Inside Online Master’s in Project Management: Reviewing Top Programs

If you’re considering a career change, aspiring to lead dynamic projects, or a recent grad looking for additional skills, an online master’s in project management could be right for you. With flexible online learning and an industry-aligned curriculum, this master’s degree builds advanced skills to boost your career. Use this OMD guide to discover how a project management degree can open doors across industries.

Author: Shannon Lee

Editor: Kimberly Zaski

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  • Are You Ready?

    Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…

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  • Inside Real Programs

    An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…

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  • Cost Breakdown

    A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…

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  • Career Options

    What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…

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  • FAQs

    Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…

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  • Top Programs

    A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…

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Before You Begin… Ask These Questions

Before you apply, ask yourself the following questions to see if you’re ready for grad studies and to ensure a project management master’s aligns with your goals:

  1. Do I have clear career goals in project management? — Consider how an advanced degree will help you achieve specific roles (e.g. transitioning from team member to project lead or aiming for a program manager position).
  2. Am I prepared to balance work, life, and online studies? — Honest introspection about your time management is crucial. Succeeding in an online program requires discipline to juggle job projects, coursework deadlines, and personal responsibilities.
  3. Do I enjoy leading teams and solving organizational challenges? — Project management careers center on coordinating people and resources. If you thrive on communication, problem-solving, and leadership under pressure, that’s a good sign.
  4. Is a specialized project management master’s better for me than a general business degree? — Think about whether you want in-depth project management knowledge versus more broad MBA coursework.
  5. Will this degree complement my experience? — If you already have project experience, a master’s can refine your skills and boost your credentials. If you’re new to the field, you can leverage academic knowledge in real-world settings through internships or entry-level project roles.

Comparing Online Project Management Master’s Programs

Boston University — Master of Science in Project Management (MSPM)

Boston University offers an MS in Project Management available fully online or on campus. The 40-credit program blends business fundamentals with advanced project management strategies covering topics like mega-projects, risk management, agile methodologies, and project portfolios. No GRE/GMAT is required​. Coursework prepares students to sit for the PMP and CAPM exams​.

Graduates gain skills to lead complex projects across industries, and alumni have been hired by top companies like Google, Amazon, and Deloitte.​

Duration: 12–20 months

Mode: Online or on campus

Cost: $38,000 ​

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • Transcripts; minimum GPA 3.0 preferred
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation

The George Washington University — Master of Science in Project Management

Choose from online, on-campus, or hybrid learning in The George Washington University’s MS in Project Management program. This 30-credit degree is STEM-designated and PMI accredited, focusing on both technical project analytics and leadership “power skills.” ​Graduates are positioned for roles in data-driven project leadership and many advance to senior project manager, PMO director, or consultant roles in industries ranging from government and finance to tech.

The online format features recorded on-campus lectures plus live synchronous sessions, so virtual students get the same content as in-person. Financial aid, fellowships, and military discounts are available​. GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

Duration: 1.5-2.5 years

Mode: Online, on campus, or hybrid

Cost: $1,439/credit (online only)

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
  • One professional or academic recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (500 words)
  • Official transcripts from all universities; GPA 3.0+ preferred

Penn State World Campus — Master of Project Management

Penn State World Campus offers a 30-credit Master of Project Management (MPM) that is 100% online asynchronous and ideal for working professionals looking to advance or pivot in their careers. The curriculum uses problem-based learning aligning with PMI’s PMBOK standards, covering project scheduling, cost control, risk analysis, and procurement. Students can tailor 6 credits of electives to their industry interests in areas like IT, construction, or engineering.​ Graduates often move into titles such as project manager, project management specialist, or project controller​.

Financial aid and veteran/military benefits are available, and students can apply employer tuition reimbursements. No GRE/GMAT is required. 

Duration: 1–3 years 

Mode: Online (asynchronous)

Cost: $1,027 per credit 

Admissions Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA or higher recommended
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose or essay
  • Official transcripts
  • 2 recommendation letters recommended

The Cost of an Online Project Management Master’s

The cost of an online project management master’s can vary widely depending on the program and institution. Per credit tuition charges are typically the biggest cost, and are usually lower at public universities versus private schools. Some programs offer a flat rate for full-time enrollment, which can benefit those taking more courses at once. You can also expect fees for technology, campus libraries, and other services of a few hundred dollars per semester. 

As an online student, you’ll save on relocation or commuting costs by studying from home and many online programs offer the same rate for all students, in or out of state. Below is a comparison of the three featured programs above:

School (Link)No. of CreditsCost per CreditTotal Cost
Boston University40$975​$38,000​
GWU 30$1,439$43,155
Penn State World Campus30$1,027​$30,810

Note: Costs are approximate and based on 2024–2025 data. Always check the latest tuition rates.

Careers with a Master’s in Project Management

Earning a master’s in project management can open the door to advanced career opportunities across many industries. Project management skills are highly transferable, meaning you aren’t limited to one sector. Graduates often step into roles such as project manager, program manager, IT project manager, or project management office director. ​The degree can also help mid-career professionals break into new fields.

Many graduates use their degree to move from supporting positions into managerial roles. You could go from being a project coordinator to a full project manager, and in time, to a senior project manager overseeing multiple projects. These higher-level roles often come with greater responsibility, leadership of larger teams, and higher compensation.

Speaking of compensation, project management is a rewarding field financially. Project management specialists earn a median annual salary around $98,500 in the U.S.​ In sectors like IT or construction, or at the program director level, salaries can surpass six figures. PMP certification (which many pursue after or even during the master’s program) can further boost credibility and pay — 66% of PMP holders reported a salary increase in the last year​.

Your Questions, Answered

Is a master’s in project management worth it if I already have a PMP certification?


It depends on your goals. PMP certification demonstrates project management experience and knowledge, and a master’s degree provides a graduate credential and deeper academic training and theoretical frameworks. If you already have a PMP, a master’s can complement it, expanding skills in areas like strategic management or advanced leadership. Many professionals find that having both an MS degree and a PMP sets them apart, but consider your career stage: PMP is great for validating experience, while an MS is great for building expertise and academic credentials.

Can I work full-time while pursuing an online project management master’s?


Yes, most online project management master’s programs are designed with flexibility for working professionals. Courses are often asynchronous and you can usually take 1 or 2 courses per term to manage your load. Expect to dedicate 10-15 hours per week per course. Some companies provide schedule flexibility or even tuition assistance if they value the degree.

What’s the difference between an MS in Project Management and an MBA?


An MS in project management is a specialized degree focused on project management skills and knowledge. Coursework is tailored to managing projects and teams effectively. In contrast, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) provides a broader business education covering finance, marketing, operations, strategy, and management, with possibly a concentration in project management or a few electives on the topic. If you aspire to be a project management specialist or PMO director, the MS gives you targeted expertise and often aligns with PMI standards (some MS programs are PMI-GAC accredited, which MBA programs usually are not). If you’re aiming for general leadership roles or want a wide-ranging business skill set (and project management is just one of many hats you plan to wear), an MBA might suit you better.

What background do I need to apply? Do I need a specific bachelor’s or work experience in project management?


You do not need a bachelor’s in business or a related field. Applicants come from engineering, IT, healthcare, liberal arts, and other areas, so if your undergraduate GPA meets the program’s threshold you have a decent shot. Work experience in project management is usually not an admissions requirement (except for some executive or advanced programs), but having professional experience can strengthen your application. Many programs admit students right out of undergrad, especially if they have internship or group project experience.

Are online project management degrees respected by employers?


Yes, employers recognize accredited online project management master’s degrees as equivalent to on-campus degrees and are often more interested in your skills rather than learning mode. Programs accredited by PMI’s Global Accreditation Center or schools with regional accreditation/AACSB carry weight and signal quality​.

Best Online Master’s Programs in Project Management

When it comes to choosing the right program, a data-driven ranking can be a helpful guide. Our list of the best online master’s degrees in project management was created by analyzing extensive data from the U.S. Department of Education and over 7,700 universities.​ We looked at key factors including affordability, availability of financial aid, the number of online programs, accreditation, and student support services. This list spotlights top project management master’s programs to help you find the best fit for you.

About the ranking
1
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

The Master's in Project Management program at Florida Tech helps students develop skills and knowledge within concentration areas like operations research and information systems. Students have access to lectures, class discussions, workshops, and even guest speakers. They also have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field by working with organizations that need help from a project management expert. The program's capstone involves working on real-life management challenges with a team, enabling students to demonstrate what they've learned. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. Those who've graduated from other fields such as mathematics, science, and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Program Highlights:

Project Management, M.S.

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: 18 months
  • Mode: On campus, fully online
  • Accreditation: IACBE

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
2
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

Cornerstone University's Master of Business Administration program offers three concentrations: project management, finance, and health care. This program teaches students to apply core business principles of marketing, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, economics, and statistics from a leadership standpoint. Core courses for the project management track include Fundamentals of Project Management; Cost, Quality and Team Management; and Communications and Risk Management. Students learn how to meet budget and time commitments, manage projects, and work with teams. Classes are offered entirely online and taught from a Christian worldview. You don't need a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score to apply.

Program Highlights:

Master of Business Administration

  • Credits: 38
  • Length: 18 to 24 months
  • Mode: On campus, fully online
  • Accreditation: ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
3
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

The Master of Science in Organizational Change and Project Management at Dallas Baptist University bases its teachings around innovative leadership and decision-making, skills vital to helping launch change initiatives and large projects. The program combines in-person courses with both synchronous and asynchronous online classes. Applicants must have bachelor's degrees and show a 3.0 GPA or higher in any previous coursework. They also must submit two letters of recommendation from sources outside their families, a current and professional resume, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. They must also show they have sound moral character that complies with the school's mission.

Program Highlights:

Master of Science in Organizational Change and Project Management

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 18 to 24 months
  • Mode: Hybrid
  • Accreditation: ACBSP

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
4
Providence, Rhode Island
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
5
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
6
Scottsdale, Arizona
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
7
Anchorage, Alaska
Type:
Public
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NWCCU
8
Newton, Massachusetts
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation NECHE
9
Platteville, Wisconsin
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
10
Plainview, Texas
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
11
Saint Leo, Florida
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
12
Lynchburg, Virginia
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
13
Romeoville, Illinois
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
14
Bismarck, North Dakota
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
15
Denver, Colorado
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Cost:
$$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation HLC
16
Huntsville, Texas
Type:
Public
Cost:
$

School Services & Accreditation

Career Services Yes
Academic Counseling Yes
Accreditation SACSCOC
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