Best Online Master’s in Project Management
In almost all industries, project managers oversee the planning and execution of complex organizational projects, including implementing new technology systems for businesses and coordinating the rollout of new products. Project management focuses on effective leadership and optimization, ensuring that organizations use resources efficiently and with minimal financial risk.
An online master’s in project management can give you the skills and versatility to lead projects across industries and professional fields, including business, government, and nonprofits. Many online programs also offer the flexibility to maintain your current job while you’re in school.
Our guide to online master’s in project management programs includes information on admission requirements, common courses, and popular career paths. You’ll also find our ranking of the top project management programs, which prioritizes quality and affordability.
Popular Online Project Management Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Project Management
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$35,262
- Out-of-state$35,262
- In-State$14,760
- Out-of-state$14,760
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled6,513
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment77%
- AccreditationYes
Lehigh University
- Bethlehem, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$56,980
- Out-of-state$56,980
- In-State$27,000
- Out-of-state$27,000
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled7,394
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
Harvard University
- Cambridge, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$51,143
- Out-of-state$51,143
- In-State$50,928
- Out-of-state$52,456
- Retention Rate98%
- Acceptance Rate3%
- Students Enrolled21,209
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,000
- Out-of-state$31,000
- In-State$13,590
- Out-of-state$13,590
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled2,704
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Mary
- Bismarck, ND
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,340
- Out-of-state$18,340
- In-State$12,244
- Out-of-state$12,244
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled3,789
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Florida Institute of Technology
- Melbourne, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$42,346
- Out-of-state$42,346
- In-State$22,338
- Out-of-state$22,338
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled8,358
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Upper Iowa University
- Fayette, IA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,589
- Out-of-state$32,589
- In-State$19,685
- Out-of-state$19,685
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled3,031
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment76%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$47,740
- Out-of-state$47,740
- In-State$18,144
- Out-of-state$18,144
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled7,863
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,766
- Out-of-state$54,766
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled23,216
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
- Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,920
- Out-of-state$21,488
- In-State$8,034
- Out-of-state$23,820
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled28,320
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Why Get a Master’s in Project Management Online?
Increased Job Prospects
An online master’s in project management builds the skills to manage and lead complex projects, making you a natural fit for leadership positions in many industries. The skills you gain can also apply to different types of organizations, giving you more versatile career options and better employment prospects.
Increased Earning Potential
On average, master’s degree graduates can expect to earn a starting salary 22.5% higher than bachelor’s graduates as of 2021 (per the National Association of Colleges and Employers). Master’s graduates in all fields earn an average starting salary of $72,100, while bachelor’s graduates earn $58,900.
Networking Opportunities
In an online master’s in project management program, you’ll be surrounded by other ambitious students and professors who are business leaders. This environment can provide opportunities before and after graduation, such as internships and job opportunities. The connections you make in your master’s program can help you long after you graduate.
Did you know?
The United States boasts the highest median salaries for certified project managers worldwide, ranking ahead of countries like Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Project Management?
In general, project management programs focus on business operations, emphasizing concepts and methods for managing resources and improving efficiency. Projects can take many forms, but the theories and practices of project management translate across different industries. Overall, a project management program trains you to organize major projects and evaluate their efficiency.
Most project management programs require 30-36 credits and take about two years of full-time enrollment. Typical course topics include project plan creation, risk management, and financial planning. You’ll also develop leadership and communications skills and explore business ethics and best practices.
If you’re applying to a master’s in project management program, it pays to do your research. Consider some of the following steps when looking into different schools.
Follow Admission Requirements
- All master’s programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college. Some online master’s in project management programs may require previous business courses, though many accept applicants of all majors.
- Most programs require a minimum 2.5-3.0 undergraduate GPA. Some may consider lower GPAs under certain circumstances.
- You may need to take a graduate test such as the GRE or GMAT, though not all schools require test scores.
- All programs require you to submit an official application online, which usually includes an application fee.
- You may need letters of recommendation from former professors or job supervisors.
- Your school may require you to submit a personal statement that describes your interest in the program and your professional goals.
Consider Degree and Specialization Options
- Some online master’s in project management programs let you choose a concentration or specialization as part of your curriculum.
- Choosing a specialization can help prepare you for work in specific industries.
- Potential specialization options include construction management, sustainability, and transportation management.
- A specialization can be a great choice if you already know what industry you want to work in or hope to advance in your current job.
- Most project management programs offer master of science degrees.
- You may be able to choose a project management concentration as part of an MBA or another business master’s degree. These programs build general business skills with a greater focus on project management concepts.
Research Popular Courses
While specific course offerings vary among schools, most project management programs touch on similar concepts. You’ll usually complete core courses, electives, and a culminating capstone experience. Common project management courses include:
- Principles of Project Management: This course introduces key concepts, methods, and tools for project management. Usually included as part of a program core, this course builds a foundation for further study in project management. The course may cover strategies for defining, planning, and executing projects. Other common topics include project scope, time, and cost.
- Agile Project Management: This class, offered as an elective or a core course, focuses on responding effectively to changing project conditions. Coursework highlights factors that can lead to changes in project scope, such as environment, competition, and shifts in customer needs.
- Capstone: Many programs include a final capstone or applied project in the final semester. Capstone experiences often require you to apply the skills you developed throughout the program to an issue or problem in project management.
How Much Do the Best Master’s in Project Management Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students of all types can expect to pay an annual average of $20,500 as of the 2021-2022 school year. At public schools, you’ll save by paying an annual in-state average of $12,596. Private colleges are more expensive, charging $28,017 per year on average.
Online master’s in project management programs don’t necessarily charge lower tuition rates than in-person programs, and you may need to pay additional technology fees for online courses. However, distance education can help you save on other related expenses, such as relocation, transportation, and childcare.
You have different options to finance your graduate studies, including scholarships and loans. Scholarships are merit-based and never require repayment, while federal and private loans offer repayment options with interest. Other forms of financial aid, such as grants, are less common at the graduate level.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Project Management?
An online master’s in project management prepares you for leadership roles in many fields. Project management concepts can apply to industries such as business, government, and finance. You might also find work in healthcare or social work management.
In general, these careers focus on overseeing the key elements of complex organizational projects. Project management specialists coordinate details like personnel, budget, and schedule. Similarly, management analysts look at organizations’ business practices and find ways to improve overall efficiency.
Project management is a versatile field, but there are always opportunities to develop your skills. Earning additional certifications in certain areas of business, like human resources or accounting, can help you pursue more specialized types of project management.
| Job Title | Industries | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Management Specialist | Finance and insurance, manufacturing, scientific and technical services | $98,580 | +6% |
| Management Analyst | Management of companies and enterprises, finance and insurance, government | $99,410 | +10% |
| Financial Manager | Business, insurance and financial management, government | $156,100 | +16% |
| Social and Community Services Managers | Government, individual and family services, community and vocational rehabilitation services | $77,000 | +9% |
| Human Resources Manager | Business, scientific and technical services, manufacturing, government | $136,400 | +5% |
| Logistician | Government, manufacturing, business | $79,400 | +18% |
How Do You Choose a Master’s in Project Management?
Choosing an online master’s in project management is a big decision with plenty of moving parts. This list highlights some of the major factors to consider when researching programs.
- Faculty Credentials: Research faculty members to see if their interests and values align with your own. Ideally, you want to work with professors whose research and expertise match your professional aspirations.
- Cost/Financial Aid: Cost can be a deciding factor when choosing a program. Earning a degree that creates less debt can give you more options after graduation and improve your financial future. Always explore financial aid opportunities when researching any program.
- Prestige/Reputation: While you shouldn’t choose a program based on prestige alone, it doesn’t hurt to research a school’s reputation and examine what type of jobs graduates usually take. A more prestigious program might lead to better job opportunities after graduation, even if you end up paying more in tuition.
- Accreditation: Always make sure a school holds institutional accreditation before you enroll. Without accreditation, you can’t receive financial aid and your credits won’t transfer to other accredited colleges.
More Questions About Graduate Programs in Project Management
Accreditation is very important for online master’s in project management programs. Always make sure a school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Individual project management degrees may also hold programmatic accreditation from the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.
