation
- Background in math/programming preferred
Duke University | Durham, NC
Duke University, founded in 1838, is consistently ranked among the top 10 national universities in the US.
Master of Engineering Management
This program integrates business and leadership training with technical management. Core courses include marketing, management of high-tech industries, intellectual property, and entrepreneurship.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition and Fees: $73,1725
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 87%5
Admission Requirements
- GRE optional
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume, short essays, letters of recommendation
- Video introduction
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA
MIT, founded in 1861, is ranked #2 nationally by US News.
Master of Science in Management Studies
This nine-month program complements an MBA from a partner school. Students study economics, management, and analytics.
- Accreditation: NECHE
- Tuition and Fees: $64,7306
- Program Length: 9 months
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 83%6
Admission Requirements
- GRE or GMAT
- Bachelor’s degree
- Resume, cover letter, video statement
- Two recommendation letters
New York University | New York, NY
Founded in 1831, NYU is the largest private university in the US, with campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai.
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MBA with Specialization in Tech Product Management
NYU’s MBA offers a tech PM specialization with courses in design thinking, AI strategy, Python, and emerging technologies.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
- Tuition and Fees: $65,6627
- Required Credits: 60 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 74%7
Admission Requirements
- Four-year bachelor’s degree
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- GRE/GMAT not required
Northwestern University | Evanston, IL
Northwestern University, founded in 1851, is ranked among the top 10 US universities.
Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications
This STEM-designated program combines marketing research, digital analytics, and communications with business training.
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition and Fees: $70,5898
- Program Length: 15 months
- Learning Format: In-person or online
- Graduation Rate: 83%8
Admission Requirements
- GRE or GMAT
- Resume, essays, letters of recommendation
- Bachelor’s degree
Pennsylvania State University | Malvern, PA
Penn State, founded in 1855, operates 24 campuses and offers extensive graduate programs.
Master of Engineering Management
Penn State Great Valley offers a hybrid engineering management program with PM-relevant courses in operations, data visualization, and project management.
- Accreditation: MSCHE
- Tuition and Fees: $21,098 (in-state), $43,490 (out-of-state)9
- Required Credits: 33 credits
- Program Length: ~1.5 years
- Learning Format: Hybrid (in-person + online)
- Graduation Rate: 72%9
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- GRE/GMAT optional
- Resume, statement of intent, references
Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA
Regent University, founded in 1978, is a private Christian university.
MBA with a Concentration in Product Management
This concentration teaches design strategy, product development, marketing management, and supply chain.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition and Fees: $22,74010
- Required Credits: 42 credits
- Program Length: ~2.5 years
- Learning Format: In-person or online
- Graduation Rate: 47%10
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Resume, transcripts
University of Illinois | Champaign, IL
Founded in 1867, UIUC is a top public university with strong STEM programs.
Master of Science in Technology Management
The MSTM program trains students in tech strategy, process management, and analytics. It is closely related to technology management career paths.
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition and Fees: $18,046 (in-state), $38,398 (out-of-state)3
- Required Credits: 40 credits
- Program Length: 12 months
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 73%3
Admission Requirements
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- GRE/GMAT optional
- Resume, statement of purpose
- Video interview questions
University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX
UT Austin, founded in 1883, is a leading public research university.
Master of Science in Technology Commercialization
The MSTC program teaches go-to-market strategy, venture accounting, and innovation management.
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition and Fees: $11,687 (in-state), $44,908 (out-of-state)11
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 1 year
- Learning Format: In-person or online
- Graduation Rate: 74%11
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE/GMAT (waiver available)
- Resume, letters of recommendation
University of Wisconsin | Madison, WI
UW–Madison, founded in 1848, is a flagship public institution.
MBA in Technology Strategy and Product Management
A customizable MBA that prepares students for PM, consulting, and technology leadership.
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition and Fees: $12,166 (in-state), $44,191 (out-of-state)12
- Required Credits: 24 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 75%12
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- GRE/GMAT
- Resume, essays, recommendations
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Product Management?
Students can pursue a Master of Science in Product Management or an MBA program with a product management specialization. MS degrees emphasize technical and business integration, while MBAs focus on leadership and broad business strategy.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Product Management?
Choosing between an MS or MBA in product management depends on whether you seek technical depth or broad business training. MS programs deliver STEM rigor, while MBAs offer versatile management credentials.
University of Illinois | Champaign, IL
Founded in 1867, UIUC is a top public university with strong STEM programs.
Master of Science in Technology Management
The MSTM program trains students in tech strategy, process management, and analytics. It is closely related to technology management career paths.
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition and Fees: $18,046 (in-state); $38,398 (non-resident)3
- Required Credits: 40 credits
- Program Length: 12 months
- Learning Format: In-person
- Graduation Rate: 73%3
Admission Requirements
- 3.0 GPA minimum
- GRE/GMAT optional
- Resume, statement of purpose
- Video interview questions
Salary and Job Outlook for Product Management Master’s Degree Graduates
Product management graduates can pursue high-paying roles with strong demand across industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average US industrial product manager salary is about $121,440 in 2025.2
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Product Management Master’s Degree?
With a product management master’s, graduates can become product managers, technical PMs, or product marketing managers. Other pathways include consulting, program management, and roles like business analyst.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/industrial-production-managers.htm
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-illinois-urbanachampaign-1775
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/carnegie-mellon-university-3242
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/duke-university-2920
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/massachusetts-institute-of-technology-2178
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/nyu-2785
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/northwestern-university-1739
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/penn-state-6965
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/regent-university-30913
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/the-university-of-texas-austin-3658
- https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/university-of-wisconsin-3895
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