In this ranking, we profile the top 20 PhD in project management online programs.
With few online doctorate in project management programs available, choosing a reputable one can be challenging. It is important to look for schools and programs with:
- accreditation
- rankings
- solid curriculum
These important points will lead to a project management PhD online. Our research team found a list of reputable programs. They are suited for those seeking online doctorate in project management or closely related degrees. Our methodology is listed below.
Top 20 PhD in Project Management Degree Online Methodology
We reviewed 39 colleges and universities listed by the NCES College Navigator. These schools offer PhD in project management online degree (or closely related) programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools to the 20 top online programs by applying the following criteria:
- accreditation by a reputable governing body
- online pathways to the project management online PhD
- institution rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report
We then listed the top 20 PhD in project management degrees online PhD programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the results of our list of top 20 online PhD in project management programs.
#20 – California Southern University
Online DBA
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $32,700
California Southern University offers a 60-credit program. It has an option to specialize in project management. Courses are delivered online and taught by California Southern’s esteemed faculty. These courses cover topics such as:
- project management concepts and essentials
- project management
- integration
- project management organization
- project management strategic design
The online DBA in project management degree is designed for working professionals with a bachelor’s and master’s degree. CSU is recognized by U.S. News and World Report and is fully accredited.
#19 – Pace University
Online Doctor of Professional Studies in Business
New York, New York
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $31,462
An online DPS in business offers similar classes and covers related topics such as project management. Pace University’s online DPS degree is designed for working professionals. They can enhance their research skills and business knowledge without interrupting their careers. Coursework is offered online and includes study in management. In fact, students may earn a management concentration by taking additional classes online. Courses cover topics like:
- competitive business strategy
- global business strategy and operations
- organization communication
- organization development
- research methods in management
Pace ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 202nd best national university.
#18 – Northcentral University
Online DBA in Project Management
San Diego, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,917
Northcentral University offers an online DBA in project management degree. It is nationally recognized as a Registered Education Provider at the Global Provider Enrollment Level by Project Management Institute. Northcentral’s DBA is a 48-credit program that consists of 16 courses. The DBA takes 39 months to complete online. Online courses cover topics in project management like:
- developing high-performing teams in a project management environment
- enterprise project management
- managerial budgets and project management
- project monitoring and control
- project risk management
To apply, you must have completed at least 36 credit hours of graduate institution work and maintained a 3.0 GPA.
#17 – Temple University
Online DBA
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,378
Temple University offers a DBA designed for those interested in an online project management degree. It is offered through the Fox School of Business. Executive-level professionals may earn an online DBA while focusing their studies on project management-related classes. The online DBA is open to professionals with ten to fifteen years of managerial experience. Students must also hold an MBA from an accredited institution. Classes cover a variety of business and management topics such as:
- innovation and entrepreneurship in the new economy
- integrative perspectives on business knowledge
- understanding the firm through management
- organizational theory
Temple is a top-ranked national institution. In fact, Temple ranks #104 in best national universities and #99 in best value schools.
#16 – Creighton University
Online DBA
Omaha, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,376
Creighton University’s online DBA in project management degree offers many benefits. First of all, the program is AACSB-accredited. It is recognized as one of the best online DBA programs in the country. Students work on their dissertation research with faculty that is active in research. Classes are delivered online. They provide students with the freedom to work while earning their DBA. Classes cover a variety of business and management topics like:
- applied organizational behavior and human resource management research
- applied strategy research
- business ethics
- design and method replication
- survey of innovative business pedagogy
Creighton offers rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Creighton’s most recent rankings include #104 in best national universities.
#15 – Regent University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,179
Regent University offers an alternative doctoral degree. The online PhD in organizational leadership consists of 60 credits and offers five different concentrations. The organizational leadership concentration offers courses that cover project management studies. These courses include topics like:
- followership
- organizational communication
- organizational culture and climate
- organizational spirituality
Admission requires applicants hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Regent ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Regent ranks #281 in best national universities. The school offers accreditation, rankings, and affordability, making it a top choice for those seeking online PhD in project management degrees.
#14 – George Fox University
Online DBA in Management
Newberg, Oregon
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,504
George Fox University is home to one of the few online DBA in project management. The program emphasizes the development of advanced knowledge in areas of management including:
- human resources development
- organizational theory and behavior
- project management
- strategic management
Admission to the program requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree from an accredited college or university. They also must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students should expect to visit the Newberg, Oregon campus twice a year during the first three years of the program for short residency classes. U.S. News and World Report ranks George Fox #246 in the best national universities and #80 among top performers on social mobility.
#13 – City University of Seattle
Online DBA
Seattle, Washington
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,450
City University of Seattle offers a unique online DBA. It allows students to fully customize a concentration. In fact, an option to earn an online DBA in project management degree exists due to the specialized study concentration. To customize the online DBA, students select appropriate classes that highlight their interests and meet career goals. For example, students pursuing project management might choose courses in organizational management and project planning. Even the business administration core classes include specialized courses in project management. These courses include:
- financial decision-making
- organizational development theories and trends
- organizational identity and culture
- technology implementation
- change movement
The City University of Seattle has received recognition from U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West.
#12 – Jacksonville University
Online DBA
Jacksonville, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,274
Jacksonville University has an online DBA. It is recognized as the only AACSB-accredited DBA program in Northeast Florida. It might appeal to those seeking project management program PhD online options. Jacksonville University does not require the GRE or GMAT for admission. It takes a minimum of three years to complete. While classes are delivered online, some courses require campus visits and are delivered in a hybrid format. During the first phase of the program or the first two years, students complete a series of core courses. After the completion of the first phase, students take a:
- comprehensive exam
- oral presentation
- dissertation proposal
The final phase of the DBA program requires students to focus on their dissertation. Jacksonville University ranks #28 among the best regional universities in the South and #38 in best value schools.
#11 – Colorado Technical University
Online Doctor of Management in Project Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,766
Colorado Tech has a doctorate in project management program. The online Doctor of Management in Project Management is accredited and ranked. The program is offered entirely online. It consists of 100 credits and offers multiple start dates throughout the year. Also, students move through the program at a quick and rigorous pace. They may earn their doctorate in three years. The program’s focus is project management, and classes emphasize topics in the discipline. These courses cover topics like:
- advanced career strategies for the scholar-practitioner
- life-cycle and performance management
- portfolio and program management
- risk and quality management
- special topics in project management
According to U.S. News and World Report, Colorado Tech is recognized among the top national universities in the country.
#10 – Baker College
Online DBA
Flint, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,610
An online DBA is one alternative to a doctorate in project management program online. Baker College offers an online DBA that covers various business and management topics, such as:
- project management
- organizational leadership
Students complete a total of 60 credit hours. This includes the dissertation proposal and dissertation defense. Courses are delivered online and taught by Baker College’s experienced faculty. These courses cover topics like:
- corporate and personal ethics
- doctoral writing and literature review
- introduction to research methods and designs
- knowledge management and information systems
- leading the 21st-century organizations
- managing in a worldwide context
While a private institution, Baker College offers rankings and accreditation. In fact, Baker College has received multiple rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#9 – Hampton University
Online PhD in Business Administration
Hampton, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,916
Hampton University offers a DBA for those seeking online doctorate in project management programs. Coursework covers many of the topics found in project management graduate programs. Students may tailor the broader business administration degree. This means taking electives that meet career goals. Some of the online courses include:
- advanced topics in research
- behavioral research methods
- organizational behavior
- organization theory and practice
- strategy and business policy
- teaching methodology
The courses are delivered online, but two summer residencies that run four weeks are required. To successfully apply to the program, you must hold a master’s degree from an approved program and have received at least a 400 GMAT score. Hampton University ranks #218 among best national universities, according to U.S. News
#8 – Bellevue University
Online PhD in Human Capital Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,025
Bellevue University’s offers a human capital management PhD. It is a doctoral degree designed for working individuals who are seeking online doctorate in project management programs. Curriculum focuses on leadership, management, and organizational behavior. Classes cover topics like:
- economics of human capital valuation
- human learning and decision making
- introduction to human capital modeling and research
- research in organizations
- seminar in leadership theory
The school and program are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Also, Bellevue ranks with U.S. News as a best regional university in the Midwest.
#7 – Grand Canyon University
Online DBA in Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Grand Canyon University has an online DBA in project management program. It emphasizes professional management within organizations and businesses. GCU, a private and faith-based institution, encourages study through the lens of a Christian worldview. However, the online DBA covers similar topics as highly ranked secular programs. The courses are delivered online and taught by GCU’s esteemed faculty. These courses cover topics:like:
- economics for business decisions
- emerging issues in financial management
- management theory in a global economy
- the sustainable future
- using business analytics for competitive advantage
Grand Canyon University has received rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks GCU #293-#381 among the best national universities.
#6 – Wilmington University
Online DBA
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,636
Wilmington University offers an alternative to a doctorate in project management degree online. It is an online DBA. This leadership doctoral degree is IACBE-accredited and available 100 percent online. The program takes as little as three years to complete and consists of 54 total credits. Courses cover topics such as:
- advanced organizational behavior
- business intelligence
- ethics in business and management
- executive decision-making
- managing innovation and change
- organizational strategy and policy
- a seminar on research in management
There are several admission requirements that must be met for a successful application. These include:
three letters of recommendation
- a carefully written statement of goals and objectives
- a current resumé
- official transcripts
Wilmington ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university and offers one of the most affordable online PhD programs on our list.
#5 – University of Maryland Global Campus
Online DBA
Adelphi, Maryland
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
University of Maryland Global Campus offers an alternative to the online doctorate in project management program. With the DBA from the University of Maryland, students become equipped to work in all areas of business and management. This includes project management. The online DBA is open to executive-level working professionals with business and management experience. Courses are delivered online and the program requires a total of 48 credits. Courses include topics like:
- data analytics in practice
- designing evidence-based management solutions
- evidence-based research methods
- interpreting and translating management theory in practice
- research as a tool for management decision-making
The University of Maryland ranks #64 among the best national universities and #144 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#4 – Saint Leo University
Online DBA
Saint Leo, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,498
Individuals seeking doctorate in project management online programs might also consider the versatile online DBA such as the one offered by Saint Leo University. This fully accredited and online degree provides graduates with skills in:
- research
- critical analysis
- business application
The program is highly flexible, offering courses entirely online. Some of the courses offered include:
- analytics for decision making
- global leadership and ethics
- global perspectives in human resource
- organizational behavior and social responsibility
- research methods and quantitative research foundation
- strategic management in global organizations
Saint Leo is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #25 in the best regional universities in the South and #5 in best value institutions.
#3 – Liberty University
Online DBA in Project Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Instead of a doctorate in project management online, Liberty University offers an online DBA in project management. This versatile and entirely online doctoral degree consists of 60 credit hours and takes three years on average to earn. Courses run eight weeks in length and move at a rigorous pace. Project management courses cover topics like:
- global project management
- human resource development
- operations management
- quality management and productivity
To apply to the program, you’ll need official transcripts, and proof of English proficiency. Also, applicants must hold a master’s degree in business or business-related discipline and a 3.0 GPA. In addition to accreditation, Liberty has received rankings with U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Liberty ranks #293-#381 in best national universities.
#2 – Atlantic International University
Online PhD in Project Management
Honolulu, Hawaii
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
Atlantic International University has an online doctorate in project management. It is designed for working professionals. AIU’s online doctorate is one of the few PhD in project management programs available that is both accredited and affordable. Courses are delivered online and taught by AIU’s faculty. These courses for project management students cover topics in business, leadership, and project management. Some of the courses include:
- communications management
- ethics, information technology management
- organizational theory
- project feasibility and selection
- project law
- project management leadership
- project procurement
- risk management
AIU is a fully accredited institution by the U.K. Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC).
#1 – Trident University International
Online DBA
Cypress, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,120
Trident University International offers an online DBA in project management degree program. It can be completed 100 percent online. The program culminates in an applied doctoral study project. Enrolled doctoral students take 36-48 semester credit hours of core courses. Each course is worth four semester credit hours. These courses cover a variety of business topics, including:
- applied statistics for research in business and management and technology
- business process improvement
Trident ranks with U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online DBA ranks as our most affordable online doctoral program for those seeking project management degrees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a doctorate project management degree?
With an online doctorate in project management, you will be qualified to work in various leadership roles. Graduates of these programs are eligible to oversee all sizes of projects. The following include possible career options for project managers:
Architecture project managers:
Architecture project managers oversee design projects within architectural firms. They ensure materials and methods uphold safety and structural standards and meet regulations. Those with advanced project management degrees are ready to lead architecture teams or manage their own firms.
Engineering project managers:
Engineering project managers hold advanced project management and/or engineering degrees. They must have at least seven years of experience. They are responsible for leading engineering teams and adhering to project schedules. They also ensure safety standards are met.
Marketing project managers:
A marketing project manager oversees the development and implementation of strategic marketing campaigns. They work with clients and manage tight deadlines, ensuring client relations are favorable.
Software development project managers:
Software development project managers are highly trained professionals. They facilitate the development and implementation of new software programs. They lead teams of programmers and are well-versed in multiple programming languages.
How long does it take to earn an online project management PhD?
A traditional PhD program takes anywhere between four and six years to complete. Online programs fall somewhere in between the average but generally take four to five years to complete. However, several factors impact completion time.
Enrollment status impacts completion time. What is the enrollment status? Whether you are enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis. As expected, when enrolled full-time, students take heavier course loads than part-time students. Full-time students usually complete program requirements quicker than part-time students. This means a full-time student may earn their degree faster than part-time students. The average completion time for a full-time student enrolled in an online PhD in project management is four to six years. The average completion time for a part-time student enrolled in the same type of program is five to seven years.
While full-time enrollment shortens completion time, full-time programs require more time and effort. On the flip side, part-time programs offer flexibility. Part-time programs are beneficial to students who work and have outside obligations, such as family responsibilities.
While there are benefits to both enrollment types, it is important to determine your needs before choosing an online program and embarking on your online doctorate in project management journey.
What is the job outlook for individuals with a project management online PhD?
Employment of management occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, is projected to grow seven percent through 2028. This growth rate will result in over 700,000 new jobs. Project management jobs, a niche of the management sector, will also see an increase in new jobs.
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), an internationally recognized certification organization, the field will see job growth of 33 percent through 2027. Not all of these jobs will be created in the United States, but the overall job outlook will be favorable within the next seven to eight years.
Recent college graduates with an online doctorate in project management should see favorable job prospects. In fact, project managers with advanced education will be needed to fill positions in academic institutions as well as private businesses and corporations. Employment growth for project managers and other management positions is expected to be driven by the creation of new organizations and businesses. Also, growth is anticipated due to the expansion of existing organizations. As businesses grow and expand their services, project managers will be needed to lead new projects and oversee existing ones. Individuals with advanced degrees, such as the online PhD in project management, should see plentiful job prospects.
Are there professional organizations for individuals with an online PhD in project management to join?
Students earning an online PhD in project management have access to joining professional organizations. These organizations benefit students by providing access to opportunities and resources. Opportunities may include additional training programs, seminars, or access to certifications. Below are the most popular and reputable professional organizations for project management students.
American Management Association:
The American Management Association or AMA offers access to publications, webinars, and webcasts. Students may visit hundreds of online training seminars within twenty-four areas of business management, including project management. AMA also offers access to project management courses put out by the association. These courses cover both basic and advanced concepts in project management.
International Project Management Association:
The International Project Management Association is joined by sixty membership countries. The IPMA hosts events for students and project management professionals, such as training courses and certification opportunities. One of the biggest benefits of joining the IPMA is access to ongoing education opportunities.
Project Management Institute:
One of the most well-known project management organizations is the Project Management Institute or PMI. PMI offers access to professional development opportunities and plentiful resources. Only members of PMI gain access to these resources and development opportunities. Members may also take online courses and seminars through PMI. In addition to the internationally recognized certification program opportunities, PMI offers access to a global job board that advertises employment openings.
What classes will I have to take for an PhD in project management online degree?
Online PhD in project management programs offer the same courses as traditional, on-campus doctoral project management programs. Coursework is designed to build skills and knowledge in project and strategic management while improving research and writing skills.
According to the programs on our list, courses cover a wide range of topics. However, courses build on a similar business and management acumen.
Some of the courses seen on PhD in project management online programs include management principles and practice, management theory, organizational leadership, project management, qualitative research methods, and strategic thinking for decision-making. Many of these courses are taught during the first two years of the doctoral program. Advanced courses build on the foundation set in the formative years. Once the foundation courses have been completed, students begin work on their research projects or thesis.
Some project management doctoral degree programs offer concentration opportunities. Degree specializations allow students to tailor their courses to align with career goals. Coursework emphasizes specific areas of project management like organizational performance or risk management. Some of the most common project management specializations include life-cycle and performance management, program and portfolio management, project-based strategic leadership, and risk and quality management. These specializations allow students to pad their resumé with niche knowledge and skills.
CVO Staff
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