Best Online Master's Degrees in Project Management

It was important for us here at Study.com to compile a list of the best online master's degrees in project management based on accessibility and affordability. We used data from the Department of Education to rank each school and have highlighted features like accreditations, scholarships, whether the program is asynchronous, and resources that are offered to online students. No matter the financial need, or desire to specialize, there is a program here that will be a perfect fit.

1. University of Kansas

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,045	93%	67%	85%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

What makes the project management program at the University of Kansas in Overland Park, so appealing is that students can earn either a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Project Management. The Master Engineering requires students to complete a case study instead of the capstone and an engineering management course. This program is extremely flexible due to its asynchronous format, so students can complete their work on their own time. Students also have access to and can take courses by professors that have worked in the industry for over 20 years!

2. Sam Houston State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,016	83%	54%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Located in Huntsville, Texas, Sam Houston University offers a Master of Science in Project Management. The university offers students continuous support, like tutoring, through the Academic Success Center. For those looking to transfer, credits are equal, so there isn't a delay in earning a degree. The university is committed to the success of all students and has a section of career services dedicated to helping online students find employment after graduation through services like mock interviews, and resume and cover letter assistance.

3. Central Michigan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$17,150	70%	61%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

In Mount Pleasant, students can earn a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Central Michigan University where there is enrollment for Fall, Spring, and Summer. The College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, the global nonprofit, which helps to connect students with educators and businesses through different networking seminars and conferences, which can be a huge asset! The university also has an online learning resource center to support its distance learning students where they are able to preview sample online courses and also have access to an Online Student Ally, a student who has excelled at online courses and is available to assist others. The Online Ally can help other students with studying, creating course calendars, or even time management so they have every chance at success.

4. University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,845	85%	56%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville offers a unique Master of Science in Project Management where students can add an emphasis in one of three areas: Human Capital Administration, Integrated Supply Chain Management, or Managing Engineering Projects. This online degree is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs, so students are set up with the foundation necessary for a Project Management Professional credential, making every student competitive in the job market. Students can apply for a scholarship offered through PMI that pays from $1,000 to full tuition.

5. University of Mary

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$17,694	74%	60%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

At the University of Mary, in Bismarck, North Dakota, students can earn a Master of Project Management where they can specialize in one of seven areas like healthcare or business operations. At the end of the program, students take a capstone where they can be more hands-on and conduct research in lieu of a traditional thesis. This program is a Registered Education Provider for PMI, meaning that all students are receiving an education that's held to PMI's high standards so they can be leaders in their field.

6. Cornerstone University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,470	78%	60%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Cornerstone University's Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management offers two distinct online formats, CULive or CUAnytime, to appeal to all students. In the CULive format, students can actively participate with professors and students in the classroom, remotely. If students want to go at their own pace and do not require a group atmosphere, they might choose the CUAnytime option. The graduate school also offers rolling admissions, so the program can be started at anytime, for increased flexibility for their students.

7. Brenau University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,254	58%	46%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Students can earn a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Brenau University, located in Atlanta, Georgia, where professors have twenty years of experience teaching online, ensuring that students are being taught by professionals who understand how to reach and help students through a virtual format. The program is also accredited through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. With this accreditation being focused on student outcomes and teaching excellence, there is great focus on student success and guaranteeing that their professors are qualified to teach them.

8. Indiana Wesleyan University- National & Global

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,977	No Available Data (2019-2020)	38%	85%	No	Yes	AP Credits

Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Master of Business Administration in Project Management where students can complete their degree at their own pace, making it a perfect option for those with other obligations. Students are placed into cohort groups so that there is always a support system amongst peers in place. Start dates are always being updated on their website, so students can start at the right time for them.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students considering a career in project management may be confused about the similarities and differences between an online master's in project management vs. an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on project management. While both address topics related to managing and executing projects, there are some key differences that set the two apart.

Although both degrees cover similar topics and teach similar skills, MBA programs focus on the bigger picture of how businesses function. Students undertaking an MBA will receive a more general macro-level education into the structures and workings of businesses in addition to studying themes related to project management. Project management master's degrees are more specific to the nuts and bolts of how to see any given project through from start to finish with the possibility through some programs to focus on a field of interest.

In terms of expected income, PayScale.com estimates that the salary of an MBA graduate in project management is around $83,000 a year. Similarly, graduates with an MS in Project Management report making around $84,000 annually.

Detail-oriented and goal-driven individuals may find that a master's degree in project management helps them reach their professional goals. Project management is a career that requires time management and communication skills. Individuals who enjoy planning and seeing projects out until the end would likely enjoy this field. Prospective project managers should also be able to troubleshoot and analyze risk in a leadership capacity.

Online master's degrees are a practical option for people seeking a flexible education that can be done on their time. Online students should have a basic understanding of computers and educational platforms as well as a stable internet connection.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in Project Management?

Online master's degrees in project management generally consist of around 36 credit hours. Programs undertaken full-time may be completed in 1.5 to 2 years. This time usually includes the completion of a capstone or final project. Students studying part-time will likely take longer to complete their degree. In addition to time spent in classes, students will need to devote extra hours each week to readings, class assignments, and studying. However, most online degrees allow flexibility in when students attend classes and complete assignments.

Online master's degrees in project management teach prospective project managers all the important aspects of how to plan, carry out, and evaluate projects in a variety of settings. Coursework is typically general in that it can be applied to projects managed in diverse sectors, including IT and construction. Courses for this degree will be held online, generally through a platform such as Blackboard or Canvas, with all materials and assignments available to students through the portal.

Project Management Foundational Courses

Foundational courses for an online master's in project management set the knowledge grounding for students to understand the field. Since most programs do not assume a background in project management, students essentially start from scratch to learn the basics of major themes such as securing and managing contracts, balancing and staying within a target budget, and understanding the needs and function of an organization. Some classes students are typically required to take include:

• Foundations of Project Management
• Contracts and Procurement
• Cost Management
• Organizational Behavior and Structure
• Capstone

Capstone projects generally come at the end of a degree program. They give students the chance to demonstrate their knowledge in the field and mastery of major topics.

Project Management Specialist & Elective Courses

Electives can give students the opportunity to have some flexibility in their studies. Because project management can cover a variety of topics, these optional classes will vary by university and the program's focuses. While not all programs offer specializations or electives, some courses that may be available include:

• Agile Project Management
• Program and Portfolio Management
• Project Risk Analysis

Master's degrees in project management can also be devoted to a certain field, such as IT, rather than offering electives.

Licensure & Certification in Project Management

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a wide range of certifications for project management professionals. The gold standard of these is the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification which is recognized globally in the field. The PMI also offers certifications across several areas and specialties within project and program management, including:

• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Program Management Professional (PgMP)
• Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)
• PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
• PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
• Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)

They also offer a certification aimed at high school and college students called PMI Project Management Ready. This certification introduces students to the basic concepts and skills related to project management.

Online project management master's programs generally require applicants to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Students will need to submit official transcripts from all previous institutions attended. In addition to completing an online application, universities may also require:

• Application fee
• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): a document detailing relevant education and/or work experience
• Letters of recommendation: between 1-3 from current or former professors and/or supervisors at work
• Personal statement: personal and professional goals and/or reasons for applying

International students or those whose first language is not English will generally need to demonstrate proficiency before undertaking graduate study. This is usually done through the presentation of English language tests such as the TOEFL.

Master's degrees in project management open the door to careers across a broad range of sectors and fields. Individuals with management and leadership skills are needed in fields such as healthcare, construction, IT, engineering, and urban and community planning. These professionals help plan and execute an organization's vision to meet its goals. This includes operational planning, business, and management analytics, and project coordination.

Some jobs available to graduates include:

• IT project manager
• Project coordinator
• Construction project manager
• Business continuity planner
• Management analyst
• Operations manager

Professionals in this field may work as freelance consultants or in a role as permanent employees.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Project Management

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment in management positions will grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029. This will add around 550,000 jobs across a variety of sectors, many of which employ project managers. This flexibility gives online master's in project management students a positive job outlook following graduation.

Project managers are needed to oversee individual projects as well as overall operations in numerous fields. The BLS data suggests that employment for project management specialists is highest in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Georgia. In terms of sectors where these professionals are employed, most project managers can be found in the federal government, companies and enterprises, and information technology (IT).

How to Become an IT Project Manager

IT project managers oversee reaching specific goals within information technology companies. They help identify program needs and formulate ways to meet them. IT project managers are responsible for working with a team of other IT professionals to ensure that systems are up-to-date and functioning optimally. They generally evaluate the outcomes of specific projects to ensure budgets were followed and that the goals were met as intended.

IT project managers have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a computer or technology-related field. Some positions require a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a master's related to project management or IT. Students interested in this field may wish to pursue an online IT project management certification to enhance job prospects and gain further knowledge in the field.

According to the BLS, as of May 2020, the salary for program management specialists within computer systems design was $101,500 a year. Those working in software publishing made around $107,580.

How to Become a Construction Project Manager

Construction project managers are involved in the building process from start to finish. They work on projects such as residential development, commercial real estate, and civil engineering. Construction project managers assess the steps needed to complete a project and estimate costs of materials and labor. They oversee building plans and make sure they are efficient and follow legal codes. They will often collaborate with engineers, architects, and construction workers to ensure all aspects of the project run smoothly.

Students interested in becoming a construction project manager will need at least a bachelor's degree. Some organizations will prefer candidates who have both construction experience and relevant education. An online master's degree in project management may help applicants stand out as it demonstrates their technical knowledge of running major projects. If concentrations related to construction are not available, students may consider taking some online courses in construction project management.

Per data collected by the BLS in May 2020, the annual average salary for program management specialists regardless of field was $84,290. In May of 2019, the BLS estimated that within the field of construction, managers earned an average median income of $97,180 a year. Those working in civil engineering construction made a slightly higher wage of $98,870.

Many online master's degrees in project management welcome students who hold undergraduate degrees in diverse fields. This is because project managers can be found anywhere from healthcare to construction, and students with primary expertise in these areas will likely have an advantage in gaining employment in these fields. Common undergraduate degrees may include business, business administration, economics, or finance. However, majors within engineering, the sciences, mathematics, and health could also prove beneficial in future graduate study.

Students who complete an online master's in project management and want to continue their studies have options at the doctoral level. Doctorates in project management can lead to careers in research and teaching at the postsecondary level. Doctoral degrees in project management can be awarded as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with an emphasis in project management. Online as well as on-campus modes of delivery exist for students wishing to study for a PhD or DBA.

Students seeking federal financial aid to help pay for their graduate degree in project management must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available online and asks students for information pertaining to finances. After graduation, students are granted a six-month grace period before loan repayments begin. Several options are available for repayment, including plans based on income.

Outside of federal student loans, students experiencing financial hardships may be eligible for grants. Grants support students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds and do not need to be repaid at any time before or after graduation.

Scholarships are another source of aid and, like grants, do not have to be repaid. Scholarships come from public and private entities and are often specific to a field or area of study. Annually, the International Institute for Learning, Inc. awards four scholarships of up to $7,500. The Dr. Harold Kerzner Scholarship Fund is open to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in project management from an accredited university. The scholarship is available to students worldwide.