Why This Matters

  • LEARN THE 5 STAGES OF A PROJECT LIFE CYCLE

    Project management education is designed to help you understand the five phases of a project life cycle, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing.

  • 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.

  • EARN $65,600 MORE ANNUALLY THAN OTHER JOBS

    The annual median salary for management occupations is $104,240, the highest median annual wage for all major occupational groups. The median annual wage for all occupations is $38,640.

Our Research

We reviewed bachelor’s and master’s level programs, as well as certificates, for our list of the top programs in project management. Your current education level and career goals will determine which type of degree you wish to earn.

At the undergraduate level, most programs are Bachelor of Science degrees, although there are also Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Business Administration programs on our list. For graduate studies, the most common degree types are Master of Science and Master of Business Administration.

All of the programs on our list are regionally accredited. Additionally, some programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Each program was reviewed for course strength, cost, flexibility, and reputation. We calculated the Intelligent Score of each degree on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online degrees in project management are affordable, respected, and flexible. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 75 hours to write this article
  • 104 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 402 education programs we compared

The Top 60 Online Degrees in Project Management

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Project management is a very versatile degree, with opportunities in just about every industry. As you are considering which project management degree program to attend, it’s important to think about which type of industry you would like to work in – information technology, engineering, business, and finance are just a few of your options.

Most programs offer broad training that is applicable to many fields. However, our list does include programs that deal with a specific type of project management, such as construction or engineering. You can also enhance your understanding of a particular field with a second major or minor.

A number of certifications exist for project management professionals. These certifications, while voluntary, are attractive to employers because they affirm your project management 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. The certification process typically includes paying fees and taking exams, and maintaining your certification by completing continuing education credits. Factor in this additional commitment of time and money when considering a career in project management.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Project Management programs:

  • Do I have the necessary aptitudes to be a project manager? Project managers must have a varied skillset, including problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to make decisions, assign responsibilities, and hold others accountable. A degree in project management will teach and sharpen these skills, but it’s important to assess your natural abilities to determine if this career is right for you.
  • Am I eligible for this program? This is primarily a question for those seeking a master’s degree, as they often have more stringent eligibility requirements, including a bachelor’s degree in project management or a related field; prerequisite coursework; professional experience, or a combination of all three.

While you are researching programs, be sure to investigate their admissions requirements and deadlines. You can contact the school directly to talk to an admissions representative, or visit the school’s website for more information. This is also a good time to consider your options for financing your education, which can include financial aid, scholarships, assistantships, or tuition benefits from your employer.