Best Online MBA in Project Management Programs of 2023
When you combine advanced business skills with strong leadership and project management principles, you can rise to the top of any industry. An online MBA in project management will help you develop these skills on your own time, from anywhere.
Why This Matters
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NEED FOR PROJECT MANAGERS UP 33% GLOBALLY
According to the Project Management Institute, by 2027, there will be over 800,000 new project management jobs in the U.S., with approximately 22 million new jobs total worldwide.
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21,800 NEW ADMIN MANAGER JOBS ANTICIPATED
Employment of administrative services managers, who oversee personnel and operations in a variety of settings, is expected to grow by 7% by 2028, faster than the average for all jobs.
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INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL BY $65,600
The average annual salary for managers is $104,240, with the potential for a higher salary depending on the industry. By comparison, the median annual salary for all jobs is $38,640.
Our Research
This list focuses on Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees with a concentration in project management. An MBA covers foundational and advanced business and management principles, combined with knowledge and skills tailored to a specific area of expertise.
We focused on programs that are delivered fully or primarily online to ensure the greatest accessibility for the highest number of students. In instances where programs are available both online and on-campus, students may be able to complete their degree as a hybrid program.
This list includes both regionally and nationally accredited schools. Many programs also have specialized accreditation through bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
We evaluated each program based on reputation, outcomes, flexibility, faculty, and cost. Then, we calculated an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 for each program. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 64 hours to write this article
- 193 universities and colleges we assessed
- 291 education programs we compared
The Top 41 Online MBA in Project Management Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
Being a successful project manager means seeing a project through from conception to close. Project managers must be able to stay organized, solve problems creatively, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively. When considering a career as a project manager, it’s important to reflect on your personal strengths to determine if you have the right aptitudes for this job.
Earning an MBA in project management is just one way to enter or advance in the project management field. You can also earn a Master of Science (MS) degree, which will have a more research-focused approach that may include completing a thesis. There are also a number of graduate certificate programs offering project management education. These types of programs tend to have a faster completion time and cost less, although they do not result in the granting of a full degree. When deciding which type of project management program you want to pursue, think about what your ultimate career goals are and the type of education that will best prepare you.
Once you finish your degree, you will likely want to pursue one or more professional certifications in project management. These certifications are voluntary, but they demonstrate to employers your knowledge and commitment to the project management field, making you a more attractive job candidate.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online MBA in Project Management programs:
- Are there any in-person requirements for this program? Although these programs are delivered primarily online, some programs may have in-person requirements, either for on-campus residencies or off-site internships. As you research programs, find out if you will be required to complete any requirements in-person so that you can plan to accommodate them in your schedule and budget.
- Do I meet the qualifications for this program? Some MBA programs are open to students of all educational and professional backgrounds, while others require students to have an undergraduate degree in business or a related field and/or professional experience. Be sure to review the program’s eligibility requirements before applying to confirm that you meet the program’s minimum qualifications.
At this point, you should also begin gathering application materials, taking any necessary standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT, and considering your options for funding your graduate degree. Financial aid resources include student loans, scholarships, assistantships, and tuition remission or reimbursement benefits from your employer.