Why This Matters

  • GLOBAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT JOBS RISING 33%

    The Project Management Institute predicts that by 2027, there will be 22 millions new project management jobs worldwide. Over 800,000 of these jobs will be in the United States.

  • 46K NEW CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS NEEDED SOON

    One of the fastest growing project management jobs is within the construction field, with 10% projected job growth by 2028. Job prospects for administrative service managers are also good.

  • INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL BY $65,600

    Individuals in management roles earn an annual median wage of $104,240, the highest annual wage of all occupations. Comparatively, the median annual wage for all jobs is $38,640.

Our Research

For this list, we focused on graduate-level programs, including Master of Science (MS), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and certificate programs. Most programs are general project management degrees, but some are focused on areas like information technology or engineering.

This list includes regionally and nationally accredited programs. Credits and degrees from regionally accredited schools are more widely recognized than those from nationally accredited institutions. It’s important to be aware of what type of institution you are choosing. Some programs also have programmatic accreditation through bodies like the Project Management Institute, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

We reviewed programs that are delivered online, in-person, and in hybrid formats. We then evaluated each program based on reputation, flexibility, faculty, course offerings, and cost, and gave them an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best master’s in project management are affordable, respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 85 hours to write this article
  • 164 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 400 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Master’s in Project Management Degrees

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When it comes to earning an advanced degree in project management, you have a few options. Many programs offer a Master of Science (MS) degree, which is a technically-focused research degree that may require a thesis.

Another option is a Master of Business Administration (MBA), which, as the name implies, emphasizes business skills. Or you can choose a graduate certificate program, which tend to be less expensive and have a shorter completion time. Keep in mind that certificate programs do not award a full degree, and may not be eligible for all types of financial aid.

Think carefully about your professional goals and personal interests, and what type of program will best suit your needs and aspirations.

A number of certifications exist for project management professionals. These certifications are voluntary, but having them can make you more attractive to employers, as they are a confirmation of your project management education and skills.

During the certification process, your knowledge of key project management domains will be tested, so it’s important to attend a project management program that covers these topics. You will also have to pay fees to become certified, and complete continuing education credits to stay certified. Keep this additional time and money commitments in mind when choosing to pursue a career in project management.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Project Management programs:

  • Do I possess the right qualities for being a project manager? A project management master’s program can teach you the necessary skills for the job, but being successful as a project manager also requires certain natural aptitudes. You must be adept at problem-solving, communicating, organization, and decision-making. it’s important to assess your natural abilities to determine if this career is right for you.
  • Am I eligible for this program? It’s also important to check minimum eligibility requirements before applying to a program. Some master’s in project management programs require that students have certain undergraduate degrees, or professional work experience.

When researching programs, be sure to look at their admissions requirements and application deadlines, so you can gather your materials and submit them on time. If you have questions about the admissions process, contact the school’s admissions department directly.

Now is also a good time to think about how you will fund your graduate education. Research scholarships, assistantships, and loans offered through your school and outside sources. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any tuition assistance benefits.