Are you a natural-born multitasker? Do you have what it takes to lead a team to success? Check out best online project management degree programs!
Whether you have a background in project management or you’re looking to change careers, an online degree in project management will benefit you. From managing teams to communicating effectively, you’ll learn all the secrets to success as a project manager.
Being well-versed in project management principles allows you to work in many industries:
- Government
- Healthcare
- Education
- Law Enforcement
- Public Relations
Likewise, getting a degree in this field helps you develop critical skills. You’ll learn how to juggle deadlines and manage budgets. You’ll perfect your ability to work with many different stakeholders and subcontractors. You’ll even learn how to manage teams of workers to achieve goals quickly and efficiently.
In other words, if you have big projects in mind, a degree in project management is for you!
What is a Project Management Degree?
From healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing and construction, nearly every industry requires creative project managers to assist in getting initiatives off the ground. A project management degree trains you to adequately initiate, plan, and execute projects. Furthermore, you’ll learn how to control and close out projects. A project management degree furthers your leadership and advocacy skills. It also instills confidence in you moving forward.
Most of the programs listed below are between 120-180 credit hours. The number of credits depends on the amount of experience you need beforehand. Depending on the school, you might enroll as a full-time or part-time student.
If you’re not sure this is the right field for you, a similar, broader program to consider is a Business Administration degree. Alternatively, if you’ve already done your undergraduate degree in project management, you might consider getting an online master’s degree in project management.
How Much Can You Earn With a Project Management Degree?
With a bachelor’s degree in project management, your salary will vary depending on the industry you choose to work in.
For example, a Project Manager at a major bank can make upwards of $105,000 per year. Construction Managers can make upwards of $91,000 per year. However, the annual median salary for project management specialists is $98,420 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Of course, your earning potential is dependent upon your education and your area of expertise. The industry you work in and the geographic area in which you choose to work also factor in to your potential earnings. You also have to consider the cost of living in the area in which you work. While you might earn more money working in a large urban area like New York City or Los Angeles, the cost of living in these locations is far higher than rural areas of the country.
What is Required for a Project Management Degree?
Many of the below programs require applicants to have either an associate’s degree or some work experience in project management. Others require applicants to be at least 22 years of age. Several prerequisite skills are also desired by most colleges. For example, you might need to demonstrate better-than-average:
- Communication skills
- The ability to work within a team
- The ability to multitask
Some of the programs below also require learners to complete a capstone or final project. These projects serve as a detailed learning and growth opportunity. Typically, capstone projects occur in the final year or semester of undergraduate studies. They involve a central research question or project, and require many hours of real-world research and work to complete. You must present your capstone project to a panel of professors, kind of like defending a master’s thesis. It’s the final step you need to complete before getting your project management degree.
Many online bachelor’s degrees on this list can be completed in 3-4 years. The timeframe required to complete your studies depends on many factors. Primarily, your status as a part-time or full-time student will have the greatest impact on how long you need to complete your degree.
What are the Best Project Management Degrees?
OSR uses six data points to determine the best project management degrees. These points include three school-wide criteria and three program-specific criteria.
For school-wide criteria, OSR uses
- Student Satisfaction
- Admission Rates
- The number of programs the school offers online
For program-specific criteria, OSR checks the:
- Median Debt of graduates from that program
- How many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department
- What percentage of students at that school graduated from that department
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education.
A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on our methodology page.
See also: Cheapest Online Bachelor’s in Construction Management and Best Online Master’s in Management Information Systems.
Now, let’s get to our list of the best online schools for project management!
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- There is no need to visit campus at any time
- All students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency
- You get access to support tools, tech support, and library resources 24/7 upon enrollment
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreBellevue University is the best online school for project management. Its Bachelor of Science in Project Management degree is all online. It’s taught by faculty with industry experience. Required courses in this 127-credit program may include:
- Project Leadership
- Project Risk Management
- Business Communications
Coursework prepares you to start, plan, and execute projects large and small. You also gain the skills needed to control project outcomes and finish projects on time.
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University of Arizona
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,262(in state) / $31,067(out of state)
- You can transfer up to 90 credits
- Five-week courses make online learning flexible and affordable
- There is no application fee
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreThis 120-credit online Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Management is from the University of Arizona Global Campus. The programs is offered by the Forbes School of Business and Technology. Undergraduate courses are in five-week rotations, so you take one course at a time. This makes it easy for working professionals to complete this degree.
Required courses may include:
- Leadership for Organizations
- Organizational Change
- Integrated Cost and Schedule Control
- Personal and Organizational Ethics
- Business Law
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Southern New Hampshire University
20-Year ROI$882,666
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,756(in state) / $30,756(out of state)
- No application fee
- Transfer up to 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree
- Take courses at your own pace, over six 8-week terms per year
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreSouthern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management. This is a 120-credit program. You’ll learn how to successfully plan, execute, and finish a variety of organizational projects.
SNHU offers various courses to prepare you for a career. Some of these courses might include:
- Project Contracting and Procurement
- Resource Estimating and Scheduling
- Integrated Cost and Schedule Control
- Adaptive Project Management
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Colorado State University Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,400(in state) / $8,400(out of state)
- Flexible, asynchronous schedule, 100% online
- Offers monthly term starting dates and accelerated 8-week courses
- Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of where you live
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreColorado State University is among the best online schools for project management. The University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management. Students in this program can choose from a variety of specialization areas. This includes:
- Emergency Management
- Healthcare Management
- Principles of Accounting
Required courses may include:
- Total Quality Management
- Project Leadership
- A Capstone Project
- An optional practicum experience
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City University of Seattle
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,400(in state) / $17,400(out of state)
- CityU has a rolling admissions policy
- Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of where you live
- Online students have access to many of the same on-campus resources
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Project Management degree at the City University of Seattle is a 180-credit program. It’s delivered all online. You have the option to focus on Information Technology. You can also create a specialized course of study to fit your specific educational goals.
Required courses may include:
- The Effective Organization
- Project Scheduling and Cost Management
- A Capstone Project
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Capella University
20-Year ROI$1,276,372
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,788(in state) / $13,788(out of state)
- No hidden fees or textbook expenses
- Capella scholarships aren’t need-based
- Courses are designed to be completed in 60 days
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreCapella University offers an online Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a Specialization in Project Management. As a Capella bachelor’s student, you’ll complete a total of 180 quarter credits to graduate.
Required courses may include:
- Human Resources and Motivation Management
- Integration and Scope Management
- Communication and Stakeholder Management
Capella offers a FlexPath option. This allows you to finish a bachelor’s degree that you’ve already started. You can do so in as little as 18 months.
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Davenport University
20-Year ROI$606,885
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,728(in state) / $16,728(out of state)
- Boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio
- Davenport awards $15 million in scholarships each year
- Students residing outside of Michigan receive a 33% tuition discount
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreDavenport University offers an online 120-credit Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Project Management. There are five specialties offered, including:
- Information Security
- Networking
- Computer Information Systems
Required courses may include:
- Globalization and World Diversity
- Global Sourcing for Projects
- Project Quality Management
The courses you take prepare you to take the PMP Professional Certification Exam. This can help boost your potential earnings to more than $100,000 per year.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
20-Year ROI$941,927
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,330(in state) / $11,330(out of state)
- Flexible transfer-credit policy
- Tuition is locked in at the same rate as your first class
- The University of Phoenix project management degree offers courses in 5-week sessions
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Business with Project Management Certificate is online through the University of Phoenix. Coursework for the University of Phoenix project management degree may include:
- Organizational Negotiations
- Marketing
- Statistics for Decision Making
The program requires 120 credits to complete. Full-time students typically earn their degree in four years or less.
A project management certification University of Phoenix specialty is also available. This 18-credit program takes just seven months to complete. The cost of the certificate program is $398 per credit.
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Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
20-Year ROI$841,408
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,315(in state) / $11,315(out of state)
- No application fee
- Save up to 30% on tuition with CTU Fast Track™
- Among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News and World Report
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreColorado Technical University offers a 180-credit Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a Project Management concentration. Required courses may include:
- Project Cost and Scheduling
- Organizational Leadership
- Contracts and Procurement
You can complete your degree up to 30% faster with CTU Fast Track™. This program lets you earn college credit for what you already know.
You can also reduce the cost of your education in various ways:
- Active-duty military status
- Transferring in credits you’ve already completed
- Grants and scholarships
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Colorado Christian University
20-Year ROI$773,184
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,810(in state) / $21,810(out of state)
- Classes are typically completed in 5-week blocks
- Major coursework can be completed in four semesters
- Tuition prices are identical for part-time and full-time students
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreStudents at CCU can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management in Project Management. The program includes 120 credit hours. This includes 36 credits within the major, 42 in general education, and 42 elective credits.
As a student at CCU, you get access to professors who are also professionals in the field. In fact, many faculty members are Project Management Professional (PMP) Certified. This makes CCU’s degree among the best online project management programs.
You also take courses one at a time. This helps you concentrate on your studies and retain information more easily.
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Strayer University-District of Columbia
20-Year ROI$909,951
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,662(in state) / $13,662(out of state)
- Flexible online courses have working adults in mind
- Same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
- Strayer accepts transfer credits, military training, and life experience
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreStrayer University offers a 40-course online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Project Management. Required courses may include:
- Managing Project Risk
- Project Estimating and Budgeting
- Business Ethics
This program prepares you to control projects from start to finish. It also helps you contribute to your company’s success on a daily basis.
With flat tuition rates for residents and non-residents, this is an affordable option among the best online management degrees.
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Regis University
20-Year ROI$1,120,155
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $35,260(in state) / $35,260(out of state)
- Ranked as a Top Tier Western University by U.S. News and World Report
- Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students
- Certificate program can be completed in as little as six months
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreRegis University offers an online Project Management Certificate program. This program is online and offers multiple start dates throughout the academic year.
Depending on your class load, you can complete this undergraduate Project Management Certificate in as little as six months. It might take up to a year to complete if you take fewer classes each term.
The courses you must complete to get this certification include:
- Organizational Behavior
- Process Mapping and Improvement
- Project Management
- Agile Project Management
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Saint Leo University
20-Year ROI$869,248
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,600(in state) / $21,600(out of state)
- Eight-week academic terms, starting six times per year
- Same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
- A Best Regional University for the South Region by U.S. News and World Report
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreSaint Leo University offers a 120-credit online Business Administration Degree. The degree comes with a Specialization in Project Management.
Required courses may include:
- Project Teamwork and Leadership
- Quality Improvement and Management
- Procurement
- Purchasing and Vendor Management
Saint Leo Business Administration grads have gone on to work for Harvard Law School, Boy Scouts of America, AAA, Citigroup, and more.
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Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Courses are just eight weeks long
- Up to 75% credits can be transferred to Liberty
- Students typically complete this program in 3.5 years
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreLiberty University has a 120-credit Bachelor’s in Business Administration-Project Management degree. It is 100% online. Required courses may include
- Human Resource Management
- Organizational Ethics
- International Business
This program might help you qualify for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. This credential comes from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Having a credential like this can:
- Help you advance your career
- Prepare to change careers
- Show potential employers your project management skills
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
20-Year ROI$1,325,236
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Each session is just nine weeks
- Offers multiple start times throughout the year
- Online tuition is the same for all students, regardless of where you live
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreEmbry-Riddle offers a 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Project Management. The program is done 100 percent online.
Project management courses in this program were developed by faculty with Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. Required courses may include
- Business Law
- Management of the Multicultural Workforce
- Global Project Management
This program is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.
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Baker College
20-Year ROI$539,587
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,360(in state) / $9,360(out of state)
- Lowest-priced private college in Michigan
- Baker College offers plenty of financial aid and scholarships
- Virtual classrooms and an extensive library network are open 24/7
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThe Baker College of Information Technology offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems. The degree has a concentration in Project Management and Planning.
You must complete 120-credit hours. This includes 72 hours within the major, 18 hours of project management, and 30 hours of general education. Required courses may include:
- Negotiation Strategies
- Leading Project Teams
- Project Cost and Budget Management
You must also complete a capstone project to graduate from this program.
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Marist College
20-Year ROI$1,119,352
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $36,100(in state) / $36,100(out of state)
- Online classes start every eight weeks
- Standardized tests are not required for admission
- High school transcripts are not required with an associate’s degree
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThe Professional Studies Project Management Bachelor’s degree at Marist College is 100 percent online. Classes are in four- or eight-week formats. This allows you to mix and match courses to fit your interests and schedule. Required courses may include:
- Economics of Social Issues
- Introduction to Human Resources
- Legal Issues in Organization
As an undergraduate, you’ll learn the ins and outs of managing tasks throughout a project – from conception to completion.
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Saint Louis University
20-Year ROI$1,116,084
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $41,540(in state) / $41,540(out of state)
- No application fee
- Applications are accepted and processed on a rolling basis
- The same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThis degree is offered online through Saint Louis’ School for Professional Studies. The BS degree in Project Management offers features like:
- Project Strategy
- Class Simulators
- Contract Management
- PM Math
Required courses may include
- Project Selection and Scope
- Industry Certifications
- Time, Cost and Risk Management
SLU also offers a stand-alone certificate in Project Management that can be pursued entirely online.
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Benedictine University
20-Year ROI$971,400
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $31,289(in state) / $31,289(out of state)
- Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this program
- The same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
- Access to 24/7 tech support, an Academic Advisor, online library, and more
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThis is an online 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Management from Benedictine University. It’s ideal for business professionals who wish to advance into managerial roles.
Required courses may include
- International Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Marketing
The curriculum also offers two concentrations in Marketing and Human Resources Management.
You can transfer up to 90 credits. This makes this degree one of the shortest online project management degree programs.
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Charleston Southern University
20-Year ROI$731,768
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,800(in state) / $24,800(out of state)
- 95% of CSU students receive financial aid
- Recognized by US News and World Report as one of the Best Online Programs
- The same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThis is a 125-credit Bachelor of Science in Project Management from Charleston Southern University. It offers flexible course schedules. The program is done 100 percent online.
The major consists of 51 hours and does not require a minor. Required courses may include:
- Business Policy
- Statistics for Managers
- Decision Making and Project Initiation
- Business Ethics
Charleston Southern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
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Linfield College-Online and Continuing Education
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,365(in state) / $13,365(out of state)
- This project management program is available as a bachelor of science or a Bachelor of Arts
- Prepares you for a career in healthcare, operations management, construction, and many other fields
- Same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThe Project Management degree program at Linfield College is offered online. Required courses may include:
- Operations Management
- Management Information Systems
- Intercultural Communication: Global Perspective
Courses align to the newest Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) standards. This helps prepare you for taking the PMP or CAPM Certification exam.
All online students have access to career planning assistance, tutoring services, technical support, and more.
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Minnesota State University Moorhead
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,410(in state) / $14,820(out of state)
- Transfer pathways are available
- You can double-major in Project Management and Health Services Administration
- Two minors are available in Professional Selling and Global Supply Chain Management
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Project Management at Minnesota State University Moorhead is 100 percent online. You must complete 48 credits of core requirements. Possible courses include:
- Management Information Systems
- Cost Analysis
- Process Leadership
- Agile Project Management
- Purchasing and Sourcing Management
This program is from one of the best project management online schools. It’s flexible, affordable, and ideal for transfer students who have already earned an associate’s degree. You’ll learn project planning, leadership skills, and how to manage team members.
There are various related programs available, too. This includes Construction Management and Operations Management.
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Brandman University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,000(in state) / $12,000(out of state)
- Online tuition is a set fee per credit for all students
- Benefit from instructors who currently work in their field of expertise
- Admissions exceptions are made for active-duty military
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreThis is an online BS in Computing Technology degree with a Project Management emphasis. The program is offered by the University of Massachusetts Global. It requires you to complete a minimum of 120 semester units. Core requirements may include:
- Project Management for Information Systems
- Project Risk Management
- Organizational Development and Change
All students must also complete 42 credits of general education requirements, 36 credits of core requirements, and 12 credits of Project management requirements.
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George Fox University
20-Year ROI$887,172
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $34,500(in state) / $34,500(out of state)
- Curriculum takes just 16 months to complete
- Standardized tests are not required for admission
- Online classes include presentations, readings, discussions, and chats
School Wide
Program Level
63%OSR ScoreGeorge Fox University offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management online. All students in the online format begin the program with a cohort launch via Zoom.
Required courses may include:
- Project Risk Management
- Ethics for Project Managers
- Change Management
Each course is taken one at a time. Courses are sequential and in an accelerated format.
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Wentworth Institute of Technology
20-Year ROI$1,284,855
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $32,954(in state) / $32,954(out of state)
- Accelerated master’s degree program
- Access to all Wentworth resources and support services
- Same tuition rate applies to all students, regardless of where you live
- Transfer up to 80 credits from prior professional and educational experience
School Wide
Program Level
54%OSR ScoreConcluding our list of the best project management degrees is Wentworth Institute of Technology’s Master of Science degree in Project Management. This is a 30-credit program. If you study full-time, you can complete it in as little as five semesters.
Required courses might include:
- Project Scheduling and cost Planning
- Managing Troubled Projects
- Portfolio and Program Management
- Communication Strategies
Wentworth also offers other specialized management degrees. This includes a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management and a master’s degree in Facility Management.
