20 Best Online Masters in Project Management

There’s no doubt that project management is a vital skill set in today’s job market. 

The rise of digital transformation across industries has opened up new doors. It’s expanded opportunities for professionals in project management. 

Featured Programs

Are you curious about the best degrees? We’ll take a closer look at them in this post. 

Methodology: Points are awarded with equal weight. This was determined by the following criteria. There’s a range of point possibilities from zero to one within each category.

• Program Accreditation (25%): Accreditation from the PMI-GAC or comparable body
• Accessibility (25%): Extent degree can be completed online
• Reputation and Recognition (25%): Placement in well-known and reputable rankings such as U.S. News & World Report
• Clear Career-Advancing Focus (25%): Specific Career Services and resources and clearly stated on website that the program 

PMP^® and PMI^® and PMBOK^® are registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.

See Also: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

20 Best Online Masters in Project Management

#1. Stevens Institute of Technology

Project Management Online MS

The MPM degree at Stevens is a 30-credit hour degree. It is a Master’s in Enterprise Project Management degree program. It’s all online through Steven’s School of Business. 

This is a PMI Registered Education Provider (R.E.P.) school. The Steven’s master degree program curriculum provides 35 professional development units (PDUs). This is towards Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. This can also go toward maintenance of the certification. 

The core curriculum covers topics such as:

• Leader Development
• Project Analytics

You will learn how to manage projects and become an effective project manager in any setting.

There are three concentration areas to customize the degree. Students can choose the general track. It focuses on strategy, finances, and leadership. They can also choose more specialized technical-focused concentrations. These are in either Software Engineering or Construction Management. 

This program offers convenience and excellence through live, interactive classes and collaborative group projects. 

There is plenty of assistance for online students in the nationally-recognized Stevens Career Center. Online students receive dedicated and specific online support through the Continuing and Professional Student Care Center as well. Accredited by PMI-GAC

See Also: 20 Best Online MBA in Strategy

#2. Northeastern University

Master’s in Project Management 

The MPM program at Northeastern University is hands-on and focused on practical applications.

Core courses include:

• Project Scope Management
• Risk Management
• Leading Remote Project Teams
• Negotiation, Mediation, and Facilitation

Students have eight concentration areas from which to choose. Full-time students can complete the program in just one year. Part time students take around two. Students can take full advantage of the College of Professional Studies Career Resources. It offers students assistance with everything from career-planning to technical help such as resumé-building. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#3. Florida Institute of Technology

Master’s in Project Management 

One of the best online masters degrees in project management you’ll find is in the FIT Virtual Site. Florida Tech’s online master’s can be completed online (or on-site at several different locations). 

There are two dedicated concentrations in Information Systems and Operations Research. 

Students can select electives to create their own concentration customization. The degree has 33-credit hours. The curriculum is “relevant to today’s workplace.” Classes include:

• Organizational Behavior
• Cost and Economics Analysis
• Project Tools and Techniques

There’s also a final, hands-on Capstone project. The Florida Tech Project Management curriculum satisfies the educational requirements for PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. 

There are prerequisite courses that may be waived depending upon a student’s undergraduate degree. Applicants should consult with an advisor. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#4. Western Carolina University

Master’s in Project Management 

If you’re looking for a project management master degree online with some serious accolades, look at WCU.

This project management program has the distinction of being the very first PMI-GAC accredited project management program. The Master of Project Management (MPM) degree program is through WCU’s School of Economics, Management and Project Management. It covers all the bases!

All courses are pre-approved to allow students to sit for the PMP Credential certification. For students who already have their certification, it lets them receive the professional development units (PDUs) to maintain their credentials. 

All faculty members have both a doctoral degree and Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. The program is housed in the AACSB accredited College of Business. It has a “global focus.” 

Classes in the 36-credit hour program are all online. They begin in either January or August, and take two years. Students should be mid-career level with two years of relevant work experience. The Center for Career and Professional Development is available to all online students and graduates as a resource. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#5. Boston University

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

The next project management masters degree online on our list can be found in Boston.

The AACSB accredited Boston University’s Metropolitan College provides a Master of Science in Project Management degree program. 

The program exists as a hybrid program, or on-campus. It has 40 hours. Most students take between eighteen to 24 months to graduate. Those who have achieved their PMI credentials can gain up to 45 PDUs. 

This program is a huge boon for the online student. BU employs specific Instructional Designers to guide instructors as they craft their online coursework. This leads to an exceptional distance education curriculum and student experience.

BU collaborates with the resource Smarthinking™. It offers both current online students and alum the assistance of 24/7 online tutoring support. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#6. University of Texas at Dallas

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

The MS in Management Science (MS MAS) degree with a Project Management concentration is another one of the best online masters programs in project management. It is just one of three possibilities through the Project Management Program. This is at the AACSB accredited UT Dallas Naveen Jindal School of Management. 

Students can participate in the 20-credit hour project management core to pursue a certificate. They may also further their education with 19 more hours through the MS MAS degree program. They may continue even further to gain an MBA degree with project management emphasis by taking 14 more credits. 

All students start as a cohort. They experience the core and obtain their certificate in twelve months. 

Then, students engage in an International Study Trip. 

Classes include:

• Project Execution Planning
• Information Technology for Management

These courses allow UT Dallas to issue PDUs to certified individuals to maintain their credentials. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#7. City University of Seattle

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

CityU’s ACBSP-accredited School of Management has an online degree in Project Management that is one of the best online masters in project management around. 

Classes cover topics like:

• Measuring Project Performance for Success
• Mastering Portfolios and Programs
• Leading Domestic and Global Teams

The courses in this 45-credit hour program count as continuing education credits to maintain project management certification. 

They also gain the assistance of the Online Career Management Community. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#8. Colorado State University-Global Campus

Master’s Degree in Project Management 

As one would expect from a university that only offers online programs, the CSU-Global Campus has a superb online master of project management.

The 36-credit hour program is in line with the PMBOK®. The curriculum helps students prepare to sit for the certification exam. 

• Students study relevant topics such as:
• Project Metrics, Monitoring, and Control
• Contracts, Procurement, and Risk Management

They may choose from a vast array of specialization options. There are fifteen specializations, including:

• Applied Business Management
• Finance
• Information Technology

CSU-Global provides start dates at the beginning of each month. Students can start at the best time for their schedules. As an added bonus, every class is offered every term for ultimate choice and convenience. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#9. Granite State College

Online Master’s in Project Management

Next up on our list of master project management online degrees is Granite State College. This is a 30-credit hour degree. It’s available all online in a “practice-oriented program.” 

Students engage in classes such as:

• Risk Management
• Leading Teams
• Project Planning and Scheduling

Granite State focuses on providing in-depth and applicable education to working adults. All Career Services resources are made available to online students. Not just current students, but also alum and individuals who are even considering attending a Granite State program! Accredited by PMI-GAC

#10. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online Master’s in Project Management

Another top online master of project management is the MS in Project Management degree in the College of Business at ERAU. 

This 30-credit hour program is offered online through Embry-Riddle Worldwide. It provides students with professors who are all PMP certified. 

The curriculum is crafted by certified Project Management Professionals.

The final Capstone Project consists of an e-Portfolio. 

ERAU also assists students in their career search. This is through the free online service “EagelHire.” This resource allows students and alum to send resumes to potential employers through the database system.  Accredited by PMI-GAC

#11. Penn State University World Campus

Online Master’s in Project Management

Pennsylvania State University provides one of the top project manager masters degree online. It’s along with the Penn State Erie Black School of Business. This is an interdisciplinary online master’s degree. It’s guided by the PMBOK® principles as well as the APM. This is the European equivalent. 

This program is accredited by AACSB. The 30-credit hour program “uses problem-based learning.”

Penn State is a Registered Education Provider (R.E.P). Students can work toward their certification in a program that takes two years to complete. 

Core classes include topical subjects such as:

• Interpersonal and Group Behavior
• Strategy: Corporate, Business, and Project
• Engineering Product Innovation
• Enterprise Modeling

#12. Georgetown University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next program on our list of the top project management online masters programs is through Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies. This is an exceptional Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Project Management. It’s available 100% online. 

This 30-credit hour program has hands-on project management experience. The online program is identical to the on-campus format. It offers the same resources and rigorous coursework. This is in topics such as:

• Communication & Collaboration for Managers
• Project Initiation & Development

Students benefit from the asynchronous online format. It gives students the ability to watch lectures on their own time. 

#13. Missouri State University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next best online project management degree on our list is a STEM-centered (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degree.  Missouri State’s Master of Science in Project Management is online through the Department of Technology and Construction Management. 

This interdisciplinary degree curriculum is built upon the standards and guidelines of the PMBOK®. It has 33 hours. Students take classes such as:

• Project Control Systems
• Cost Analysis for Project Management
• Management of Innovation and Technology
• Readings in Technology Management
• Statistical Quality Control and Design of Experiments

Students can choose between a thesis or a seminar project to complete the degree. They’re provided with many resources to help them succeed. These resources extend for the Project Management student to learn how to pursue and achieve PMI PMP certification. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#14. Bellevue University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The Master of Project Management (MPM) degree at Bellevue is another top online master in project management. Classes are taught by PMP-certified instructors. They are also industry practitioners. 

Professors offer rigorous coursework to train and prepare students for a career advancement. They can offer guidance and career advisement. Students can complete the program online. 

The 36-credit hour curriculum is aligned with the principles in the PMBOK®. It includes classes like:

• Organizational Structures and Practices
• Cost Control in Projects
• Schedule Management

Graduates of the MPM program will gain an “extensive network and a life changing experience.” That makes them quite attractive to hiring professionals. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#15. Colorado Technical University

Online Master’s in Project Management

This next project management masters online is the Master of Science in Management degree at Colorado Tech. It has a concentration in Project Management. This provides students with “tangible skills in project design, scheduling, team-building and creative problem-solving.” It is a 48-credit hour program.  

This program is an Educational Provider Program (PMI R.E.P.). The CTU program offers courses like:

• Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments
• Database Analysis, Design and Implementation
• Schedule and Cost Control Techniques

For a more business-oriented degree, there’s also the CTU ACBSP accredited online MBA. This has a concentration in Project Management. It’s also 48 credits. Courses include:

• Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making
• Applied Managerial Finance
• Strategic Human Capital Management

There are multiple start dates a year. This allows students to begin the program when they need to. The long list of career development resources assures prospective students that CTU is involved in making sure students succeed in their online programs. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#16. University of Wisconsin—Platteville

Online Master’s in Project Management

There are countless benefits of pursuing a 100% online Project Management degree from UW-Platteville. The 30 to 36-credit hour curriculum is aligned with the PMBOK®. Each course allots 45 PDUs. 

Students start with foundational courses (if needed) and then take required core courses. An academic advisor is assigned to each student. They can help students choose the best electives to customize their degree. UW-Platteville offers an array of electives. These include:

• Consumer Behavior
• Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments
• International Supply Chain Management
• Business Ethics

And for students who have already earned their PMP credentials? UW-Platteville even allows that experience to count towards their degree. Full-time students finish the degree within a year or two. Part-time students are allowed up to seven years. Accredited by PMI-GAC

#17. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

The next online master’s degree is through the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics. It is an AACSB accredited Online MBA Emphasis in Project Management. It’s “developed by local project management experts.” 

The PMBOK® aligned courses include subjects like:

• Quality Issues in Operations
• Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity
• Global Project Management

All coursework in work towards initial achievement or maintenance of PMI credentials. As an MBA degree, students receive a quality online education. This is through UW-Whitewater’s MBA Assurance of Learning. This assurance covers important learning objectives in the curriculum and the professional business traits to which they lead. These include ethical behavior, innovation and critical thinking.

#18. George Washington University

Online Master’s in Project Management

The AACSB accredited GW School of Business Online MS in Project Management (OMSPM) is one of the most established degree programs of its kind. It’s been around since 1996. The 36-credit hour curriculum “goes beyond the PMBOK®.” It can be completed in eighteen months to two years when taken full time. 

Students begin with an on-campus orientation. They then progress through the online coursework in a sequence. They complete the program with a week-long residency. 

Classes include challenging topics like:

• Statistics for Managers
• Cost Estimation & Control
• Directed Computational Project Management

#19. Saint Leo University

MBA in Project Management

Saint Leo University has an MBA degree with a concentration in Project Management. It’s accredited by both the ACBSP and IACBE. 

The concentration is only available online. The coursework is aligned with PMBOK® standards. This helps students successfully sit for the professional certification exam. 

The 36 credits cover relevant topics like:

• Monitoring, Controlling and Closing Projects
• Human Resource in Management
• Managerial Economics
• Applied Project Management Case Capstone Course

You’ll complete project management control projects as well. These complex projects will prepare you for leadership positions and to sit for exams for professional certifications.

Saint Leo’s promises online student support through every step of the academic journey. This includes Student Advisors to Career Services.

#20. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Online Master’s in Project Management

The next program is aligned with the PMBOK® standards. Saint Mary’s online master’s degree prepares students to become PMPs. 

It has 36 credits. Some classes are waived for students who possess professional certification. It takes 24 months to complete. The curriculum is rich with both managerial and project management classes such as:

• Planning and Estimating
• Product Integration and Quality
• Managerial Ethics and Issues

There is a final Capstone project. 

All incoming students receive a fully-equipped iPad. Accredited by PMI-GAC

What is MPM Degree?

An MPM is a professional master’s degree program. It’s  focused on providing students with valuable project management skills for various industries. 

MPM coursework develops the necessary expertise to manage all aspects of a project. This includes planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling through to successful closure. 

The curriculum includes real-world scenarios. This enables learners to apply theoretical concepts in practical situations. 

MPM programs may offer students the option to specialize in specific areas. These might include:

• IT
• Construction
• Finance
• Healthcare project management.

A project management program focuses on topics like change management and resource allocation in project planning. You’ll learn how to make informed decisions. You’ll gain a deep understanding of all required materials and skills for the field.

Project management courses may  cover:

• Stakeholder Management
• Project Leadership
• Risk Analysis and Risk Mitigation
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Financial Management and Financial Reporting
• Human Resources Management
• Project Communications
• Information Systems 
• Managing Project Cost Without Sacrificing Project Quality 
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Information Systems
• Quality Assurance
• Strategic Planning
• Conflict Resolution
• Agile Methodologies in Inventory Management
• Contract Management of Large Scale Projects
• Managing Team Dynamics
• Agile Project Management
• Operations Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Technical Requirements of Project Management
• Social Responsibility in Project Management
• Contemporary Issues and Global Standards of Project Management

You’ll gain the technical skills needed for leadership roles and professional licensure. A project management master’s online can prepare you for continuing education opportunities.

Completing an MPM degree can lead to various benefits. These might include a higher salary and career growth opportunities. MPM graduates are well-versed in project management concepts. They have in-demand project management tools and techniques.

MPM curriculums promote leadership skills and team-building skills. This allows graduates to build dynamic project teams that drive project success.

Admission Requirements for Project Management Programs

Before you can begin studying, you’ll need to meet the admission requirements. 

Most project management programs ask applicants to have a high school diploma. You’ll also need a bachelor’s degree unless you’re completing a 4+1 program. This kind of degree lets you complete a four year degree and master’s program at the same time.

A personal statement is necessary for admission to project management programs. Take time to craft a well-written statement that is both honest and compelling.

Many project management programs look for applicants who have experience leading projects. This can be found through work experience.

Some project management programs require two letters of recommendation. These letters should come from professional or academic sources. These should be individuals who can speak to your ability to study at the graduate level.

Most schools also ask for official transcripts, a resume, and English proficiency exams. Check with your desired institution for any other materials required for admission. You may need to meet a minimum undergraduate GPA from your bachelor’s degree. 

Some project management programs may ask you to submit GRE scores (Graduate Record Examination). GMAT scores are often taken as a substitute.

When looking at project management education programs, pay attention to accreditation. Look for a nonprofit institution. Ideally, this should be a regionally accredited institution. It should have accreditation from organizations like:

• The Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Global Accreditation Center
• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

What Can You Do With a Project Management Master’s?

A project management degree can open up new career opportunities. For example, program managers and project managers. 

You can expect higher salaries. The best data is found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary for a project manager is around $95,370 per year! 

Look at the project management program overview for the school you want to attend. This will not only tell you what kind of classes the program focuses on. It will also give you an idea of the project management cost for the program and

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