In the professional world, you must deliver projects on time and on a budget to stay in business. This is where project managers step in. These professionals learn the fundamentals of project management to ensure a project’s success. A person can learn these crucial skills in a high quality project management degree program. This list features the best online master’s in project management for you to consider. Some of the skills they deliver include:
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Leadership
- Time management
- Planning
- Conflict resolution
- Negotiation
Many employers want their project managers to hold a master’s degree. You will find many programs in project management. Choosing the right program can be difficult, but finding one that fits your needs is important.
When it comes to project management, you should look for a few key factors in a program. The first is accreditation. This ensures that the program meets the standards set by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The second is experience. Look for a program that has been around for a while and has a good reputation. Also, make sure the program offers what you need. Different programs offer different specializations. Therefore, it is essential to find one that matches your interests and needs.
This article showcases some of the best online master’s in project management and what you can expect from them.
Article Navigation: What is Project Management? | Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Project Management? | Careers You Can Pursue with a Master’s in Project Management | What You Need Before Pursuing a Career in Project Management | 19 Best Online Master’s in Project Management | How to Choose the Best Online Master’s in Project Management For You | Start a Top Online Master’s in Project Management Today!
What is Project Management?
Project management is the process of managing and directing the efforts of a team to achieve specific goals. It involves planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling resources to complete a project successfully.
To become a successful project manager, you need strong leadership skills. You must also think on your feet and have excellent analytical skills. Some of the types of projects that you could manage include:
- Construction projects
- IT projects
- Marketing campaigns
- Event planning
Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Project Management?
There are many reasons you might want to pursue a master’s degree in project management. Perhaps you’re looking to move into a leadership role within your organization. Or maybe you want to increase your earnings potential.
Whatever your reason, there’s no doubt that a master’s degree in project management can open up new doors and opportunities.
Careers You Can Pursue with a Master’s in Project Management
By earning a master’s degree in project management, you can take on more responsibility and more prominent, more complex projects. Some of the roles you will qualify for include:
Project Coordinator
A project coordinator keeps a project on track by communicating with the project manager, team members, and clients. They create schedules, track progress, and keep deadlines.
Some project coordinators have a bachelor’s degree, but most employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in project management. These professionals typically earn $64,000 per year.
Senior Project Manager
Senior project managers oversee all aspects of a project. They ensure it is completed on time and within budget. Additionally, they often manage a team of project managers and may be responsible for developing project plans and timelines. These professionals typically earn $115,000 per year.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their project management practices. They often have experience working in a particular industry and can offer insights into managing projects specific to that industry. These professionals typically earn $80,000 per year.
Project Scheduler
A project scheduler creates and manages the schedule for a project. They work with the team to identify deadlines and dependencies. They then create a timeline to ensure the completion of the project in the allotted time.
Project schedulers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management and a master’s degree in project management. These professionals usually earn $53,000 per year.
Assistant Project Manager
An assistant project manager supports the project manager and ensures the completion of the project while staying within the budget.
Assistant project managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or construction management. However, many employers prefer a master’s degree in project management. These professionals typically earn $53,000 per year.
What You Need Before Pursuing a Career in Project Management
Before you pursue a career in project management, you need to consider a few factors. First, you should have strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. You should also be comfortable working with computers and have experience using spreadsheets. You will need to be able to learn various project management software such as the following:
- Agile
- Jira
- Asana
- Trello
- Basecamp
- Monday
- Wrike
- ZenHub
- Smartsheet
What’s more, it is beneficial to have some experience in engineering or construction. However, this is not always necessary.
If you do not have the above qualifications, don’t worry! You can earn your master’s degree in project management. You will learn the skills needed for a successful career in this field.
With the right qualifications and experience, pursuing a career in project management can be very rewarding. Project managers play a crucial role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. They often have a team of people working under them and are responsible for developing project plans and timelines.
19 Best Online Master’s in Project Management
All of our selections in this list of the best online master’s in project management hold accreditation through the Project Management Institute’s Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). This list was compiled in 2022.
1. Master of Project Management — Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University designed the Master of Project Management degree for experienced professionals. To better prepare you to lead projects and teams in a global environment, this program develops your skills and knowledge in project management. The curriculum covers subjects such as Project Management Theory, Process Improvement, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, and Contract Negotiations.
Students can specialize in Construction Management, Information Technology, or Healthcare Administration. This is the most affordable master’s program on our list for both in-state and out-of-state students. You only need a bachelor’s degree to pursue this master’s program along with your GMAT and GRE scores. Application requirements include a statement of purpose and your official college transcript.
2. Master of Science in Project Management — Missouri State University
The Master of Science in Project Management degree offered by Missouri State University prepares students for leadership positions in the project management profession. Students may choose a thesis or seminar track.
The curriculum covers Project Management, Project Leadership, Project Control Systems, Cost Analysis for Project Management, and Management of Innovation and Technology. This program is 100 percent online.
You need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75, as well as your official transcript for the application process. It is a good choice for students who want to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
3. Master of Science in Program and Project Management — University of Michigan – Dearborn
The Master of Science in Program and Project Management degree offered by the University of Michigan helps prepare students for program and project management leadership positions.
The curriculum covers Governance, Risk Management, Decision Analysis, Stakeholder Management, and Communications. Students also take Systems Thinking, Process Improvement, and Project Portfolio Management courses. The third most affordable master’s program on this list can be completed entirely online. The minimum education you need is a bachelor’s degree and an official college transcript for the application.
Admission tests include GMAT, GRE, and proof of English language proficiency for international students.
4. Master of Science in Project Management — Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University’s Master of Science in Project Management degree benefits working professionals through an entirely online program.
The curriculum covers Quality Management, Tools of Project Management, Operations Planning and Control, Leading Organizational Change and Development, and Managing Business Systems Design.
This program primes students to pass the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. You need a bachelor’s degree and submit your official college transcripts and a writing sample.
5. Master of Science in Project Management — Colorado State University-Global Campus
The Master of Science in Project Management at Colorado State University readies students for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. The curriculum covers Business Analysis; Contracts, Procurement, Risk Management; Project Metrics, Monitoring, and Control; and Project Management Office.
Additionally, students take Fundamentals of Research and Writing and Effective Organizations courses. Students can complete this program in 18 months. You need a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 3.0 or above. To apply, you need to include an official college transcript.
The curriculum of this master’s program aligns with the Project Management Institute’s A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). The Higher Learning Commission accredits Colorado State University-Global Campus.
6. Master of Science in Project Management — Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
The Master of Science in Project Management degree offered by Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is one of the most affordable online programs on this list.
The curriculum covers Foundations of Project Management; Management Science for Project Managers; Fundamentals of Project Scope, Schedule, Cost, and Resource Management; and Assessing and Managing Project Risk.
Students can complete this program in 18 months. You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official college transcripts, or a resume or CV.
7. Master of Science in Project Management — University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The Master of Science in Project Management degree offered by the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a good choice for students who want to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
The foundational courses include Business Communication, Managerial Accounting, and Organizational Behavior. For your core courses, you will take Interpersonal Skills for Virtual and Co-located Project Teams, Project Management Capstone Project, Project Management Techniques I and II, and Project Scope Management.
Students can complete this program in less than two years. You need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official college transcripts, and a resume or CV.
8. Master of Science in Project Management — The College of Saint Scholastica
The Master of Science in Project Management from The College of Saint Scholastica prepares students for executive-level challenges. In providing a well-rounded program, the curriculum features Project Management Principles, Project Performance, and Strategic Decision Making.
In addition to four foundational courses, students take three global and strategic specialization courses, three advanced project management courses, and three capstone project courses.
Students can complete this program in less than 18 months. At a minimum, you will need a 2.8 GPA for your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits the College of Saint Scholastica.
9. Master of Science in Project Management — Liberty University
The Master of Science in Project Management from Liberty University combines a Christian worldview with excellence in online education.
The curriculum covers Principles of Management, Foundations of Project Management, Operations Management, and Leading Global Projects. Students can complete this program in less than 20 months.
At a minimum, you will need a 3.0 GPA for your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You must submit your official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation for application. Liberty University holds accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
10. Master of Project Management — Bellevue University
The Master of Project Management at Bellevue University equips you to pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
The curriculum covers Managing Project Risks, Schedule Management, Cost Control in Projects, Procurement and Contract Management, and Project Management in Global and Virtual Workplaces.
Students can complete this program in less than 12 months if they attend full-time or up to 36 months with part-time participation. You will need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
11. Master of Science in Project Management — Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
This Master of Science in Project Management from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota uses the most current project management tools, software, and systems, keeping pace with technology.
The curriculum covers Foundations of Project Management, Technical Communications, Managerial Ethics and Issues, and Project Management Capstone Project.
Students can complete this program in as little as 21 months if they attend full-time or up to 54 months with part-time participation. The minimum education is a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or above. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
12. Master of Science in Project Management — Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University is an excellent option if you’re looking for a Christ-centered program with a global focus. They offer a flexible, accelerated program.
The curriculum covers Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Managerial Innovation Strategies, Talent Management, Managing Diverse Cultures, Managing Project Stakeholder Needs, and Managing Project Risk. Students can complete this program in as little as 12 months if they attend full-time or up to 36 months with part-time participation.
You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to pursue this master’s degree. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Charleston Southern University also holds accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
13. Master of Science in Project Management & Operations — Southern New Hampshire University
The Master of Science in Project Management and Operations at Southern New Hampshire University prepares students for an increasingly interconnected and ever-changing world. Coursework covers Operations Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Quality Control, and Management Science.
Students can complete this program in as little as 15 months if they attend full-time or up to 39 months with part-time participation.
At a minimum, you will need a 2.75 GPA for your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation. Southern New Hampshire University also holds accreditation from The New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
14. Master of Project Management — University of Mary
The Master of Project Management at the University of Mary offers training grounded in Benedictine values, ethical frameworks, and professional standards.
The curriculum covers Ethics, Business Research and Writing, Leadership and Management Theory, Law in the Managerial Environment, and Agile Project Management. Students can complete this program in as little as 15 months if they attend full-time or up to 39 months with part-time participation.
The minimum education you need is a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or above. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The Higher Learning Commission also accredits the University of Mary.
15. Master of Science in Project Leadership & Management — Regis University
Regis University’s Master of Science in Project Leadership & Management is an excellent option for those looking to get their degree from a Jesuit institution.
The curriculum covers Organizational Excellence, Leading Projects in Contemporary Organizations, Management of Project Performance, and Project Monitoring and Delivery. Students can complete this program in as little as 18 months if they attend full-time or up to 54 months with part-time participation.
The minimum education is a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or above. In terms of costs, this program tends to be a bit expensive. However, Regis University does offer several scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of tuition. Application requirements include official college transcripts and three letters of recommendation. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this program.
16. Master of Science in Project Management/Information Systems — Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology offers an MS in Project Management/Information Systems, tailored to information systems students. The curriculum covers Introductory Managerial Statistics, Organizational Behavior, Cost and Economic Analysis, Strategic Project Management, and Project Tools and Techniques.
In as little as 18 months, you can earn this degree. You will need a bachelor’s degree to pursue this master’s degree.
Application requirements include official college transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The Florida Institute of Technology also holds accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
17. Master of Science in Project Management — University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a Master of Science in Project Management, designed for working professionals. The curriculum covers the Application of Project Management Processes; Project Initiation and Planning; Project Executing, Monitoring, and Control; and Operational Integration and Project Closure.
Students can complete this program online in as little as 21 months if they attend full-time. You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to pursue this master’s degree.
Application requirements include official college transcripts and two letters of recommendation. The University of Alaska Anchorage also holds The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accreditation.
18. Master of Project Management — Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University offers a Master of Project Management. As an interdisciplinary program, it provides an in-depth understanding of areas within the project management field.
The curriculum covers Commercial and Procurement Law; Corporate and Business Strategy In Project Management; Cost Control, Planning, and Resource Management; Human Relations and Project Teams; and Organization Theory in Project Management. Students can complete this program online in 18 months if they attend full-time or up to 36 months with part-time participation.
You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your official college transcripts and two letters of recommendation must accompany your application. The Middle States Commission also accredits the Pennsylvania State University on Higher Education.
19. Master of Science in Project Management — Northeastern University
Lastly on this list is the Northeastern University Master of Science in Project Management. This program allows you to choose an area of concentration for specialized knowledge to pursue the career of your dreams.
The curriculum covers Foundations of Project Management, Project Scope Management, Project Risk Management, Project Scheduling and Cost Planning, and Project Quality Management.
Consider completing the program in 18 months with full-time studying. Part-time students can finish this online program in 36 months. You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Your official college transcripts and two letters of recommendation must accompany your application. Northeastern University also holds The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation.
How to Choose the Best Online Master’s in Project Management For You
There are many great options in this list of the best online master’s in project management programs which means choosing the right one can be daunting. With so many programs to choose from, how do you know which one is the best for you? Here are some tips on selecting an online master’s program in project management that is ideal for you.
Look for a Credible and Accredited Program
The program should hold accreditation from a reputable organization such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the International Project Management Association (IPMA). Check if other well-known organizations in project management recognize the program. This will ensure that you receive a quality education that employers recognize.
Ensure Reliable Faculty Support
Your program should have a solid faculty support system. The professors of your courses should be experienced and knowledgeable in project management. They should also provide you with the support you need to succeed in the program by being available to answer your questions and provide direction. If you are not happy with your professor, it can be challenging to succeed in your program.
Make Sure Cost Aligns with Your Budget
The cost of the program should be within your budget. Make sure that you are not paying more than you can afford. You can find many scholarships and financial aid options. Therefore, make sure to research all of your options. You should also consider the time commitment required for the program. If you cannot commit to the program, it is not worth your time or money.
Flexibility of the Program
How flexible is the program? Can you work full-time and still complete the program? Can you take classes online, or do you have to attend on-campus classes? These are some of the crucial questions you need to ask yourself. The program should be flexible enough to balance with your other commitments. If it is not, you will likely struggle to complete the program.
Start a Top Online Master’s in Project Management Today!
There are many great master’s programs in project management. The programs highlighted above offer a wealth of opportunities for you to learn and grow in your career. Whether you’re looking for a traditional program or an online option, there is sure to be a perfect fit for you.