Online Master's in Project Management - Best of 2024

Get Matched With Project Management Colleges

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.

Compare Popular Online Project Management 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.

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Top 25 Best Online Masters in Project Management Programs

Georgetown University

Score: 84.33

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $56,592
- Out-of-State: $56,592
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

University of Maryland

Score: 84.19

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,238
- Out-of-State: $35,388
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: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Southern California

Score: 84

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $63,468
- Out-of-State: $63,468
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: $89,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Purdue University

Score: 83.34

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: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Boston University

Score: 82.94

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $61,050
- Out-of-State: $61,050
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: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

New York University

Score: 82.93

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,332
- Out-of-State: $37,332
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: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Stevens Institute of Technology

Score: 81.03

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,408
- Out-of-State: $39,408
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: $95,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Northeastern University

Score: 80.23

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,715
- Out-of-State: $26,715
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: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

The University of Texas at Dallas

Score: 74.47

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,088
- Out-of-State: $29,252
Net Price: $13,555
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 70%
Total Enrollment: 31,570
Undergrad Students: 21,617
Graduate Students: 7,482
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 27:1

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Score: 74.3

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,890
- Out-of-State: $26,546
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: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Regis University

Score: 74.19

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,261
- Out-of-State: $14,261
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: $86,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Brandeis University

Score: 73.41

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,104
- Out-of-State: $55,104
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

George Washington University

Score: 73.31

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,930
- Out-of-State: $33,930
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: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Lewis University

Score: 72.03

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,760
- Out-of-State: $14,760
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: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Florida Tech

Score: 71.35

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,338
- Out-of-State: $22,338
Net Price: $30,752
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 8,315
Undergrad Students: 3,364
Graduate Students: 4,951
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

University of Arkansas

Score: 71.25

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,875
- Out-of-State: $21,420
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: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

University of Mary

Score: 71.12

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $11,238
- Out-of-State: $11,238
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: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Drexel University

Score: 70.93

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: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

The College of St. Scholastica

Score: 70.51

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,551
- Out-of-State: $13,551
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: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

University of Kansas

Score: 70.46

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,989
- Out-of-State: $23,951
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: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Score: 70.42

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,940
- Out-of-State: $14,940
Net Price: $10,022
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 3,082
Undergrad Students: 649
Graduate Students: 2,433
Grads Salary: $86,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Rochester Institute of Technology

Score: 69.89

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $54,176
- Out-of-State: $54,176
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: $82,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Indiana Wesleyan University

Score: 69.41

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,112
- Out-of-State: $14,112
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: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Score: 69.22

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: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Score: 68.68

Graduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,831
- Out-of-State: $17,191
Net Price: $15,595
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 6,486
Undergrad Students: 6,028
Graduate Students: 458
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

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.

Best Online Masters in Project Management Degrees for 2024