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2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Project Management

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 6/28/2023
2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Project Management Badge

An online master’s degree in project management gives students and established professionals the knowledge and skills to become successful project management leaders. Future students can expect to gain leadership, time management, communication, and negotiation skills. The curriculum covers leadership, communication, project planning, and risk management. Popular courses within an online project management master’s program include Risk Management, Project Management Ethics, and Agile Project Management.  

Similar programs are online master’s degrees in management or online MBAs. Many of these programs have curricula that help prepare students for when they sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. Prospective students can expect to complete a capstone research project to graduate. Graduates of an online master’s degree in project management or a similar subject may go on to pursue careers like project managers, project coordinators, and scrum managers.

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Online Project Management Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In


2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Project Management

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 New York University 100 100 $148,198
# 2 #2 Georgetown University 100 $131,589
# 3 #3 University of Southern California 100 $127,841
# 4 #4 Lehigh University 99 $122,676
# 5 #5 Northwestern University 99 $120,709
# 6 #6 Golden Gate University 99 $117,549
# 7 #7 University of Maryland - College Park 97 $108,765
# 8 #8 The George Washington University 96 $107,834
# 9 #9 Boston University 94 $104,027
# 10 #10 Johns Hopkins University 91 $99,074

#1 New York University

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $148,198
  • Locations: New York (NY)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

New York University (NYU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management that totals 36 credit hours. Full-time students can complete the program within two years.

NYU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via D2L Brightspace, a popular learning management system (LMS). An online project management curriculum at the graduate level helps students obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen industry. Sample courses include Leading Global Organizations, Agile Project Management, and Management of Information Systems. Students must also complete a capstone course to graduate. Some potential careers for graduates are product managers, agile coaches, and project managers.

#2 Georgetown University

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $131,589
  • Locations: Washington D.C.
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Georgetown University is a private, nonprofit, Catholic Jesuit-affiliated institution, and it offers an online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management requiring 30 credit hours. Full-time students can finish the program in two years.

At Georgetown, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the LMS Canvas. The program’s online curriculum focuses on leadership and communication skills in order to prepare students to become skilled project management leaders. Some of the courses are Project Initiation and Planning, Communication and Collaboration for Managers, and Agile Fundamentals. Graduates may enter careers like architectural project managers, project team leads, and project schedulers.

#3 University of Southern California

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $127,841
  • Locations: Los Angeles (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

At the University of Southern California (USC) — a private, nonprofit institution — prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Project Management totaling 24 credit hours. It can take 1-2 years to complete this program with a full-time schedule.

USC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Blackboard. This program prepares students to advance their careers in project management through the presentation of different concepts and methodologies. The program’s courses are Requirements Elicitation and Business Analysis, Schedule Management, and Risk Management. Students must create a portfolio and complete an internship. Some prospective career industries for graduates include IT, healthcare, and marketing.

#4 Lehigh University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $122,676
  • Locations: Bethlehem (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Lehigh University (Lehigh) is a private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Flex Master of Business Administration - Project Management requiring 36 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete this program in about two years.

Lehigh students complete online coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Course Site. The master’s in project management program covers the leadership, communication, and technical skills required to become a successful project management leader. Sample courses include Project Risk Management, Decision Making and Ethics on Projects, and Project Requirements and Scope Management. Additionally, a capstone course is required for graduation. Alumni may pursue careers as project managers, administrative managers, and logistics coordinators.

#5 Northwestern University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $120,709
  • Locations: Evanston (IL)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Northwestern University (Northwestern) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Information Systems - Project Management. Since it only requires 11 credit hours, the program is designed to take just one year.

At Northwestern, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on the LMS Canvas. This program combines an overview of information systems with a focus on project management in that sector. Some of the program’s courses are Project Management Concepts, IT Project Management, and Information Technology Finance and Communication. To graduate, students need to finish a computer information systems project or a capstone research project. Potential industries for graduates are construction, pharmaceutical, and software development.

#6 Golden Gate University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $117,549
  • Locations: San Francisco (CA)
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

San Francisco's Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management to help graduate students develop the skills to manage global projects and choose an IT Management concentration. This is a 30-credit program taught by Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP)-certified instructors. Due to its accelerated format, full-time students can finish in less than two years.

An online Master of Business Administration in Project Management is also offered at GGU.

GGU uses its proprietary GGU4YOU learning management system to deliver its online course content. Courses in the online master's in project management include Agile Management for Project Managers, Advanced Project Planning and Control, Project Risk Management, and Foundations of Business Analytics. Completing just one of these classes fulfills the PMI's requirement to apply for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or PMP exams.

#7 University of Maryland - College Park

  • Salary Score: 97
  • Median Starting Salary: $108,765
  • Locations: College Park (MD)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

The University of Maryland - College Park (UMD) near Ellicott City is a public institution offering an online Master of Engineering in Project Management for working engineers, architects, and technical professionals interested in advancing their skills. It is the first project management program in an engineering school to become PMI-accredited. Graduating requires completing 30 credits, which generally takes full-time students two years. This program doesn't require a research thesis.

UMD delivers its online curriculum via Canvas. Project management distance learners take courses such as Advanced Project Scheduling, Sustainability Fundamentals for Project Managers, Legal Aspects of Engineering Design and Construction, and Cost Engineering and Control.

#8 The George Washington University

  • Salary Score: 96
  • Median Starting Salary: $107,834
  • Locations: Washington D.C.
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

The George Washington University (GWU) is a private, nonprofit institution in the nation's capital offering an online Master of Science in Project Management (OMSPM). Founded in 1996, it is one of the oldest project management degree programs of its kind. This program is very competitive with limited enrollment. Students complete 30 credits to graduate, typically taking two years of full-time attendance. OMSPM students can access all GW School of Business resources, including its active career center.

GWU uses Blackboard to deliver online coursework and instruction. OMSPM distance learners participate in classes such as Decision Models, Time Series Forecasting Analytics, Project Governance, and Business Process Simulation.

#9 Boston University

  • Salary Score: 94
  • Median Starting Salary: $104,027
  • Locations: Boston (MA)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Located along the Charles River, Boston University (BU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management that allows students to choose required courses and electives that match personal academic and career interests. Students who have PMI certifications can earn up to 45 PDUs per course. Graduating requires completing 40 credits, which some full-time students may be able to achieve in a single year.

BU's online curriculum is delivered by Blackboard to distance learners. Those enrolled in the online project management graduate program take courses such as Portfolio and Program Management, Project Value Strategies, Agile Project Management, and Project and Program Governance. Some courses may be waived due to a student's professional designations.

#10 Johns Hopkins University

  • Salary Score: 91
  • Median Starting Salary: $99,074
  • Locations: Baltimore (MD)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University (JHU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Systems Engineering - Project Management for scientists and engineers eager to manage systems projects. This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Distance learners must complete 30 credits in order to graduate, which generally takes at least two years of full-time study.

JHU delivers its online curriculum via Canvas. Online systems engineering graduate students choosing the project management focus take courses such as Technical Organization Management; Strategic Communications in Technical Organizations; Advanced Concepts in Agile Technical Management; and Finance, Contracts, and Compliance for Technical Professionals.

#11 University of Michigan - Dearborn

  • Salary Score: 90
  • Median Starting Salary: $97,476
  • Locations: Dearborn (MI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Michigan - Dearborn (UM Dearborn) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Program and Project Management for technical professionals in various industries who want to transition from team members to program managers. This 30-credit program includes thesis and non-thesis options. Students can generally complete the degree in two years of full-time study.

UM Dearborn uses Canvas to deliver its online course content. Program and project management distance learners can choose to enroll in courses such as Developing and Interpreting Financial Information, Product and Process Design, Total Quality Management and Six Sigma, and Big Data Analytics and Visualization. Students who don't complete a thesis will complete a capstone instead.

#12 Arizona State University

  • Salary Score: 90
  • Median Starting Salary: $97,013
  • Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Popular for its online programming, Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Project Management that helps students develop skills, such as integrative thinking, problem-solving, ethical literacy, and values thinking. The program culminates in the creation of a professional project management portfolio. Graduating requires completing 33 credits, which full-time students may accomplish in just one year.

ASU's distance learners access their classes via Canvas. Those enrolled in the online project management master's program engage in courses such as Social Psychological Perspectives in Project Management, Developing the Plan in Project Management, Leading Integrative Teams, and The Thoughtful Project: Aligning Purpose with Approach.

#13 Stevens Institute of Technology

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $94,386
  • Locations: Hoboken (NJ)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Enterprise Project Management to help students develop the skills to drive change and make smarter decisions for their organizations. Concentrations are available in General Management, Software Engineering, and Construction Management. Students must complete 30 credits to graduate, which generally takes two years.

SIT delivers its online curriculum via Canvas. Depending on the concentration, enterprise project management distance learners take courses such as Strategic Responses to Cyclical Environments, Agile Methods for Software Development, Financial Decision Making, and Process Innovation. A capstone is also required to graduate.

#14 Pennsylvania State University

  • Salary Score: 85
  • Median Starting Salary: $92,512
  • Locations: State College (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public institution offering an online Master of Project Management through its World Campus. This interdisciplinary program incorporates problem-based learning into its curriculum. Students complete 30 credits to graduate, which typically takes two years with a full-time courseload. This program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Penn State is also recognized as a PMI Registered Education Provider (REP).

Penn State uses Canvas to deliver fully remote coursework and instruction. Online project management program students choose from courses such as Engineering Product Innovation, Operations Planning and Control, Engineering Across Cultures and Nations, and Supply Chain Management. Additionally, students must participate in a capstone experience before they earn their degrees.

#15 Lawrence Technological University

  • Salary Score: 84
  • Median Starting Salary: $91,720
  • Locations: Southfield (MI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Michigan's Lawrence Technological University (LTU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Project Management that uses PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and other International Standards to guide instruction. This fast-paced program requires completing 36 credits, which may be done in under two years if attending with a full-time schedule.

LTU's online curriculum is delivered to distance learners via Canvas. Project management program courses include Project Risk and Quality Management, Managing Outsourced Projects, Enterprise Information Technology, and Agile Project Management. A capstone project is required before students may graduate.

#16 Ohio University - Main Campus

  • Salary Score: 82
  • Median Starting Salary: $90,017
  • Locations: Athens (OH)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Ohio State University - Main Campus (OSU) in Columbus is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management for graduate students who want to apply project management techniques and leadership skills across various business settings. Students can choose to specialize in specific areas, such as Business Analytics, Human Resources Management, and Business Venturing. This 30-credit program may take some full-time students less than two years to complete.

OSU also offers an online Master of Business Administration - Project Management for students interested in pursuing an MBA.

OSU uses the Carmen learning management system to deliver online coursework and instruction. The online project management graduate program curriculum aligns with PMP and CAPM. Regardless of the specialization chosen, all online project management graduate students must complete courses in Change and Risk Management, Lean Six Sigma, and Project Management I and II. Besides coursework, OSU also requires a capstone/thesis project for this graduate degree.

#17 University of Wisconsin - Platteville

  • Salary Score: 81
  • Median Starting Salary: $89,346
  • Locations: Platteville (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Wisconsin - Platteville (UW Platteville) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management accredited by PMI. This degree counts as one-third of the project management work experience required to become PMP certified. Optional emphases include Human Captial Administration, Integrated Supply Chain Management, and Managing Engineering Projects. Students must complete 36 credit hours total, which usually takes around two years of full-time study.

UW Platteville delivers its online program curriculum via Canvas. Project management distance learners take courses such as Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments, Project Portfolio Management, Interpersonal Skills for Virtual and Co-Located Project Teams, and Project Scope Management. A thesis and capstone project are both required to graduate.

#18 University of Hartford

  • Salary Score: 80
  • Median Starting Salary: $88,402
  • Locations: West Hartford (CT)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Connecticut's University of Hartford (UH) is a private, nonprofit institute offering an online Master of Business Administration - Project Management through the Hartford Barney School of Business so students can earn an MBA while focusing on developing advanced project management skills. This 36-credit, accelerated program generally takes two years for full-time students to complete.

UH delivers its online curriculum to distance learners via Blackboard. Those enrolled in this online MBA program with a project management focus take courses such as Managing Organizational Processes, Innovation and Project Management, Global Strategic Management, and Six Sigma Principles and Applications. A capstone is also required to graduate.

#19 Montclair State University

  • Salary Score: 78
  • Median Starting Salary: $86,436
  • Locations: Montclair (NJ)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Montclair State University (MSU) in New Jersey is a public institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Project Management through the Feliciano School of Business for mid-level managers, entrepreneurs, career-changers, and recent bachelor's graduates. Graduating requires completing 39 credits, which typically takes two years of full-time study. MSU offers six start dates per year, allowing for greater scheduling flexibility.

MSU's distance learners access their coursework and class instruction via Canvas. Online MBA-Project Management students enroll in courses such as Contemporary Topics in Project Management, Risk Analysis and Management, Systems Development Life Cycle Management, and Advanced Project Management.

#20 Wake Forest University

  • Salary Score: 77
  • Median Starting Salary: $86,086
  • Locations: Winston Salem (NC)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

North Carolina's Wake Forest University (WFU) in Winston-Salem is a private, nonprofit school offering an online Master of Science in Project Management through its School of Professional Studies that integrates leadership development with a state-of-the-art technical curriculum. Students complete 30 credits, which generally takes two years of full-time study. This program also helps prepare students for industry certification and credentialing exams, such as the Professional ScrumMaster certification exam.

WFU uses Canvas to deliver its online program content. Courses in the online project management curriculum include Mastering the Project Life Cycle, Agile Fundamentals, Lean Six Sigma, Project Management Professional (PMP) Leadership Preparation, and ScrumMaster Leadership Preparation.

#21 Norwich University

  • Salary Score: 72
  • Median Starting Salary: $82,904
  • Locations: Northfield (VT)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

New England's Norwich University (NU) in Vermont is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Concentration in Project Management with small class sizes in an accelerated format. PMI accredits this concentration. Students can generally complete this 36-credit program in 18 months if attending full time. NU offers four start dates per year.

MU uses the Moodle learning management system for online program delivery. Courses in the project management concentration include Project Management Techniques, Tools, and Practices; Project Management Leadership, Communications, and Teams; and Strategic Management in Project Management. Also, passing a comprehensive exam is required to graduate.

#22 Saint Louis University - Main Campus

  • Salary Score: 70
  • Median Starting Salary: $81,720
  • Locations: St. Louis (MO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Saint Louis University - Main Campus (SLU) in Missouri is a private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management to help graduate students develop advanced project strategy, contract management, and project management math skills. Graduating requires completing 33 credits, typically taking full-time students at least two years.

SLU delivers online coursework and instruction via Canvas. Online project management-specific courses in this degree program include Planning Projects, Agile Project Management, Project Execution and Delivery, and Project Selection and Initiation. Students can complete a master's project or internship experience as part of graduation requirements.

#23 University of Idaho

  • Salary Score: 69
  • Median Starting Salary: $81,245
  • Locations: Moscow (ID)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

The University of Idaho (UI) in Moscow is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Technology Management - Project Management through its Department of Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management. This program is designed for working technical professionals seeking career advancement. This 30-credit course generally takes full-time students around two years to complete or three if attending part time.

UI uses Canvas so its distance learners can access online course content. Those enrolled in the online project management concentration take courses such as Technical Project Management, Environmental Lifecycle Assessment, Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Fundamentals, and Advanced Project Management. Students can also choose to complete a comprehensive exam or thesis, but they need to finish one of these in order to graduate.

#24 University of Kansas

  • Salary Score: 69
  • Median Starting Salary: $80,966
  • Locations: Lawrence (KS)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Kansas (UK) is a public institution in Lawrence offering an online Master of Science in Project Management to help students develop advanced skills to lead simple, short-duration projects to complex, multi-year projects in various environments. The curriculum follows the PMI PMBOK. This 33-credit program takes full-time students approximately two years to complete.

UK delivers asynchronous online course content via Canvas. Courses in the project management curriculum include a series of four Project Management Fundamentals courses, Management of Consulting Projects, Portfolio Analysis and Program Management, Developing as a Project Leader, and Project Team Management and Development.

#25 University of Denver

  • Salary Score: 67
  • Median Starting Salary: $79,763
  • Locations: Denver (CO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Colorado's University of Denver (UD) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Organizational Leadership - Project Management that follows PMI PMBOK guidelines and prepares students for PMP certification. Courses are ten weeks, and graduating requires 36 credits, which may take some full-time students as few as 18 months to complete if they take two classes per term.

UD uses Canvas to deliver online coursework and instruction to distance learners. Those enrolled in the online project management program may take courses such as Advanced Methods for Complex Projects, Agile Techniques and Practices in Project Management, Managing Technology for Strategic Value, and Business Forecasting and Planning.

#26 Thomas Edison State University

  • Salary Score: 67
  • Median Starting Salary: $79,609
  • Locations: Trenton (NJ)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public institution in New Jersey offering an online Master of Science in Management - Project Management providing a comprehensive overview of the field according to PMI's Project Management Life Cycle model and nine areas of competencies. This 36-credit program takes full-time students approximately two years to complete. Students may earn credits for prior learning and work experience to save time and money.

TESU delivers its online curriculum via Moodle. Online students access Moodle to participate in courses in the online project management program, such as Project Leadership and Communication, Project Risk Management, Procurement and Vendor Management, and Global Project Management.

#27 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

  • Salary Score: 64
  • Median Starting Salary: $78,293
  • Locations: Winona (MN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (SMUMN) in Winona is a private, Catholic institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management accredited by PMI. The program curriculum is designed to help students learn project management best practices for predictive, hybrid, and adaptive (agile) methodologies. This program also helps prepare students for PMP certification. Graduating requires completing 36 credits, which takes full-time students two years.

SMUMN uses Canvas so distance learners can access online coursework and instruction. Courses in the online project management program include Project Procurement Management, Strategic Project and Program Management, Project Scope and Scheduling, and Project Risk Management. In addition to coursework, a three-hour capstone is required to graduate.

#28 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $77,654
  • Locations: Daytona Beach (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management that helps equip students to lead large, complex projects and operationalize project management systems and policies. Students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework to graduate, which generally takes at least two years of full-time attendance.

ERAU delivers online coursework and instruction via Canvas. Distance learners in the online project management graduate program take courses such as Directing and Controlling Projects, Strategic Decision-Making for Leaders, Planning and Execution Strategy, and Contemporary Project Management. The project management capstone is the last course students need to take before they can graduate with their degree.

#29 DeSales University

  • Salary Score: 63
  • Median Starting Salary: $77,404
  • Locations: Center Valley (PA)
  • Accreditation: MSCHE

Pennsylvania's DeSales University (DSU) is a private nonprofit institution offering an online Master of Business Administration - Project Management for students with at least a basic understanding of business principles who are eager to become project managers. DSU has an open enrollment policy and several yearly enrollment times to accommodate diverse schedules. Graduating requires completing 36 credits, which takes full-time students approximately two years.

DSU uses Blackboard, so distance learners can complete assignments and participate in class. Those enrolled in the project management program take courses such as Scope and Cost Management, Integrating Quality into your Project Methodologies, Advanced Project Management, and Risk Management. To graduate, online students must also take a capstone integrating course, such as Policy and Strategy.

#30 Citadel Military College of South Carolina

  • Salary Score: 58
  • Median Starting Salary: $74,909
  • Locations: Charleston (SC)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Charleston’s Citadel Military College of South Carolina (CMCSC) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Project Management focusing on personal and organizational effectiveness, principled leadership, innovative analytical procedures, and solutions to emerging technical resource issues. Graduating requires completing 30 credits, including two core curriculum modules focusing on technical project management and principled leadership. Students can also choose electives from their specialty, including engineering, computer science, or business.

The master's degree in project management at CMCSC delivers its online coursework and instruction via the platform Canvas. Distance learners in this discipline choose from classes such as Technical Project Support and Operations, Project Manager Leadership Development, Decision and Risk Analysis, and Applications of Quality Management.

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Overview of a Master's in Project Management

Project managers have a broad set of responsibilities within a professional organization. They develop project scopes, organize finances, monitor deadlines, and lead teams to the finish line — all while solving complex problems throughout the life of the project. Given the importance of the role and the wide-ranging duties involved, you may want to master the necessary skills by pursuing a master's degree in project management.

In addition to the technical skills needed to oversee important projects, a project management master's degree helps you develop essential soft skills like communication, analysis, organization, and leadership. Earning this degree online offers several more benefits, including potentially lower costs and experience in working virtually — something many project managers are required to do in the modern business environment.

Most project management (PM) programs lead to a Master of Science in Project Management. However, you also have the option of earning a master's in business or information systems with a concentration in project management.

Program Requirements

To be accepted into a master's in project management program, you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as a bachelor's in project management, bachelor's in business, or bachelor's degree in finance. Depending on the school you're applying to, your official college transcripts from your undergraduate degree may need to show that you maintained a GPA of 2.8 or possibly higher. Some schools may also require high scores on the GMAT or GRE entrance exam.

Graduate programs in project management generally require the completion of 24-36 credit hours. Given this broad range, some full-time students may be able to earn the degree in 18 months to two years, and part-time students may be able to finish in two to three years. 

Toward the end of each program, you'll have a chance to put your skills to the test with a capstone project. This usually entails real-world project oversight in a team environment with the purpose of developing a portfolio for your future employers. Some programs may also include an internship.

Master's in Project Management Courses

The curriculum for a PM master's revolves around the specific project management skills you'll need to be a team leader and business management expert. You'll learn ways to manage and mitigate risk, analyze financial reports, communicate with stakeholders, and develop complex schedules with numerous moving parts. There will also be courses covering the fundamentals of common project management methods, such as Scrum and Agile.

Let's take a closer look at some common core courses found in an in-person or online project management master's program:

Project Risk Management

Risks are inherent with every project, regardless of scale. In a risk management course you'll learn about methodologies for risk analysis as well as the skills and tools required to mitigate the inevitable challenges, threats, and issues that come with complex projects.

Agile Project Management

At its most basic level, Agile is a set of processes and techniques that focuses on teams producing some type of project. Agile plays such an important role in project management that there are specific courses where you'll learn the associated methodologies, including its overarching philosophies.

Project Leadership

Courses in project leadership or project governance teach the skills needed to actively lead groups of people by employing effective strategies and adaptable communications. You'll learn to identify and negotiate expectations while facilitating teamwork. Topics typically include project planning, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Project Scope and Scheduling

This course will teach you how to properly plan for an upcoming project, including understanding its scope and the best ways to allocate resources, organize documents, utilize scheduling tools, and predict budgets.

Quality Management

You'll need to know how to maintain project quality along with efficiency. This course explores the qualitative methods used to ensure the best possible project outcome through identifying standards, monitoring control, and analyzing dependencies.

What Can You Do With a Master's in Project Management Degree?

A traditional or online master's degree in project management can open the door to a variety of career opportunities across sectors. Graduates will gain a wide range of expertise in people management, communication, risk analysis, scheduling, and financial oversight. These skills are increasingly valuable in business, allowing professionals to join a company even without an expert-level knowledge of their specific product. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduate students who've earned project management master's degrees may be qualified for the following occupations:

Project Management Specialists

Annual Median Salary: $94,500
Job Growth Rate: 7%

Project management specialists oversee an entire project's scope, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and customer service. Specialists may also be considered senior project managers and take on additional duties, such as training new employees and acting as the main point of contact for clients. For senior-level roles, some employers may require a master's degree and several years of work experience.

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Annual Median Salary: $159,010
Job Growth Rate: 16%

When you search for project manager roles, many will fall within the field of IT. Computer and information systems managers generally work within software and website development while still adhering to traditional PM duties, such as scheduling, risk analysis, budgeting, milestone tracking, and problem-solving. Employers will likely require prerequisite skills in software development along with a master's degree.

Management Analysts

Annual Median Salary: $93,000
Job Growth Rate: 11%

Management analysts use their knowledge of project management techniques to organize and improve the efficiency of organizations. They're hired to maximize growth as well as increase productivity and performance.

Is a Master's in Project Management Worth It?

Earning a master's degree in project management requires a major investment of time and money, so deciding to go back to school for this degree deserves careful consideration. Only you can determine if this is the right step for you based on your personal circumstances and career goals. However, taking a look at the potential benefits and possible drawbacks of a master's in project management may help you make the best choice:

Potential Benefits

  • Project management salaries are much higher than the average U.S. salary. Project management specialists, for example, earn a median salary of $94,500 per year, while the average salary for all occupations is just $58,260.

  • A project management master's degree can allow you to work in a wide variety of industries. Most programs take a comprehensive approach, helping you learn how to manage people, utilize practical business tactics, and employ valuable software.

  • Many project manager-related roles are growing at a fast rate. Job growth projections from the BLS show higher rates than the 5% average for all occupations.

Potential Drawbacks

  • A master's degree is an expensive endeavor. Even if you take your courses online, which can be slightly less expensive than on-campus, you can still expect to spend over $60,000 in total.

  • Many project manager roles require experience on top of a degree. This means that some employers value practical skills — which can only be achieved from work experience and certificates — over theoretical and academic achievements.

  • A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is more widely recognized than a master's in project management. Employers know what comes with an MBA, but they may be less knowledgeable about the credentials that come with a project management master's degree.

How To Choose a Project Management Master's Program

Deciding whether to go back to school to earn a project management master's degree — either through a traditional on-campus program or through distance learning — is an important decision. You'll want to carefully review several considerations before choosing a program.

The accreditation status of each of the schools you're considering attending is probably one of the most critical factors to explore. All of the schools on our list of the best online master's degrees in project management are institutionally accredited. This means that each school has been evaluated by an independent agency and proven to meet national standards, ensuring that you're getting a high-quality education. Enrollment in an accredited project management program qualifies you for financial aid and allows you to transfer credits to another school if needed. 

In addition to institutional-level accreditation, individual project management master's programs can earn programmatic accreditation. The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the approved accrediting agency for all project management programs in higher education. To be accredited by the PMI, a project management program must be designed to train professionals to follow industry-standard methods and practices. 

If you're considering earning your master’s in project management online, you may want to research several aspects of each program before enrolling. Some key questions to ask include:

  • Can you devote yourself to your coursework full time? If needed, make sure the program can be completed on a part-time basis so that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Will the online program help prepare you for certification? Many project management professionals seek some type of certification to make themselves more competitive in the job market. Possibilities include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Master Project Manager (MPM), and CompTIA Project+.
  • Are the online classes synchronous or asynchronous? With synchronous classes, you'll usually have to log in at specific times to view lectures and participate in live class discussions and other learning activities. With asynchronous classes, you'll be able to complete each week's assignments on your own schedule.

What Else Should You Consider?

Beyond accreditation status and online course format, there are several other points to consider when choosing a master's in project management program. Specifically, you may first want to establish a cost estimate for earning this graduate degree and your budget. 

If you want to save money on your master's degree, an online program may be your best option. Some schools charge lower tuition fees for distance learning students, which could significantly reduce the cost of the degree. As an online student, you'll also save money by avoiding college room and board or transportation costs. 

You can also minimize your financial investment by applying for financial aid. Be sure to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form as well as applications for private scholarships. The Project Management Institute, for example, offers several scholarships for graduate students in project management

Looking for cost-effective degree programs? Review our ranked lists of the most affordable project management bachelor's degrees, most affordable management master's degrees, and most affordable MBAs.

FAQs About Project Management Degrees

Can You Get a Master's in Project Management Online?


Yes, you can get a master's degree in project management completely online. In fact, by enrolling in an online program, you'll gain experience in working virtually, which is a skill you may be able to apply later. You'll work with teams that are spread out across locations, utilize online written communication tactics, and navigate common hurdles, such as time zone differences.

How Long Is a Master's in Project Management Degree?


The graduation requirements for master's in project management degrees vary widely. Some programs require as few as 24 credit hours, which you may be able to finish in just one year. Other programs, however, require up to 36 credit hours, which may take as much as three years.

Is Project Management a STEM Degree?


Some — but not all — online project management degree programs have been designated as STEM degrees. Because this designation may impact an international student's visa, it's important to confirm each school's status before enrolling. 

Bottom Line

Master's programs can be difficult to achieve while adding tens of thousands of dollars to your overall education costs. But if you're a dedicated student with some work experience, you can expect to land a role earning far more than the average U.S. salary. Even more encouraging is the wide range of skills you learn in a project management master's program, which are amplified by the act of learning in a remote, online environment.

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