Across industries, one type of employee is always essential — those who can successfully plan, coordinate, and execute projects. Earning an online master’s in project management can help students prepare for these roles, which make a median annual salary of $98,580 and are expected to increase by 6% through 2032.
With so many online master’s in project management programs available, choosing the best one can be challenging. That’s why Intelligent.com reviewed dozens of programs based on cost, faculty, retention, and graduation rates and created this list of the best online master’s in project management programs.
Michelle Pickett, director of Northern Illinois University’s Academic Advising Center, also provides her insights into the benefits of a master’s in project management, admissions requirements, concentration options, career outlook, and more.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Program?
Students in an online master’s in project management will learn the theories and strategies for the project management lifecycle, from initiation to execution.
Most programs are structured with a core curriculum that covers essential project management skills like resource management, budgeting, interpersonal and group dynamics, and corporate strategy. Students can then move into elective courses that allow them to focus on project management within a particular area, such as construction, engineering, or IT, or build a specific skill set, such as leadership and marketing. At the graduate level, independent study courses are common, allowing students to build a course that meets specific needs or interests they may have.
Other common components of an online master’s in project management include an internship and a capstone project that allows students to synthesize their theoretical knowledge and real-world experience. When researching programs, students should note if the program requires an in-person internship or if they can also complete those requirements remotely.
Depending on the online program, students will complete their courses asynchronously or synchronously. Asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials and complete assignments according to their own schedules, providing flexibility for working professionals. Synchronous learning involves real-time interactions, such as live lectures or virtual class meetings, which may require more structured schedules.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online project management degree program
- Project Management Principles: Provides an overview of project and program management, including culture, principles, and basic techniques. Familiarizes students with basic tools, including work breakdown structure, scheduling, earned value analysis, and risk management.
- Planning and Scheduling: Introduces students to integrated planning, scheduling, and control systems for planning the scope of a project, optimizing time, cost, and resources, and monitoring and controlling schedules, including those for delayed projects.
- Project Economics and Finance: Reviews concepts, theories, and mathematical methods of project economic analysis and evaluation and fundamentals of project financing.
- Collaborative Decision-Making and Portfolio Optimization: Focuses on multi-objective choice decisions, portfolio management, choice decisions under conditions of uncertainty, and business factor investment theory.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
- 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
- Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Master’s in Project Management degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 30 Online Master’s in Project Management Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Georgetown University
Intelligent Score: 98.67In-state: $57,384
Out-of-state: $57,384
In-state: $53,136
Out-of-state: $53,136
SAT: 1380-1550
ACT: 31-35
$1,573
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
30
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Intelligent Score: 98.45In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$750
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Florida Tech
Intelligent Score: 96.49In-state: $42,346
Out-of-state: $42,346
In-state: $22,338
Out-of-state: $22,338
SAT: 1130-1330
ACT: 23-30
$800
Online, On-Campus
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
33
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Intelligent Score: 95.23In-state: $54,870
Out-of-state: $54,870
In-state: $35,515
Out-of-state: $35,515
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 21-28
$730
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Intelligent Score: 95.23In-state: $48,850
Out-of-state: NA
In-state: NA
Out-of-state: NA
SAT: NA
ACT: NA
$730
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
GW School of Business
Intelligent Score: 92.23In-state: $55,961
Out-of-state: $55,961
In-state: $31,770
Out-of-state: $31,770
SAT: 1270-1450
ACT: 30-33
$1,965
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
30
NYU School of Professional Studies
Intelligent Score: 91.85In-state: $52,204
Out-of-state: $52,204
In-state: $34,704
Out-of-state: $34,704
SAT: 1370-1540
ACT: 31-34
$2,575
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University
Intelligent Score: 91.41In-state: $36,456
Out-of-state: $36,456
In-state: $18,228
Out-of-state: $18,228
SAT: 1140-1320
ACT: 23-29
$836
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
30
University of Kansas
Intelligent Score: 90.78In-state: $10,092
Out-of-state: $26,960
In-state: $9,989
Out-of-state: $9,989
SAT: 1070-1320
ACT: 22-29
Resident: $437
Non-Resident: $1,048
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
33
Sam Houston State University
Intelligent Score: 87.49In-state: $5,856
Out-of-state: $15,672
In-state: $5,765
Out-of-state: $5,765
SAT: 970-1120
ACT: 18-23
Resident: $742
Non-Resident: $1,150
Online, On-Campus
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Golden Gate University
Intelligent Score: 87.07In-state: $12,456
Out-of-state: $12,456
In-state: $19,620
Out-of-state: $19,620
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$1,090
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
33-36
USC Bovard College
Intelligent Score: 86.78In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,244
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
24
CSU Global
Intelligent Score: 85.98In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
$675
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
University of Mary
Intelligent Score: 83.29In-state: $17,980
Out-of-state: $17,980
In-state: $16,875
Out-of-state: $16,875
SAT: 1000-1220
ACT: 20-26
$580
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Dallas Baptist University
Intelligent Score: 83.11In-state: $30,690
Out-of-state: $30,690
In-state: $18,954
Out-of-state: $18,954
SAT: 980-1200
ACT: 20-27
$1,334
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
36
Boston University
Intelligent Score: 82.90In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
In-state: $56,854
Out-of-state: $56,854
SAT: 1310-1500
ACT: 30-34
$920 - $963
Online, On-Campus
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
40
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 82.24In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$779
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
33
Regis University
Intelligent Score: 81.95In-state: $38,208
Out-of-state: $38,208
In-state: $14,322
Out-of-state: $14,322
SAT: 1000-1220
ACT: 21-28
$976
Online
Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Program
30
How to Choose the Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Program That’s Right For You
Choose your area of study
Choosing a master’s in project management degree program requires careful consideration and assessment to make sure that your chosen program aligns with your goals and personal circumstances.
This includes determining if you want a general or specialized master’s degree in project management. A specialized master’s offers rigorous and targeted coursework focused solely on project management principles and practices related to that specialty, such as construction or IT. Meanwhile, a general master’s in project management provides a broader understanding of business management concepts, leadership skills, and various functional areas beyond project management. This versatility can be valuable for professionals exploring diverse career opportunities beyond traditional project management roles.
Determining if learning in a virtual environment is an ideal fit for you is also essential, as online programs are better for some students than others. Says Pickett, “Online degree programs are often best for working professionals or those with busy lifestyles looking to add graduate study to their lives.”
However, on-campus programs offer interpersonal interactions that foster rich class discussions and face-to-face engagement with professors and peers. “On-campus programs may be better if students want more interpersonal interaction with their classmates and professors,” Pickett says.
Once you’ve clarified what type of program you want and your logistical needs, you can begin researching program options based on those parameters.
Research schools and programs
A comprehensive, organized approach is critical to finding the school and program that fits your career goals and professional aspirations. “It is imperative for students to fully research programs and determine how their ultimate career will impact their life and lifestyle,” Pickett says. “Researching these programs includes talking with faculty and alumni while understanding the program’s academic requirements.”
As you begin exploring programs, a key thing to look for is accreditation status. Students should seek out schools that have regional institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency to ensure that they’re receiving a quality education and that their degrees will be recognized by future employers and other colleges. Project management degree programs may also have programmatic accreditation through agencies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), meaning they meet industry standards for project management education.
Other important considerations when collecting information about schools include:
- Who are the faculty, and what are their areas of expertise?
- What are the experiential learning components for this program, such as internships?
- How do online students interact with classmates, faculty, and staff?
- What type of technical, academic, career, and mental health support services are available to online students?
To learn more about project management degree programs, visit the school’s website, speak to admissions counselors and program representatives, and attend virtual open houses or information sessions when available.
Prepare for tests and applications
While the specific admissions requirements for a master’s degree in project management can vary from one university to another, a standard application includes the following:
- Completed application and fee
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- GRE scores
A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is a fundamental requirement for admission to graduate programs. The degree may be in any field, but some programs prefer applicants with relevant academic backgrounds, like business or management.
Students should contact an admissions counselor to confirm application requirements and deadlines. Some programs enroll students multiple times yearly, while others only have one or two start terms per year.
Select your program
If you apply and are accepted to multiple programs, revisit each program’s website to assess its flexibility, curriculum relevance, and industry connections. Note the cost and evaluate how your financial plan aligns with each program’s payment structure. Carefully review scholarship opportunities and check to see if they offer any generous financial aid packages.
Consider attending virtual events or campus visits to talk with current students and faculty. This can give you a first-hand perspective and aid in making an informed and well-rounded decision.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Throughout your research process, you should collect information about the cost of the programs you’re considering. Speak to a financial aid counselor to learn more about tuition and fees, as well as financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, military discounts, fellowships, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer.
If you need student loans to help pay for your degree, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use this information to determine eligibility for federal student aid, including loans, as well as institutional need-based aid. We strongly encourage students to extensively research student loans and repayment options before committing to borrowing money to fund their project management degree.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Project Management Degree?
With an online master’s in project management, you can become a project manager in various industries, leading teams and ensuring project success. Many specialties are available to help students further hone their skills in a particular field — like information technology (IT), construction and architecture, healthcare, and engineering. Graduates may also work as program managers, overseeing multiple related projects, or become consultants, offering project management expertise to organizations.
According to Pickett, referring to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, “The largest employers of project management specialists are in the professional, scientific, and technical fields. Other industries that employ project managers are in construction, manufacturing, administrative and support services, and financial and insurance areas.”
By earning this degree, you will gain valuable skills in planning, executing, and controlling projects, becoming a sought-after professional in today’s competitive job market. The versatility of this degree enables graduates to thrive in various sectors of the economy, contributing to organizational growth and efficiency.
Career outlook
- Project management specialist — Coordinate the budget, schedule, and other details of a project, and may also serve as a point of contact for the client or customer.
- Median annual salary: $98,580
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 68,100 per year
- Management analysts — Recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency and advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
- Median annual salary: $99,410
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 10%
- New jobs projected: 92,900 per year
- Operations research analysts — Collect and analyze data to identify problems in areas such as business, logistics, and healthcare and make recommendations to managers, executives, and other officials to address them.
- Median annual salary: $83,640
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 23%
- New jobs projected: 9,800 per year
Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in project management degree program?
Most online master’s degree programs accept applications and supporting materials online through an admissions portal on the school’s website. If you have questions about what application materials are required and how to submit them, contact the school’s admissions office.
Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with relevant coursework or professional experience, to be eligible for admission. Some programs require GRE or GMAT scores, while others may consider relevant work experience instead of standardized test scores. If you need to take a standardized test as part of the admissions process, allocate sufficient time for test preparation, including enrolling in a test prep course.
Next, organize all necessary application documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Highlight any relevant project management experience in your resume or CV, emphasizing your aptitude for leadership and problem-solving. Lastly, thoroughly proofread all documents for errors and ensure they represent your best work.
How much does an online master's in project management degree cost?
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a master’s degree is $59,684. However, various factors influence how much students will pay for an online master’s in project management. For the most accurate cost information, speak to a financial aid counselor, who can provide information about tuition, fees, and financial aid.
A key factor is whether a school is public or private. Tuition at public universities tends to be less than at private institutions, although public schools may charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. Additional costs for an online master’s degree include school fees for technology, support services, online resources, personal technology like computers and the internet, and books and materials.
Students can also consider how much they’ll save by attending school online. This eliminates room and board fees and transportation costs and may allow students to work and earn a steady income.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in project management degree?
The duration to complete a master’s in project management can vary depending on the program’s structure and the student’s enrollment status. On average, most full-time students complete this degree in 18 months to two years. However, some accelerated programs may allow students to finish in as little as one year. Meanwhile, students who attend part-time may take may take three years or longer to graduate.
Is an online master's in project management degree worth it?
A career in project management is worth it for students seeking a dynamic and rewarding career. With the demand for skilled project managers growing across multiple industries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts over 68,000 new job openings per year through 2032. A master’s degree provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and tools, making graduates highly marketable and versatile in their career choices.
The Return on Investment (ROI) for a master’s in project management is typically favorable. Project managers earn competitive salaries, and the higher earning potential with a master’s degree can often offset the initial investment in education. Individuals in management roles earn an annual median wage of $116,880. Comparatively, the median yearly salary for all jobs is $48,060. Project management skills are also transferable across industries, offering increased job stability and flexibility.
Read More about Online Master’s in Project Management Degrees
Compare School Options
Related Degrees
- Forensic Accounting
- Logistics
- Project Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Public Policy
- Public Administration
- Information Systems Management
- Organizational Management
- Digital Marketing