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2023 Best Online Project Management Degrees & Certificates

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 6/1/2023
2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Project Management Badge

An online bachelor’s degree in project management is designed to help students develop leadership, communication, and project management skills. Many of the online degrees in this field have core courses in business administration and offer either project management concentrations or specialized courses. Most programs have curriculums designed to help students become eligible to sit for the Project Management Certification exam. Common courses include Business Law, Organizational Behavior, Supply Chain Management, and Project Risk Management. Also, prospective students can expect to complete a project management capstone course or practicum in order to graduate. Potential career options for graduates of an online bachelor’s in project management include project managers, project coordinators, and business analysts.

View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees in project management for inspiration.

2023 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Project Management Badge
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Online Project Management Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In


2023 Best Online Project Management Degrees & Certificates

RankSchool Salary Score Median Starting Salary
# 1 #1 Northeastern University Global Network 100 100 $68,843
# 2 #2 City University of Seattle 100 $79,719
# 3 #3 Capella University 99 $63,636
# 4 #4 Bellevue University 98 $60,272
# 5 #5 Colorado State University Global 98 $59,425
# 6 #6 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide 95 $56,141
# 7 #7 George Fox University 94 $55,390
# 8 #8 National University 93 $54,361
# 9 #9 American Public University System 92 $54,183
# 10 #10 Southern New Hampshire University Online 88 $52,197

#1 Northeastern University Global Network

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $68,843
  • Locations: Boston (MA)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Northeastern University Global Network is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management that totals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. Northeastern accepts 18% of applicants, with 89% graduating.

Northeastern facilitates synchronous learning on Canvas. The program lets online students work on real-world projects for leading companies. Sample courses include Assessing Your Leadership Capacity, Supply Chain Management, and Organizational Behavior. Students are required to complete a capstone course. Graduates may pursue careers like project managers, office managers, and project coordinators.

#2 City University of Seattle

  • Salary Score: 100
  • Median Starting Salary: $79,719
  • Locations: Seattle (WA)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

The City University of Seattle (CityU) is a small, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 180 credit hours. The curriculum covers leadership and team development skills. Some core classes for this major include Strategic Organization Design to Project Initiation, Communicating with Data, and Negotiation & Competitive Decision Making. To graduate, students must complete a capstone project. Overall, it typically takes three years to complete all program requirements at a full-time pace. Graduates may enter a range of industries: healthcare, government, manufacturing, and education, to name a few.

At CityU, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is entirely online. Students may work independently on either a full- or part-time schedule. Additionally, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers. Lastly, it's important to mention that CityU has an open admission policy, which means that the university has a 100% acceptance rate. In other words, all students who apply are accepted.

#3 Capella University

  • Salary Score: 99
  • Median Starting Salary: $63,636
  • Locations: Minneapolis (MN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Capella University (CU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers two online degrees: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Business, Project Management and Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Leadership. Both require 120 credit hours. Some core classes include Developing a Business Perspective, Fundamentals of Leadership, and Agile Project Management. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, such as a capstone project, which can take 22 months with a full-time schedule. Graduates of the program may go on to explore careers in human resources management, sales management, and office management.

At CU, students use Blackboard to access their curriculum, which is fully online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library and academic coaches.

#4 Bellevue University

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $60,272
  • Locations: Bellevue (NE)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized nonprofit that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 127 credit hours. The curriculum aims to train students in project planning, control, and execution. Fundamentals of Project Management and Business Communications are a couple of core courses. Students must complete all program requirements to graduate, including the three Kirkpatrick Signature Series classes. This process can take two to three years with a full-time schedule. Graduates may pursue careers in business management and consulting.

At BU, students use Blackboard to access their fully online, asynchronous coursework. In addition, online students may access the university library, writing center, and tutoring center.

#5 Colorado State University Global

  • Salary Score: 98
  • Median Starting Salary: $59,425
  • Locations: Greenwood Village (CO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Colorado State University (CSU Global) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management. The curriculum includes 120 credit hours and covers planning and management skills. There are many specializations for this major, including Organizational Leadership, Emergency Management, and Foundations of Accounting. It typically takes students three years to complete this degree at a full-time pace, and students must turn in a practicum and capstone project to graduate. Alumni typically enter careers in program management and operations management.

CSU Global students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.

#6 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

  • Salary Score: 95
  • Median Starting Salary: $56,141
  • Locations: Daytona Beach (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide (ERAU Worldwide) is a four-year, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 120 credits. Some core classes for this major include Principles of Management, Organizational Behavior, and Global Project Management. Students must complete a capstone project to successfully graduate. Program alumni may explore careers in administration services, public relations management, and information systems management.

At ERAU Worldwide, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is fully online. Depending on a student's preference, the program can be completed at a full- or part-time pace. At ERAU Worldwide, online students may access the university library and student resources center.

#7 George Fox University

  • Salary Score: 94
  • Median Starting Salary: $55,390
  • Locations: Newberg (OR)
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

George Fox University (GFU) is a private Christian university with a medium-sized student population. It offers an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management requiring 120 credit hours. The curriculum aims to provide students with a broad understanding of ethical, technical, and behavioral competencies. Some core classes in this major include Organizational Behavior, Financial Decision Making, and Team Leadership & Management. It typically takes students three to four years of study with a full-time schedule to graduate. In addition, all students must pass a class called Christian Faith and Thought. Graduates typically enter management careers in business, event projects, and product regulation.

At GFU, students use Canvas to access their online coursework, which is synchronous and completed with a cohort. Additionally, online students may access the university’s library and student resource centers.

#8 National University

  • Salary Score: 93
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,361
  • Locations: Multiple Locations
  • Accreditation: WSCUC

National University (NU) is a private institution where prospective students can pursue two online bachelor’s in project management: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Management - Project Management and (2) a Bachelor of Business Administration - Project Management. Both programs require 180 quarter units. Finishing each program can take four years. NU’s acceptance rate is 55%, with a graduation rate of 36%.

NU’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Both programs give students the knowledge and skills to become project managers. Some of the programs’ courses are Survey of Global Business, Project Planning and Control, and Business Finance. Both programs require students to complete a capstone course. Prospective careers include program managers, market research analysts, and logistics coordinators.

#9 American Public University System

  • Salary Score: 92
  • Median Starting Salary: $54,183
  • Locations: Charles Town (WV)
  • Accreditation: HLC

The American Public University System (APUS) is a large nonprofit that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Technical Management. The curriculum requires that students complete 120 credit hours, which includes coursework covering research, communications, and data analysis. There are six concentrations for this major, including Project Management. Overall, a degree typically takes students three to four years of study with a full-time schedule. To graduate, students must turn in a Final Project. Program graduates often choose to pursue careers in strategic management and information systems.

APUS students use Sakai to access their online, asynchronous coursework, which students have the freedom to tackle at either a full- or part-time pace. Online students may access the university library and student resource centers.

#10 Southern New Hampshire University Online

  • Salary Score: 88
  • Median Starting Salary: $52,197
  • Locations: Manchester (NH)
  • Accreditation: NECHE

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU Online) is a large, private institution that offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management. Both online degree programs require 120 credit hours and have concentrations in Project Management, which includes courses such as Project Contracting & Procurement, Principles of Management, and Performance Improvement Measurement and Methodologies. In general, students are trained in planning, implementing, and assessing projects. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, which can take three to four years with a full-time schedule. Alumni may enter supply chain management positions or other industries, such as business law and economics.

At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their coursework, which is fully online and synchronous. Also, online students may access the university library and student resource centers.

#11 Arizona State University

  • Salary Score: 87
  • Median Starting Salary: $51,542
  • Locations: Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management equaling 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. The university accepts 70% of applicants, with 47% graduating.

At ASU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the learning management system Canvas. In this program, students gain the expertise to manage and lead projects in their careers. Example courses include Project Schedule Management, Organizational Ethics, and Project Procurement Management. A seminar course is also required to graduate. Future careers for graduates can include fundraisers, project coordinators, and advertising sales agents.

#12 Columbia Southern University

  • Salary Score: 84
  • Median Starting Salary: $50,330
  • Locations: Orange Beach (AL)
  • Accreditation: DEAC

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration requiring 120 credit hours. The curriculum discusses ways to approach complex projects, build team organization, and produce cost-effective results. This major has a concentration in Project Management, which includes a range of classes: Management Decision Making, Procurement & Contract Management, and Organizational Communication. To graduate, students must complete all courses with a passing grade, and this process can take four years with a full-time study schedule. Alumni may go on to pursue financial management, globalization, and consulting careers.

CSU students use Blackboard to access their program materials, which includes asynchronous, fully online coursework. Online students have access to the Academic Advising Center, the university library, and other student resource centers.

#13 University of Wisconsin - Stout

  • Salary Score: 76
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,967
  • Locations: Menomonie (WI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

University of Wisconsin - Stout (UW-Stout) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Management requiring 120 credit hours. The faculty shows students how they can apply methodologies, techniques, and tools to effectively manage projects. This major has a concentration in Project Management, which includes classes such as Financial - Managerial Accounting; Business & Professional Speaking; and Procurement, Sourcing, & Supply Chain Management. It takes online students approximately four years to complete all program requirements, including a capstone project. Graduates often apply to enter careers in business administration, human resource management, and logistics analysis.

At UW-Stout, students use Canvas to access their online learning materials, which includes asynchronous coursework that they can complete at their own pace. Online students also have access to Student Service Advisors, Career Services, and the university library.

#14 Saint Leo University Online

  • Salary Score: 76
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,914
  • Locations: St. Leo (FL)
  • Accreditation: SACS COC

Saint Leo University Online (Saint Leo) is a private, nonprofit, Roman Catholic institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration - Project Management totaling 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at Saint Leo is 71%, with a 42% graduation rate.

Saint Leo facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The online bachelor’s in project management provides an overview of project management fundamentals. Some of the program’s courses are Project Teamwork & Leadership, Project Risk Management, and Quality Improvement & Management. Potential career options for graduates include IT project managers, project analysts, and software release managers.

#15 Park University

  • Salary Score: 76
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,878
  • Locations: Parkville (MO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Park University is a private, nonprofit university with an online Bachelor of Science in Management/Project Management equaling 120 credit hours. Future students can expect to take four years to finish this program. The university accepts 100% of applicants and has a 30% graduation rate.

At Park, online students complete courses available in asynchronous and synchronous formats on Canvas. The program helps students gain the knowledge and skills to prepare them to sit for the Project Management Certification exam. Sample courses are International Business Perspectives, Business Policy, and Management and Organizational Behavior. Students must take a senior seminar to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are information systems managers, business operation specialists, and construction managers.

#16 Purdue Global

  • Salary Score: 76
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,866
  • Locations: Indianapolis (IN)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At Purdue Global (Purdue Global), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science/Arts in Project Management, which requires 180 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years to finish this program. Purdue Global’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 27%.

Purdue Global facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The program covers leadership, communication, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills through a range of courses, including Operations Management, Business Law, and Quality Management. In addition to coursework, an online management capstone course is required. Graduates may go on to careers like project managers, general managers, and budget analysts.

#17 Franklin University

  • Salary Score: 75
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,825
  • Locations: Columbus (OH)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Project Management that totals 124 credit hours. It can take four years to finish this program with a full class schedule. The university’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a 41% graduation rate.

At Franklin, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on BlueQuill. The program is designed for students interested in information systems careers. Sample courses include Security Risk Management, Information Assurance, and Requirements Analysis & Testing. Students are required to complete an Information Systems capstone. Prospective careers include systems engineers, technical managers, and contracting officers.

#18 Saint Louis University - Main Campus

  • Salary Score: 74
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,366
  • Locations: St. Louis (MO)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Saint Louis University - Main Campus (SLU) is a private, nonprofit, Jesuit university offering an online Bachelor of Science in Project Management, which equals 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years finishing this program. The university accepts 70% of applicants, with 70% graduating.

SLU facilitates asynchronous online learning on Canvas. This program will teach students about project strategy, contract, and project management. Some examples of courses include Proposal Management, Contract Supplier Administration, and Requirements Analysis. Students must complete a capstone to graduate. Graduates may pursue careers like IT project managers, business analysts, and software developers.

#19 Mount Vernon Nazarene University

  • Salary Score: 73
  • Median Starting Salary: $47,131
  • Locations: Mount Vernon (OH)
  • Accreditation: HLC

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) — a private, nonprofit, Christian university — future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at MVNU is 87%, with a graduation rate of 65%.

MVNU’s online students complete courses available on Moodle. In this program, students develop their leadership and project management skills. Some of the program’s core courses are Global Perspectives in Business, Operations Management, and Managing Human Resources. A practicum is required for this program. Potential careers for graduates are project managers, operations managers, and purchasing managers.

#20 Davenport University

  • Salary Score: 71
  • Median Starting Salary: $46,639
  • Locations: Grand Rapids (MI)
  • Accreditation: HLC

Davenport University is a private, nonprofit institution that offers two online bachelor’s degrees in project management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Technology Project Management and (2) a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business - Global Project Management. Each of the online programs require 120 credit hours, which can take at least four years to finish. The university’s acceptance rate is 98%, and it has a graduation rate of 38%.

At Davenport, online students complete courses on Blackboard, and these classes are delivered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats. Both degree programs explore different project management niches through courses, such as Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Management Systems, and Procurement & Global Sourcing. Prospective careers include program managers, logistics coordinators, and assistant project managers.

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Overview of Online Project Management

Online project management certificates offer concentrated training on management skills through courses ranging from cost management to communications. The graduate-level certificates are open to students with an accredited undergraduate degree. Most certificates take a year or less to complete, making it a great option for working professionals to enhance their management opportunities.

Online bachelor’s degrees typically include topics in organizational leadership, project risk management, contracts and procurement, project performance and quality assurance, and project scheduling and cost. Bachelor's programs usually have a capstone project requirement aimed at enhancing the students’ practical knowledge in the field.

The online master’s degree curriculum covers several key knowledge areas, including assessing and mitigating risk, project planning, execution and closure, schedule and cost control techniques, contracting and procurement in project management, and project management processes. A capstone project is a typical requirement in master’s programs.

Online doctoral project management degree programs explore theoretical underpinnings in project management at a far deeper level than other academic programs. The doctoral curriculum covers areas such as advanced project management methodologies, advanced risk management systems, and contemporary leadership theories and practices. Doctoral students are also required to take a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Project Management

Online bachelor’s degrees in project management help prepare students to navigate the many aspects of a project that they see through from beginning to end. The project management bachelor's degree often combines general business skills with particular leadership strategies for bringing complex projects to completion.

Program Requirements

Online bachelor’s degree programs generally require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED for admission, and some programs require additional application materials, such as a resume, personal statement, or standardized test scores. This is a four-year degree, requiring about 120 credit hours of coursework.

Curriculum

Undergraduate courses cover topics such as the role of the project manager, strategic goal setting, portfolio management, procurement and contracts, and budgeting. Many project management programs are offered as business degrees with a project management focus. In such programs, students also take more general business classes such as leadership, decision making, marketing, and accounting. Most project management bachelor's programs require a capstone course or a project-based class. In this course, students manage a mock project from beginning to end, developing the project's goals, setting a timeline, assigning teams, creating a budget, and procuring contracts.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees will typically find lower-level project management positions in management, information technology, accounting, and human resources. Most people who graduate with a bachelor's degree in project management generally begin by working at businesses, government agencies, or other organizations as a manager or administrator taking on small projects. Project management can be an experience-based profession, so after gaining experience, professionals may be assigned to larger projects and can advance to take on more projects.

The Importance of Accreditation

It's important to consider the reputation and qualifications of any project management degree program you're considering, and official accreditation is one way to begin narrowing down your choices. When a school or program is accredited, it means that its curricula, faculty, student outcomes, and general academic standards have been reviewed, evaluated, and deemed acceptable by an independent agency.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most popular and reputable project management organization. PMI's Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs is the leading accrediting body for project management related education. Committed to excellence, GAC accreditation ensures that programs maintain policies and procedures of project management. Students who attend a GAC accredited program demonstrate to future employers that they have received an enriched education that equipped them with necessary skills, techniques, and experience to succeed as a project manager. PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.), which are organizations that have been approved to provide training in project management, are also strong indicators of a quality education.

Entire institutions can be accredited by national or regional accrediting agencies, or individual PM programs can be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. It's wise to refer to the lists of accrediting agencies that are recognized by US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

For more information about the benefits of accreditation, visit the OnlineU accreditation hub.

Find an Online Degree:

What Should I Know About Professional Project Management Certification?

The certifications offered by PMI are among the most popular credentials for project management professionals. There are eight different certificates available: Project Management Professional, Program Management Professional, Portfolio Management Professional, Certified Associate in Project Management, PMI Professional in Business Analysis, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner, PMI Risk Management Professional, and PMI Scheduling Professional.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is considered the gold standard of project management certification. A Project Management Professional Certification is recognized worldwide and can be attained regardless of industry. The PMP Certification communicates to potential employers that the candidate has an understanding of project management that is consistent with the other members of the organization.

To obtain the PMP certification, experienced project managers must pass a 4-hour exam that consists of 200 questions. All those hoping to be certified must have at least 35 hours of project management education and 7,500 hours experience leading and directing projects or 4,500 hours if the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree. To maintain the certificate, students must earn 60 professional development units every three years.

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What Can I Do with an Online Project Management Degree?

Project managers juggle the moving parts of a project and must be open to rapidly changing environments. They must have an ability to move other people into action and keep them accountable for the progress of a project. Project managers are necessary for many industries including:

  • Healthcare: where they oversee new hospital remodeling projects, assess spending and budget allocation, and transfer doctors between departments.
  • Information Technology: where they design, plan, and carry out software or computer engineering projects from start to finish. This role involves coordinating with multiple companies and the information technology team. Managers troubleshoot problems and make a plan to stay within deadlines.
  • Manufacturing: where they assess risks and constantly make efforts to improve the quality of the product. In manufacturing, project managers might compare products and efficiency against other competing products.
  • Construction: where they work closely with clients to make sure budgets and project needs are met. Building projects are susceptible to alteration every day, so project managers must be able to adapt quickly to changing environments, scope, and budget.

Overview of Online Project Management

Online project management certificates offer concentrated training on management skills through courses ranging from cost management to communications. The graduate-level certificates are open to students with an accredited undergraduate degree. Most certificates take a year or less to complete, making it a great option for working professionals to enhance their management opportunities.

Online bachelor’s degrees typically include topics in organizational leadership, project risk management, contracts and procurement, project performance and quality assurance, and project scheduling and cost. Bachelor's programs usually have a capstone project requirement aimed at enhancing the students’ practical knowledge in the field.

The online master’s degree curriculum covers several key knowledge areas, including assessing and mitigating risk, project planning, execution and closure, schedule and cost control techniques, contracting and procurement in project management, and project management processes. A capstone project is a typical requirement in master’s programs.

Online doctoral project management degree programs explore theoretical underpinnings in project management at a far deeper level than other academic programs. The doctoral curriculum covers areas such as advanced project management methodologies, advanced risk management systems, and contemporary leadership theories and practices. Doctoral students are also required to take a comprehensive exam and complete a dissertation.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Project Management

Online bachelor’s degrees in project management help prepare students to navigate the many aspects of a project that they see through from beginning to end. The project management bachelor's degree often combines general business skills with particular leadership strategies for bringing complex projects to completion.

Program Requirements

Online bachelor’s degree programs generally require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED for admission, and some programs require additional application materials, such as a resume, personal statement, or standardized test scores. This is a four-year degree, requiring about 120 credit hours of coursework.

Curriculum

Undergraduate courses cover topics such as the role of the project manager, strategic goal setting, portfolio management, procurement and contracts, and budgeting. Many project management programs are offered as business degrees with a project management focus. In such programs, students also take more general business classes such as leadership, decision making, marketing, and accounting. Most project management bachelor's programs require a capstone course or a project-based class. In this course, students manage a mock project from beginning to end, developing the project's goals, setting a timeline, assigning teams, creating a budget, and procuring contracts.

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees will typically find lower-level project management positions in management, information technology, accounting, and human resources. Most people who graduate with a bachelor's degree in project management generally begin by working at businesses, government agencies, or other organizations as a manager or administrator taking on small projects. Project management can be an experience-based profession, so after gaining experience, professionals may be assigned to larger projects and can advance to take on more projects.

The Importance of Accreditation

It's important to consider the reputation and qualifications of any project management degree program you're considering, and official accreditation is one way to begin narrowing down your choices. When a school or program is accredited, it means that its curricula, faculty, student outcomes, and general academic standards have been reviewed, evaluated, and deemed acceptable by an independent agency.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) is the most popular and reputable project management organization. PMI's Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs is the leading accrediting body for project management related education. Committed to excellence, GAC accreditation ensures that programs maintain policies and procedures of project management. Students who attend a GAC accredited program demonstrate to future employers that they have received an enriched education that equipped them with necessary skills, techniques, and experience to succeed as a project manager. PMI Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.), which are organizations that have been approved to provide training in project management, are also strong indicators of a quality education.

Entire institutions can be accredited by national or regional accrediting agencies, or individual PM programs can be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. It's wise to refer to the lists of accrediting agencies that are recognized by US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

For more information about the benefits of accreditation, visit the OnlineU accreditation hub.

Find an Online Degree:

What Should I Know About Professional Project Management Certification?

The certifications offered by PMI are among the most popular credentials for project management professionals. There are eight different certificates available: Project Management Professional, Program Management Professional, Portfolio Management Professional, Certified Associate in Project Management, PMI Professional in Business Analysis, PMI Agile Certified Practitioner, PMI Risk Management Professional, and PMI Scheduling Professional.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is considered the gold standard of project management certification. A Project Management Professional Certification is recognized worldwide and can be attained regardless of industry. The PMP Certification communicates to potential employers that the candidate has an understanding of project management that is consistent with the other members of the organization.

To obtain the PMP certification, experienced project managers must pass a 4-hour exam that consists of 200 questions. All those hoping to be certified must have at least 35 hours of project management education and 7,500 hours experience leading and directing projects or 4,500 hours if the applicant holds a bachelor’s degree. To maintain the certificate, students must earn 60 professional development units every three years.

Find an Online Degree:

What Can I Do with an Online Project Management Degree?

Project managers juggle the moving parts of a project and must be open to rapidly changing environments. They must have an ability to move other people into action and keep them accountable for the progress of a project. Project managers are necessary for many industries including:

  • Healthcare: where they oversee new hospital remodeling projects, assess spending and budget allocation, and transfer doctors between departments.
  • Information Technology: where they design, plan, and carry out software or computer engineering projects from start to finish. This role involves coordinating with multiple companies and the information technology team. Managers troubleshoot problems and make a plan to stay within deadlines.
  • Manufacturing: where they assess risks and constantly make efforts to improve the quality of the product. In manufacturing, project managers might compare products and efficiency against other competing products.
  • Construction: where they work closely with clients to make sure budgets and project needs are met. Building projects are susceptible to alteration every day, so project managers must be able to adapt quickly to changing environments, scope, and budget.

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