Looking for online Project Management degree programs? Compare schools and see what you could be doing after graduation.
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An online project management degree can open a lot of doors for your career. Whether you’re interested in business, retail, marketing, technology or supply chain operation, your industry will likely need project managers, and a good degree program from an accredited university can help you fulfill that role.
Courses for an Online Project Management Degree
Project management degrees are designed to teach the basics of business and leadership while also building specific skills in things like budgeting, scheduling, marketing, financing, and managing employees.
You can get a general project management degree, or you can specialize in a related subject like economics, human resources, or business administration.
Here are a few courses that you will likely see on your degree map:
Organizational Behavior: Organizational behavior is the study of how humans behave in groups. It combines everything from psychological theory to real-world communication techniques, so it’s a standard course in business-related majors.
It can help you learn valuable skills for a career in sales, marketing, communications, human resources, or public relations.
Finance: You don’t need to be a math whiz to be a project manager, but you should get comfortable dealing with numbers. It might be part of your everyday job to analyze budgets, profits, projections, and statistics.
Finance classes go by many different names, but students typically start with “Introduction to Finance” or “Principles of Finance” courses before moving onto harder subjects.
Marketing: Marketing can play a big part in the success of a business, so even if you aren’t pursuing a career in an advertising field, you can benefit from marketing classes. They usually incorporate elements of psychology, sociology, and technology, and they can help you build a solid foundation in things like communication and media studies.
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Information Systems: You’ll deal with a lot of computerized systems as a business leader in the 21st century. The software ranges from enterprise resource management (ERM) to customer relationship management (CRM), and you’ll need to understand how it all works if you’re going to keep a company running.
Expect to take multiple classes in information systems.
Principles of Business Management: This is a standard introductory class for students who are interested in business administration or business management. It covers the essentials, and it can also serve as a springboard for further study.
For example, you might go from “Principles of Business Management” to “Business Policy and Strategy” or “Operational Decision Making.”
Business Law: This is another class that can go by many different names, but its fundamental teachings are the same. From the ethics of certain business practices to the complex legal dilemmas that you might face with products, services, vendors, and employees, it can be a tough world out there for project managers.
You’ll need these classes to learn how to navigate sticky situations.
What Can I Do with a Degree in Project Management?
You can potentially make a lot of money with a degree in project management. According to industry estimates, the average salary for U.S. project managers is $112,000 per year, and the top earners can clear as much as $130,000 per year.
You don’t have to become a project manager, however, just because you have a project management degree. There will be a variety of careers to pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the project management field include:
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Marketing Manager | $142,170 |
| Advertising Manager | $133,460 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Construction Manager | $97,180 |
| Warehouse Director | $96,390 |
| Business Analyst | $87,660 |
| Risk Management Analyst | $83,660 |
| Call Center Manager | $78,560 |
| Project Management Consultant | $77,420 |
| Logistics Coordinator | $76,270 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $63,490 |
| Event Planner | $51,560 |
Keep in mind that these are just average salaries. Your actual salary will depend on things like location, education, experience, certification, job title, and overall industry demand.
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For instance, having an online masters in project management has more potential to help you obtain a larger annual salary than a bachelor’s degree.
Professional Organizations for Those with a Degree in Project Management
Professional organizations can offer many resources for project management majors. As a bonus, they can also support you after graduation with workshops, conferences, job opportunities, and up-to-date academic research within your industry.
Here are just a few organizations that you might consider joining.
American Management Association
The American Management Association (AMA) offers a variety of courses that can supplement your education in business management. Whether you’re interested in analytics, customer service, business writing, strategic planning, or even just building your interpersonal skills, they have a variety of courses to consider.
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International Project Management Association
With its global focus, the International Project Management Association (IPMA) is for business leaders who don’t believe in borders. It offers everything from special events to online videos about project management, and it’s even qualified to award four different certifications for project managers.
Project Management Institute
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the biggest of its kind, with more than 500,000 members worldwide. It offers workshops, conferences, journals, product discounts, and more. It can help you get certified with a professional title. You can download document templates for typical project management paperwork. PMI does it all.
Online Project Management Certification
If you’re interested in certifying yourself as a project management professional, there are several options available to you:
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)
- PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)
The gold standard, however, is becoming a Project Management Professional (PMP). It’s offered by the Project Management Institute, and it requires years of experience as well as a specific number of hours spent in education and training. You’ll also need to re-certify every three years to stay current.
Accreditation for a Project Management Degree Online
Accreditation is a voluntary process that colleges go through to prove their educational standards. Some choose not to do it, but since it’s expected by employers and a requirement to offer federal financial aid, it’s considered the mark of a legitimate, respectable school.
Regional accreditation is the most common. It’s offered by six institutions that have divided the U.S. into regions, so your local accrediting board might be different than the one overseeing students in another state.
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There are also programmatic accrediting boards that exist for specific jobs, industries, and degree programs. If you’re a project management major, you might see the following names on your school’s website:
- The Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs is offered by the Project Management Institute. It’s accredited more than 130 degree programs, and it has a searchable database if you want to look up a particular one.
- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is for business schools. It isn’t explicitly devoted to project management, but some of those programs are included, and it can also be an excellent resource if you’re considering a business-related degree with a project management specialization.
- The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education is a nonprofit accrediting board for business schools. You can read about their policies and eligibility standards to fully understand what they accredit.
- The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs is for business programs. Rather than accrediting the school, they accredit the school’s individual degree programs. They have a searchable database on their website as well.
These aren’t the only accrediting institutions out there, but they’re some of the biggest names that you’ll see when considering a project management degree. Feel free to look into others.
Financial Aid for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
If you need a little help to pay for college, you aren’t alone. Around 85% of college students receive some form of financial aid.
Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s completely free to submit your application, and you might qualify for several different kinds of financial aid:
- Grants are basically free money for college. You’re offered a specific amount, one that’s calculated from your income and expected family contribution, and you can apply it towards tuition, textbooks, and other college expenses.
- Loans come in two types: subsidized and unsubsidized. If you qualify for a subsidized loan, the government will pay the interest while you’re in school, so that’s one less bill to worry about.
- Work-study programs will help you find part-time jobs to offset some of your expenses. The jobs are usually located on campus, so opportunities can be limited for online students, but the option does exist.
If you need more help than what the federal government can provide, you might want to look into scholarships. They’re offered to all sorts of low-income, high-performing students, and you can also find scholarships for project management students specifically.
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Another option is tuition reimbursement offered by an employer. It’s available from many large companies, including Starbucks, Verizon, and UPS, and it’s quite common with other business corporations as well.
If you’re already working a corporate job, ask about educational opportunities for employees. Even if they aren’t willing to pay for your degree, they might be able to put you in a project management training program.
What Degree Is Best for Project Managers?
The best degree is one aligned with your interests. If you’re interested in a career as a project manager, there are several different degrees that can help prepare you for the workforce.
The obvious choice is a project management degree. It can help you learn about business, finance, strategy, technology, and leadership, and if you want to specialize, you can concentrate your studies on something specific like human resources or healthcare administration.
Another option is majoring in business with a project management emphasis. You may also study something industry-specific like construction or supply chain operation while taking project management classes on the side.
Is There a Degree for Project Management?
Yes, there is a degree for Project Management. Many schools offer degrees in project management. They’re available at every level of education, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. There are also accelerated project management degree programs that allow students to finish quicker than normal.
You can also get professional certifications in project management. Some schools don’t have a project management degree, however. They might only offer the subject as a minor or concentration, or they might have folded their project management classes into a different but related degree program. You’ll need to check with your chosen school to learn more about your options.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Project Management Degree?
As you might expect, the most common job for project management degree holders is “project manager.”
Every industry needs qualified professionals to lead their projects, so whether you’re interested in sales, science, healthcare, business, technology, or computer science, you can become a project manager within your field of choice.
If you aren’t interested in becoming a project manager, however, a degree in project management can help prepare you for other jobs as well. There are always corporate positions available for people with business skills.
Are you good with numbers? Consider a job as an analyst, budgeter, or risk assessment specialist. Do you have an organized mind and a keen eye for details? Consider becoming an administrator who runs an entire office.
Is a Master’s Degree in Project Management Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in Project Management is worth it for many students. Management jobs are projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow at 5% for the next 10 years. Common careers in this sector include event planner, logistics coordinator, business analyst, warehouse director, and marketing manager.
A bachelor’s degree is usually enough to get started with a career in project management though.
If you want to concentrate your studies on a particular area of interest, however, you might be better served with a master’s degree. A higher level of education can help you build stronger skills for specialized jobs.
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, master’s degree holders earn an average of $78,210 annually compared to $77,920 for bachelor’s degree holders and $56,590 for associate degrees holders.
Universities Offering Online Project Management Degrees
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Adhering to an Evangelical Christian philosophy, Amberton University was founded in 1971 and is located in Garland, Texas.
The university offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in the Project Management program that has a minimum requirement of 120 semester hours that students must complete to achieve their degrees in the distance and classroom learning formats.
- BBA in Project Management
Amberton University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded originally in Lucerne, Switzerland in 1970, the American Intercontinental University is located in Schaumburg, Illinois. The BBA with specialization in Project Management program is offered online and in the university’s Atlanta and Houston campuses.
Students must complete 180 credits to achieve their degrees. The program can be customized with adaptive learning technology.
- BAS in Project Management
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management. The program is career-oriented and focuses on industry-relevant skills. Each class is 7.5 weeks long, and course options include Diversity and Organizations, Organizational Ethics, Project Time Management, and more. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a variety of business careers.
- BAS in Project Management
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Flint, Michigan, Baker College was established in 1911. The College of Engineering and Information Technology of Baker College offers a BS degree in Information Science with a specialization in Project Management.
Total hours needed to graduate are 120 and focuses on the application of computer systems to solve business problems.
- BS in Information Systems – Project Management
Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1966, Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program has a 127-semester credit hour requirement, and the Major includes the Kirkpatrick Signature Series.
Students can transfer eligible credits or credits earned at Bellevue University. The program is aligned with core processes in the Project Management Body of Knowledge.
- BS in Project Management
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the Capella University was established in 1993. The Bachelor of Science in Business – Project Management program is delivered 100% online, with options to choose either the FlexPath or GuidedPath options, which offer two competency-based online learning formats.
Students must complete 180 quarter credits to complete the degree.
- BS in Business – Project Management
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University is affiliated to the Baptist Church and is located in North Charleston. The online Bachelor of Science in Project Management program is offered by the College of Adult and Professional Studies.
It consists of 51 credits and does not require a minor and is delivered in an accelerated 7-week format.
- BS in Project Management
Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
Located in Seattle, Washington, City University of Seattle was founded in 1973. It is ranked as one of the Top 10 Educators of Adults nationwide. Its online bachelor’s programs are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one one of the best in the country.
The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program is delivered online and has a 180-credit-hour requirement. Enrollment is available in all quarters.
- BS in Project Management
CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Colorado State University is located in Fort Collins, Colorado and was established in 1870. The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program is an affordable one, delivered 100% online. The program consists of 10 three-credit core courses as part of the 120-credit-hour requirement to complete the degree.
Students can maximize their credit transfers and finish faster.
- BS in Project Management
Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1965, Colorado Technical University is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. About 92% of the students are entirely online. The university’s online business program is ranked among the bests in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
The 180 credit-hour BSBA – Project Management program is available online and at the Colorado campuses.
- BS in Project Management
- BSBA in Project Management
Colorado Technical University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia Basin College is located in Pasco, Washington, and was established in 1955. The Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management program requires a total of 180 credits to achieve the degree. Of these, 60 credits must be in 300 and 400-level courses.
The program is delivered online with on-site resources available to students.
- BAS in Project Management
Columbia Basin College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Established in 1866, Davenport University has campuses located in various cities throughout Michigan. The university offers a BS in Technology Project Management program with a 120-credit-hour requirement.
The degree can be earned at the university’s campuses at Detroit-Macomb Community College, Global Campus (online), Grand Rapids, WA, and Lansing, Michigan.
- BS in Technology Project Management
Davenport University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
With main campuses in Daytona, Florida and Prescott, Arizona, this university was first established in 1929. It is the world’s largest accredited university system specializing in aviation and aerospace.
The BS in Project Management program has a 120-credit-hour requirement. The program is available through the Worldwide and Online campuses.
- BS in Project Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
George Fox University was established in 1891 and is located in Newburg, Oregon. It is a Christian University. The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program can be completed in 16 months and has a 36-credit-hour requirement for the major courses.
It is available part-time, on campus in the Portland center, and online.
- BS in Project Management
George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Established in 1965, Herzing University is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program has a 120-credit-hour requirement and can be completed in 36 months.
Students can avail of the dual-credit MBA option as well, with 12 credits transferable toward the Herzing MBA program.
- BS in Project Management
Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University was established in 1971. It is an Evangelical Christian institution. The university offers a 120-credit-hour, Project Management Institute (PMI) certified Bachelor of Science Business Administration in Project Management program.
The program is delivered 100% online through 8-week courses and is designed to prepare students to take the Certified Associate of Project Management examination.
- BSBA in Project Management
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Minnesota State University at Moorhead was established in 1885 and is located in Moorhead, Minnesota. The 57-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Project Management program is available through multiple delivery options such as on-campus, online, and transferable 2+2 programs.
Students can take up to 30 credits in their area of interest.
- BS in Project Management
Minnesota State University Moorhead is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1898, Northeastern University is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bachelor of Science in Project Management program is offered by the university’s College of Professional Studies.
The curriculum consists of 66 semester hours of Foundation courses, 21 semester hours of Majors, 12 semester hours of Professional Electives, 18 semester hours of electives, and 3 semester hours of capstone project.
- BS in Project Management
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
Regis University was established in 1877 and is located in Denver, Colorado. It is a Jesuit institution. The BS in Business – Project Management program consists of a total of 120 credit hours. Students can earn a double specialization in other areas if they so wish.
Philosophy and Religious Studies courses are included.
- BS in Business – Project Management
Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Established in 1869, Saint Leo University is located in St Leo, Florida. It is a Roman Catholic institution. The university’s Donald R Tapia School of Business offers a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor’s degree in Business, with a specialization in Project Management to meet the needs of adult learners.
Internships are encouraged for all eligible students.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business – Project Management
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
St Louis University is located in St Louis, Missouri and was established in 1818. It is a Roman Catholic institution. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Project Management program with a 120-credit-hour requirement for graduation. Continuation Standards are also available.
Online student scholarships are available based on eligibility.
- BS in Project Management
Saint Louis University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Located between Hooksett and Manchester, New Hampshire, the Southern New Hampshire University was established in 1932. The online Bachelor in Business Administration Project Management degree program consists of the normal 120 credit hours to achieve the degree.
The flexibility of online and on-campus elective courses helps students to customize their learning experiences.
- BSBA in Project Management
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
The University of Arizona offers an online program for a Bachelor of Arts in Project Management. The coursework is offered in an accelerated format.
Each class is 5 or 6 weeks long, and students take just one course at a time. Possible core courses include Information Literacy, Integrated Cost and Schedule Control, Strategic Management and Business Policy, Principles of Finance, and more. There are also many elective options available.
- BA in Project Management
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Massachusetts Global has 25 campuses located throughout California and Washington, including a virtual online university, and was established in 1958. The Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology with a Project Management emphasis is available in a hybrid format, both on-campus/online, and 100% online.
Students must complete 48 credit hours to achieve the degree.
- BS in Information Technology – Project Management
The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.
The University of Phoenix was established in 1976 and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. The university offers a Bachelor of Science in Business degree with a Project Management certificate. There is a 120-credit required to complete the degree.
Students with industry or professional certification can transfer credits to accelerate their degree.
- BS in Business – Project Management
The University of Phoenix is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Is a Project Management Degree Worth It?
Yes, a Project Management degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include convention planner, project management consultant, risk management analyst, construction manager, and advertising manager.
There are many benefits to getting a project management degree. It can help you learn the basics of things like business and finance.
If you think that project management might be the career for you, it’s definitely worth considering this degree.
