Earning an MBA degree has become an essential part of showing today’s companies that you are qualified and ready to lead their organizations. Luckily, many universities are now offering high-quality MBA programs in convenient online and hybrid formats.
This delivery method allows busy adult learners to maintain their work and home responsibilities while completing their degree. Many of the online programs available are also surprisingly affordable, making finding the right program an all-around positive investment for the future.
Many universities are now offering concentrations and certifications in Project Management within their MBA programs.
This is an ideal blend for project managers due to the comprehensive coverage of business methods, problem-solving, leadership skills, and communications development. Financial analysis, budgeting, and marketing courses are also frequently included within the base curriculum for these programs. These are all skills that can easily transition into project management positions in a variety of fields such as construction, engineering, healthcare, financial services, and IT.
PayScale reports that the average yearly salary for a general project manager is over $72,000. This level of expected growth, along with easily transferable skills, make earning an online Project Management MBA a responsible and well-informed choice.
The programs listed within this ranking have been assessed based on several data points including but not limited to affordability, prestige, and online student support services. The programs on this list are focused on overall management skills, leadership and communications development, and feature degrees that can be completed conveniently and efficiently. Many of the options can be achieved on a part-time or full-time basis, and all of them can be taken in an online format. We hope that this list of high-quality online Project Management MBA degrees will make the search for the perfect distance program a little bit easier!
Methodology
To find the very best Online Project Management MBA programs, MBA Central surveyed almost 550 online MBA programs. First programs were categorized based upon their project management-specific curriculum, and then ranked upon their Affordability (33%), Support Services (33%), and Quality of Classes (33%).
Each program in this ranking list has an Affordability Score. Score range from Very Affordable to Very Expensive based upon all the online MBA programs in the US. Ranges are as follows:
Very Affordable: under $15,000
Affordable: between $15,000 and $20,000
Average: between $20,000 and $30,000
Above Average: between $30,000 and $50,000
Expensive: between $50,000 and $100,000
Very Expensive: above $100,000
Best Online MBA Programs Offering Project Management
#1 Fayetteville State University College of Business and Economics – Fayetteville, North Carolina
Fayetteville State University’s College of Business and Economics offers an elite online MBA in Project Management. This program is prestigiously accredited, very affordable, and can be completed 100% online. |
Fayetteville State University students have a myriad of on-campus and online degree programs at their fingertips. The online Project Management MBA available through the College of Business and Economics is both exceptionally accredited by the AACSB and very affordable with pricing significantly below $14,999. US News and World Report recently recognized FSU at #2 for their elite online student support services. Additionally, they can be seen at #101 on the ranking of the Best Online MBA degrees. Core business courses such as Managerial Accounting, Business Analytics, Financial Management, and Modern Marketing account for 27 credits of the MBA program at Fay State. Students then participate in four concentration specific classes. The Project Management topics covered include communication and procurement, tools and techniques, risk management, and general cycles of projects. A Graduate Certificate in Project Management can also be earned in unison with the MBA degree. Both the concentration and certification options follow PMP guidelines, reflecting the program’s up to date standards.
Fayetteville State University is an elite member of the North Carolina State University System. This established school is a historically black university, as well as a recipient of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Regional accreditation for FSU is carried through the SACSCC. Nearly 75 degree options are offered to over 6,000 students who enroll annually. The online MBA offered through the College of Business and Economics is highly recognized for quality, value, and support services. Applicants to this top-ranking program must have completed an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.75 GPA, GMAT scores of at least 400 (or GRE equivalent), official transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Very Affordable
#2 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics – Whitewater, Wisconsin
The MBA in Project Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is designed with students from all backgrounds in mind. This online program does not require previous undergraduate business experience and is offered at a budget-friendly tuition rate. |
Students of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater can complete their online Project Management MBA degree at an average tuition rate between $20,000 and $29,999. The MBA offered through the College of Business and Economics is reasonably priced, as well as, highly recognized by US News and World Report in both the Best Online MBA Programs category and for distinguished online student support services. Accreditation is maintained with the AACSB, reflecting a commitment to quality business education. Along with a thorough core business curriculum, students at UW-Whitewater have the ability to complete an emphasis in Project Management with three courses or dive deeper with five courses in order to receive a Graduate Certificate in Project Management. Both are aligned with A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), ensuring students that they are receiving the most up to date training for this in-demand field.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an active member of the University of Wisconsin System. They carry regional accreditation with the HLC and educate close to 12,500 students every year. The University offers 13 high-quality graduate level programs including an online MBA offered through the College of Business and Economics. This program’s flexible format allows students to complete their degree with a variety of scheduling options that will enable maximum convenience for busy students. Applicants for this MBA program must have either seven years of qualified work experience or four years of work experience with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. GPA requirements differ based on the accreditation of the university the degree was completed and are combined with GMAT/GRE scores to create a composite score to be considered for admittance.
Accreditation: AACSB, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#3 Lehigh University College of Business and Economics – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Lehigh University offers a unique hybrid MBA experience with a Project Management concentration. Students enrolled in the FLEX MBA can tailor the degree to meet their individual scheduling needs. |
The hybrid MBA degree with a concentration in Project Management at Lehigh University carries elite accreditation with the AACSB. US News and World Report places the program within the Top 15 in both online student support services and best online MBA’s in the country. Quacquarelli Symonds also recognizes Lehigh at #20 on their prestigious Global Ranking for Online MBA degrees. The format of this degree is unique in that students have an opportunity to participate on-campus without it being a requirement. Students can view lectures and participate in class either by attending traditional in-person classes, interacting through live stream videos, or catching up at their own convenience with recorded sessions. The entire online Master’s of Business Administration program at Lehigh University is 36 credits. The concentration in Project Management includes 12 credit hours dedicated to a comprehensive list of courses such as Project Scheduling, Estimating, and Budgeting, Project Risk Management, Managing Project Quality, and Managing Projects for Innovation.
Lehigh University is a private research university that was established in 1865. The main campus sits in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and carries regional accreditation with the MSCHE. Each year, more than 7,000 students enroll and complete their degrees through four academic colleges. The College of Business and Economics includes a hybrid MBA with a concentration in Project Management. The FLEX MBA allows students to seamlessly blend online and on-campus classes at their convenience. Admissions are open three times a year. Students applying to the program need to submit an essay discussing career objectives and leadership roles, current resume reflecting a minimum of two years work experience, GMAT/GRE scores, official transcripts, and two recommendation letters.
Accreditation: AACSB, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average
#4 Mississippi State University College of Business – Mississippi State, Mississippi
Mississippi State University students can enhance their business and project management skills with the University’s online MBA in Project Management. This program is affordable and flexible, making it an excellent option for students at any stage of their education journey. |
MSU offers many well-respected undergraduate and graduate level degrees. Their online Project Management MBA program follows this standard of excellence and was recently ranked at #26 on US News and World Report’s list of the Best Online MBA Programs in the nation. The University is also seen at #28 for its high-quality online student support services. Mississippi State University’s online MBA carries prestigious accreditation with the AACSB while still offering affordable tuition rates between $15,000 and $19,999. Leadership skills, corporate finance, strategic business consulting, and business decision analysis are all relevant topics covered within the curriculum. The Project Management concentration includes two additional courses designed to deepen student’s understanding of this in-demand field. Affordability, flexibility, and quality all work together to make the fully-distance Master’s of Business Administration at MSU a stand out program.
Mississippi State University is the largest university in the state with an annual enrollment of nearly 22,000. The University carries regional accreditation with the SACSCC. Twelve unique colleges and schools offer close to 200 degree programs that can be completed in a variety of flexible formats. The College of Business at MSU is highly recognized in the business education world. Their online Master’s of Business Administration offers a great value with a flexible format. Admissions into this sought after program are competitive. Students without undergraduate business experience are considered, but many will be required to complete several pre-requisite courses after admittance. A completed bachelor’s degree with a competitive undergraduate GPA and excellent GMAT/GRE scores are an essential part of the application requirements at Mississippi State.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Affordable
#5 City University of Seattle School of Management – Seattle, Washington
City University of Seattle enrolls students from across the globe. Their online MBA with an emphasis in Project Management is well respected and offers excellent support services. |
At City University of Seattle, online students can complete their Project Management MBA degree in 48 to 51 credit hours. Online students will benefit from this MBA’s flexible format and ACBSP accreditation. Courses cover a variety of subjects such as Law for Global Business, Managerial Accounting, Business Strategy, and Applied Marketing. Twelve to 15 hours of elective coursework then follow within a comprehensive Project Management emphasis. CityU is a Registered Education Provider recognized by the Project Management Institute. This acknowledgment assures students that the classes within this concentration will align with readiness standards in preparation for the Project Management Professional exam. The University is also currently ranked within the Top 200 on US News and World Report’s ranking of the best online MBA programs in the country. They are further listed at #9 in best online student support services.
City University of Seattle is a proud member of the National University System. Their main campus is located in Seattle, Washington, but they offer a plethora of online degree options. The University’s regional accreditation sits with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and serves over 2,000 students each year. CityU is comprised of five distinct schools including the elite School of Management. Within the School of Management, students have an opportunity to earn a fully online MBA with a focus on Project Management. Applying is as simple as filling out an application online and having official transcripts sent to the University. GMAT scores are not a requirement for this program, and some students may qualify for the Prior Learning Assessment Program which allows work experience to count towards credit hours.
Accreditation: ACBSP, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Affordability Score: Above Average
#6 DeSales University Division of Business – Center Valley, Pennsylvania
Students interested in the field of project management can earn an online MBA at DeSales University that is focused on just that. The Project Management concentration at DSU is designed to build skills in business, planning, and execution. |
The Division of Business at DeSales University includes a well-respected and fully online Project Management MBA degree. With only 12 courses this program is fast-paced and accessible with year-round start dates available. Core classes covering topics such as business and society, business computing, marketing management, and financial management make up the bulk of the curriculum. Students then have the opportunity to choose an area of concentration in several areas including Project Management. Accreditation for this business degree is held through the ACBSP. US News and World Report places DeSales University at #126 on their Best Online Business Programs ranking. They are also seen at #25 in online student support services. The combination of national recognition, high accreditations, and a flexible format all make an online MBA from DeSales a conscientious choice for students from all backgrounds.
DeSales University is a private, four-year, Catholic university located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. The regionally accredited University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees both on-campus and online to around 3,500 students. DSU has an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1. This combined with small class sizes allows students in traditional classrooms, as well as, distance learners to have a personalized and comprehensive educational experience. Students interested in the online MBA offered through the Division of Business must have completed the following prerequisite courses before being considered for admission Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Marketing, Principles of Management, Principles of Microeconomics, Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Statistics. Applicants must submit a current resume, a personal statement, official transcripts reflecting an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, and three professional references.
Accreditation: ACBSP, Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Affordability Score: Above Average
#7 East Carolina University College of Business – Greenville, North Carolina
East Carolina University offers an online MBA complete with a variety of scholarship opportunities and the ability to complete the degree in as few as 11 classes with qualified course waivers. ECU’s online MBA is very flexible with most courses being offered in fall, spring, and summer semesters. |
Graduate students at East Carolina University can earn an AACSB accredited online MBA with a certificate in Project Management from the comfort of their home. In addition to prestigious accreditation and flexibility, this program boasts very affordable tuition rates of less than $14,999. Foundations courses start students out on their curriculum path. Many of these courses offer waivers with acceptable prior academic experience. After the foundations are complete, the next phase of the program is a comprehensive common body of knowledge that includes courses such as Organizational Behavior, Financial Management, and Marketing Strategy. Electives are available in Project Management, as well as, a graduate certificate that is based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge. US News and World Report currently recognizes East Carolina University at #90 on their list of the best online MBA programs in the country. They are also placed at #89 for their online student services, making this an online degree that students can feel confident in.
East Carolina University is the fourth largest university in North Carolina with an annual student enrollment of nearly 30,000. This public, research university is regionally accredited with the SACSCC. Nine undergraduate colleges, four professional colleges, and a graduate school all work together to offer ECU students nearly 200 high-quality degree options. The College of Business offers a fully online MBA with a graduate certificate in Project Management. This program is well recognized and very flexible. Those interested in applying to this esteemed program have four deadlines to submit a completed application. Required documents include an up-to-date resume, official transcripts, and official GMAT/GRE scores.
Accreditation: AACSB, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Affordability Score: Very Affordable
#8 Herzing University Online Campus – Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
The MBA in Project Management at Herzing University is offered through an online campus specifically equipped to meet the needs of distance learners. This degree is nationally recognized and offers budget-friendly tuition rates. |
Herzing University’s Online Campus is specifically designed to meet the needs of today’s online students. Their online Project Management MBA is accredited with the IACBE and recognized at #153 on US News and World Reports list of the best online MBA programs in the country. Online support services at the University are also recognized within the Top 50. Students can complete this 39 credit hour degree for an average cost of $20,000 to $29,999. The top-notch curriculum includes foundations courses covering leadership, management, and research. Twenty-one credits of MBA centered coursework then follow with courses such as Technology and Innovation, Project and Operations Management, and Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Students interested in furthering their Project Management skills have an opportunity to complete three additional courses on the subject. This highly regarded program can be completed in 12 months on a full-time basis and also includes certification options in PMP and CAPM for those who plan to take the exam.
Herzing University has several locations around the United States, as well as, an online campus dedicated to serving distance learning students. The online campus carries the same regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission as the physical campus sites. Students enrolled in the online MBA program at Herzing University will appreciate the flexible format, quick completion time, and highly ranked support services. Additional certifications can also be completed along with the degree, making graduates fully prepared to enter their chosen field. Applicants to this fast-paced and fully-online degree must submit official transcripts reflecting a completed undergraduate degree with a least a 2.7 GPA.
Accreditation: IACBE, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#9 Ferris State University College of Business – Big Rapids, Michigan
Ferris State University offers a reasonably priced MBA in Project Management. This online program is accredited and can be completed in about two years. |
Students of the College of Business at Ferris State University can complete their Project Management MBA degree in a convenient 100% online format. Pricing for this degree is average for this ranking and falls between $20,000 and $29,999. The versatile curriculum begins with self-paced foundation courses in Statistics, Accounting, Marketing, and Economics. Students then move onto core requirements in subjects such as Global Business Management, Corporate Finance, Managerial Economics, and Business Strategy and Innovation. Lastly, those interested in Project Management may take three elective courses covering the topic. US News and World Report recently listed the online MBA at Ferris State #126 in Best Online MBA Programs and #50 for online student support services. Both of these recognitions assure prospective students of the quality of this fully-distance degree.
Ferris State University is a public university located in Big Rapids, Michigan. Each year FSU educates nearly 14,000 students through eight colleges and several schools. The University holds regional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission and offers many degree and certificate options from the associates level up to doctoral degrees. The College of Business is well-respected and provides an online Master’s of Business Administration program with a concentration in Project Management. The online application for this program will include submission of official transcripts reflecting a minimum of 3.0 GPA, current resume, one-page statement of purpose, GMAT/GRE scores, and three academic or professional letters of reference.
Accreditation: ACBSP, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#10 Colorado Technical University School of Business & Management – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Over 90% of Colorado Technical University’s students participate in distance learning programs. This number can assure prospective online Project Management MBA students of the quality of CTU’s flexible degree options. |
Colorado Technical University offers a wide variety of online degree programs. The online MBA with a concentration in Project Management, available through the School of Business and Management, is accredited by the prestigious ACBSP. Their comprehensive curriculum includes a business core with classes such as Applied Managerial Marketing, Strategic Human Capital Management, and Strategic Management in Dynamic Events. Students can then choose from 12 concentration areas including Project Management. Three additional foundations courses may be required by students without undergraduate business experience. Tuition for this fully online degree is reasonable with a cost between $20,000 and $29,999. Driven students taking a full-time load can complete the program in as little as one year. The online MBA at CTU offers a quick completion rate, budget-conscious tuition rate, and is currently ranked at #187 on US News and World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs ranking.
Colorado Technical University’s student body of over 25,000 is primarily made up of online students. The central campus of the University is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado and carries regional accreditation through the HLC. There are six academic colleges that offer many diverse degree options including the online Master’s of Business Administration program through the School of Business and Management. The Project Management concentration is additionally accredited by the prestigious PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. Applicants interested in learning more about this program are encouraged to contact an admissions advisor. For the application students must submit official transcripts from all universities previously attended, as well as, an entrance essay discussing goals and accomplishments.
Accreditation: ACBSP, Higher Learning Commission
Affordability Score: Average
#11 University of Colorado Colorado Springs College of Business –
What is project management?
Managers all over the world are busy juggling the difficult task of moving their people and projects forward to meet organizational goals. Those with the intrinsic knack of seeing the big picture of projects and creatively motivate teams to the finish line might be interested in the exciting field of project management. Project Management is the holistic management of a team across the initiation and completion of a specific project. It covers a set plan with identifiable resources, components, and players that are specific to a particular project. Project Management is applicable to virtually every field; technology, retail, construction, hospitality, and engineering, to name a few. The Project Management Institute explains that the process of project management can be described as Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing.
What is interesting about project management, is that it is not about molding a culture or creating something in the long term, but it is about a project with a specific beginning, middle, and end. The system might be able to be replicated, but each project is unique. There are particular boundaries to take note of, like timing and budget, and also specifics in teams and production lines that offer unique challenges and opportunities. Project managers must be able to bring one project to the finish line and be ready to pick another project up and start the process all over again. Some project managers might also be responsible for coordinating multiple projects at one time. Organization is the name of the game in project management.
What does a project manager do?
A project manager needs to be able to grasp the big picture scope of things, as well as have the capacity to outline and manage minute details. Project Managers must be able to manage people, teams, finances, and products on a specific timeframe and meet the highest quality standards. These leaders must have very strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with an understanding of the project management tools available to organizations today.
Some project managers that work in retail companies are responsible for manufacturing physical products that will be sold to the consumer. Other project managers might be in charge of leading a team that is renovating a house. Some professionals in this type of career might also have a certain level of involvement with clients as well. While there is a very technical aspect to project management, there can also be a great capacity for creativity as well.
Project managers must able to work well within and lead different types of teams. Because projects go through stages of development, creation, and distribution, project managers must be able to work with teams at each step to keep them on time and on budget and working cohesively toward the end goal.
Just how technology is the backbone of our everyday business function, there is a necessity of project managers to understand project management-specific technology. These tools can aid teams in mapping out timelines, budget goals, and generating reports. Having easy to integrate, use, and maintain project management technology is essential in today’s business world. The top project management tools available today include Scoro, ProofHub, Basecamp, Asana, Podio, and Workzone.
What will I learn in an Online Project Management MBA?
As in all online Master’s of Business Administration degrees, students will become up to date on all business fundamentals of economics, e-commerce, accounting, ethics, and business law. This fundamental business management work will give students the language in order for them to hold their own in any board room. Above and beyond this core curriculum work, students will get to dive deep into project management-focused courses. Students will be able to take classes like Decision Making and Ethics; Communication and Procurement; Project Scheduling, Estimating, and Budgeting; Tools and Techniques; Global Project Management; Risk Management; Sustainability Management; Quality Issues; and Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity. These topics will give professionals the experience and tools need to dive directly into a project management position.
The online nature of this type of degree is definitely beneficial to professionals who are already working toward a career in project management and juggle their responsibilities at home, work, and in class. Pursuing this degree will allow professionals to not only apply topics learned in class immediately into their day to day work, but it will enable them to collaborate on work issues with their peers in class. An added benefit will also be gaining essential virtual teamwork skills. As a project manager, virtual teamwork will be an everyday reality. Working with multiple different groups of professionals on a particular project means that project managers need to have a high level of expertise working with virtual teams. This degree can help students gain this essential quality.
Many programs will get students ready to sit for their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. PMP certification is the most highly recognized certification for project managers. This certification is a four-hour test with 200 multiple-choice questions. While project managers can actively work in project management, and actually need cataloged hours leading and directing reports before taking the test, this certification holds many benefits that make it worth the effort. Professionals with PMP certification can use it as a competitive advantage to climb the ladder and receive pay increases. PMI reports that professionals holding a certification take home a 20% higher income on average. To sit for the certification test, professionals must either have a secondary degree, 7,500 hours leading projects, and 35 hours of project management education or hold a four-year degree, have 4,500 hours directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education. An Online Project Management MBA is a great step on a professional’s road to certification.
What is the job outlook for project management?
Project Management is an exciting and lucrative field. According to PayScale, the average Project Manager has an annual salary of over $72,000, with an average 25% increase throughout their career. Those with an MBA in Project Management are reporting having a take-home salary of $80,000. Those that are able to apply their experience and education to the pursuit of a PMP Certification, report an average take-home salary of $104,000 per year.