Best Online Project Management Degree Programs

Are you the person that everyone calls when it’s time to plan a major event? Do you frequently find yourself overseeing group projects at work? 

A career in project management may be a good fit. But if you’re already bogged down by work and personal commitments, how will you find time to get the education you need?

Consider an online project management degree from a reputable college or university. There are several options to choose from, and Benzinga is here to help you find the best fit. 

The Best Online Project Management Degree

• Colorado State University
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Davenport University
•  Linfield College
• Saint Leo University
• Bellevue University
• Herzing University
• Charleston Southern University
• Liberty University

Why Choose an Online Project Management Degree

An online project management degree equips you with the education needed to work in many industries. You can land a lucrative role in construction, emergency management, healthcare or information technology. Both public and nonprofit companies seek knowledgeable project managers, which offers you a wealth of opportunities as you explore your career options. 

Project managers are in high demand as companies of all sizes continue to adjust to evolving technology. New infrastructure, systems and technology need to be put in place. Project managers play an integral role in ensuring these projects are executed on time and within budget.

As a project manager, you’ll also enjoy a lucrative salary. This industry pays more than average and is ripe with opportunities to help you reach the six-figure mark. You can earn even more by becoming a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). 

How to Choose an Online Project Management Degree

Ready to begin your search for the best online project management degree? Keep the following in mind: 

Specializations 

Not all online project management degree programs offer specializations. However, those that do allow you to earn a degree that’s better aligned with your career goals. You can acquire knowledge and skills specific to the industry you’re planning to work in as a project manager. 

Affordability 

Don’t have thousands sitting in a bank account? You may have to take out student loans to pursue an online project management degree. Before you commit, make sure the tuition and fees are comparable to what other colleges and universities are charging. There’s no need to spend thousands more for the same outcome.

Accreditation

Is the school you’re considering accredited? How about the project management degree program? Accreditation is a big deal to employers — it proves you’ve completed a program that adheres to strict standards. 

Jobs Waiting for You with a Project Management Degree

Here are some of the top opportunities for project management degree holders. 

Project Manager 

With hard work and strategic networking, you may be able to land a project management role when you finish your degree program. You will be hands-on in all phases of the project, from the planning to the execution stage. In some cases, you’ll also have a project coordinator to assist you with ensuring projects reach the finish line and meet the organization’s expectations. 

Earnings for project managers vary by industry, but many earn close to six figures and work their way up the salary ladder as they gain more experience. 

Project Coordinator 

Project coordinators work closely with project managers. They closely monitor the progress to ensure deadlines are met, the budget is adhered to and the project is completed on time. In this role, you may also help organize the different components of a project before it launches, communicate with team members and frequently advise the project manager on the status if they are busy with other projects. 

You can earn an average of $70,000 or more as a project coordinator. 

Operations Manager

Both private and public sector organizations hire operations managers. In this role, your primary duty is to ensure operations are strategically planned, managed and executed to keep the organization running smoothly. You will also monitor administrative, purchasing and human resources functions and identify ways to help these departments operate more effectively. 

The median salary for operations managers was $100,930 in 2018. This equates to $48.52 per hour. 

Best Online Colleges for a Project Management Degree

We’ve conducted hours of research to compile a list of the top options. Here are the best online colleges for a project management degree, along with a description of each program to help you make an informed decision. 

1. Colorado State University

An online bachelor’s degree in project management from Colorado State University will position you for success in the field. You’ll gain a wealth of knowledge and develop an impressive skill set to attract top employers. 

Graduates of the program walk away with the expertise to effectively analyze project records, make important staffing decisions, create in-depth project plans, oversee budgets and handle resource procurement. The curriculum also covers soft skills needed by project managers to communicate with all stakeholders involved and lead with confidence. 

Core topics covered in the classes include contract management, management and leadership principles, operations management, project management tools, project quality management and project scheduling. You'll also complete a capstone in project management. 

Specialize your degree to make it align with your career goals. Plus, you’ll stand out even more amongst the competition. Choose from the following specializations: 

• Construction Management 
• Emergency Management 
• Healthcare Management 
• Information Technology Operations 
• Operations Management and Supervision
• Organizational Leadership
• Public and Nonprofit Management 

The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate/earn your degree.

Enroll now. 

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in project management. This program teaches the essentials of planning, implementing and assessing projects. 

It’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The program caters to individuals who want to launch a career as a project manager or transition from another role. 

Students complete core business courses on accounting, business law, business systems, finance, human relations, international business, operations management and strategic management and policy. The following major courses are also required: 

• Project Management or Project Management for CAPM Certification
• Project Contracting and Procurement
• Resource Estimating and Scheduling
• Integrated Cost and Schedule Control
• Adaptive Project Management

The program requires 120 credit hours to graduate, but you can transfer up to 90 from a qualifying college or university.   

Enroll now. 

3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

Want a career that allows you to work on innovative product or technology launches each day? The online Bachelor of Science in project management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University may be a good fit. 

It’s designed to create well-rounded project managers who are skilled communicators and can navigate challenges by using analytical tools and quantitative analysis. Graduates of the program will also know how to work effectively with stakeholders and help them make sound decisions.   

Courses in the major are led by certified project management professionals. You’ll complete the following core classes and 2 electives:

• The Project Management Profession 
• Project Planning 1 and 2
• Project Risk and Control 
• Project Management in Aviation Operations (elective)
• Global Project Management (elective)
• Managing Troubled Projects (elective) 
• Agile Project Management (elective)
• Project Management Capstone 

You need 120 credit hours to finish the program. 

Enroll now. 

4. Davenport University

Seeking a role as a project manager in healthcare, information technology or supply chain management? Consider an online Bachelor of Science in technology project management from Davenport University. 

Choose from 6 unique specializations: 

• Accounting information systems
• Computer information systems
• Health information management
• Information security
• Networking
• Professional focused technical specialty

Project management courses are led by professionals who can share nuggets of wisdom to help you navigate challenges and excel in the field. You will also complete an internship to gain valuable real-world experience. 

Enroll now. 

5. Linfield College 

Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Linfield College features an online bachelor’s degree in project management. The program teaches the basics and dives into the many phases of project management, including integration, planning, scheduling, human resources, costs, monitoring and procurement. 

If you want to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) exam, you will also have solid foundational knowledge that can help you pass on the first attempt. 

When you enroll, you will be assigned a dedicated faculty advisor to help you stay on track to meet your education goals. Tutoring services, technical support and career planning assistance are also available to ensure you get the most from your online learning experience and successfully transition into a rewarding career when you complete the program.  

Enroll now. 

6. Saint Leo University 

Saint Leo University features an online bachelor’s degree with a project management specialization from the Donald R. Tapia College of Business. Through the enriching coursework, students learn how to manage projects so they can be executed promptly without blowing the budget. 

Core project-management concepts covered in the curriculum include conflict resolution, contract basics, cost-effective decision making, human performance in a team environment, procurement and supply chain management. 

You will complete the following courses as a part of the project management specialization: 

• Introduction to Logistics Management 
• Introduction to Project Management
• Procurement, Purchasing and Vendor Management 
• Project Risk Management, Cost Analysis and Decision-Making
• Project Management Applications 
• Project Management Implementation 
• Project Teamwork and Leadership
• Quality Improvement and Management 

When you finish the program, you’ll be ready for a career as a project manager in construction, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, new product development or the military.  

Enroll now. 

7. Bellevue University 

Acquire the tools needed to help organizations meet their business goals with an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management from Bellevue University. You’ll also have the know-how to create project management plans, effectively lead teams of all sizes, prioritize project needs and meet goals as planned.  

This program is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. It covers best practices for initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing out projects. Required major courses include:

• Foundations for Professional Success
• Fundamentals of Project Management
• Business Communications
• Project Leadership
• Project Cost 
• Project Quality
• Project Procurement Management
• Project Risk Management
• Applied Project Management
• Advanced Project Management 

To graduate, you need 127 total credits — some credits can be transferred from a qualifying college or university.   

Enroll now. 

8. Herzing University 

Herzing University offers an online bachelor’s project management degree with an array of benefits. The curriculum is designed to help you acquire communication and leadership skills while grasping the essentials of project management through a series of core courses. These include:

• Managing Project Teams
• Managing Information Systems
• Managing Project Risks
• Project Planning
• Operations Management
• Cost and Time Management 
• Strategic Management 

You’ll also receive comprehensive instruction on business basics like accounting, ethics, leadership, marketing and organizational behavior. Instructors are experienced in some of the top industries and provide invaluable insights you can apply in your new role. 

The program is IACBE-accredited and spans 32 months. All coursework is completed online and there’s an internship or capstone component to wrap up the program. 

Enroll now. 

9. Charleston Southern University 

Earn a Bachelor of Science in project management from Charleston Southern Online. This degree program caters to individuals who seek a role in construction, government contracting, manufacturing or projects at a corporate level.

Students complete the following core project management courses:

• Projects as Strategic Initiatives
• Decision Making and Project Initiation
• Project Planning and Implementation
• Managing Project Quality and Change
• Project Estimation and Cost Management
• Project Risk Assessment 

Upon completion, you’ll be ready for a career as a contract project manager, IT project manager, project analyst, project controller or web project manager.  

You need a minimum of 125 credit hours to graduate. 

Enroll now. 

10. Liberty University

 Put your leadership skills to use in a role that allows you to help organizations achieve their goals. With a Bachelor of Science in project management from Liberty University, you can attract top employers looking for the new wave of innovators in the field. 

This ACBSP-accredited program is ideal for busy individuals who want a distance-learning option that doesn’t interfere with your personal life or career. It’s also a good fit for those seeking a foundational knowledge of project management before transitioning to a graduate program. 

You’ll master the skills needed to thrive in a project management role and if you aspire to become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), you’ll have the foundational knowledge to sit for and pass the exam on the first attempt. 

You can finish the program in 3.5 years — 120 credit hours are required to earn your degree.

Liberty University allows you to transfer in up to 75% of your credits from qualifying colleges or universities. Doing so enables you to graduate even faster and save on tuition and fees. 

Enroll now. 

Find the Best Online Project Management Degree for You

Launch your continuing education journey today with an online project management degree program. You’ll acquire skills that can be used in several fields and position yourself for more lucrative career opportunities. Take a look at our top recommendations and review all they have to offer before you enroll.