Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

Study.com has created this list of amazing Master of Business Administration in Project Management programs by searching out the best options known for their accessibility, flexibility, and affordability - things that are central to successfully completing an advanced degree online, especially for working professionals.

Our top programs have nationally recognized accreditations through the AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE. They prepare students for industry certifications through the Project Management Institute, like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). Some programs also give graduates a cutting edge by integrating a capstone project to prepare students for a competitive job market. This list of the best online MBA programs in Project Management was compiled based on their accessibility, flexibility of study, and affordability.

1. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, holds the top spot on our list for its online MBA in Project Management, which ensures students have a solid foundation of managerial and financial knowledge while specializing in core project management topics. The program offers start dates each semester, and classes are asynchronous for added accessibility. Online students can take advantage of academic programs like CMU's New Venture Competition or complete an industry relevant workshop that certifies students in Lean Six Sigma, a process improvement credential.

2. University of Mary

Based in Bismarck, North Dakota, University of Mary's MBA with a specialization in Project Management can be completed entirely online. Students earn 700 hours towards their industry Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate while progressing through their degree, which takes as little as 16 months to complete. Courses are taught by industry leaders and entrepreneurs from diverse fields - many who hold project management certification themselves!

3. Cornerstone University

A private Christian college, Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, brags that 90% of their MBA students are employed full-time. Their online MBA with a concentration in Project Management is designed for working professionals, and their faculty represent a diverse array of researchers and industry specialists. Online students get personalized education experiences with faculty because of small class sizes, just 8-16 students in each class. This amazing program provides 24/7 tutoring services for students too.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, prides itself in its robust online programs that are affordable and accessible to working professionals. Liberty's online MBA in Project Management focuses on project management with a global focus, and students take classes from current business professionals and industry leaders with real world experience in the field. Upon completion of the project management courses, students gain the contact hours needed to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management Certificate. PM students also get to complete a capstone to gain real-world experience in the project management field.

5. Brenau University

Brenau University is based in Gainesville, Georgia, but their MBA in Project Management can be completed entirely online. Not only do they consider all students full-time, making it easier for students to obtain financial aid, they cap their classes at 20 students and cycle courses every 7 weeks. Students advance at a flexible pace and complete an industry relevant capstone project to receive their degree. Online students can even join relevant College of Business student organizations like the Delta Mu Delta Honor Society for business professionals or the Rotaract Club.

6. Indiana Wesleyan University-National and Global

Housed in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University's new online MBA with a major in Project Management (MBA-PM) may be the most flexible on our list. Students get a choice in fast tracking their program or taking a more moderate paced approach. For students who have worked in the industry or earned the PMP certification, Indiana Wesleyan awards Prior Lifetime Learning credits for practical experience, getting students closer to their education goals.

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).

Online MBA in Project Management programs aim to equip students with knowledge of efficient business practices, management skills, and ideas for innovation. With the advanced interpersonal skills that students learn, graduates are prepared to work in a wide range of leadership positions, not only within the field of project management, but other business-related areas as well. The flexibility of the MBA for preparing students for multiple positions may help increase the job prospects for graduates. Earning an MBA also commonly leads to a raise in salary. According to PayScale.com, the median annual salary of those with an MBA in Project Management was $83,148, as of February 2021.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online MBA in Project Management?

The time to degree completion for an online MBA in Project Management varies by school and several different factors. Many of these online MBA programs are designed to be completed in 1 year. However, there are some programs that may allow students to finish in as little as 10 months and others that may take students up to 2 years to complete. Course load and full-time vs. part-time enrollment may play a role in how quickly or slowly a student can earn their degree. Another factor may be if an institution accepts any graduate-level transfer credit that was completed at another school.

Online MBA in Project Management degree programs may require anywhere between 30 and 54 credits of coursework. Typically, online MBA programs of any specialization require some core business courses for the MBA portion of the degree, as well as some concentration courses in the chosen focus area. This allows students to gain well-rounded business skills that can be applied to many areas of the field and focused skills in a particular subfield of business. Some of these degree programs conclude with a culminating experience to measure the knowledge and skills that students have gained throughout the program. Here we break down the curriculum of these MBA programs in greater detail.

MBA in Project Management Foundational Courses

Depending on the set-up of the program, some online MBA programs in project management may require or offer optional business foundations courses for students in the program who do not have a background in business. These foundational courses are designed to prepare students for the core MBA courses that look at advanced business topics. Students may take between 21 and 27 credits of core business courses for these programs that may be broken into core and advanced courses, depending on the program. These courses focus on different business topics that are vital for future managers to comprehend. Some online MBA in Project Management programs may conclude with a required capstone course. These courses help students apply their new skills in areas such as innovation and strategy to different projects. Other common core MBA course topics include:

• Marketing strategy/management
• Organizational behavior/strategy
• Economics for managers
• Financial management
• Accounting for managers

MBA in Project Management Specialist and Elective Courses

Students may take between 6 and 9 credits of specialized courses in project management, and some programs may even include another elective course. These specialized courses are designed to prepare students in the specific skills and knowledge of project management and seeing a project through from start to finish. Depending on the program, students may take specialized courses in areas such as:

• Project management
• Quantitative analysis for decision-making
• Supply chain management
• Process improvement
• Lean transformation
• Agile project management

Licensure and Certification for MBA in Project Management

While licensure is not typically required, there are a number of professional certifications available within the field of project management to help professionals set themselves apart and demonstrate their expertise. Most commonly, professionals in the field may pursue certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMI offers certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) certifications, as well as many others. While the specific certification qualification requirements may vary, in general, interested students must meet education and work experience requirements for their desired certification, apply to take the exam, pay for the exam, and then pass the exam to earn certification. To keep their certification up to date, students must fulfill professional development unit (PDU) requirements every 3 years.

Schools that offer an online MBA in Project Management usually have their own unique admissions standards. Some schools may require students to meet specific program requirements in addition to graduate school admission requirements. Typically, applicants need to hold at least a bachelor's degree and it is fairly common for programs to have a minimum GPA requirement. However, some schools may have varying levels of GPA and work experience requirements in combination with GMAT test scores. For instance, students with a 3.0 or higher GPA and work experience may not need to submit GMAT test scores for some schools, while those with a 2.5 GPA may need higher GMAT test scores and/or work experience to be admitted. Some programs may require applicants to meet business prerequisite courses, while others may require or provide optional business foundations courses for those without a business background. With their application, students can expect to include items such as transcripts and a resume.

Students who know that they want to specialize in project management need to first find MBA programs that offer the field as a concentration. Then, students may want to narrow their search to accredited programs, as these may be more preferable to employers. Many online MBA programs hold both regional and program-level accreditation. These business programs are often accredited by business-related organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), to indicate that programs have met business-specific academic standards.

Other considerations for online MBA in Project Management programs may come down to personal preferences. Some students may want to look for programs that allow them to finish in 1 year or less, while others may want a program that allows them to move more slowly. Some online MBA programs in project management are also specifically designed to help prepare students for professional certifications within the field of project management. Some programs may focus on preparation for the PMP certification, while others may also offer preparation for certifications such as the CAPM and ACP.

Many graduates with their MBA in Project Management may go on to be a project manager of some kind. These managers are different from other managers, such as program managers vs. project managers, operations managers vs. project managers, and functional project managers vs. project managers, as project managers focus exclusively on planning and implementing projects from start to finish. Within project management there can also be various roles or positions, such as a career as a project estimator who focuses on the financial steps for a project or working as a security project manager who focuses on security-related projects. Graduates can work in a wide range of industries, such as music and entertainment, healthcare, engineering, construction, information technology and more. Specific job title options may include:

• Project quality manager
• Project risk manager
• Project scheduler
• Project analyst
• Consultant
• Project procurement manager

Job Outlook for an MBA in Project Management

Due to the flexibility of an MBA to help prepare students for a wide range of leadership careers that can be applied to a variety of industries, the job outlook for graduates is positive. Students can pursue careers in business, healthcare, information technology, and other rapidly growing fields. They will also likely qualify for multiple positions with both their broad business knowledge and specific skills in project management. The job outlook for specific careers in the field of project management vary, but in general, are positive. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that project management specialists and business operations specialists, all other, had a job outlook of 6% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average.

How to Become a Project Management Specialist

Students interested in becoming a project management specialist need to have at least a bachelor's degree. A master's degree may help these specialists move into more advanced leadership and managerial positions within the field. Usually, project management specialists do not need any additional work experience or training. Some of these professionals may pursue professional certification in project management to stand out from the competition and demonstrate their expertise.

As of 2019, the BLS stated that project management specialists and business operations specialists, all other, had a median annual salary of $73,570. These professionals are responsible for coordinating various aspects of a specific project. They may manage staff, schedule meetings, oversee the budget, set the timeline, and help solve problems on these various projects. Project management specialists must communicate clearly, work well with others, and stay organized while working on a project. It is also helpful for these professionals to have some information technology skills for projects.

How to Become a Computer and Information Systems Manager

Students who are particularly interested in information technology and project management may consider becoming a computer and information systems manager. These managers usually have to have a bachelor's degree and some work experience, but some employers may require them to have a master's degree, such as an MBA. For work experience, these professionals may begin their careers in lower-level information technology positions and typically gain experience in the same industry in which they plan to work, such as healthcare or information security.

The BLS reported that computer and information systems managers made a median annual salary of $146,360, as of 2019. These managers are responsible for overseeing computer-related activities and projects for an organization. This may require them to understand an organization's computer needs, oversee the installation and maintenance of hardware and software, research new technology options, and manage other information technology professionals. Computer and information systems managers have to have great analytical, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Professionals in the field of project management may join a related professional organization to connect with others in their field and further develop their skills and knowledge of project management. Each professional organization has different goals and resources, but in general, work to help support professionals and advance the field. Resources may range from job information to professional certifications and continuing education. A couple of examples of specific professional organizations for those in project management include:

• Project Management Institute- PMI offers professional membership, as well as student membership and volunteer opportunities. The organization provides a variety of well-respected certifications in project management and professional standards that apply to the field. Professionals can also take advantage of the organization's career center, publications, events, and training and development opportunities.
• International Project Management Association- The IPMA is an international project management group that helps professionals around the world improve their project management competencies. The group posts news, events, and training opportunities on the website. Each year, the IPMA recognizes individuals, organizations, and projects with global awards.

Applicants to online MBA in Project Management degree programs are not required to hold a degree in any particular field. However, those who do not have a background in a business-related field may be required to take additional courses to prepare them for core MBA classes. Therefore, it may be more common for applicants to these MBA programs to have an undergraduate degree in areas such as business administration, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, or another related field that will have provided them with basic business courses.

There are several different options for students wishing to continue their studies at the doctoral level in project management after earning their MBA, including online options. Students wishing to continue their studies online can choose from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business Management with a concentration in project management or a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Project Management. A PhD may be more research-based, while a DBA may be more similar to an MBA in that it provides students with a well-rounded business background, but at an advanced level. Some of these online doctoral programs can be completed in as few as 3 years and may still be accredited by groups such as the ACBSP.

Tuition and fees for online MBA programs in project management vary by school. To help pay for their education, students may explore various financial aid options, including state and federal loans and/or grants they may qualify for from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may also find other unique tuition discounts and/or awards, such as scholarships, to help cover the cost of the program. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and may be offered from schools with these online MBA programs, professional organizations related to the subject, and other groups. A couple of examples of available scholarships and discounts for online MBA in Project Management programs include:

• Columbia Southern University Tuition Discount- As of 2021, students applying to Columbia Southern University's online MBA in Project Management can receive 50% off of tuition for two courses. Students must be a first-time student and the award does not count toward the library fee. The university also offers discounts to military personnel and through learning partnerships.
• PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) James R. Snyder International Student Paper of the Year Award- This award is given to students who have written a paper in project management that demonstrates excellent student development. Applicants must be in good standing at their institution.