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2024 Best Online Project Management Degrees

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 10/31/2023

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An online bachelor’s degree in project management is designed to help students develop leadership, communication, and project management skills. Many online degrees in this field help students become eligible to sit for the Project Management Certification exam. Potential career options for graduates of an online bachelor’s in project management include project managers, project coordinators, and business analysts. 

View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees in project management for inspiration. 

 

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#1 Northeastern University Global Network

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $68,843
  • Online Enrollment: 704 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $0

Northeastern University Global Network is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management that totals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. Northeastern accepts 18% of applicants, with 89% graduating.

Northeastern facilitates synchronous learning on Canvas. The program lets online students work on real-world projects for leading companies. Sample courses include Assessing Your Leadership Capacity, Supply Chain Management, and Organizational Behavior. Students are required to complete a capstone course. Graduates may pursue careers like project managers, office managers, and project coordinators.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $68,843
  • Financial Aid Recipients: N/A
  • Avg. Aid Package: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Recommend Rate: N/A
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#2 City University of Seattle

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $79,719
  • Online Enrollment: 692 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $11,812

The City University of Seattle (CityU) is a small, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 180 credit hours. The curriculum covers leadership and team development skills. Some core classes for this major include Strategic Organization Design to Project Initiation, Communicating with Data, and Negotiation & Competitive Decision Making. To graduate, students must complete a capstone project. Overall, it typically takes three years to complete all program requirements at a full-time pace. Graduates may enter a range of industries: healthcare, government, manufacturing, and education, to name a few.

At CityU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students may work independently on either a full- or part-time schedule. Additionally, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers. Lastly, it's important to mention that CityU has an open admission policy, which means that the university has a 100% acceptance rate. In other words, all students who apply are accepted.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $79,719
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 50%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $9,628
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Recommend Rate: 58%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#3 Capella University

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $63,636
  • Online Enrollment: 12,383 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $14,328

Capella University (CU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers two online degrees: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Business, Project Management and Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Leadership. Both require 120 credit hours. Some core classes include Developing a Business Perspective, Fundamentals of Leadership, and Agile Project Management. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, such as a capstone project, which can take 22 months with a full-time schedule. Graduates of the program may go on to explore careers in human resources management, sales management, and office management.

At CU, students use Blackboard to access their curriculum, which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library and academic coaches.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $63,636
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 86%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $6,637
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 36%
  • Recommend Rate: 63%
  • School Type: For Profit

#4 Bellevue University

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $60,272
  • Online Enrollment: 8,150 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $8,790

Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized nonprofit that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 127 credit hours. The curriculum aims to train students in project planning, control, and execution. Fundamentals of Project Management and Business Communications are a couple of core courses. Students must complete all program requirements to graduate, including the three Kirkpatrick Signature Series classes. This process can take two to three years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may pursue careers in business management and consulting.

At BU, students use Blackboard to access their fully online, asynchronous coursework. In addition, online students may access the university library, writing center, and tutoring center.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $60,272
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 76%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $4,990
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 51%
  • Recommend Rate: 68%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#5 Colorado State University Global

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $59,425
  • Online Enrollment: 6,897 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $8,400

Colorado State University (CSU Global) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management. The curriculum includes 120 credit hours and covers planning and management skills. There are many specializations for this major, including Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, and Foundations of Accounting. It typically takes students three years to complete this degree at a full-time pace, and students must turn in a practicum and capstone project to graduate. Alumni typically enter careers in program management and operations management.

CSU Global students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $59,425
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 61%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $5,614
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 33%
  • Recommend Rate: 56%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#6 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $56,141
  • Online Enrollment: 8,445 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $11,185

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU Worldwide) is a four-year, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 120 credits. Some core classes for this major include Principles of Management, Organizational Behavior, and Global Project Management. Students must complete a capstone project to successfully graduate. Program alumni may explore careers in administration services, public relations management, and information systems management.

At ERAU Worldwide, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online. Depending on a student's preference, the program can be completed at a full- or part-time pace. At ERAU Worldwide, online students may access the university library and student resources center.

  • Salary Score: A+
  • Median Earnings: $56,141
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 60%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $3,776
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 20%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Recommend Rate: 57%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#7 George Fox University

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $55,390
  • Online Enrollment: 240 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $39,540

George Fox University (GFU) is a private Christian university with a medium-sized student population. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 120 credit hours. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of ethical, technical, and behavioral competencies. Some core classes in this major include Organizational Behavior, Financial Decision Making, and Team Leadership & Management. It typically takes students three to four years of study with a full-time schedule to graduate. In addition, all students must pass a class called Christian Faith and Thought. Graduates typically enter management careers in business, event projects, and product regulation.

At GFU, students use Canvas to access their online coursework, which is synchronous and completed with a cohort. Additionally, online students may access the university’s library and student resource centers.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $55,390
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $24,779
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Recommend Rate: 89%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#8 National University

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $54,361
  • Online Enrollment: 4,801 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $13,320

National University (NU) is a private institution where prospective students can pursue two online bachelor’s in project management: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Management - Project Management and (2) a Bachelor of Business Administration - Project Management. Both programs require 180 quarter units. Finishing each program can take four years. NU’s acceptance rate is 55%, with a graduation rate of 36%.

NU’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Both programs give students the knowledge and skills to become project managers. Some of the programs’ courses are Survey of Global Business, Project Planning and Control, and Business Finance. Both programs require students to complete a capstone course. Prospective careers include program managers, market research analysts, and logistics coordinators.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $54,361
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 91%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $5,932
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 29%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
  • Recommend Rate: 47%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#9 American Public University System

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $54,183
  • Online Enrollment: 38,969 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $7,360

The American Public University System (APUS) is a large nonprofit that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Management. The curriculum requires that students complete 120 credit hours, which includes coursework covering research, communications, and data analysis. There are six concentrations for this major, including Project Management. Overall, a degree typically takes students three to four years of study with a full-time schedule. To graduate, students must turn in a Final Project. Program graduates often choose to pursue careers in strategic management and information systems.

APUS students use Sakai to access their online, asynchronous coursework, which students have the freedom to tackle at either a full- or part-time pace. Online students may access the university library and student resource centers.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $54,183
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 88%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $5,607
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Recommend Rate: 68%
  • School Type: For Profit

#10 Southern New Hampshire University Online

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $52,197
  • Online Enrollment: 116,225 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $9,600

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) is a large, private institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. Both online degree programs require 120 credit hours and have concentrations in Project Management, which includes courses such as Project Contracting & Procurement, Principles of Management, and Performance Improvement Measurement and Methodologies. In general, students are trained in planning, implementing, and assessing projects. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, which can take three to four years with a full-time schedule. Alumni may enter supply chain management positions or other industries, such as business law and economics.

At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is fully online and synchronous. Also, online students may access the university library and student resource centers.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $52,197
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 81%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $4,434
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Retention Rate: 62%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#11 Arizona State University

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $51,542
  • Online Enrollment: 46,764 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $30,592

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management equaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. The university accepts 70% of applicants, with 47% graduating.

At ASU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the learning management system Canvas. In this program, students gain the expertise to manage and lead projects in their careers. Example courses include Project Schedule Management, Organizational Ethics, and Project Procurement Management. A seminar course is also required to graduate. Future careers for graduates can include fundraisers, project coordinators, and advertising sales agents.

  • Salary Score: A
  • Median Earnings: $51,542
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $12,381
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Recommend Rate: 90%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#12 Columbia Southern University

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $50,330
  • Online Enrollment: 11,672 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $6,600

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration requiring 120 credit hours. The curriculum discusses ways to approach complex projects, build team organization, and produce cost-effective results. This major has a concentration in Project Management, which includes a range of classes: Management Decision Making, Procurement & Contract Management, and Organizational Communication. To graduate, students must complete all courses with a passing grade, and this process can take four years with a full-time study schedule. Alumni may go on to pursue financial management, globalization, and consulting careers.

CSU students use Blackboard to access their program materials, which includes asynchronous, fully online coursework. Online students have access to the Academic Advising Center, the university library, and other student resource centers.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $50,330
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 42%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $4,154
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Retention Rate: 42%
  • Recommend Rate: 78%
  • School Type: For Profit

#13 University of Wisconsin - Stout

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,967
  • Online Enrollment: 891 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $17,930

University of Wisconsin - Stout (UW-Stout) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management requiring 120 credit hours. The faculty shows students how they can apply methodologies, techniques, and tools to effectively manage projects. This major has a concentration in Project Management, which includes classes such as Financial - Managerial Accounting; Business & Professional Speaking; and Procurement, Sourcing, & Supply Chain Management. It takes online students approximately four years to complete all program requirements, including a capstone project. Graduates often apply to enter careers in business administration, human resource management, and logistics analysis.

At UW-Stout, students use Canvas to access their online learning materials, which includes asynchronous coursework that they can complete at their own pace. Online students also have access to Student Service Advisors, Career Services, and the university library.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,967
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 84%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $4,736
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Recommend Rate: 76%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#14 Saint Leo University Online

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,914
  • Online Enrollment: 8,138 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $27,050

Saint Leo University Online (Saint Leo) is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Project Management totaling 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at Saint Leo is 71%, with a 42% graduation rate.

Saint Leo facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The online bachelor’s in project management provides an overview of project management fundamentals. Some of the program’s courses are Project Teamwork & Leadership, Project Risk Management, and Quality Improvement & Management. Potential career options for graduates include IT project managers, project analysts, and software release managers.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,914
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $21,053
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 54%
  • Recommend Rate: 61%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#15 Park University

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,878
  • Online Enrollment: 5,043 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $12,671

Park University is a private, nonprofit university with an online Bachelor of Science in Management/Project Management equaling 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to take four years to finish this program. The university accepts 100% of applicants and has a 30% graduation rate.

At Park, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program helps students gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them to sit for the Project Management Certification exam. Sample courses are International Business Perspectives, Business Policy, and Management and Organizational Behavior. Students must take a senior seminar to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are information systems managers, business operation specialists, and construction managers.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,878
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 93%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $7,043
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Recommend Rate: 82%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#16 Purdue Global

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,866
  • Online Enrollment: 32,313 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $14,445

At Purdue Global (Purdue Global), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science/Arts in Project Management, which requires 180 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years to finish this program. Purdue Global’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 27%.

Purdue Global facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The program covers leadership, communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills through a range of courses, including Operations Management, Business Law, and Quality Management. In addition to coursework, an online management capstone course is required. Graduates may go on to careers like project managers, general managers, and budget analysts.

  • Salary Score: A-
  • Median Earnings: $47,866
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 60%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $8,815
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 28%
  • Retention Rate: 17%
  • Recommend Rate: 73%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Public)

#17 Franklin University

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,825
  • Online Enrollment: 4,314 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $9,577

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Project Management that totals 124 credit hours. It can take four years to finish this program with a full class schedule. The university’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 41% graduation rate.

At Franklin, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on BlueQuill. The program is designed for students interested in information systems careers. Sample courses include Security Risk Management, Information Assurance, and Requirements Analysis & Testing. Students are required to complete an Information Systems capstone. Prospective careers include systems engineers, technical managers, and contracting officers.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,825
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 31%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $7,398
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Retention Rate: 50%
  • Recommend Rate: 68%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#18 Saint Louis University - Main Campus

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,366
  • Online Enrollment: 696 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $50,644

Saint Louis University - Main Campus (SLU) is a private, nonprofit, Jesuit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management, which equals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years finishing this program. The university accepts 70% of applicants, with 70% graduating.

SLU facilitates asynchronous online learning on Canvas. This program will teach students about project strategy, contract, and project management. Some examples of courses include Proposal Management, Contract Supplier Administration, and Requirements Analysis. Students must complete a capstone to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like IT project managers, business analysts, and software developers.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,366
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 99%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $37,006
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Recommend Rate: 92%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#19 Mount Vernon Nazarene University

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,131
  • Online Enrollment: 385 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $34,168

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) — a private, nonprofit, Christian university — future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at MVNU is 87%, with a graduation rate of 65%.

MVNU’s online students complete courses available on Moodle. In this program, students develop their leadership and project management skills. Some of the program’s core courses are Global Perspectives in Business, Operations Management, and Managing Human Resources. A practicum is required for this program. Potential careers for graduates are project managers, operations managers, and purchasing managers.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $47,131
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $23,202
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Recommend Rate: 50%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

#20 Davenport University

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $46,639
  • Online Enrollment: 1,662 enrolled
  • Annual Tuition: $22,244

Davenport University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers two online bachelor’s degrees in project management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Technology Project Management and (2) a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business - Global Project Management. Each of the online programs require 120 credit hours, which can take at least four years to finish. The university’s acceptance rate is 98%, and it has a graduation rate of 38%.

At Davenport, online students complete courses on Blackboard, and these classes are delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. Both degree programs explore different project management niches through courses, such as Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Management Systems, and Procurement & Global Sourcing. Prospective careers include program managers, logistics coordinators, and assistant project managers.

  • Salary Score: B+
  • Median Earnings: $46,639
  • Financial Aid Recipients: 100%
  • Avg. Aid Package: $17,124
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Recommend Rate: 63%
  • School Type: Nonprofit (Private)

2024 Best Online Project Management Degrees

RankSchool Salary Score Median Earnings
# 1 #1 Northeastern University Global Network A+ A+ $68,843
# 2 #2 City University of Seattle A+ A+ $79,719
# 3 #3 Capella University A+ A+ $63,636
# 4 #4 Bellevue University A+ A+ $60,272
# 5 #5 Colorado State University Global A+ A+ $59,425
# 6 #6 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide A+ A+ $56,141
# 7 #7 George Fox University A A $55,390
# 8 #8 National University A A $54,361
# 9 #9 American Public University System A A $54,183
# 10 #10 Southern New Hampshire University Online A A $52,197

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What Is An Online Project Management Degree?

Online project management degrees explore the technical and organizational skills needed to lead professional business projects from inception to completion. Students learn effective ways to oversee teams and execute plans while mitigating risk, managing budgets, and utilizing tools. Coursework covers detailed methodologies, ranging from business analysis to quality control. 

Some programs are specifically designed to prepare students for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, the gold standard of professional career certifications beyond academic training. Program reputations are important to consider, so students should only choose accredited degrees. This way, they can be sure a third-party education agency has evaluated the program they're pursuing. Every degree OnlineU features on its site is accredited. 

Alternative options to a traditional project management degree include certificates in management or bachelor's degrees in management, all offering a comprehensive education in human resources, finance, and leadership while including some training in project management. 

There are also affordable project management degrees for budget-minded students.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Project Management Bachelor's Degree Online?

Project management online degrees are meant to be completed in four years by full-time students. Credit requirements are typically 120 hours, leading students to take between 12 and 18 credits per semester. Compare this to associate degrees in management, which require 60 credit hours, and master's degrees in management, which may require more than 40 credits. 

Some schools have minimum credit requirements to maintain eligibility for financial aid, so it's important to consult the school's academic counselor before choosing a class schedule. 

What Specialization Should I Choose?

Project management specializations allow students to narrow the scope of their coursework to fit their career or graduate degree aspirations. Examples include emergency management, which prepares students to lead teams of first responders or oversee natural disaster planning. There's also organizational leadership, which focuses on upper-level management training and effective communication techniques. 

On the other hand, some programs offer lists of electives that students can choose from to earn special training in specific areas within and beyond project management, such as project leadership, Six Sigma training, and project planning. Electives allow for more personalized education experiences and may affect how many credits go toward the major. 

In other cases, project management is a specialization in a technical management or business administration major. Students can also use their specialized courses to prepare for a relevant graduate degree, such as an MBA in management or a master's in organizational leadership.

Common Courses

Courses in a project management master's degree are designed to relay basic business principles alongside fundamentals of project leadership and organization. Students learn how to properly communicate in business environments while delving into the cost estimation tools professional project managers use daily. 

Below are some standard courses at the undergraduate level:

Project Development and Execution

This course looks at the foundational phases of project budgeting: formulation, review, execution, and audit. Students discover how to estimate costs, propose financial limitations, and incorporate budgets into performance metrics. There will also be discussions of earned value management techniques and how they relate to a project's life cycle. 

Project Management Tools

Tools are critical in a project manager's day-to-day life, so students must learn the appropriate software packages and how to utilize them effectively. They'll use case studies to understand the best applications of specific programs and how professionals use them in real-world scenarios. Students get first-hand experience using tools like Microsoft Project to create their final portfolio.

Project Risk Management

In this course, students analyze the methodologies of risk management through the lenses of preparation and execution. They'll learn how to identify risk before a project goes into motion and explore measurement and monitoring tools to mitigate risk during a project. Once risks are established, students are taught to report and respond to their discovery. 

Project Leadership Fundamentals

Projects require leaders, and this course ensures graduates have the appropriate skills to execute their responsibilities in a group environment. Team building, problem-solving, and coaching are all examined, along with communication tactics for negotiations, presentations, and conflict resolutions. In total, students learn how to create effective and positive changes in team settings.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Online Bachelor's Degree in Project Management?

Project management graduates have an immense amount of career options because they study essential disciplines that can be applied to nearly any industry. Job opportunities can be found at nonprofits, government agencies, large corporations, or small businesses. 

That said, for students who are uninterested in entering the workforce immediately upon graduation, the learning can continue beyond the bachelor's level. Many students pursue a master's in project management or a budget-friendly master's in project management, where they can advance their skills in project leadership. Some go even further to achieve a doctorate in management to move into PM research or pursue collegiate education roles. 

Construction Managers

Median Annual Salary: $101,480
Job Growth: 5%

Construction managers lead and oversee all aspects of building projects, from budgeting to project reports and safety compliance. Before a project starts, they'll outline budgets, hire staff, and coordinate with architects and engineers. They often work in remote offices at construction sites to monitor progress and ensure project workflows are on schedule.

Project Management Specialists

Median Annual Salary: $95,370
Job Growth: 6%

The role of project management specialists is to organize various aspects of projects within an organization. This includes outlining project scopes, schedules, funding, and staff. They oversee every step of the process and ensure deliverables are on time and within the agreed upon budget. Once projects are complete, they organize documents and run reviews to identify bottlenecks or waste for future projects.

Facilities Managers

Median Annual Salary: $101,870
Job Growth: 5%

While project managers work in the field, often in different locations, facilities managers oversee the operations at specific locations. They manage staff, budgets, schedules, inventory, maintenance, equipment, and safety. They're also responsible for completing renovation projects, maintaining the groups around their facilities, and compliance with worker health, security, and emergency protocols.

Emergency Management Directors

Median Annual Salary: $79,180
Job Growth: 3%

Emergency management directors develop plans to address natural disasters and human-caused incidents. They generate preparation guidelines and procedures in case of floods, food shortages, attacks, chemical spills, disease outbreaks, and every happening in between. They coordinate with first responders and local communities during an incident to minimize exposure and ensure safety. 

Project Management Certification

Professionals widely utilize project management certifications to demonstrate to potential employers that they are up-to-date on the latest standards in the field. The Project Management Institute, a nonprofit organization unaffiliated with any college or university, delivers the most well-known certificates. Graduates often pursue a project management certification called the Project Management Professional (PMP) because it's the most widely recognized credential. It's considered a coveted title and highly sought after by serious employers who require the most skilled PMs. It's a challenging test containing 180 questions and requires intense studying before the exam. 

Bachelor's graduates may want to start by pursuing the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), which only contains 150 questions and takes three hours to complete. It's designed to prove students have the foundational knowledge required to lead teams in different project environments. Students can choose from an additional project management certification from PMI in the areas of risk management, program management, business analysis, scheduling, and construction. 

Applying For a Project Management Degree Online

When applying to college for a project management degree or certificate, students should take into account the minimum GPA needed for enrollment. This varies from school to school but typically falls between 2.0 and 2.5. For this reason, it's important to pick a college that aligns with the applicant's academic credentials. The application process also varies but always requires submitting high school transcripts, along with any college grades earned during an associate degree, and may include personal essays and college entrance exam scores.

FAQs About a Project Management Degree

Are Online Project Management Degrees Respected?


Online project management degrees are respected because they're taught by the same instructors and use the same curriculums as on-campus programs. Students receive professional training in project management fundamentals, with many schools providing career services to put graduates on the track to employment. 

What Degrees Do Project Managers Have?


Aspiring project managers are most likely to pursue project management bachelor's degrees in order to prepare for entry-level careers in the field. Concentrations for these programs, such as organizational leadership and accounting, allow graduates to pursue specialized careers. There are also alternate routes that include affordable management degrees that cover many of the same PM principles.

What Are the Highest Paying Jobs With a Project Management Degree?


The highest paying jobs with a project management degree are construction managers and facilities managers. They receive median annual salaries above $101,000, making them approximately twice as much as those for all other occupations. Other careers, such as project management specialists and emergency management directors, still earn above the national median salary.

Are Project Management Degrees Worth It?

Benefits

  • There are abundant job opportunities in the broader field of management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that around 1.1 million management jobs will be added annually until 2032.

  • Compensation outperforms all other occupations. That same report from the BLS shows that the 2022 median annual wage for all management roles was $107,400, compared to $46,300 for all trades.

  • Project managers can apply their skills to nearly any field. The broad, abstract training received through PM degrees can be used to pursue operational careers in areas such as sports, healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

Drawbacks

  • Post-graduate credentials are becoming increasingly crucial to career success. The professional field contained 652,000 credentialed members as of 2020, according to the Project Management Institute.

  • The work can be stressful. Project managers are often required to plan for future projects while they oversee current projects, leading to possible burnout.

  • Project management degree curriculums are very broad. This may make some students feel rudderless when deciding on a specific career path.

Project management degrees are worth it for students with a penchant for leadership and a desire to create change at the organizational level. Salaries are high, with graduates earning well above the national median rate. However, competition is fierce due to the strict qualifications needed to be considered by top-tier employers.

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