Online MBA in Project Management: Reviewing Top Programs

Profiling Three Online MBA in Project Management Degree Programs

Below, we’ll profile three accredited U.S. universities that offer online or hybrid MBA degree programs with a Project Management focus. Each summary highlights what makes the program unique – from format and curriculum to support resources and outcomes – and is followed by key factors like duration, mode, cost, and admissions requirements.

Paying for an Online MBA in Project Management Degree Program

The cost of this type of program depends on the school and the program’s structure. Tuition is typically charged per credit, and the total number of credits required for an MBA degree program ranges from approximately 30 to 45. So, the total cost of tuition can vary widely – from approximately $15,000 to over $40,000. Public universities might offer lower per-credit rates for in-state students, while private universities often charge a flat rate.

Many online degree programs are competitively priced, and they often exclude many fees (e.g., you won’t pay for on-campus facilities that you don’t use). Studying online can also save you money on expenses related to relocation or commuting. Variable costs like books, course materials, and technology fees should be considered, as well. Some programs require short residencies, which might add travel costs.

Financial aid and scholarships are typically available to online MBA students, as they are for on-campus students – be sure to fill out a FAFSA form and ask about any scholarships or discounts (e.g., military or corporate partner discounts). Another cost factor to consider is pacing. An accelerated program might require students to pay tuition over a shorter period of time, while a part-time program can spread costs out.

Below, we compare three programs and their tuition costs.

Note: The rates above are estimated tuition costs for specific online MBA in Project Management degree programs. Always check the latest rates on a school’s website, as the cost of tuition might change each year.

Student FAQs about MBA in Project Management Degree Programs

Q: Is an online MBA in Project Management degree respected by employers?

A: Yes – an online MBA from an accredited college or university is generally held in the same regard as an MBA that was earned on campus. Employers today recognize that the curriculum and rigor of these programs are equivalent. A diploma usually won’t note that it was earned online. What matters most is the school’s reputation and accreditation (and how you apply your skills on the job).

Many working professionals earn MBA degrees online, so employers often recognize students’ time management and dedication. To ensure that your degree is respected, choose a well-accredited program and be ready to highlight the real-world projects and teamwork experience you gained during your online MBA degree program.

Q: Do I need a business background to get into an MBA in Project Management degree program?

A: Not necessarily. MBA degree programs are open to students from diverse undergraduate majors – they might have studied engineering, IT, health care, liberal arts, etc. Some programs require students who don’t have a business background to take a few foundation courses (that cover basic topics like accounting or statistics) either before or during an MBA degree program. For example, Liberty University requires 15 credit hours of prior business coursework or a bridge course for students without previous business education.

Many MBA programs (like SNHU’s) do not require specific undergrad coursework. It’s more important that students meet GPA criteria and show the potential to handle graduate-level business coursework. Students who are switching fields can use an application essay to explain why they’re passionate about project management – schools value that motivation and often waive strict prerequisites in favor of well-rounded candidates.

Q: Will an MBA in Project Management degree program prepare me for certification exams like the PMP?

A: Yes; it can help. While an MBA is an academic degree (not a certification bootcamp), many MBA in Project Management degree programs integrate content from PMI’s Project Management Body of Knowledge (the PMBOK Guide). Some programs include a specific course to prepare students for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam – for instance, SNHU’s program has a PMP prep course built in. By completing such courses, students can fulfill the educational hours that are required before they take a PMI exam.

MBA in Project Management degree programs give students a broad, strategic perspective and leadership skills that complement certification-focused knowledge. They provide a strong foundation and preparation for certifications. Students should study exam content and meet any experience requirements before they take a specific exam.

Q: Why is accreditation important for an online MBA in Project Management program?

A: Accreditation is a stamp of quality. It proves that an independent body evaluated a program’s curriculum and faculty. It affects whether employers and other schools (for potential doctoral study) recognize your degree, as well as financial aid eligibility.

For business programs, students should look for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), ACBSP, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

For example, SNHU and Liberty University’s MBA programs are ACBSP-accredited, and many highly rated schools carry AACSB accreditation, which is the gold standard.

Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online MBA in Project Management?

A: Absolutely; that is one of the main reasons people choose online MBA degree programs. Most of these programs were designed for working professionals. Flexible schedules – often with asynchronous coursework – let students study during evenings or weekends. Many students maintain a 40-hour job and study part-time, taking one or two courses per term. This requires good time management, but it’s doable.

Programs like Norwich University’s which let students take one course at a time, or Liberty University’s eight-week course model, are structured so students can focus on a manageable amount of material while working.

Students should communicate with their employer about their goals; some companies offer flexibility or tuition assistance if they see that students are gaining skills that benefit the organization.

Career Growth for Online MBA in Project Management Graduates

An MBA in Project Management can lead to leadership roles across many industries. Graduates often land positions that require both strategic business acumen and expert project execution skills. In these roles, they can draw on the character traits and knowledge gained from an MBA degree program – skills like leadership, communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.

Many MBA-PM graduates pursue advanced project management roles (like senior project manager or program manager) that let them oversee complex projects and/or multiple project teams. Others use their MBA degree to move into broader operational management – for instance, becoming an operations or general manager who oversees projects as part of running a department.

This type of program can also lead to consulting roles, like helping organizations improve their project processes, or niche areas, like IT project management or construction management. They are qualified for roles that blend business leadership with project oversight. These jobs typically involve responsibilities like defining project strategy in alignment with organizational goals, managing budgets and resources, mitigating risks, and leading cross-functional teams.

The table below lists a few career paths for MBA in Project Management graduates, plus the growth outlook and salary data for those roles.

Resources for MBA in Project Management Students and Professionals

Whether you’re in the middle of an MBA degree program or you want to continue sharpening your skills after graduation, it’s helpful to bookmark some go-to resources. Listed below are 10 excellent tools, websites, and podcasts for MBA in Project Management students and professionals.

• Project Management Institute (PMI) – PMI is the world’s leading professional association for project managers. Its website offers information on research, industry standards, and certifications (like CAPM and PMP). It’s a great place to network through local chapters and stay updated on best practices.
• ProjectManagement.com – On this online community and knowledge hub (powered by PMI), you can find blogs, webinars, templates, and active discussion boards. It’s like a one-stop shop to learn tips from other project managers and ask questions – a free PMI account gives you access to lots of content.
• Projectified (PMI Podcast) – This podcast series from PMI features conversations with project leaders around the world. Episodes cover emerging trends (like AI in project management, agile methods, etc.) and stories from experts. These podcasts let you gain insights on the go – tune in on your commute or workout for some PM inspiration.
• Project Management Stack Exchange – This is a Q&A forum specifically designed for project management topics. You can post questions and get answers from experienced practitioners on everything from handling project risks to stakeholder communication.
• Trello – This popular project management app uses Kanban boards to help you organize tasks visually. Trello offers an intuitive way for students or new project managers to manage their personal projects, group assignments, and/or small team workflows.
• Asana – This is another powerful online project management tool that’s used in many industries. Asana lets you create project timelines, assign tasks to team members, and monitor deadlines. Becoming familiar with tools like Asana can give you a practical edge in internships and jobs.
• A Rebel’s Guide to Project Management – This is a well-known project management blog (formerly called “A Girl’s Guide to Project Management”) by Elizabeth Harrin. It offers down-to-earth advice, productivity hacks, and leadership tips that are tailored for real-world challenges.
• PMBOK Guide – Short for “Project Management Body of Knowledge,” this foundational PMI-published guide defines standard practices and terms in project management. Many MBA courses and certifications align with PMBOK principles.
• The Digital Project Manager – This comprehensive resource site features how-to articles, tutorials, and training courses on modern project management, especially in digital and creative industries.
• Scrum Guides – This site is the official framework for Scrum, a popular agile methodology. The free, concise guide is a must-read if you’re leading iterative projects or working in software, tech, or agile-focused environments.

Best Online MBA in Project Management Degree Programs

With so many options available, how did we determine the “best” online MBA in Project Management degree programs? We took a data-driven approach. Our rankings are the result of an in-depth analysis of U.S. Department of Education data and information from thousands of colleges. We evaluated programs on key factors that matter to students – affordability (tuition rates and financial aid availability), the number and quality of online offerings, program accreditation status, and the strength of student services like academic advising and career counseling. We also considered outcomes like graduation rates and student satisfaction. The result is a curated list of top online MBA in Project Management degree programs that excel in delivering value and quality.