We’ve identified 30 online master’s in project management programs with no GMAT requirement in 2024.
If you are interested in learning more about managing projects but do not have the extra time to commute to classes, an online master’s in project management may be perfect for you.
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The online degree in project management can provide you with an excellent education, help you grasp the skills to plan and oversee a project, and teach you how to deliver a product or service to companies and clients on time.
Master’s in Project Management Online Curriculum & Sample Courses
The master’s in Project Management degree usually takes 2-3 years to complete and typically requires around 30 credit hours to graduate. The good news is that most online programs in Project Management allow you to log in and complete your courses on your own time.
Most schools offer the same basic courses during the first year of the program, but more advanced courses that focus on your concentration are offered during the second year.
Below is a list of a few frequently found courses offered in the online master’s in Project Management.
- Conflict Resolution: teaches how to resolve conflicts that may occur at work. Students taking this course can learn how to choose a detailed plan to benefit the client or company. This course also goes over ethical and unethical methods and different types of conflicts.
- Effective Leadership: teaches students how to be great leaders. Those taking this course can learn how to encourage and inspire employees to achieve goals in the workplace. In addition, this course explains the best methods for hiring and terminating your employees.
- Project Analysis: educates students on how to analyze various projects. This course also elaborates on the scope of the project and the different parts that must be achieved to complete the project. An important aspect of this course is that it teaches students how to solve any problems that may occur and how to determine the quality of a project.
- Project Budgeting: helps students gain an understanding of how much can be spent on a certain project. There is quite a bit of math in this course, and students can acquire skills in estimating costs and use different budgeting methods to determine how much to spend on their proposed projects.
- Project Planning: focuses on teaching students how to plan their projects. Some objectives of this course are to find resources, determine costs, and managing the project. Additionally, this course emphasizes the importance of altering plans accordingly, such as changing a business plan to meet the new demands of a company’s environment.
Depending on your career goals, some programs allow you to choose your own courses for their electives or specialization. Upon graduation, it is often a requirement for students to create a capstone project showing the knowledge and skills they learned during the program.
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The final product of the project should contain a plan that the student came up with and researched, and it will usually be presented to their classmates and professors.
Master’s in Project Management vs MBA
Deciding whether to pursue a master’s in Project Management or an MBA may be a difficult decision. Before choosing one, be sure to weigh out the pros and cons of each degree. Both programs are similar and consist of a few of the same courses.
The ultimate difference between the master’s in Project Management and an MBA is the objective of the degree. The MBA’s objective is to plan and create strategies for companies and organizations. The objective of the master’s in Project Management is to become more in-depth with planning. For example, students pursuing a master’s in Project Management can learn how to plan as well as implement and carry out the plan.
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In simple terms, an MBA focuses on coming up with plans, while a master’s in Project Management focuses on how to put the plans in place. Both degrees are essential in the business sector; they simply help companies in different ways.
Online Master’s in Project Management Careers
Students that earn an online master’s in Project Management may open doors for better salary and job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics created a graph showing how much salary people bring home with degrees compared to no degree.
According to the graph, a person with a master’s degree earns an average of $1,497 weekly, which is $12,948 more annually than someone with a bachelor’s degree. There are various career choices in this field. It depends on what you desire to become and achieve in your career.
Here is a list of a few potential career possibilities for graduates of the online master’s in Project Management:
- Construction Manager: ensures construction projects are carried out and completed on time. A construction manager develops and implements plans for each part of a construction project. It is their duty to also make sure the project stays on budget.
- Data Manager: utilizes software systems to organize, find data, and protect a company’s private information. A data manager determines the needs of a company, updates its access, and ensures the data is up to par with the government’s regulations.
- Information Systems Manager: responsible for establishing a company’s information goals and develops their computer and network systems to accomplish these objectives. An information systems manager analyzes the performance and decides on specific updated software systems and installs them if needed. This career includes making negotiations, determining budget, and overseeing and managing other IT professionals on the team.
- Marketing Manager: develops and oversees multiple projects pertaining to marketing. The marketing manager is in charge of ensuring their team is marketing the service or product to the public and potential customers.
Most graduates entering the career field of Project Management possess excellent communication, outstanding leadership, and exceptional decision-making skills. Project managers are essential in every business, and they are the backbone of ensuring the product or service is complete on time and delivered to the customer in great quality.
Master’s Degree in Project Management Salary
The salary for project managers is predicted to be higher than the average salary for other professions. However, your exact salary depends on the specific career path you choose, where you plan to reside, and how much experience you have.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the project management field and their average salaries include:
- Information Systems Manager: $146,360 annually
- Engineering Manager: $144,830 annually
- Project Management Director: $125,510 annually
It is important to note that some employers will give cash bonuses along with the salary when projects are completed. Also, your pay may depend on the budget of the project; the higher the budget is, the more money the manager of the project will probably make.
Certifications and Licenses in Project Management
A master’s in Project Management can help prepare you for different certifications and licenses. One of the most favored certifications is the PMP certification, which can help show employers you are highly qualified and committed to the field.
This certification increases the chance of gaining more job prospects and earning a higher income. Students that achieve the PMP certification are obligated to take professional development classes and earn 60 credits every 3 years.
Professional Organizations for Project Management Students
If you are a current or prospective student in the Project Management field, joining a professional organization can be a great benefit and provide an abundance of opportunities.
Some of the outstanding opportunities professional organizations offer are scholarships to help pay for your education, extra funds to travel, and awards for research projects. Here are several professional organizations to consider.
- Association for Project Managers: keeps members up to date with education and knowledge on trending topics and ideas in the project management field.
- International Project Management Association: an important organization helping those with careers in Project Management gain certifications to benefit their career.
- Project Management Institute: provides members with in-depth programs and opportunities to earn certifications by offering online courses.
Individuals that take advantage of the opportunity to become a part of a professional organization have the opportunity to receive outstanding perks, such as networking and connecting with employers.
Master’s Degree in Project Management Online Admissions
The admission requirements for a master’s degree in Project Management vary by school and program. Most colleges and universities will require GPA, transcripts, work experience, and professional references.
Some schools require the applicant to obtain a bachelor’s in a relevant field, complete an essay, submit a resume, and attend a virtual or traditional interview. There are colleges and universities that desire GMAT or GRE test scores, while others do not. There are also schools that may waive the GMAT or GRE for prospective students with another graduate degree, significant experience, and a good GPA.
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One of the best features of earning an education online is that several online programs offer in-state tuition for all students, even if you are not in the state of the school you have chosen. When choosing a program meeting your needs and goals, look not only at the admission process but also assess the tuition, policies, length of program, and requirements for graduation.
Accreditation for Project Management Graduate Programs
It is extremely important to ensure the master’s program in Project Management you are planning to pursue is accredited.
For a degree to meet the educational standards and be observed by companies and potential employers, it must have earned accreditation. Making sure the program has been accredited can also give you the relief of knowing it can help you obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the project management field.
Most colleges and universities have received their accreditation nationally or regionally. If it is nationally accredited, it acquired its accreditation from the Council for Higher Education or the U.S. Department of Education. If the school is regionally accredited, it most likely earned its accreditation from a local authority in its region.
There are also online master’s programs in Project Management accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. This specific accreditation means the program meets high-quality standards for those pursuing a graduate program in Project Management.
You are not required to choose a program with PMI accreditation, but it is considered an exceptional program offering top-notch courses if it contains this accreditation.
Financing an Online Master’s Degree in Project Management
The majority of online degree programs are more affordable than on-campus programs. If earning an online master’s in Project Management sounds like it may be expensive, online students have similar options for financial help as traditional students.
Most Project Management graduate students have access to scholarships, loans, and grants. Certain companies even offer scholarships directed to students studying Project Management because it is such an in-demand field. See what federal aid you qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is Project Management?
Project management is the process of seeing that certain requirements are accomplished to successfully deliver a product or service.
The project manager is responsible for ensuring all requirements are met on time, such as the plan, scope, schedule, budget, risks, and the quality of the product or service. Almost every company hires a project manager to be sure the project is planned, organized, and fulfilled for the customer in a timely fashion.
The project management position is very high in demand. According to the Project Management Institute, this is a field that is growing, and the need for project managers is expected to grow by 33% within the next decade. This means there should be close to 22 million new project manager positions opening from now until the end of the next decade.
Do I Have to Take the GMAT to Apply for a Project Management Master’s Program?
There are some programs that do require GMAT test scores, but you should look over the application requirements before applying to make sure.
The GMAT is not always required to apply to a Project Management master’s program because a lot of professionals already working in the field apply. Instead, colleges may base their decision on the individual’s experience. It is also important to know that schools may waive the GMAT if the applicant has substantial experience in the field, a good GPA, or has earned another graduate degree already.
Can You Get an MBA without Taking the GMAT?
Yes, not all MBA programs require the GMAT. See the list below for examples.
How Much will an Online Master’s in Project Management Cost?
The tuition for an online master’s in Project Management can vary. It depends on the college or university you choose to earn your degree with. The program can cost as low as $5,000 or as high as $48,000.
It is important to keep in mind that the more the tuition costs does not necessarily mean the program is better. You must look at the curriculum and decide if the program matches your career goals.
Will Employers Accept a Project Management Online Degree?
Yes, online degrees are typically treated the same as traditional degrees. The same applies to online accelerated project management degrees too.
Employers usually do not care how you earned your degree, as long as you earned it. What matters is that you possess the required skills and knowledge to do the job.
How Much Will I Make with a Master’s in Project Management Online Degree?
The salary you will make with a master’s in Project Management depends on various factors. Some of these factors are which career path you decide to pursue, how much experience you already have obtained, and where you are located.
A master’s degree may increase your chances of earning more income than those with a bachelor’s degree or lower, and it may also help you get a higher-level position in the company.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master’s in Project Management Degree Program?
Most online students in a full-time program earn their master’s in Project Management degree in about two years. However, part-time options are usually offered for distance learners, which typically takes roughly four years.
The majority of online students have other life responsibilities and should choose a program that fits into their schedule, no matter how long it may take.
What Are the Differences Between a Project Manager and Scrum Master?
A project manager leads the whole project, while a scrum master manages and leads the team responsible for completing the project. A project manager may also be in charge of leading a team, but that is not their only responsibility.
In fact, a project manager may hire a scrum master to help lead their team, while the project manager focuses on other duties. The outcome of the entire project is solely the project manager’s responsibility, whereas the team’s performance is the responsibility of the scrum master.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Project Management No GMAT Programs
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.
Bellevue University was established in 1966 as Bellevue College. Eight years later, it became the fourth biggest private college in Nebraska. Two decades after, it was elevated to university status. This private, non-profit university participates in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as the Bellevue University Bruins.
- Master of Project Management
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Brandeis University is a private university in Waltham, Massachusetts. It was established on October 20, 1948 as Middlesex University, which was once the only US medical school not to impose a quota on Jews.
- Master of Science in Project and Program Management
Brandeis is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Founded in 1964 as the Baptist College, Charleston Southern University is a private educational institution in North Charleston, South Carolina. In 1990, it was elevated to university status. It competes in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference as the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Charleston Southern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
City University of Seattle is based in Seattle, Washington. It is part of the private and non-profit National University System. It was established in 1973 by Dr. Michael Pastore as City College to help working adults complete higher education. It has produced more than 50,000 graduates worldwide.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Master of Science in Project Management
City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Colorado Technical University was founded in 1965 as the Colorado Technical College. More than 90% of its students are fully online. It is not affiliated with the state of Colorado. It has produced more than 70,000 graduates worldwide. It is considered by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education.
- Master of Business Administration – Project Management
- Master of Science in Information Technology – Project Management
- Master of Science in Management – IT and Project Management
- Master of Science in Management – Project Management
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
This private university has campuses in Prescott, Arizona and Daytona Beach, Florida. It is one of the biggest accredited university systems that specialize in aviation and aerospace. It was founded in 1925 in Cincinnati, Ohio as the Embry-Riddle Company. One of its more popular alumni was the late US President John F. Kennedy.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida Institute of Technology or simply Florida Tech was founded in 1958 as the Brevard Engineering College. Its name was changed in 1966. Its main campus is located in Melbourne, Florida. The school participates in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference as the Florida Tech Panthers.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management – Information Technology
Florida Tech is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Golden Gate University is a private and non-sectarian university based in San Francisco, California. It traces its roots to the Evening College established in 1896. It was renamed Golden Gate College in 1901 after a law student’s suggested name was picked as the winner of a school-wide competition. It was elevated to university status in 1972.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Master of Science in Information Technology Management – Project Management
- Master of Science in Project Management
Golden Gate University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Granite State College is a public school based in Concord, New Hampshire. It was established in 1972. One of the four institutions under the University System of New Hampshire, the college offers online and in-person classes. It is also known for being one of the schools with the most affordable tuition fees in New England.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is a private university specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It was founded in 2001 as the Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Lasell University is a private educational institution in Auburndale, Massachusetts. It was established as the Auburndale Female Seminary in 1851 by its founder, chemistry professor Edward Lasell. In 1932, its name was changed to Lasell Junior College, and in 2019, it was officially renamed Lasell University. It competes in the NCAA Division III as the Lasell Lasers.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Lasell is accredited by the Commission on Institution of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world with about 110,00 students. Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, it offers in-person and online classes. This private evangelical Christian University is also known for its conservative Christian orientation, prohibiting private interactions between male and female students.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Town and Country, Missouri, Maryville University was founded in 1872 by the Roman Catholic religious congregation Society of the Sacred Heart. Its name was derived from “Mary’s Villa.” It started as an all-women school, but in 1968, it started admitting male students. Its athletic teams are called the Maryville University Saints.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Northeastern University is a private educational institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1898 as the Evening Institute for Younger Men, its name was changed in 1917 to the Northeastern University. Today, it has satellite campuses in various states including Washington, California, and North Carolina as well as one in Toronto, Canada.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.
Pennsylvania State University offers an online program for a Master of Project Management. GRE and GMAT scores are not needed to apply, and prospective students may apply to begin in fall, spring, or summers semesters. To graduate, students must complete 30 credits. The curriculum consists of courses such as Cost and Value Management, Planning and Resource Management, and Interpersonal and Group Behavior.
- Master of Project Management
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
A public research university located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is the flagship school of the Purdue University System. It was founded in 1869 by businessman John Purdue. It is part of the Association of American Universities. It is a proud producer of 25 American astronauts. It has also produced 13 Nobel Prize winners.
- Master of Science in Information Technology – Project Management
Purdue University Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
A private Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado, Regis University was founded in 1877 by the Society of Jesus. It is divided into five colleges. Its athletic teams, called the Regis Rangers, participate in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference of NCAA-Division II.
- Master of Science in Project Leadership and Management
Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
A private Roman Catholic university in St. Leo, Florida, Saint Leo University was established in 1889. It is named after several Popes including Pope Leo the Great and Pope Leo XIII, who was the pope during the time of its founding. Its athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division II-Sunshine State as the Saint Leo Lions.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Established in 1912, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private Catholic university located in Winona, MN. It is associated with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It competes in the NCAA Division III as the Saint Mary’s Cardinals.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
One of the oldest public universities in Texas, Sam Houston State University was founded in 1879. It is colloquially known as Sam, after the American soldier and politician who was a key figure in the Texas revolution.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
One of the fastest growing universities in the United States, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university founded in 1932. It is located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. It was elevated to university status in 2001. Its athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division II as the Penmen.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Master of Science in Project Management and Operations
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research institution with an enrollment of approximately 6,125 students. Founded in 1870, the school has been named among the “Best Value Colleges” by the Princeton Review.
- Master’s in Enterprise Project Management
Stevens Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The oldest independent private university in the Rocky Mountain region, the University of Denver was founded in 1864. Its main campus is located about five miles from downtown Denver. This nonsectarian school participates in the NCAA Division II as the Pioneers.
- Master of Science in Organizational Leadership – Project Management
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the University of Mary is the largest degree-granting institution in the area. It also has campuses in Italy and Peru. Its athletic teams are nicknamed the Marauders.
- Master of Business Administration in Project Management
- Master of Project Management in Catholic Philanthropy
- Master of Project Management in Healthcare
- Master of Project Management in Human Resources Management
- Master of Project Management in Managerial Leadership
- Master of Project Management in Business Operations
- Master of Project Management in Virtuous Leadership
- Master of Science in Business – Project Management
The University of Mary is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
The flagship school of the University System of Maryland, the University of Maryland is also the largest in the state of Washington. It has more than 40, 000 students and an alumni network of more than 360,000. The university competes in the NCAA Division I as the Terrapins.
- Master of Science in Information Technology – Project Management
- Master of Science in Management – Project Management
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The oldest private research university in California, the University of Southern Carolina California was founded in 1880. It is known for being selective, accepting around 1 out of 10 undergraduate applicants. It has produced the greatest number of Academy Award winners, nine Nobel laureates, six MacArthur Fellows, and 29 billionaires. Its athletic teams are nicknamed the Trojans.
- Master of Science in Project Management
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
This public university in Platteville, Wisconsin was the result of the merger of two schools in 1959. One of those schools, Wisconsin State College, was founded in 1866. Its athletic teams are called the Pioneers.
- Master of Science in Project Management – Human Capital Administration
- Master of Science in Project Management – Integrated Supply Chain Management
- Master of Science in Project Management – Managing Engineering Projects
UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A non-profit private university in Webster Groves, Missouri, Webster University was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto. It has an alumni network of about 170,000 worldwide. It competes in the NCAA Division II as the Gorloks.
- Master of Business Administration – Project Management
Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Founded in 1904 as the Wentworth Institute, this university was named after its benefactor Arioch Wentworth. It was originally conceived as a school for the mechanical arts. It is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It was accredited as a university in 2017 but has yet to change its name.
- Master of Science in Project Management
Wentworth Institute of Technology is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
WCU, located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is a public college part of the University of North Carolina system. It was formed in 1889 to provide educational opportunities for those living in the mountainous region of the state. This school participates in the NC Promise Tuition Plan, drastically reducing costs for both in-state and out-of-state students.
- Master of Project Management
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Is a Master’s Degree in Project Management Worth It?
Yes, a master’s degree in Project Management 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 construction manager, data manager, information systems manager, and marketing manager.
Those with a master’s in Project Management may have better prospects than those with a bachelor’s or less. The competition is growing, and the jobs are high in demand. Therefore, a master’s degree may help you stand out among other applicants.
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