Master’s in Project Management Online: Top 25 Values

There are many reasons why prospective students may consider pursuing an online master’s in project management degree. Working professionals looking to improve job performance or advance their business careers often find such a degree to be helpful in achieving their professional goals. Which online master’s project management program is right for you, however? To help you answer this question, we’ve reviewed scores of programs to determine the top value online project management master’s degrees.

Featured Programs

Ranking Methodology for Online Master’s in Project Management

Awards and Recognition (Related to Project Management)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
Accreditation
• Project Management Institute – 2 points
• AACSB – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 600,000 – 6 points
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
• Above 100,000 – 1 point
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations) – 1 point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.) – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Project Management – 1 point
Project Management Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Job Placement Services – 1 point
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us

To determine the best value colleges for an online master’s project management, our editors began with an initial pool of 44 schools. It is important to note that both master of science programs and MBA programs with concentrations or specializations in project management were considered. We then narrowed this pool by selecting the 25 most lucrative programs according to the ROI figures listed on PayScale.com. To rank these programs, we applied the methodology above. In cases of a tie, graduate tuition and fees were considered, and we awarded the more affordable school the higher ranking.

Reviewing Each of the Best Online Master’s Project Management

#25 – University of DenverThe logo for University of Denver which has an online masters in project management no gmat

Online Master’s in Leadership and Organizations: Project Management no GMAT

Denver, Colorado

Website
Points: 4

The University of Denver’s online master’s in project management no GMAT offering is technically a Master of Science in Leadership and Organizations with a concentration in Project Management. The 48-credit hour program is comprised of a 20-credit hour core consisting of courses such as Building the 21st Century Organization and Graduate Social Research Methods as well as 16 credit hours of concentration courses such as Project Contracts & Procurement, Project Management Tools & Techniques, and Project Management Techniques. Classes are scheduled according to 10-week terms, and there is no GMAT required for admission into this online master’s degree in project management.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $43,458

#24 – Liberty UniversityThe logo for Liberty University which ranked 24th in our project management masters degree rankings

Online Project Management MBA

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website
Points: 4

As one of the more comprehensive master’s in project management online programs available, Liberty University’s offering is a 45-credit hour program that consists of a 33-hour business core and a 12-hour project management cognate. Though there is little flexibility in terms of content customization, students do have the luxury of completing coursework at their own pace and may take up to 5 years to earn their online project management master’s degree if necessary. Specialty course topics include Business Research Methods, Global Economic Environment, Policy & Strategy in Global Competition, and Global Project Management.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000

#23 – Sam Houston State UniversityThe logo for Sam Houston State University which has an online masters in project management

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Huntsville, Texas

Points: 4

The master’s in project management online degree program offered by Sam Houston State University is a 36-credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. Although it offers little in terms of content customization, the curriculum is ideal for those professionals who wish to become certified by the Project Management Institute. Some specialty course topics include Quality Management, Management of Innovation & Technology, Tools of Project Management, and Staffing Organizations. A minimum GMAT score of 500 is required for admission into this online project management master’s degree program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,213

#22 – Colorado State University—Global CampusThe logo for Colorado State University which has one of the best masters in project management

Online Master’s of Project Management

Greenwood Village, Colorado

Website
Points: 5

Colorado State’s master’s in project management online is unique in that it allows students to add a project management specialization to their chosen degree program such as Management or Organizational Leadership. This specialization consists of four graduate courses: Project Management; Contracts, Procurement, and Risk Management; Project Metrics, Monitoring, and Control; and Project Management Office (PMO). This online project management master’s degree offering can help students become more attractive to potential employers, advance in their current roles, or become a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

#21 – Mississippi State UniversityThe logo for Mississippi State University which has one of the best project management masters programs

Online Project Management MBA

Starkville, Mississippi

Website
Points: 5

Mississippi State University’s master’s in project management online is technically an MBA with a specialty in project management offered through the school’s College of Business. The curriculum is comprised of eight courses of MBA and fundamental business concepts and 3 classes in Industrial Engineering as it relates to project management. Some specialty course topics include Leadership Skills for Management Behavior, Enterprise Systems Engineering, and Process Improvement Engineering. Prerequisite courses are also available for those students who begin the online master’s in project management program without a strong business background.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,502

#20 – Missouri State UniversityThe logo for Missouri State University which offers a great Online Master of Science in Project Management

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Springfield, Missouri

Website
Points: 5

Missouri State University offers a master’s in project management online through its Department of Technology and Construction Management. The program is interdisciplinary in nature and is designed to prepare students for success in a variety of different industries. To earn their online project management master’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 33 credit hours, 9 to 15 of which are elective courses chosen by students. Students may choose to complete these electives online or on campus. Both thesis and non-thesis tracks are also available.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,500

#19 – Southern New Hampshire UniversityThe logo for Southern New Hampshire University which offers a top Online MS in Operations and Project Management

Online MS in Operations and Project Management

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website
Points: 6

Southern New Hampshire University offers a 36-credit hour master’s in project management online degree program accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The balanced curriculum for this program requires just five core foundational courses, allowing students to choose another five electives to customize the program for their career interests and goals. A wide variety of electives are available, including topics such as Human Behavior in Organizations, Six Sigma Quality Management, and International Supply Chain Management. The accelerated format for this master of project management online allows students to earn their degree in as few as 15 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

#18 – Saint Leo UniversityThe logo for Saint Leo University which offers a top online masters in project management no gmat

Online MBA in Project Management

Saint Leo, Florida

Website
Points: 6

Saint Leo University’s master’s in project management online offering is an MBA with a project management concentration. The 36 credit-hour program is well-balanced, requiring 21 credit hours of Business Core and 15 credit hours of Project Management courses. Topics include Global Business Management, Project Process Groups and Project/Product Life Cycles, Financial and Managerial Accounting, and Best Practices in Project Management. Courses are available year round, and it is possible for students to earn their online project management master’s degree in as little as one year.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,730

#17 – Saint Mary’s University of MinnesotaThe logo for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota which has a top project management masters degree rankings

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Winona, Minnesota

Website
Points: 6

Saint Mary’s University offers one of the most versatile master’s in project management online programs on our list. Students have the option to choose from ten different concentrations, including Supply Chain Management, Information Security, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, and Talent Acquisition, among others. The 36-credit hour program is asynchronous, meaning students can complete coursework at times that are convenient for them, and they can complete the project management master’s degree online in just two years. Accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the program prepares graduates for success on the PMP exam.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,884

#16 – Drexel UniversityThe logo for Drexel University which offers a great online masters in project management

Online MS in Project Management

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website
Points: 7

Drexel University offers a master’s in project management online program designed to help business professionals advance in their careers and to support those who wish to complete the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification. The 45-credit hour program consists of ten required core courses, four free electives, and a capstone project in project management. Students pursuing Drexel’s project management master’s degree online will take courses such as Project Estimation & Cost Management, Project Risk Assessment & Management, and Project Leadership & Teamwork.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,519

#15 – George Washington UniversityThe logo for George Washington University which has one of the best

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Washington, D.C.

Website
Points: 7

Founded in 1996, the master’s in project management online program from George Washington University is one of the oldest programs in this ranking. Even so, the 36-credit hour program is continually updated to remain innovative and relevant to the contemporary business world. The curriculum is delivered in four stages: Foundation, Core Project Management & Decision Sciences, Advanced Quantitative Application, and Capstone. Students may take courses on a full-time or part-time basis, with the most ambitious students earning their project management master’s degree online in as few as 18 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $27,851

#14 – University of MaryThe logo for University of Mary which has an online masters project management

Online Master of Project Management

Bismarck, North Dakota

Website
Points: 7

The University of Mary offers a highly flexible master’s in project management online program from its Gary Tharaldson School of Business that can be completed entirely through distance learning or in combination with on-campus classes. In addition, students can choose from the following seven available concentrations: Energy Management, Executive concentration, Healthcare, Human Resource Management, Public Administration, and Virtuous Leadership. This particular master of project management online option is also an accelerated program, so students can earn their degree in as few as 18 months.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,820

#13 – Boston UniversityThe logo for Boston University which has has one of the best project management masters programs

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Boston, Massachusetts

Website
Points: 8

Boston University offers a comprehensive 48-credit hour master’s in project management online consisting of twelve required courses. With just two elective courses, this program is less customizable than some of the others on our list, but it does allow students to earn two graduate certificates as they work towards their online master’s degree in project management: a graduate certificate in project management and a graduate certificate in administrative sciences. Students typically complete the program over a period of two years.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $48,082

#12 – Brandeis UniversityThe logo for Brandeis University which offers a top online masters programs in project management

Online Master of Science in Project and Program Management

Waltham, Massachusetts

Website
Points: 8

The master’s in project management online offered by Brandeis University is designed to help working professionals advance their careers in the field of business. In addition to taking seven core courses required for degree completion, students can individualize their learning experience by choosing three elective courses. Some specialty topics include Management of Virtual and Global Teams, Procurement and Contract Management, and Agile Project Management. Although course scheduling is flexible, this online master’s in project management program can be completed in as little as two years.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $45,988

#11 – University of Alaska—AnchorageThe logo for University of Alaska which online masters programs in project management

Online Project Management MBA

Anchorage, Alaska

Website
Points: 8

The University of Alaska—Anchorage offers a flexible master’s in project management online degree program for working professionals. Classes are recorded live, and students are invited to join in active discussions via teleconference. These lectures are also recorded, however, so that students also have the option of viewing them on their own time. The 33-credit hour program consists of 15 credit hours of project management classes, 12 credit hours of electives, and a 6-credit hour capstone project. As they progress towards their project management master’s degree online, students will study topics such as Operational Integration and Project Closure, Project Initiation and Planning, and Application of Project Management Processes.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,542

#10 – Grand Canyon UniversityThe logo for Grand Canyon University which offers one of the best value Online MBA in Project Management

Online MBA in Project Management

Phoenix, Arizona

Website
Points: 8

Grand Canyon University offers a master’s in project management online through its Colangelo College of Business, resulting in an MBA with an Emphasis in Project Management. The program’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for the following certifications: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP). Courses comprising this master of project management online program include Applied Business Probability and Statistics, Managerial Accounting, and Fundamentals of Project Management.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,124

#9 – University of Colorado—Colorado SpringsThe logo for University of Colorado which has project management online masters

Online Project Management MBA

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Points: 8

The master’s in project management online program offered through the University of Colorado—Colorado Springs is actually an MBA offering with a specialization in Project Management. The program offers working professionals access to the same curriculum delivered on campus with the option to take distance courses on a full-time or part-time basis with fall, spring, and summer start dates. Classes are intentionally small, and online master’s in project management students receive individualized instruction from professors in a virtual classroom environment. Unlike many other programs in this ranking, this program allows some students to waive the GMAT requirement if they have prior experience in the field.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

#8 – Florida Institute of TechnologyThe logo for Florida Institute of Technology which offers an Online Master of Science in Project Management

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Melbourne, Florida

Website
Points: 9

Florida Tech offers a master’s in project management online program with two available concentrations: Information Systems and Operations Research. Students are taught by expert faculty members, all of whom hold a doctorate in project management. The curriculum for this project management master’s degree includes topics such as Introductory Managerial Statistics, Cost and Economic Analysis, Strategic Project Management, and Project and Program Risk Management. Although course material can be completed entirely online, students must complete a field experience prior to graduation.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,128

#7 – University of Texas at DallasThe logo for University of Texas at Dallas boston university project management masters

Online Master’s in Project Management

Richardson, Texas

Points: 9

The University of Texas at Dallas offers two master’s in project management online programs: an MS in Management Science with an emphasis in project management and an MBA degree with a project management emphasis. While the MS project management online is a 36-credit hour program, students who wish to graduate with an MBA must take an additional 14 credit hours of the MBA core. Both programs are accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). A graduate certificate in project management is also available.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,940

#6 – Purdue UniversityThe logo for Purdue University which offers a top Online Master of Science in Information Technology Project Management

Online Master of Science in Information Technology Project Management

West Lafayette, Indiana

Website
Points: 9

Purdue University offers an accelerated master’s in project management online with an emphasis in Information Technology that can be completed in as few as 11 months. The program’s curriculum includes course topics such as IT Policy, Laws, and Ethics; Organizational and Project Change Management, Program and Portfolio Management; and IT Economics and Procurement Management. The curriculum is aligned with the Project Management Institute (PMI)’s Body of Knowledge, so those who hold a master of project management online from Purdue will be well-prepared to sit for the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,002

#5 – Georgetown UniversityGeorgetown University which is a great school if you want to study  project management masters

Online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management

Washington, D.C.

Website
Points: 10

Georgetown University offers a versatile 30-credit hour master’s in project management online that can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis as well as completely online or via a hybrid format. Although elective courses are limited, and some may not be available online, students have the option to choose some of their electives from the school’s MPS in Technology Management program. The school’s location in the Washington D.C. area translates to strong corporate and government connections that even online students can benefit from. Students typically complete this project management master’s degree online in 1-3 years.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $45,136

#4 – Northeastern University

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Boston, Massachusetts

Website
Points: 10

Northeastern University offers a highly customizable master’s in project management online program from its College of Professional Studies that allows students to choose from the following eight concentrations: Clinical Trial Design, Construction Management, Geographic Information Systems, Information Security Management, Leadership, Leading & Managing Technical Projects, Organizational Communication, and Program & Portfolio Management. Students can complete coursework on a full-time or part-time basis and can earn their online project management master’s degree over the course of two years or in as little as one year.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,166

#3 – Penn State—World CampusThe logo for Pennsylvania State University which is a great school for project management masters degree rankings

Online Master of Project Management

University Park, Pennsylvania

Website
Points: 10

Penn State—World Campus offers a 30-credit hour, interdisciplinary master’s in project management online that is endorsed by both the AACSB and the Project Management Institute (PMI). By selecting electives aligned with their professional goals, students can customize the degree according to several available career tracks, including Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Resource Planning, and Supply Chain Management. While pursuing their project management master’s degree online, students may also earn a graduate certificate in project management, thus enhancing their resumes prior to graduation.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,832

#2 – University of Wisconsin—PlattevilleThe logo for University of Wisconsin which offers a great Online Master of Science in Project Management

Online Master of Science in Project Management

Platteville, Wisconsin

Website
Points: 10

The University of Wisconsin—Platteville offers a master’s in project management online program that is accredited by the Global Accreditation Center of the Project Management Institute (PMI). One of the stand-out features of this program is that it is elective-rich, allowing students to customize their curriculum content according to their interests and career aspirations. Some elective courses include Compensation Management, International Finance, Management Decision Analysis, and Taguchi Method of Designing Experiments. Students can take courses at their own pace and may take up to seven years to complete their online master’s project management degree if necessary.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,710

#1 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityThe logo for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide which placed 1st for  Master’s in Project Management Online: Top 25 Values

Online Master’s in Project Management

Daytona Beach, Florida

Website
Points: 11

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a highly versatile 30-credit hour master’s in project management online program with ten different concentrations for students to choose from, including its one-of-a-kind concentration in Aviation and Aerospace. Other available concentrations include Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Financial Management, Information Systems, and Global Management. In addition to courses related to their chosen concentration, students seeking a project management master’s degree online will take 21 credit hours of core courses such as Anatomy of Project Organizations, Effective Communications for Managing Projects, and Assessing and Managing Project Risk.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,960

Sources: NCES College Navigator

Additional Resources:

This concludes our ranking of the top 25 values for an online master’s project management degree.

CVO Staff