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All industries require project managers to oversee each phase of a project and ensure its success on time and within budget. For this reason, the job of project managers is in high demand.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the demand for computer and information system managers to rise by 15% from 2022 to 2032.
Because of this growing need for project managers, working professionals often need further credentials to stand out in the job market or qualify for career promotion.
In response to this increasing demand, colleges and universities have integrated Project Management concentrations into their MBA and MS programs.
Fortunately, with the advent of technology, you can now earn a Master’s in Project Management online.
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Methodology
Furthering your studies in Project Management is a crucial step to take. This list was developed to provide master’s degree students access to the best online programs.
The Online Master’s in Project Management programs on our list meet the accreditation requirements and satisfy academic excellence standards. These programs are offered online or feature hybrid learning styles to accommodate learners of all ages.
By ensuring that each program has something unique to offer with financial aid options to boot, we provide you with the best options for your pursuit of obtaining graduate-level Project Management education and skills.
Visit our Methodology page to understand how our selection process works.
Best Online Project Management Master’s Degrees
Boston University
Online Master of Science in Project Management Degree
A project management master’s degree from Boston University is entirely online. In addition to the accredited status of Metropolitan College, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business recognizes the college too.
In addition to its excellent accreditations, the University’s Metropolitan College is currently ranked #10 by US News & World Report’s Best Business Schools list.
Those interested in expanding their career in a relevant way should consider Boston University’s MS in Project Management program because of its attention to detail and experience-based learning method.
The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in all aspects of project management, ranging from conception to budgeting to implementation.
An enrollment adviser at BU can provide more information about the online project management program and guide you through the application process.
Location:
- Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- the New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Features:
- 40 total credits required for completion
- Completion timeline: 18 to 24 months
- Can be taken online or on-site
Course Options:
- Financial Concepts
- Global Supply Chains
- Project Communications Management
- Portfolio and Program Management
- Quantitative and Qualitative Decision-Making
Admission Requirements:
- Graduation application form and application fee
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume or CV
- Personal statement
- Proficiency exams
- College transcripts
Tuition:
- $955 per credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Graduate loans
- Payment plans
What’s Unique About The Program:
- According to US News & World Report, Metropolitan College’s online Master of Business Administration programs (excluding MBA’s) was ranked #6 among the Best Online Masters in Business Programs (Excluding MBA’s) in 2021.
- Additionally, PMI’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) accredits the MS in Project Management.
- The Boston University School of Management is fully accredited by AACSB International―The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
George Washington University
Online MS in Project Management
With GW’s online master’s degree in project management, you’ll learn general management principles while also learning advanced techniques. It is taught by faculty with industry experience in diverse fields like engineering, mathematics, IT, politics, and construction. A mandatory orientation is conducted on campus for new students.
Among the oldest and most reputable online specialized degree programs of its kind worldwide, GW’s Online Master of Science in Project Management (OMSPM) was established in 1996 and has educated successful project managers since 2001.
Location:
- Washington, DC
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- 36 credits required for completion
- Can be completed within 18 to 48 months
Course Options:
- Organization, Management, and Leadership
- Optimization Models for Decision-Making
- Statistics for Managers
- Risk Management
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- Resume
- Statement of purpose or essay
- Official test results
- Transcripts
- CV or Resume
- English proficiency
- Application fee of $80
Tuition:
- $975 / credit
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
- Work-study
- Emergency funding
- Military educational benefits
- Tuition benefits and exchange
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Their faculty is top-notch, with experiences in various industries.
- The school has a strong reputation in government and industry, an extensive alumni network, and an active career center so that you will have access to all of its resources.
- Close collaborations with governmental and corporate institutions, including the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the US State Department, and many other influential organizations.
Penn State World Campus
Students at Pennsylvania State University-World Campus can earn a Master of Business Administration degree in Project Management, an elite degree that the Association highly accredits to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The university is also a Project Management Institute Registered Education Provider, a certification proving a higher level of education the discipline.
Students in the institute’s MPM program, which consists of 30 credit hours, develop excellent project management skills. There are four career tracks that you can choose from with this program. You can specialize in enterprise architecture, resource planning, independent study for a creative research project, and supply chain management.
Location:
- University Park, Pennsylvania
Accreditation:
- the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Features:
- 30 credits required for completion
Course Options:
- Cost and Value Management
- Commercial Law and Project Procurement
- Organizations
- Planning and Resource Management
- Strategy: Corporate, Business, and Project
Admission Requirements:
- BS Degree from a regionally accredited school
- Official transcripts
- Online application
- GPA and test scores
- English of proficiency
- Statement of purpose
Tuition:
- $1,007 / credit
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Military payment options
- Payment plans
- Federal student aid
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The program requires only two years of study, is highly respected, and is accredited by AACSB.
- This program provides a rigorous understanding of all aspects of project management theory and practices through problem-based learning.
Florida Institute of Technology
Educators and professionals who seek advanced leadership positions in the public, private, and political sectors can pursue an online master’s degree in project management from Florida Tech.
Information systems and operations research are two concentration options. During the capstone experience, students completed a real-life, complex project management challenge.
By actively engaging in case study analysis and leadership and teamwork, you will gain insights into real business situations during your MBA in Project Management program.
The curriculum also covers PM skills such as scope, time, cost, and quality. Furthermore, you’ll learn how to select tools and techniques based on the stage of the project management lifecycle.
Location:
- Melbourne, Florida
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 33 credits required for completion
- Can be completed within two years
Course Options:
- Managerial Economics
- Financial Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Strategic Management
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Transcripts
Tuition:
- $896 / credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Grants
- Loans
- Scholarships
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Ranked as a top MBA program for veterans by US News and World Report (2021) and as the 26th best online MBA program (private university.)
- The program complies with international standards and is affiliated with the most significant project management association globally.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Master of Science in Project Management
With three campuses and more than 40 academic programs, UW-Platteville became the first teachers’ college in Wisconsin in 1866.
With three concentrations available – human capital administration, integrated supply chain management, and project management – the university offers a fully online or hybrid master of science in project management.
This degree can be earned in just two years. You can consider this program if you want optimal flexibility. To be considered for admission, students must have at least a 2.75 overall GPA or a 2.9% GPA in their last 60 credits.
Location:
- Platteville, Wisconsin
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features:
- can be completed within two years
- can be taken online or hybrid
Course Options:
- Project Management Capstone
- Business Ethics
- Human Resource Management
- Project Management Techniques I
- Project Scope Management
Admission Requirements:
- BS degree from an accredited university
- GPA of 2.75
- Online application
- Application fee of $56
- Transcripts
- Resume
Tuition:
- $715 / credit
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Loans
What’s Unique About The Program:
- The Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs has accredited the program.
Northeastern University
Master of Science in Project Management
A famous Master of Science degree in project management is available through Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies. On a full-time basis, this online MS in Project Management program can be accomplished in about two years.
Northeastern University offers this program at an affordable price point of $15,000 to $29,999, making it ideal for professionals seeking career expansion. There is a lot of respect among the education community for this online Masters in Project Management.
Location:
- Boston, Massachusetts
Accreditation:
- the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Program Features:
- Completion timeline: 12 to 18 months
Course Options:
- Foundations of Project Management
- Project Risk Management
- Project Quality Management
- Project Evaluation and Assessment
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- English proficiency
Tuition:
- $899 / credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- assistantships
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Participate in experiential and cooperative learning opportunities
- The project management curriculum can be customized according to the student’s prior work experience.
Sam Houston State University
Master of Science in Project Management
A Master’s in Project Management from SHSU in Huntsville, Texas, teaches professionals how to establish organizational project lifecycles best and launch new products. Technology-focused courses prepare students to sit for the Project Management Institute’s certification exams as well.
So if you’re planning to acquire this professional certification, this online master’s program will help you prepare better. There are three annual start dates for semesters, so you can conveniently enroll in any of them.
Location:
- Huntsville, Texas
Accreditation:
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Features:
- 36 credits required for completion
- Can be taken online or on-campus
Course Options:
- Seminar Operations Management
- Tools of Project Management
- Staffing Organizations
- Leading Organizational Change& Dev
- Project Management Capstone
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Transcripts
- Application fee
Tuition:
- $320.25 / credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Semester loan
- Payment plan
- Loans
- Work-study
- Bearkat Promise
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Your online program offers the same quality and rigor as an on-campus learning program.
Elmhurst University
As an evangelical seminary established in 1871, Elmhurst College changed its name to Elmhurst University in 2020. More than 3,000 students attend the university each year. The Master of Project Management from Elmhurst includes classes online, on campus, or in any combination.
The department offers a free exam review course to all graduates interested in attaining the Project Management Institute (PMI) credential. You will learn how to coordinate a team by speaking the language of everyone with a master’s degree in project management. You can further hone all your skills required in managing projects.
Location:
- Elmhurst, Illinois
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Features:
- 10 courses (30 credit hours) requirement
- Available online or on-campus
Course Options:
- Organizational Management
- Project Management Fundamentals in Practice I
- Financial Management for the Project Manager
- Agile Project Management
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Recommendations
- Statement of purpose
- GRE scores
Tuition:
- $900 / credit hour
Financial Aid:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Campus employment
- Loans
- Military and veterans benefits
What’s Unique About The Program:
- It combines online classes with on-campus ones.
- Project management courses offered by Elmhurst University meet the PMI (Project Management Institute) educational requirements for PMP® certification.
- You will gain an extensive network of teachers and fellow graduates who will be your support and contacts throughout your entire career.
Granite State College
PMI’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs recognizes Granite State College’s Online Master of Science in Project Management as an excellent program. The award recognizes the college’s dedication to excellence in project management.
The University is one of the most affordable four-year schools in the state. Granite States programs are nationally recognized, and their affordability makes them an excellent choice for prospective students.
Graduate Studies’ online Master’s of Science in Project Management provides students with a flexible way to advance their careers while balancing school, work, and life. Applications for the majority of programs are accepted on a rolling basis. Visit their site now and apply for the upcoming semester.
Location:
- Concord, New Hampshire
Accreditation:
- the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE)
Program Features:
- ten-course program
- can be taken entirely online or hybrid
Course Options:
- Introduction to Project Management
- Project Management Capstone
- Negotiation, Contracting, and Procurement
- Managing Project Portfolios
Admission Requirements:
- BS degree
- GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
- Two academic references
- Resume
Tuition:
Financial Aid:
- Federal and state grants
- Student Loans
- Scholarships and grants
- Federal work-study
- Tuition waivers and discounts
What’s Unique About The Program:
- Some courses are offered 100% online, while others are blended or hybrid.
- Affordable tuition
- All alumni and students can receive career counseling.
Colorado State University
This online program from Colorado State University boasts an excellent history. Colorado State University is listed as one of the most prestigious western colleges in the country. US News and World Report’s ranking of the best business schools place the School of Management and Innovation at #62.
Students can optimize their strategy, planning, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills by completing their online 36 credit through this master’s program in project management.
A variety of specializations are accessible to students as part of this program to tailor it to match their interests. This MPM is ideal for adults interested in advancing their career and expanding their career opportunities in the highly demanded field of Project Management, thanks to the affordable tuition rates and flexible program structure.
Location:
- Fort Collins, Colorado
Accreditation:
- the Higher Learning Commission
Program Features:
- Can be completed 100% online
- Requires 36 credits for completion
Course Options:
- Project Metrics, Monitoring, and Control
- Fundamentals of Research and Writing
- Business Analysis
- Contracts, Procurement, and Risk Management
Admission Requirements:
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Online application
Tuition:
- $500 / credit
Financial Aid:
- Employer reimbursement
- Payment plans
- Military and veteran benefits
What’s Unique About The Program:
- You can access any resource and support online.
- A total of 84% of their faculty holds an advanced degree.
- Their alumni refer friends and family members to us 95% of the time
- Since 2011, they haven’t had a rate increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Management?
An effective project manager is expected to communicate and organize effectively. These professionals oversee the entire process, from planning a project to wrapping up. People in these positions generally manage budgets and deadlines while developing strategies to accomplish organizational goals. Many project managers handle multiple projects at once.
On a typical workday, project managers attend several meetings with coworkers, clients, and investors. They coordinate with various groups, depending on their position and the industry.
Construction project managers, for example, travel from building site to building site to assess and evaluate construction progress. They may be in charge of overseeing the materials procurement or design process.
An entry-level career in project management is possible after obtaining a master’s degree in the field, but it’s a key to climbing the career ladder through promotions. Experienced project managers with advanced education levels often land positions as consultants, portfolio managers, and department heads.
Offering many job positions in diverse industries, an accelerated degree in Project Management could be the springboard for your career goals. This graduate program shapes you for leadership positions in business, technology, government, and other fields.
A master’s degree qualifies students for the Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute. In 2020, 82% of PMI survey respondents reported having a PMP certification and enjoyed higher pay than their non-credentialed counterparts.
What are the popular specializations of an Online Master’s Degree in Project Management program?
- Healthcare Administration
An Online Master’s of Project Management in Healthcare Administration features courses for operations efficiency within healthcare organizations, particularly healthcare finance and health information systems. If becoming a healthcare administrator is in your plans, this concentration is right for you.
- Public Administration
Graduates of Online Master’s in Project Management with a Public Administration concentration position themselves for jobs in the state, local, and federal governments, as the study of public finance, budgeting, and public leadership are part of this specialization.
- Human Resources Management
An HR Manager is responsible for selecting, training, and retaining competent employees for a business or organization. This concentration must meet the standards imposed by the HR Certification Institute and Society for Human Resource Management. Labor and contract matters are included as courses in this program.
- Applied Business Management
In a global marketplace, the importance of Applied Business Management principles in finance, strategic planning, and managerial communication cannot be overstated. With this Online Master’s of Project Management concentration, Managers in virtually any field qualify for promotions or easily shift to new careers.
- Criminal Justice Leadership
An Online Master’s of Project Management emphasizing Criminal Justice Leadership aims to prepare the next generation of law enforcement managers. It covers criminological theory, criminal policy development and analysis, and organizational management and administration. Law enforcement experience may be required by online programs offering this concentration.
How Does An MBA Compare With A Master’s Degree in Project Management?
An MBA and Master’s in Project Management graduate may have similar skill sets, but their roles and the scope of work that they focus on are different.
Your best option for career advancement is an MBA program, particularly for objectives toward running a business. An MBA teaches students how to become effective managers in all things business, but a Master’s in Project Management program focuses on handling projects from start to finish, emphasizing the management of tasks, design, scope, and deadlines.
A Master’s in Project Management graduate is a better fit for high-level management roles that involve overseeing and managing teams. Project managers assess a project, determine its needs, assemble the right team, and see it through to completion.
What Benefits Does Online Master’s Degree in Project Management Graduates Enjoy?
A Master’s in Project Management, although not mandatory, is an excellent educational investment. Holding an advanced degree helps you stand out ahead of your competition, as it gives you the knowledge and abilities necessary to manage all aspects of a project. Earning a master’s degree in this field will provide you with many benefits, including those listed below:
- Learn From The Experts
A project management degree program at the bachelor’s level will provide you with the basic skills needed in the field; however, a master’s degree features expert project management principles and applications. Graduate students gain the skills for the efficient use of project management tools and systems. Students learn from a faculty of experienced project managers who excel in and contribute to their industry.
- Work in Diverse Settings Where There is Great Demand
The skills of a project manager are valued across a variety of industries, mainly in construction, IT, marketing, consulting, and healthcare. With an Online Master’s in Project Management, you raise your chances of employment in for-profit and non-profit organizations that require oversight of their day-to-day operations. Project management specialists have a plethora of career opportunities to pursue!
- Enhance Your Skills and Advance your Career
In both for-profit and non-profit organizations, it is necessary to find individuals who can develop, plan, and execute projects from beginning to end. A Project Manager does the resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline management work.
With an Online Master’s Degree in Project Management, students enhance their unique skills for promotion purposes. In particular, master’s level graduates are poised for senior project management positions. Project management certification will add to your resume!
Is an online Master’s in Project Management degree program worth it?
That depends on what your goals are. If your goal is to increase your employability or to advance in your career, then an online Master’s in Project Management degree program may be a great option. Many employers value the technical and business skills that the program can provide.
Additionally, there may be financial benefits associated with such a program, as people who have a higher degree tend to earn more money. However, if you are just looking to gain knowledge, then an online program may not be as suitable for your needs.
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