University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for a masters in project management.
Why Earn a Master’s in Project Management?
An online master’s in project management is vital if you want to gain a management position without first spending years gaining the requisite experience. These positions require a lot of base knowledge and technical information for you to succeed, which is why so many employers require their hires to already have master’s degrees. If you have a lot of time to work your way up, you can achieve the same results with many years of professional experience, but earning a project management degree gets you there much more quickly, even with the +-6 years it will take you to earn a traditional or online master's in project management degree program. All the more reason to get started right away.
Featured Online Programs
PROS
Online master’s in project management programs, or one focused on enterprise project management, will help individuals seeking managerial, executive, or C-suite positions within the profession as project managers, program management, portfolio management, human resources specialists, or risk management employees. In fact, this field is becoming so competitive that many companies require a Master of Science in Project Management degree for any position that controls projects from beginning to end. Project management education, tools, and trends change as quickly as technology. A project management online program helps you to be able to adapt to such changes and keep your projects on task regardless of the challenges and obstacles, as well as providing you with more general management skills throughout your courses. With a Master of Science or even Arts, you will also be more qualified for positions than those who have only completed a Bachelor of Science in Project Management program, and you will make a significantly higher salary than individuals with bachelor’s degrees in general or risk management. Such a degree will also make it possible to complete professional and organizational project management certification that requires a master’s degree and are seen as necessary continued education for career advancement, such as the PMP certification. This is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and ensures that these professionals are acquainted with the full project management body of knowledge (PMBOK).
CONS
One of the biggest potential cons for those who complete master's in project management education programs is the possibility that they might not make your educational investment back from future salary increases. Some of the most prestigious project management programs offer a master’s for $30,000 or more, though some online project management programs are less expensive. If your immediate job market does not pay well enough and you do not plan to move to a more competitive and higher-paying market, taking on $30,000 or more in debt may not be wise. Keep in mind that certain specializations in project management make more money than others. IT and engineering managers make more money than most other specializations. Another potential drawback is the amount of time it takes project management students when they are earning a master’s, particularly if you have full-time obligations to work, your community, or family. Many people find the balance to be too difficult to maintain and never complete the degree. While the benefits of a master’s in project management are significant, you have to decide whether or not it is right for you.
Top 25 Best Online Masters in Project Management Programs
University of Maryland
Score: 82.86
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,560
- Out-of-State: $36,100
- Net Price: $16,210
- Acceptance Rate: 45%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 40,792
- Undergrad Students: 30,353
- Graduate Students: 10,439
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
University of Southern California
Score: 82.81
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $66,640
- Out-of-State: $66,640
- Net Price: $36,808
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 92%
- Total Enrollment: 48,945
- Undergrad Students: 20,699
- Graduate Students: 28,246
- Grads Salary: $92,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
Purdue University
Score: 82.41
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,718
- Out-of-State: $28,520
- Net Price: $12,576
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Total Enrollment: 51,528
- Undergrad Students: 38,593
- Graduate Students: 12,935
- Grads Salary: $83,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
New York University
Score: 82.28
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $38,826
- Out-of-State: $38,826
- Net Price: $29,499
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 95%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 59,144
- Undergrad Students: 29,401
- Graduate Students: 29,743
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 8:1
Georgetown University
Score: 82.01
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $58,848
- Out-of-State: $58,848
- Net Price: $35,566
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Total Enrollment: 20,984
- Undergrad Students: 7,900
- Graduate Students: 13,084
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Boston University
Score: 81.94
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,798
- Out-of-State: $63,798
- Net Price: $27,829
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 89%
- Total Enrollment: 36,714
- Undergrad Students: 18,459
- Graduate Students: 18,255
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Stevens Institute of Technology
Score: 80.89
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $41,380
- Out-of-State: $41,380
- Net Price: $41,689
- Acceptance Rate: 46%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 88%
- Total Enrollment: 9,314
- Undergrad Students: 4,070
- Graduate Students: 5,244
- Grads Salary: $101,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Northeastern University
Score: 80.05
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $27,728
- Out-of-State: $27,728
- Net Price: $35,827
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 91%
- Total Enrollment: 30,013
- Undergrad Students: 16,302
- Graduate Students: 13,711
- Grads Salary: $87,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
The University of Texas at Dallas
Score: 73.66
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,088
- Out-of-State: $29,468
- Net Price: $13,555
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 70%
- Total Enrollment: 31,570
- Undergrad Students: 21,617
- Graduate Students: 9,953
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
University of Michigan-Dearborn
Score: 73.43
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,556
- Out-of-State: $28,160
- Net Price: $12,444
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Retention Rate: 82%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 8,223
- Undergrad Students: 6,116
- Graduate Students: 2,107
- Grads Salary: $81,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Regis University
Score: 73.08
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,573
- Out-of-State: $14,573
- Net Price: $26,377
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 4,668
- Undergrad Students: 2,398
- Graduate Students: 2,270
- Grads Salary: $89,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
George Washington University
Score: 72.74
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,100
- Out-of-State: $35,100
- Net Price: $42,723
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 25,939
- Undergrad Students: 11,482
- Graduate Students: 14,457
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Brandeis University
Score: 71.27
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $61,458
- Out-of-State: $61,458
- Net Price: $45,565
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Total Enrollment: 5,581
- Undergrad Students: 3,687
- Graduate Students: 1,894
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Lewis University
Score: 70.77
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,210
- Out-of-State: $15,210
- Net Price: $19,184
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 6,513
- Undergrad Students: 3,933
- Graduate Students: 2,580
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Drexel University
Score: 70.37
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $36,234
- Out-of-State: $36,234
- Net Price: $39,267
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 78%
- Total Enrollment: 22,344
- Undergrad Students: 14,021
- Graduate Students: 8,323
- Grads Salary: $84,000
- Student-to-faculty: 9:1
University of Arkansas
Score: 70.21
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,500
- Out-of-State: $28,560
- Net Price: $16,208
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 30,936
- Undergrad Students: 26,269
- Graduate Students: 4,667
- Grads Salary: $72,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Score: 69.99
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,346
- Out-of-State: $14,346
- Net Price: $26,757
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 9,959
- Undergrad Students: 5,809
- Graduate Students: 4,150
- Grads Salary: $82,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
University of Kansas
Score: 69.74
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,488
- Out-of-State: $25,150
- Net Price: $18,950
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 26,708
- Undergrad Students: 19,241
- Graduate Students: 7,467
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of Mary
Score: 69.54
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,620
- Out-of-State: $10,620
- Net Price: $18,369
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,652
- Undergrad Students: 2,506
- Graduate Students: 1,146
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Aspen University
Score: 69.4
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,485
- Out-of-State: $4,485
- Net Price: $13,781
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 50%
- Graduation Rate: 47%
- Total Enrollment: 7,386
- Undergrad Students: 4,086
- Graduate Students: 3,300
- Grads Salary: $88,000
- Student-to-faculty: 5:1
The College of St. Scholastica
Score: 69.24
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,024
- Out-of-State: $15,024
- Net Price: $24,578
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 3,207
- Undergrad Students: 1,938
- Graduate Students: 1,269
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 10:1
Rochester Institute of Technology
Score: 68.9
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,884
- Out-of-State: $56,884
- Net Price: $39,600
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 72%
- Total Enrollment: 16,615
- Undergrad Students: 13,940
- Graduate Students: 2,675
- Grads Salary: $85,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Indiana Wesleyan University
Score: 68.67
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,970
- Out-of-State: $11,970
- Net Price: $21,755
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 67%
- Total Enrollment: 2,603
- Undergrad Students: 2,236
- Graduate Students: 367
- Grads Salary: $75,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Penn State World Campus
Score: 68.42
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $24,406
- Out-of-State: $24,406
- Net Price: $19,551
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 36%
- Total Enrollment: 13,979
- Undergrad Students: 8,210
- Graduate Students: 5,769
- Grads Salary: $94,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Score: 68.11
- Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $12,222
- Out-of-State: $12,222
- Net Price: $22,843
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
- Total Enrollment: 4,133
- Undergrad Students: 1,100
- Graduate Students: 3,033
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Types of Degrees Available for Online Master's
What Project Management Master’s Degrees are Available Online?
You will find very few, if any at all, online Master of Arts (MA) Degrees in Project Management, as project management requires more technical, analytical, and informatics skills. The vast majority of online or traditional programs will be either a Master of Science (MS) in Project Management or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management.
- MS in Project Management
An MS in Project Management will typically focus on the intricacies of project management that are not taught at the undergraduate level. Some such areas of focus might include business analysis, the latest project management methodologies such as Agile, business relationships, ethical leadership, and more. - MBA in Project Management
An MBA in Project Management is also referred to as an MBA with a project management major, emphasis, concentration, or specialization. The title simply depends on the college or university and does not change the nature of the program in general. The difference between an MS in project management and an MBA in project management is that the MBA program provides a specialization in project management with a broader education based on managerial and high-level business concepts simultaneously. - Online Master’s Degree in Project Management to MBA Dual Degree Program
Today, as colleges and universities attempt to solidify a greater market share of those who seek an online master’s in project management, many higher learning institutions are beginning to provide a dual degree program that combines both a Master of Science in Project Management and an MBA. These programs minimize the time and cost it would take to complete both degrees individually and provide you with the best of both programs as required by exceptional project management professionals.
Search Colleges Offering Online PM Masters
Admission Requirements
Most online or on-campus project management degree programs will examine several aspects of your personal, academic, and professional life to determine your acceptance status. They will examine your bachelor’s GPA, whether or not you have any relevant work experience as a full-time employee or through an internship, your short-term and long-term goals, any community service and extracurricular participation, your communications skills, and your potential leadership capabilities.
Many schools require the completion of a graduate school entrance exam, such as a GRE or a GMAT, with a minimum score to be determined by the program. This can be required for online or in-person programs and each college and university will have unique requirements. If you complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s from the same school, or if you meet certain GPA requirements in your bachelor degree program from an accredited higher learning institution, you will likely be able to waive the exam requirement. Often, the more reputable the program, the more stringent and grueling the application and admissions process.
How long does it take to earn an online Master’s Degree in Project Management?
The time it takes to complete an online master’s degree in project management will greatly depend on the amount of time you are able to commit to the program each term. If you can dedicate yourself to a classroom-based, fast-paced program, you can complete a project management master’s degree in as little as a year. The vast majority of project management programs at this level takes between one and two years. Online programs may take longer despite requiring fewer credits in some cases, particularly if you must dedicate most of your time to work, family, or your community. However, some online programs will be offered as accelerated programs because the courses can be completed online whenever the student has time. Keep in mind that, regardless of the length of time it takes to complete a master’s degree, many employers will reimburse you for your continued education as long as you enroll in an accredited program from an approved college or university and maintain a certain GPA.
Potential Careers in Project Management with an Online Master’s Degree
- Continuous Improvement Manager
A continuous improvement manager is a possible transition for individuals who start out in project management. This position requires strong analytical skills as well as strength in communication, organization, and working well with others. You must be able to identify problems and provide solutions to said problems to succeed.
Median Salary: $85,600 - IT Project Manager
Being an IT project manager requires that you have strong skills in both technology and communication. These individuals will be required to work with a wide array of team members, from tech specialists to company leaders. If you do not possess both skill sets, you will likely not qualify for such positions.
Median Salary: $89,000 - Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager specializes in organization, leadership, and the industry of construction. You must understand this industry to be able to succeed and secure highly sought-after positions. It is possible that you might work for yourself or be hired by a construction management business, a real estate developer, an architecture firm, or general contractors.
Median Salary: $74,900 - Operations Manager
An operations manager is responsible for overseeing the entire operations of a company. It is essentially like managing many large projects at the same time, in both the short-term and the long-term. Many project managers will seek promotions as operations managers.
Median Salary: $66,100 - Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Project managers who wish to advance their careers to the highest degree will do so by becoming a COO. These positions require at least an online master’s degree in most circumstances. You will lead the operations and projects of a company from a high level and determine the directive of the organization rather than simply a single project.
Median Salary: $144,200
Options to Advance
Unlike some other professions, experience within an industry is important to long-term career advancement in project management. It is essential that you understand reasonable pricing and time frames to complete projects within a specific industry to be able to complete your projects successfully. You will also require professional and organizational certifications with specializations in your preferred industry to reach managerial and executive promotions. These certifications are often provided in coordination with project management online master’s degrees, though others can be earned online as separate achievements. Upon completion of such a degree, the best programs should have prepared you to take the professional certification exams that are highly desired from project managers to secure the best jobs.