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best online masters

An online master’s degree in project management can change your life. You just have to choose the right program first. Here at Online College Plan, we have years of experience ranking business and management degrees and are proud to present our latest ranking on masters in project management below.

It takes a few good men (or women) to change the world.

At least an element of this classic statement hints at the truth all project managers inherently know: that greater numbers of people don’t always help when you’re trying to achieve a specific goal.

The notion that a small team of well-trained individuals pursuing a clearly defined goal is often the most effective has been around since time immemorial. In business settings, however, the idea of project management took a bit longer to catch on.

best online master's programs in project management

Today project management is at the heart of a wide variety of fields. And chances are, if there’s a high-stakes project that involves technical know-how, advanced research, or multidisciplinary teams, there’s a project manager running the show.

Project managers need the unique skill set of being able to take to teams and stakeholders who have a very wide range of viewpoints and skills. Most commonly, project managers are required to coordinate between technical team members (who don’t always get along), and business-centered upper managers (who also don’t always get along). Sound tough? It is, but for the right type of person — with the right type of training — it can be a highly impactful and rewarding career.

online masters program in project management

Corporate and public America agree and know very well the stakes of not having talented project managers on board. Salaries for project managers have been accelerated at a much quicker rate than salaries at large for close to 20 years. And by the year 2027, millions more project managers will be needed according to the most recent numbers.

The best news for those seeking careers in project management is that you can truly work in almost any field with a project management skillset. The fields with the highest demand are widely varied and include manufacturing, construction, IT, publishing, health care, finance, and utilities.

If you think you may be interested in pursuing a degree in project management, either to join the field or advance in it, be sure to look through some of our choices of the best programs below.

Before reading on, you may want to learn more about how programs were chosen to be included in this ranking.

The ranking methodology for masters in project management degrees includes many of the same factors and statistics that have proven to be reliable in many other academic rankings featured on OnlineCollegePlan. We understand that choosing the right degree program includes several considerations, such as the quality of the program, the return on investment, and how flexible it can be when it comes to your work and home life.

For this particular ranking our methodology may be seen below:

  • Academic Quality (33.33%): a range of metrics including admissions selectivity, whether or not a program is PMI GAC accredited, and the research profile of the parent university
  • Support Measures (33.3%): support services, range of events, and elements of flexibility – such as accelerated and asynchronous courses, and other similar factors
  • Return on Investment (33.3%): cost-related metrics including overall cost, cost per credit hour,  and if in-state and out-of-state tuition is available

Costs displayed below are tuition and fees as listed by the National Center for Education Statistics for graduate students when a choice was available.

  1. MERIT: 99.8
    View Profile Average Cost: $9,000

    Online Masters Degree in Project Management

    online masters degree in project management

    The Colorado State University – Global Campus’ masters in project management places as the best online masters in project management degree in this year’s ranking. This program comes from a leading source of online delivery-based degrees and offers a household name on your diploma. In addition, a range of elements makes this a great degree for non-traditional students who are working or fulfilling other obligations while they attend school.

    One of the unique elements of this program is the range of areas in which students can specialize. As of 2019, these specialization tracks include:

    • Applied Business Management
    • Criminal Justice Leadership
    • Healthcare Administration
    • And International Management

    Additionally, as with most degrees offered by CSU-Global, a range of supplementary focus areas may be added to your course of study. This allows students at both undergraduate and graduate levels to effectively “minor” in a related or unrelated area to their course of study. This degree requires 27 credit hours and is available fully online.

    About Colorado State University – Global Campus

    CSU-Global is a member of the Colorado State University system that operates entirely online degree offerings. As one of the earliest universities to jump whole-heartedly into online educational offerings, CSU-Global has had years to hone and expand their offerings. Presently, degrees are offered at the bachelor’s and masters levels, with a wide range of specializations within fields like education and business.

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  2. MERIT: 98.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $7,827

    Online Masters in Project Management (MPM)

    bellevue university, online masters in project management

    Bellevue University offers one of our top picks for the best online masters in project management degrees. This program places highly in our ranking due to its academic quality, relatively affordable coursework, as well as GAC and PMI-accredited status. Though the program is offered through a private university, it is still one of the most affordable surveyed for our ranking.

    While some programs in our ranking offer a range of specializations, Bellevue University’s program instead opts for a tried and tested selection of core courses. Each is offered by instructors who have achieved PMP certifications. And all courses are selected so as to cover all key areas of study specified in the PMBOK domain of knowledge. A capstone project helps to provide students with the ability to synthesize knowledge gained in prior courses and prepare a portfolio-ready project or piece of research.

    About Bellevue University

    Bellevue University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university that primarily provides coursework online. One of the major service areas for the university is coursework and support services geared towards non-traditional students. As of last year, 80% of the 10,000+ students at the university were over the age of 25. Particularly noteworthy programs within the university include offerings in education as well as business.

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  3. MERIT: 97.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $37,212

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    online masters programs in project management

    Among the best online master of science in project management degree programs available today is College of St. Scholastica’s program. This program places highly in our ranking due to its GAC accreditation for project management education, the fact that all instructors are PMP-certified and hold advanced experienced, it’s affordable price point, and it’s adult learner friendly nature.

    Exploring some of the metrics that place St. Scholastica’s program at the top of our ranking in greater detail, one should note that courses are offered in accelerated adult-learner friendly format. 8-week courses may be taken one at a time or with more than one course taken in tandem to accelerate time-until degree. Though the program is presented by a private university, it has one of the most affordable prices per credit hour of those we surveyed. Students proceed through the program in a cohort, providing additional connections and support. Specialization courses, as well as a capstone project, are available within the course of study.

    About the College of St. Scholastica

    The College of St. Scholastica is a small, private, Catholic-affiliated university with the main campus in Duluth, Minnesota. Though the college’s primary offerings are in-person, several graduate-level courses are available online and offer the same small class sizes and one-on-one attention offered in traditional programs.

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  4. MERIT: 97.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $7,761 (in-state)

    Online M.S. in Project Management

    online MS in project management, granite state college

    One of the best online masters in project management degrees within this year’s ranking may be found in Granite State College’s fully online M.S. in project management degree. This degree program places highly in our ranking due to its flexibility in delivery methods, affordable nature, and GAC accreditation.

    Students who gain admission to this regionally and programmatically accredited program have the option of pursuing courses fully online, in a hybrid format, or 100% in-person. Students may switch which track they are pursuing throughout the program at will. While some programs in this year’s ranking offer a range of specializations, Granite State University’s project management masters sticks to tried and true courses that provide a general graduate-level understanding of some of the most in-demand project management skills. Students work through a project management seminar, courses in risk management, the leading of teams, planning and scheduling, quality management, PM portfolios, and more. An integrated project management capstone project pulls together multiple classes as well as a real-world project at the end of the program.

    About Granite State College

    Granite State College is a unique member of the University of New Hampshire university system. With a primary aim to provide affordable and accessible higher education offerings for non-traditional students, Granite State University offers both in-person and online options within a range of academic disciplines. The University is relatively small, with slightly over 2,000 students in its entirety. This helps to keep class sizes small and leads to quality support services for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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  5. MERIT: 97.2
    View Profile Average Cost: $35,110

    Online M.S. in Project Management

    online masters programs in project management, Saint mary's university of minnesota

    One of the best online masters in project management degrees surveyed for this year’s ranking is offered by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. The elements we like about this program include relatively affordable tuition, PMI GAC accreditation, and the academic quality of the management school. The degree is structured such that students should be largely prepared to sit for the PMP exam at the end of their period of study.

    36 credit hours are required for graduation from the program including 27 courses in project management, 6 credit hours in management, and a three-hour capstone course at the end of the program. For students with experience as IT project managers, one of the courses in the course of study may be waived. Students may begin their course of study in any term, and the program typically takes 2 years to complete once started. All coursework offered within the program is chosen due to its focus on a PMBOK area of academic study.

    About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

    Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a mid-sized private, Catholic-affiliated University with online offerings as well as campuses across the state of Minnesota. Many degrees are offering online, in-person or in a hybrid format. About four out of five students at the university study primary online. Degree offerings are available in a wide range of disciplines for the size of the school, and at the bachelor’s through doctoral levels.

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  6. MERIT: 97
    View Profile Average Cost: $36,000

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    Lasell University, Online masters programs

    Lasell University offers one of the best online masters in project management we’ve seen in this year’s ranking. Metrics that helped this program to place close to the top of our ranking include PMI GAC accreditation, relatively affordable tuition, academic quality of the programming, as well as flexibility-enhancing program components.

    Particular aspects we surveyed in compiling the top-notch metrics for Lasell University’s program include adult-learner friendly features including courses that are capped at 23 students, no graduate school admissions test requirements, and the ability to accelerate your time-until-degree to 12 months. Students wishing to proceed at a slower pace may also “extend” the program to a more normal length of 24 months. All students within the program have the option of completing an internship or capstone research project for course credit at the end of their course of study.

    About Lasell University

    Lasell University has a main campus located in Auburndale, Massachusetts. This relatively small school (by student body) is private and offers both online and in-person degrees. Their graduate project management degree is particularly well regarded. Highlights of the university include numerous support services, adult-friendly degrees, and small class sizes.

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  7. MERIT: 96.8
    View Profile Average Cost: $22,584

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    Liberty University, Online Masters Degree in project management

    No list of the best online masters in project management degrees would be complete without mention of this leader in adult and non-traditional education, Liberty University (LU). LU’s program places prominently in our ranking due to the program’s flexibility, it’s nationally known name, and support services.

    As with many of Liberty’s programs, accelerated courses may be pursued to graduate more quickly. In the case of their PMP program, students may graduate in as little as 1.5 years. Additional flexibility-boosting program components include a generous transfer policy that can even grant credit for experience you have in your career. 8 program start dates are available annually. Additional perks for veterans include additional support services as well as discounted tuition.

    About Liberty University

    Liberty University is the largest non-profit, private university in the United States. It is known for its conservative Christian viewpoints, and it’s extremely wide range of online degree offerings. Around 9 out of 10 of the 100,000+ students at the school study online, making it one of the most well-recognized names in online education.

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  8. MERIT: 96
    View Profile Average Cost: $8,296 (in-state)

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    Our eighth pick for the best online masters in project management goes to Sam Houston State University’s program. Metrics that are particularly noteworthy for this program include affordable tuition costs, the university’s track record with online business education, and the university’s nationally known name.

    Diving into specifics, the university’s program is the 7th most affordable of all programs surveyed in this year’s ranking. The purpose of the program is to prepare students to sit for the PMI PMP exam, a leading industry standard for preparedness among project managers. With a 36 credit hour program, low tuition rates, and a range of scholarship opportunities, students can rest assured that Sam Houston’s program won’t break the bank.

    About Sam Houston State University

    Sam Houston State University is a public university member of the Texas State University System. Originally founded as a teacher’s college, Sam Houston is the third oldest university in the state of Texas, and one of the oldest public universities in the western United States. Today over 21,000 students call the university home studying a wide range of disciplines at the undergraduate and graduate levels of study.

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  9. MERIT: 95.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $37,914

    Online Master of Science in Management: Project Management

    New England College, online master's degree in project management

    Of the over 50 programs we surveyed for our ranking of the best online masters in project management, New England College showed out in a number of metrics. Most namely, top metrics included accelerated courses (if you so choose), relatively affordable tuition, and nationally recognized name among business schools.

    With accelerated 7-week courses, students may elect to decrease their time until degree or work in bursts through their program while juggling the rest of their work and life commitments. One unique aspect of this degree program compared to others in our ranking is its focus on the general field of management. For the right candidate, this could be a great way to not only get into project management but to advance into higher levels of management as time goes by. A course in research methods and a strategic capstone are unique offerings within the degree that makes it more rigorous academically than many in our ranking.

    About New England College

    New England College is a private university that primarily offers liberal arts degrees and has a main campus in Henniker, New Hampshire. The school has a relatively small student body of just under 3,000 students and is known for small class sizes and plenty of individual attention from professors. In recent years, New England College has grown its online degree offerings, particularly in business fields.

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  10. MERIT: 95.7
    View Profile Average Cost: $7,796 (in-state)

    Online M.S. in Project Management

    online masters programs in project management

    One of the best online masters in project management degrees we’ve seen this year is presented by the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. We placed this degree program in our ranking due to several surveyed metrics including the program’s PMI GAC accreditation, adult learner-friendly program elements, and the overall quality of the parent institution.

    Three optional emphasis areas make this one of the most customizable programs that we surveyed for this year’s ranking, including:

    • Human Capital Administration
    • Integrated Supply Chain Management
    • And Managing Engineering Projects

    Additionally one of the widest ranges of elective courses seen of any program surveyed this year is available in Platteville’s program. Students may elect to pursue a masters-level thesis at the end of their course of study. Though there are a wide range of options in this program, all potential courses are aligned with PMBOK subject areas and may be used to prepare for your PMP certification.

    About University of Wisconsin Platteville

    The University of Wisconsin Platteville is a public university member of the University of Wisconsin System. This mid-sized school (by student enrollment) has close to 9,000 students primarily at the bachelor’s and masters levels of study. Five online degree programs are offered and account for close to a third of the school’s total enrollment.

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  11. MERIT: 95.5
    View Profile Average Cost: $7,416 (in-state)

    Online Management Masters Degree With PM Specialization

    Univeristy of Maryland Global Campus

    One of the best online masters in project management for this year’s ranking can be seen in the University of Maryland Global Campus’s online masters in management degree. This degree is meant to prepare students to take one (or both) of the CAPM or PMP exams upon graduation. Elements of the program that helped us to place UMGC’s program in this year’s ranking included the PMI GAC accreditation of the program, adult-learning friendly program elements, national name of the university, and ability to customize the degree.

    While all courses available in the degree program were chosen based on their alignment with PMBOK project management subject domains, students may customize their degree to a decent extent. In fact, a majority of the degree program credit hour-wise is specialization courses. Upon completion of two-thirds of the degree program, students must pursue an integrated capstone project meant to synthesize understandings built in previously studied topics.

    About the University of Maryland Global Campus

    The University of Maryland Global Campus, formerly University of Maryland University College, is a public member of the University of Maryland system that primarily focuses on distance and adult learning. With over 90,000 students it is one of the largest distance education providers in the world. This can be a definite benefit when you obtain your degree as employers are likelier to have seen the quality of graduates first hand before.

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  12. MERIT: 94.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $41,850

    Online M.S. in Project Management

    online master of science in project management, florida tech

    Florida Institute of Technology is one of the largest names in technical and management education and a shoo-in for our ranking of the best online masters in project management. Particular reasons why we placed this program in our ranking include adult and non-traditional student-friendly courses, a variety of campus locations (offered in tandem with online courses), national brand recognition, and the quality of the school for business, management, and technical education.

    Additional perks of this program include the ability to tackle real-world problems in tandem with real organizations during your capstone experience. All courses within this program are taught with PMP certified instructors that hold doctoral degrees. All courses are aligned with the five key subject areas of PMBOK project management study.

    About Florida Institute of Technology

    Florida Institute of Technology is a private technical university well known within technology, business, and aerospace communities. In-person campuses are available at many engineering hubs and military bases. Particularly for students seeking work within military, engineering, or aerospace settings, FIT is a well-known university with a great reputation.

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  13. MERIT: 94.8
    View Profile Average Cost: $50,556

    Online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership – Project Management

    university of denver, online masters programs in project management

    We like to provide a range of degree types in our ranking of the best online masters in project management. In keeping in line with this ideal, we’ve included Denver University’s masters in organizational leadership that includes a concentration in project management. Additional reasons why this degree program places highly in our ranking include accelerated courses, adult learner-friendly degree support, and the quality of the parent institution.

    Some particular aspects we like about DU’s program in organizational leadership include 10-week courses that can help accelerate students’ time until degree. The unique angle of organizational leadership may not as directly prepare students to take their PMP certification exam, but it does offer unique courses that may be particularly useful for some PM roles. These courses include a wide range of elective courses offered on top of the specialization, social science research courses, and a lens through which many organization types are considered.

    About University of Denver

    The University of Denver is a private research university known as the oldest private university in the region. Today the university is home to close to 12,000 students with a slight majority of students studying at the graduate level. In recent years, robust online offerings, particularly in business-related disciplines have been highly regarded.

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  14. MERIT: 94.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $16,973

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    CityU, online masters degree in project management

    Another one of this year’s best online masters in project management degrees is offered by City University of Seattle. We like this program for its focus on the whole person, lifelong learning, and a variety of skills that supplement academic work in project management. Additionally, the program is PMI GAC accredited as well as tailored for adult learners who work full time.

    Additional perks of the program include three annual start dates, the ability to take courses in a hybrid or fully-online delivery method, as well as the fact that CityU courses count for continuing education credits with the Project Management Institute. While students at CityU don’t have a wide range of electives or specializations to choose from, all courses chosen for the program are aligned with PMBOK study areas.

    About City University of Seattle

    The City University of Seattle is a private, not-for-profit university with a primary aim of supporting non-traditional and adult students in higher education. Close to 7,000 students attend the university, primarily at the graduate level. Campuses are available in many cities throughout the world, and a wide range of degrees are offered 100% online as well.

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  15. MERIT: 94.2
    View Profile Average Cost: $18,444

    Online Master of Project Management

    online master of project management, university of mary

    One of the best online masters in project management we found in this year’s survey is offered by University of Mary. This program placed in our ranking for quality scores in a variety of metrics including its accelerated nature, relatively affordable tuition cost, and the quality of the program’s parent institution.

    In greater detail, some of the highlights of University of Mary’s online masters in project management include a 15-month graduation time as well as a wide range of specializations (likely more than any other program surveyed for this year’s ranking). Specialization areas include:

    • Human Resource Management
    • Health Care
    • Virtuous Leadership
    • Managerial Leadership
    • Public Administration

    About University of Mary

    The University of Mary is a private, Benedictine (Catholic) university with a main campus located in Bismarck, North Dakota. This mid-sized university (by student enrollment) is known for small class sizes and individual attention at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A unique element of the University of Mary’s masters in project management degree is the inclusion of some Catholic-centered coursework in the form of a virtuous leadership concentration.

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  16. MERIT: 93.8
    View Profile Average Cost: $31,136

    Online Masters in Project Management and Operations

    SNHU, online masters degree programs in project management

    One of the favorite picks for the best online masters in project management for this year is seen in Southern New Hampshire University’s program. Operations management and logistics are some of the largest and most in-demand disciplines within management, and we love the combination of operations and project management in this degree. Other elements that helped to place the degree program in our ranking include an accelerated time-until degree, adult-friendly learning support, and the national recognition of the parent institution.

    Specific notes that are unique about this degree program include its ability to focus on both operations and project management while still preparing students for their PMP exams. The program is PMI GAC accredited, which is the highest accrediting body for project management degrees. Additionally, students may graduate in as little as 15 months.

    About Southern New Hampshire University

    Southern New Hampshire University is a private, regionally accredited university with a main campus located in New Hampshire. The school is known for catering to adult and non-traditional students, and a majority of the student body studies online. Some of their most popular programs include business and education degrees.

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  17. MERIT: 93.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $35,814

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    embry-riddle aeronautical university, online master of science in project management

    One of our top picks for this year’s list of the best online masters in project management can be found at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With engineering and aeronautics firms being some of the first and most wide adopters of project management, it makes sense that an engineering university would offer a quality program in project management. Some of the key metrics we looked at in placing Embry-Riddle’s program in this year’s ranking include its relatively affordable tuition rate, it’s academic quality, and it’s nationally-known name.

    As a PMI GAC accredited program, Embry-Riddle’s program focuses on key curricular areas as outlined in the PMBOK. Specific areas this program focuses on include financial management of projects, planning and documentation, personal development, and development of staff. A capstone project ends the program and aims to both integrate prior coursework and a real-world program. The capstone projects results in an electronic portfolio of project management research and work.

    About Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a space-grant, private university that primarily offers engineering and management degrees. With campuses located at some of the major hotbeds of aerospace research, as well as a majority of their degrees online, a wide range of students working in or planning to work in the aerospace industry can take advantage of Embry-Riddle’s offerings.

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  18. MERIT: 92.8
    View Profile Average Cost: $3,926 (in-state)

    Online Master in Project Management

    Western Carolina University, online master in project management

    Western Carolina University’s PMP program makes a solid showing in this year’s ranking of the best online masters in project management. We liked this program due to its PMI GAC accreditation, it’s affordable tuition rate, and it’s well-known name at the national level. As a PMI GAC accredited schools, courses which are taken with WCU’s PMP program count as continuing education credits for maintaining current certifications and can also help you to prepare for your PMP exam.

    Some of the elements of this program that we particularly admire include the ability to use courses to meet prerequisites to sit for the PMP exam, or to gain continuing education credits. Unlike some of the programs in our ranking, this degree is focused on providing added value for mid-career project managers. Three terms a year help students to cycle through courses and complete their degree in two years.

    About Western Carolina University

    Western Carolina University is a public school member of the University of North Carolina System. This mid-sized school is home to close to 12,000 students and is known for quality programming as well as online degree offerings. As of 2018, tuition costs were rapidly reduced at Western Carolina University.

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  19. MERIT: 92.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $8,450 (in-state)

    Online MS in IT Project Management

    Purdue university, online masters program in project management

    One of the very best online masters in project management degree programs in this year’s ranking is offered by Purdue University. This degree program places highly in our ranking due to the academic quality fo the program, the nationally known name of the school, and the great degree of flexibility provided by the program. Additionally, the degree is IT-centered, so while it may not be the best choice for all project managers, for some it may well be the perfect choice.

    Some of the flexibility-enhancing features we love about the program include eight-week accelerated courses. Students have the choice to pile many courses one after the other or to spread these “sprints” out. Some students graduate from this program in 18 months, while others take 5 years, which is great for students needing more flexibility in their course of study. This program is meant to prepare graduates to sit for their PMP exam.

    About Purdue University

    Purdue University is a public research university with the main campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. It is the flagship member of the university system that shares its name, and home to over 40,000 students. The university is known for being one of the top public universities in the United States.

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  20. MERIT: 92.4
    View Profile Average Cost: $23,900

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    online master of science in project management, harrisburg university

    Harrisburg University offers another one of our top picks for the best online masters in project management in this year’s ranking. We like this program for its reasonable tuition, nationally-known name, and PMI GAC accreditation (among other things!). This 36 credit hour program is meant to prepare students for real-world management as well as taking their PMP exam, and do so with applied and rigorous coursework from experienced professionals.

    Some of the other elements we love about this program include the wide range of corporate faculty, most of whom hold PMP certifications themselves. A unique element found in the program is the Agile Lean specialization. While this is one of the most common management frameworks, few of the programs in this year’s ranking have a concentration specifically on the topic.

    About Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

    Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private science, technology, engineering, and math-centered university that has a main campus in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This mid-sized university is known for its high-quality small class sizes. Of additional note to students seeking a degree in project management from HU, the school is home to a research center focusing on Agile and Lean management methodologies.

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  21. MERIT: 92.1
    View Profile Average Cost: $13,034 (in-state)

    Online MS or MBA in Project Management

    University of Texas Dallas, online masters degree in project management

    One of the most versatile picks for the best online masters in project management degree providers of this year can be seen in University of Texas Dallas. UT Dallas offers not one, but three ways to advance your project management knowledge at the graduate level including a PM core program that offers a certificate in project management, an MS in project management, or an MBA with a project management focus.

    No matter the route you take, you’ll have access to a relatively flexible degree program that allows you up to 6 years to complete your coursework. Both the “in-person” and online versions utilize online coursework, with in-person delivery meeting periodically for 8-hour courses on the weekends, and online delivery offering 100% online courses.

    About the University of Texas at Dallas

    University of Texas at Dallas is a public research university that is one of the member institutions of the well-known University of Texas system. The school is particularly well known for The Naveen Jindal School of Management (through which the MS and MBA in project management are offered), which is one of the top business schools in the United States.

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  22. MERIT: 91.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $51,522

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    Northeastern University, online master of science in project management

    Northeastern University provides one of this year’s choices for the best online masters in project management degrees. This program places in our ranking due to metrics including it’s nationally known name, well-known business school, PMI GAC accreditation, and potentially accelerated nature. Additional selling points of the program include a self-paced option and a range of concentrations students may focus on in their time in the program.

    The range of concentrations available in the Northeastern Masters in Project Management Program includes:

    • Clinical Trial Design
    • Construction Management
    • Geographic Information Systems
    • Info Security Management
    • Leadership
    • Leadership and Management of Technical Projects
    • Organizational Communication
    • Agile Project Management
    • Program and Portfolio Management
    • Project Business Analysis

    Another unique feature of the program includes an entirely self-paced option, which is a rarity among the top business schools in the United States. Experiential learning including a full-time paid co-op for 3-6 months are available to students if they so choose.

    About Northeastern University

    Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Northeastern University is a private research university that is home to around 25,000 students. The university is known as one of the top research universities in the nation, and also known for their Co-Op experiences that allow students to gain experience “in the real world” during their course of study.

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  23. MERIT: 91.6
    View Profile Average Cost: $13,988

    Online Master of Project Management

    Penn State World Campus, online learning, online masters programs in project management

    Few lists of online business degrees — including the best online masters in project management – would be complete without mentioning Penn State World Campus. This well-known provider of online business degrees places in this year’s ranking due to well-known name, it’s PMI GAC accreditation, it’s range of support services, and the wide range of electives offered in the program.

    While there are no concentration areas within the program, the list of electives available to online students is among the longest of programs surveyed, and effectively allow students to create their own concentration. Students already holding a graduate degree in business, or who cannot commit to the entire masters program, may also pursue a graduate certificate in project management. Though online, the program is built such that students interact with one another and keep their relationships with diverse classmates after they graduate

    About Pennsylvania State University World Campus

    Pennsylvania State University World Campus is the online campus of the Pennsylvania State University system. It is one of the oldest major providers of online degrees in the United States and has built a range of innovative options for fully-working adults seeking to further their degree.

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  24. MERIT: 91.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $55,395

    Online Master of Science in Project and Program Management

    Brandeis university, online master of science in project and program management

    Brandeis University provides this entry in our ranking of the best online masters in project management degrees ranking. We like this program for the academic quality of the program, a wide range of electives, nationally-known name of the university, and flexibility offered to students through the degree. Another particularly unique aspect of the program consists of the fact that a majority of students (66%) within the program are female.

    This program allows students to tailor their course of study with about one-third of the program being student-chosen electives. The elective list is long and provides different offerings for many years. Over 300 students have graduated from this program since its inception in 2003 (fairly early for an online degree).

    About Brandeis University

    Brandeis University is a private research university located right outside of Boston, Massachusetts. The university is mid-sized, with close to 6,000 students and is known for its focus on strong liberal arts courses. In recent years the university has expanded its graduate and online offerings as well. Brandeis is known for being one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States.

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  25. MERIT: 90.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $36,810

    Online Masters in Project Leadership and Management

    Regis University

    Regis University offers a unique take on a program in our annual ranking of the best online masters in project management degrees. This program blends leadership courses geared towards project management leaders with straight-up project management courses. We like this degree program for its PMI GAC accreditation, flexible nature, and nationally known brand.

    Elements that we particularly admire about Regis University’s program include its accelerated nature. Students can complete the program early or work in spread out “sprints” with the program’s eight-week courses. Three start-dates a year further enhance this flexibility. A unique capstone experience focuses on corporate social responsibility, which aligns with Regis’ mission and many of their other degrees in focusing on social issues.

    About Regis University

    Regis University is a well-known Jesuit (Catholic) university with a main campus located in Denver, Colorado. This mid-sized university has close to 8,500 students and is known for socially conscious academic programming, rigorous liberal arts learning, and online degrees.

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  26. MERIT: 90.7
    View Profile Average Cost: $54,104

    Online Masters in Project Management

    Georgetown University, online masters degree programs in project management

    Georgetown University provides one of this year’s best online masters in project management degrees. Some elements we noted in our ranking metrics on Georgetown’s program included the flexible nature of the program that provides good support for working students, the nationally-known name of the parent institution, and the program’s uniquely strong focus on both soft skills and technical skills.

    Flexibility-enhancing components of the program include the ability to pursue the program on a part-time or full-time basis ranging from 2 to 5 years, three start dates a year, and the ability to take courses online or in-person. The range of completion times means that students can take as many as three courses at once, or as few as one at a time. Additionally, a range of electives helps students to tailor their course of study to their own needs.

    About Georgetown University

    Georgetown University is a private research university with a main campus located in Washington, D.C. The university is known as a major training center for many government diplomats, politicians, and those that work within a variety of industries within the capitol. In recent years, Georgetown University has expanded its offerings of online degrees as well.

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  27. MERIT: 90.3
    View Profile Average Cost: $53,244

    Online Masters in Project Management

    Drexel University, Online Masters programs in project management

    One of the best online masters in project management we’ve selected for this year’s ranking is offered by Drexel University. This program stands out among those surveyed for its accelerated courses, adult-friendly format, highly recognized name, and alignment with PMBOK subject areas. Drexel is a known innovator among applied degrees, and their masters in project management degree is no exception here.

    Some of the particular elements of the program we noted in support of our metrics include 10-week courses. This means that time-until degree can be slightly accelerated when compared to traditional semester systems (10 weeks comprises one academic “quarter”). All courses are taught by experienced industry professionals, and though there are no concentration areas to choose from in this program, the degree path was formulated to align with PMBOK standards. The purpose is meant to prepare successful graduates for sitting for the PMP exam.

    About Drexel University

    Drexel University is an innovative private research university with a main campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university is known for giving students hands-on experience. In particular, their undergraduate requirement that students work in an industry setting related to their degree for 18 months before graduation. Drexel University has historically been known for its technology, science, and business degrees.

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  28. MERIT: 89.9
    View Profile Average Cost: $52,202

    Online Masters in Enterprise Project Management

    SIT, online masters degrees in project management

    One of this year’s picks for one of the best online masters in project management is presented by Stevens Institute of Technology. This program makes it into this year’s ranking for strong showings in metrics including diverse delivery modes, academic quality, range of concentrations for students to choose from, and nationally known name.

    Coursework is offered within fully in-person, fully online, as well as specialized corporate formats. Three concentrations allow students to tailor their course of study to some extent. The three concentrations include general management, software engineering, and construction management. Additionally, the program holds PMI GAC accreditation, so students can know that the courses they’re studying will help to prepare them for continuing education credits or to sit for their PMP exam.

    About Stevens Institute of Technology

    Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university with a main campus located in Hoboken, New Jersey. The university is one of the oldest dedicated to technology and engineering, and the oldest dedicated to mechanical engineering. Today this innovative institution is also known for its online degrees in a variety of business, technology, and management disciplines.

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  29. MERIT: 89.7
    View Profile Average Cost: $53,948

    Online Master of Science in Project Management

    online masters programs in project management

    One of our choices for this year’s ranking of the best online masters in project management is offered by Boston University. This program caught out eye due to a variety of metrics including an accelerated time until completion, PMI GAC accreditation, the ability to use the degree (or the corresponding certificate) for PDUs, and the nationally known name of Boston University.

    Specific elements we liked about the program include the ability to graduate in as few as 18 months. Highly qualified professors, small class sizes, and PMBOK-aligned coursework show that this program is also top-notch in academic quality. While this is one of the more expensive programs surveyed for this year’s ranking, it’s also a particularly well-known and high-quality program that should not be dismissed on high price along.

    About Boston University

    Boston University is a private research university with a main campus located in Boston, Massachusetts. The university has over 33,000 students and a large research budget. In recent years, the university has expanded its graduate degrees available fully online.

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  30. MERIT: 89.5
    View Profile Average Cost: $48,459

    Online Master of Science in Agile Project Management

    American University, online master of science degree in agile project management

    American University presents a unique offering that rounds out our ranking of the best online masters in project management degrees. Some elements that pushed Americans program into this year’s ranking include an accelerated time until degree, the unique focus of the program, and the range of electives that students may choose from within their course of study.

    Students may elect to finish their course of study in as little as 20 months with full-time study, or slow their study down if that better suits their work and life commitments. Online students in all American University programs have the chance to attend on-campus networking and program-specific events. Additionally, all students are required to complete a capstone project before graduation from their degree program.

    About American University

    American University, located in Washington D.C., is a private research university with a long history of providing education to prominent diplomats, public servants, and politicians. Americans offerings, however, don’t stop there, with policy-related educations. This mid-sized school of slightly over 13,000 students is known for innovative degrees in a wide range of schools. In recent you’re they’ve also expanded their online offerings.

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online masters degree, project management

Is a Masters Degree in Project Management Worth It?

Let’s put it this way, while you don’t need a degree in project management to gain a job as a project manager, the most competitive and compelling projects often feature highly educated and skilled managers. If you’re looking to gain entrance into a project manager role with little experience or are already a project manager and want to take on more high-profile projects, a master’s in project management is by no means a bad idea.

Additionally, if you’re truly dedicated to the craft of project management, you’ll want to stay up-to-date with the latest developments within the field. Many organizations require project managers to currently hold or be seeking their PMP (project management professional) certification. Many master’s in project management degrees can help to prepare students for their PMP exam. Additionally, for students who already hold their PMP, many masters in project management programs can help you to keep your PMP licensure up to date with professional development units.

One final argument in favor of gaining a master’s in project management – even if you already work as a project manager – is that research has shown that employees with higher-level business degrees are less likely to be let go as well as more likely to earn more throughout their career.

What Jobs Can You Get With an MBA in Project Management?

Online Masters in Project ManagementMBAs are unique degrees in that MBA recipients are found at nearly every level of public and private organizations. While an MBA won’t get you immediately promoted to the “C suite,” MBAs are unique in that they provide a framework through which to understand most business disciplines at most levels. This makes them particularly useful degrees as you continue to work your way up the corporate (or public) ladder.

Additionally, MBAs provide coursework in a wide range of business disciplines, so they can prepare you to move “sideways” within an organization. If you were working in project management related to construction, you may be able to move into a project management position in marketing or logistics with an MBA.

While you can gain a position as a project manager with a general MBA, project management has become increasingly specialized in the past few years. A project management concentration within an MBA can help you to secure an initial job working in project management, and then support your career growth through other roles afterward.

Additional jobs that an MBA in project management can help to prepare you for include program manager, product manager, and nearly any other lower management position that you have some experience related to (logistics, marketing, IT, and so forth).

What Jobs Can You Get With a Masters in Project Management?

Best Online Masters in Project ManagementMasters in project management provide greater depth of project management-centered courses than MBAs in project management. They require roughly the same number of credit hours, and commonly two years of study for completion. But all courses within those two years are at least somewhat related to project management.

This is to say that there’s potentially no single degree better at preparing you for a project management role than a master’s in project management. While you can certainly gain advancement to higher management roles from a project management role, this degree primarily prepares you for the project level of management.

Additionally, many project management master’s degrees provide specialization areas that can help you move into exactly the type of project management role you would like to move into. For example, while there’s a great deal that’s the same between project management in an IT setting and a construction setting, there are also specialized methods and concepts for both. Moving into the exact field you’re interested in is easier with a master’s in project management that either provides a choice of electives or a concentration area.

What Colleges Offer Project Management Degrees?

Online Masters in Project ManagementThousands of colleges and universities offer degrees in project management. But when you narrow your list down based on the delivery method, the price, the location, and the accreditation of schools, the numbers shrink dramatically.

Most project management programs offered in the United States are regionally accredited, which is the highest form of accreditation available to a college or university as a whole. Worldwide, only 127 programs are PMI GAC accredited, which is considered the highest form of accreditation specific to project management degrees. Of online providers at the masters level, just a handful are PMI GAC accredited.

This is to say that while there are many colleges and universities that offer project management degrees, the more important question is, “How many schools do I have to choose between for project management degrees that meet my specifications?”

One final note on this question is that you don’t need a degree with project management in the title to gain a valuable degree that can land you a project management job. Degrees in many subjects can lead you to a project management role, though will likely require more experience before you are promoted than if you straight up had a project management degree.

What is PMI GAC Accreditation?

Online Masters in Project ManagementThe PMI GAC accreditation is considered the premier accreditation standard for project management programs. So what does it stand for?

PMI stands for the Project Management Institute, which is a global non-profit professional group that advocates for and promotes knowledge and standards related to project management.

GAC stands for Global Accreditation Center, which is a component of PMI. The global accreditation center performs specialized monitoring and assessments of academic programs related to project management.

In order for a program to obtain the PMI GAC status, it must jump through a wide range of hoops. Perhaps most noteworthy is the program’s alignment with the PMBOK (the Project Management Body of Knowledge). The PMBOK helps to dictate what is on the PMP exam, perhaps the most important and official project management exam available today. Many PMI GAC programs are centered around the aim of preparing students to sit for their PMP exam.

Other requirements for obtaining PMI GAC standing (among many) include:

  • Having processes in place to hone educational quality
  • Programs must have a clearly worded mission statement that aligns with PMI standards
  • And programs must have proper permissions to operate their programs as they do

Online Masters in Project Management

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