Now more than ever, organizations need skilled project managers. Across diverse industries, these professionals oversee complex projects, with team members often scattered across the country or even the globe. However, a persistent project management talent gap means employers often struggle to fill these key roles.
An online master’s in project management can give you the skills to launch a career in this in-demand field. And if you’re already working in project management, a project management master’s degree can position you for advancement.
Covering the discipline’s principles, tools and methods, a master’s in project management prepares you to plan and manage projects, lead diverse teams and spearhead innovative organizational practices. Many programs ready you for industry certifications such as the Project Management Institute‘s (PMI’s) Project Management Professional (PMP)®.
This article profiles the top 10 online master’s in project management programs in the U.S. according to Forbes Advisor’s rigorous methodology. Along with detailed information about each of our picks, we include information on how to select an online program and answer common questions about project management degrees.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Project Management Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s in Project Management Programs
- How To Find the Right Online Masters In Project Management Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Project Management Degrees
Best Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Master’s in Project Management Program?
These days, it seems like online learning is everywhere. Even before the Covid-19 pandemic triggered a distance education boom, online learning rates had been rising steadily for nearly a decade. Today, most U.S. college and university students take at least some classes online. Free online courses and other nontraditional distance education options enroll millions more.
With so many degree seekers studying online, you may have wondered if this educational path is right for you. If you’re thinking about pursuing an online master’s in project management, consider these key factors:
- Accreditation. Online schools can earn the same institutional accreditation as brick-and-mortar institutions. Make sure to shortlist only accredited schools.
- Learning style. Earning an online degree requires self-discipline and strong organizational skills. If you learn better with more external structure and face-to-face interaction, a traditional on-campus program may suit you best.
- Budget. Tuition costs are usually about the same for online and on-campus programs. However, some schools offer special online pricing or allow distance learners to pay in-state tuition regardless of their state residency status.
- Schedule. Flexibility is a hallmark of online education, making remote programs appealing to many learners with career and family commitments.
- Networking. Opportunities to grow your professional network are often built into on-campus programs. Online students may need to work harder to connect with peers and industry professionals.
Accreditation for Online Master’s in Project Management Programs
Institutional Accreditation
Institutional accreditation assures students that a school meets accepted higher education standards. During this rigorous peer review process, accrediting agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (ED) conduct a holistic review of a school’s programs, faculty, student services and administrative infrastructure.
Attending an accredited school allows you to qualify for federal financial aid and transfer credits between institutions. Employers and certifying organizations may also screen applicants to make sure their degrees come from accredited schools. You can check a school’s accreditation status using CHEA’s searchable directory.
Programmatic Accreditation
Institutional accreditation applies to an entire school, but individual departments or programs within an institution can earn specialized programmatic accreditation. Some online master’s in project management programs are housed in business departments that hold accreditation from a business accreditor, such as AACSB International.
GAC, or PMI’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Educational Programs, acts as a project management-specific accreditor. While this organization does not hold CHEA or ED recognition, its seal of approval indicates strong alignment with project management industry standards.
How To Find the Right Online Masters In Project Management Program for You
Consider Your Future Goals
As you research potential master’s programs, consider how each one might fit into your plans for becoming a project manager. If you hope to work in a specific industry, such as healthcare, seek out programs with electives or concentration options in your chosen field.
If you’re already working in project management, you may have a well-developed professional network. But if you’re new to the field, assess what networking opportunities your preferred schools provide. Schools with project management-focused student organizations, strong career services resources or active alumni associations can help you start building your contact list.
If a PMI credential like PMP certification is in your future, you might seek out programs with GAC accreditation, PMI Approved Training Partner status or PMI-certified faculty.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Factors that affect a given degree’s total cost include tuition rates, financial aid and living expenses. Consider each potential program holistically; for example, one school may charge higher tuition prices but offer more financial aid to learners.
Online students at accredited schools can take advantage of the same financing options as their on-campus peers. Prioritize gift aid like scholarships and grants over student loans—which require repayment—and complete the FAFSA early to qualify for as much aid as possible.
Consider these funding sources to help pay for your online master’s in project management:
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate assistantships
- Fellowships and scholarships
- Employee tuition reimbursement
- Military tuition benefits
- Student loans
As of the 2020-2021 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics reports that graduate tuition at public universities averaged $12,394 per year, while grad students at private institutions paid an average of $26,621. Per-credit tuition rates for the programs on our list—all private institutions—range from under $600 to over $2,400. For a two-year, 36-credit program, this amounts to about $10,800 to $43,200 per year.
Tuition for online programs usually aligns with on-campus prices, but some institutions offer discounted rates for online students. Remote learners can also save money on indirect expenses like transportation and housing because they do not need to move closer to school or commute to class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Master’s in Project Management Degrees
What is the difference between an MBA and an MA in project management?
MBA programs in project management typically consist of general business core courses and project management coursework. This degree can lead to careers in project management and other business fields. MA and MS programs in project management, on the other hand, focus more narrowly on project management-specific coursework to build advanced knowledge in the field.
How long does it take to become a project manager?
How long it takes to become a project manager depends on which credentials you pursue. In general, certifications and higher education levels increase your employability and chances of landing leadership roles. A bachelor’s in project management typically takes four years, while a master’s adds another one to two. You may need work experience to qualify for certifications; the PMP certification requires 30 to 60 months of project management experience.
Learn more with our guide on how to become a project manager.