Compare online master’s degree programs in project management
Play a key role in planning, advancing, and delivering projects within your organization.
Why earn a master’s in project management online?
Gain a multifaceted expertise
Develop your understanding of agile methodologies, risk management, quality control, and other best practices that will help you become an invaluable resource within your organization.
Enhance your career opportunities
Gain advanced knowledge and skills in project management, and grow into a competitive candidate for leadership or for executive roles, or excel in your current position.
Enjoy a flexible learning environment
Maintain the balance between your education and personal and professional commitments — study in a digital classroom but gain real-world experience.
Browse project management master’s degrees online New
What is a project management degree?
Project management involves navigating the life cycle of a project from initiation through closing. When you earn a master’s degree in project management, you gain the tools and techniques you need to balance the critical tradeoffs of time, cost, and scope. Meaning, you learn to meet customer expectations while applying best practices across a variety of industries.
An online project management master’s degree has the added benefits of flexibility and convenience, allowing you to study from anywhere with an internet connection and without uprooting your life. You will learn to lead a project to success while capitalizing on the leadership skills you’ll gain along the way.
Admission requirements for an online master’s in project management
Higher education institutions are increasingly moving their graduate degree programs online. This, in turn, makes these programs accessible and affordable to working professionals and other students around the world. Online programs in project management are often equivalent or comparable to their on-campus counterparts.
Admissions requirements for online project management degrees vary by institution. Typically, you will be required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, and to have maintained a certain minimum grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale.
If you don’t meet the bachelor's degree requirement, there are many opportunities to start or complete your bachelor’s degree online.
Many online master’s programs no longer require GMAT test scores. However, you can take extra time to polish your résumé or CV to submit with your application. Creating and updating these documents are important parts of both the educational and professional application processes, so it is worth doing a little research to learn more about how to write an effective résumé or CV.
Other common application materials include:
Personal statement or essay
Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score (for non-native English speakers)
How to apply
The search for a reputable online project management program can feel overwhelming. To help you explore master’s degree programs from renowned colleges and universities, we suggest that you search by specific criteria, such as program length, scholarship availability, tracks or specializations, or any other factor that is important to your journey.
Once you find a program that fits your needs, start by filling out the program’s online application, and gathering any necessary documentation and information. It is important to note that most programs recommend applying as early as possible to ensure all required materials are received on time, allowing you to possibly qualify for any applicable scholarships or existing fee waivers.
Online master’s in project management curriculum
Earning a graduate-level degree in project management provides you with the in-depth knowledge you need to be a successful project manager in any industry. Completion time for online master’s programs in project management generally ranges from one to two years. The online coursework will help you learn the project management leadership skills you will need to effectively manage a team, and to help it meet the expectations of your organization and of your clients.
You can expect your online project management coursework to cover areas such as:
Risk analysis
Planning and scheduling
Decision-making
Project quality assurance
Cost estimation and financial considerations
Organizational behavior
Project communication
Portfolio management
You may also want to learn international project management and explore related opportunities, including online executive education programs in project management. There are numerous options available to fit your goals.
What can I do with a master’s in project management?
A master’s degree in project management can lead to a variety of project-related careers in nearly any industry, including leadership or senior roles. This is a versatile degree with an enormous potential for career advancement, which makes it a valuable tool for professionals seeking to become a sought-after resource who keep projects running efficiently and effectively.
Project management employment is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.Footnote 1
Graduates of these programs pursue job titles such as:
Training manager
General manager
IT project manager
Portfolio manager
Risk management supervisor
Operations manager
Project engineer
Quality manager
Senior business analyst
Go even further with a project management professional (PMP) certification. A PMP certification validates your ability to lead effectively, deliver projects successfully, and expertise in planning, execution, and risk management. PMP certification is recognized globally for its standardized project management framework, improving project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. Set yourself apart from the competition when you learn PMP skills.
Project management salary
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2022 annual median salary for project management roles was $95,370.Footnote 2
Project management salaries in common industries were as follows:
Finance and insurance: $104,930
Professional, scientific, and technical services: $100,390
Manufacturing: $97,350
Administrative and support services: $90,120
Construction: $84,310
Frequently asked questions
Program management involves overseeing multiple projects within an organization, ensuring they align with strategic goals, and coordinating a project across many teams effectively.
Project management, on the other hand, focuses on the execution of individual projects while emphasizing scope, timeline, and budget management. Additionally, project managers are committed to delivering specific outcomes, while program managers are concerned with the collective success of interconnected projects.
Product management centers on developing and managing a product throughout its life cycle, including researching the market and maximizing product value to customers. Project management, on the other hand, focuses on planning, executing, and closing specific projects on time, within budget, and according to scope.
Master’s programs in these two areas will vary, therefore, in their focus and job outlook: Product management programs emphasize skills in market research and project development, while master’s programs in project management concentrate on methodologies, tools, and best practices in areas like scope management, risk assessment, and team leadership.
Your career goals, past qualifications, and the level of skill set you would like to gain will all dictate whether you should opt for a project management master’s degree or a professional certification. A master’s degree provides comprehensive education of project management principles and may be a good choice for advancing to leadership or senior-level positions. Professional certifications, such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, are ideal instead for professionals who already have project management experience and are seeking to emphasize their expertise.
An online master’s degree in project management offers specialized knowledge, skills, and networking opportunities that can lead to higher earning potential, exciting career opportunities, and personal and professional fulfillment. Assess your career goals and contact admissions teams from your preferred programs and institutions to learn more about how your goals align with their offerings.
Online master’s degrees in project management offer flexibility and balance for your professional, academic, and personal lives without asking you to sacrifice on the quality of your educational experience. You will broaden your career prospects by gaining specialized project management knowledge and skills in areas like problem-solving and communication, which will help you pave the way for a brighter future.
Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?
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