Graduates of the Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM) program, along with their families, friends, and peers, gathered on USC’s University Park campus to celebrate commencement on Friday, May 16, 2025. This year’s MSPM graduating class included 140 students from 19 states, with careers in various project management roles and functions in companies such as Amazon, Apple, Delta Airlines, The Los Angeles Rams, The Walt Disney Company, and more.
Dean Anthony Bailey opened this year’s ceremony with high praise for our graduating class, reminding them, “You are all ready to lead.” Dean Bailey also took the time to acknowledge Bovard College’s six Order of Arete winners as well as the faculty members who received awards for excellence in student and faculty mentoring, service and leadership, and teaching.
Lastly, Dean Bailey recognized the accomplishments of MSPM graduate and USC Bovard College staff member, Michael Chen. At the 2024-2025 Student Recognition Awards, Chen was awarded USC’s highest honor for graduate students, The Order of the Laurel and Palm. Chen also represented Bovard College as the Flag Bearer at the Main USC Commencement Ceremony, held on May 15, 2025, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
When asked about his biggest takeaway from the program Michael commented, “I work in the education industry, but my classmates and professors were from all [different] industries. Some were in the military, some were in construction, some were in IT, so just learning from them and understanding how they do very similar work, project management, but in completely different contexts, was really cool.”
Chen also shared one of his favorite memories in the program, which took place during the final capstone course. Another capstone class surprised their class by joining in their live class session. As a result, the entire graduating cohort was given a chance to talk together and reflect on their experiences. Chen shared, “When you’re in the middle of the program and already busy working, you don’t get to stop and think about what these experiences mean to you. Being able to hear their stories that aren’t about homework, but about what the program meant to them, and who supported them through the program was really neat.”
Michael Fenlon speaks to USC Bovard College graduates at Commencement on Friday, May 16, 2025.
This year’s commencement speaker was Michael Fenlon, PhD, the Executive Director of Advances in Learning at Harvard University. He reminded graduates, “You have proven you can achieve tough goals. Your USC Bovard degree is a degree in the curriculum of life and leadership in the real world.”
Students in the MSPM program examine core Project Management principles and explore the full spectrum of project management concepts and methodologies, including portfolio and program management, technical project delivery, Agile, and change management. While the program assists students to advance to the next level of their careers, it also emphasizes the strategic role that project management plays in the performance of global organizations, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to be effective leaders.
The Online MS in Project Management program at USC Bovard College is designed to fit students’ schedules and is offered on both a one- and two-year track. At 24 units, the program can be completed in just 12 months for students in the one-year track. No GRE is required, and students have their choice of three enrollment dates each year.
Watch the 2025 commencement ceremony here.