2025 Most Popular Project Management Master's Degrees Online
Our list of the most popular project management master's degrees online highlights accredited schools ranked by the number of students graduating with this degree in hand. This shows you which programs are in demand while also leading to successful outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- At #1, Southern New Hampshire University Online leads with 3,283 graduates from its online MBA in project management.
- New York University tops the list for project management graduate earnings at $221,872.
- Georgetown University boasts a 94% graduation rate, signaling high quality and strong student engagement.
Read our methodology for details on rankings and data sources. We also interviewed Kyle Simmons, PMP, as well as Ian Gardner, Director of Sales and Business Development. They each provide insight into the field you may find useful on your higher education journey.
2025 Most Popular Project Management Master's Degrees Online
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | 3,283 | $19,110 | $94,314 | 69% | |
| New York University | 185 | $53,004 | $221,872 | 96% | |
| University of Southern California | 167 | $56,496 | $192,109 | 94% | |
| Georgetown University | 98 | $24,300 | $175,402 | 96% | |
| Central Michigan University | 62 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $14,274 | $86,584 | 92% | |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide | 62 | $26,040 | $105,981 | 62% | |
| Liberty University | 52 | $10,170 | $82,715 | 75% | |
| University of Wisconsin - Platteville | 51 | $11,261 | $103,843 | 90% | |
| Arizona State University, Online | 46 | $18,654 | $135,798 | 93% | |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | 39 | $4,800 | $74,953 | 60% | |
| University of Kansas | 32 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $9,817 | $108,369 | 94% | |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 25 | $12,222 | $97,412 | 86% | |
| Amberton University | 25 | $4,500 | N/A | 93% | |
| Wentworth Institute of Technology | 22 | $37,800 | N/A | 100% | |
| Bellevue University | 21 | $12,432 | $88,147 | 75% |
A Closer Look at The Most Popular Online Master’s in Project Management Degrees
Popularity shows demand, alumni reach, and employer familiarity, among other attributes. Across our list of the 15 most popular online master’s in project management programs, we found that the median number of graduates is about 62, while a few schools operate at an entirely different scale, producing more than 3,000 project management graduates annually.
As online education has matured, a handful of large universities now serve as national hubs for specialized business education. Schools like SNHU, Liberty, and Arizona State (ASU) exemplify this. And all enroll thousands of online learners across disciplines, meaning you’re entering an active, nationwide ecosystem of professionals.
At the same time, the data we've collected shows that popularity often overlaps with strong student satisfaction and career outcomes. Below, we provide insights to help you gauge not just whether a program is big, but whether it delivers real value once you’re in it.
MS vs. MBA in Project Management: Two Lanes to Leadership
Choosing between a Master of Science (MS) and an MBA in project management depends on your professional identity.
The MS in Project Management route, seen across most of our options listed above (e.g., at NYU, USC, and Georgetown) tends to emphasize technical proficiency, data-driven decision-making, and alignment with PMI’s global standards. These programs suit engineers, IT professionals, and analysts who want to advance into project leadership.
The MBA track, on the other hand, integrates project management within a business framework. Schools like SNHU and the University of Arkansas - Grantham treat the PM concentration as an applied leadership specialization within a general MBA. That means coursework in accounting, marketing, and organizational strategy accompanies your PM studies, giving you versatility to move into executive roles like program director or COO.
Then there are hybrid and specialized degrees that defy categorization, like Georgetown’s online Master of Professional Studies in Project Management, which blends communication, agile leadership, and ethics in a practitioner-focused model.
Another example from our list above is Amberton University’s MS in Agile Project Management, which dedicates the entire curriculum to agile frameworks, which is ideal for professionals in software or fast-evolving industries. These master's titles can signal innovation to employers, catering to niches that traditional MS or MBA paths might overlook.
Salary and Careers For Project Management Master's Degrees Online
We noticed three distinct salary tiers in our dataset, and the programs' designs help explain why.
Elite ROI signals
Program-specific median earnings of $221,872 (NYU), $192,109 (USC), and $175,402 (Georgetown) point to programs that often lead graduates to become senior project/program managers, portfolio managers, PMO leads, and other strategy-facing roles.
High, cross-industry placement
With $135,798 (ASU), $108,369 (KU), $105,981 (ERAU), and $103,843 (UW - Platteville), these programs map to senior PM, technical PM/IT PM, operations PM, and sector-specific roles. For example, ASU’s sustainability and applied labs align with in-house transformation projects, while ERAU’s aviation/MRO track points to aerospace, defense, and complex asset management.
Solid mid-career lift
Earnings centered around $94,314 (SNHU), $88,147 (Bellevue), $86,584 (CMU), $82,715 (Liberty), and $74,953 (UA Grantham) suggest career mobility into senior individual-contributor PM or first-line leadership (team lead, project lead, assistant program manager).
The accelerated MBA (SNHU) and transfer-friendly, 8-week models (Liberty, UA Grantham) emphasize speed, credentialing, and tool fluency, which is useful for advancing inside current employers or pivoting into adjacent sectors.
Which Project Management Programs Are Most Likely To Keep You on Track
When it comes to online master’s degrees, few metrics speak louder than graduation and retention rates. Retention tells you whether students stay after the first year; graduation tells you whether they actually make it to the finish line. Together, they reveal which schools have built the momentum you'll need to finish.
At the top of the list sit USC, Georgetown, and NYU, each boast near-flawless completion records. Georgetown’s 97% retention and 94% graduation rate place it among the best in the country, while USC and NYU aren’t far behind. Those numbers suggest systems that don’t just attract students but actively support them, which is what you want (especially as an online student).
Georgetown’s 97% retention and 94% graduation rate place it among the best in the country, while USC and NYU aren’t far behind.
ASU and KU perform especially well for their size, with roughly 85% of students returning year to year and close to 70% finishing. That's a remarkable feat for massive online ecosystems that juggle thousands of learners at once.
Even smaller schools like Wentworth, with its 86% retention and 69% graduation rate, prove that intimacy can be a strength; small cohorts and hands-on faculty access mirror the one-on-one coaching style project managers rely on in real workplaces.
For project management students — people wired to think in timelines and deliverables — the lesson is fitting: the schools that practice what they teach about planning, checkpoints, and accountability are the ones most likely to help you cross the finish line.
Expert Advice About Project Management Master's Programs Online
PMP and Senior Director
"As a project manager who works remotely and also earned a PMP that way, it is important for any prospective student of an online course to be disciplined, reliable, organized, and a self-starter.
It is also important to augment your education with opportunities to practice what you learn in real-world situations, perhaps starting as a volunteer. Fortunately, once you begin learning the fundamentals of project management, you will notice how many people need project managers!"
Director of Sales and Business Development
"There are many crucial aspects of management, but among the most crucial to master is the ability to manage personalities.
In order to succeed in business, you must work with people and be an effective communicator. Thus, the better you are at being able to resonate with people of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, the better.
Become personable and show genuine interest in the goals of other business professionals, and you’ll find that many will reciprocate this by helping you accomplish your own goals. Be somebody that people want to work with and/or for."
FAQs About Online Project Management Degrees
Can You Get a Master's in Project Management Online?
Yes, you can get a master's degree in project management completely online. In fact, by enrolling in an online program, you'll gain experience in working virtually, which is a skill you may be able to apply later. You'll work with teams that are spread out across locations, utilize online written communication tactics, and navigate common hurdles, such as time zone differences.
Project managers have a broad set of responsibilities within a professional organization. They develop project scopes, organize finances, monitor deadlines, and lead teams to the finish line — all while solving complex problems throughout the life of the project. Given the importance of the role and the wide-ranging duties involved, you may want to master the necessary skills by pursuing a master's degree in project management.
In addition to the technical skills needed to oversee important projects, a project management master's degree helps you develop essential soft skills like communication, analysis, organization, and leadership. Earning this degree online offers several more benefits, including potentially lower costs and experience in working virtually — something many project managers are required to do in the modern business environment.
Most project management (PM) programs lead to a Master of Science in Project Management. However, you also have the option of earning a master's in business or information systems with a concentration in project management.
Is Project Management a STEM Degree?
Some — but not all — online project management degree programs have been designated as STEM degrees. Because this designation may impact an international student's visa, it's important to confirm each school's status before enrolling.
What Should You Consider Before Enrolling in an Online Master’s in Project Management Program?
Deciding whether to go back to school to earn a project management master's degree — either through a traditional on-campus program or through distance learning — is an important decision. You'll want to carefully review several considerations before choosing a program.
The accreditation status of each of the schools you're considering attending is probably one of the most critical factors to explore. All of the schools on our list of the best online master's degrees in project management are institutionally accredited. This means that each school has been evaluated by an independent agency and proven to meet national standards, ensuring that you're getting a high-quality education. Enrollment in an accredited project management program qualifies you for financial aid and allows you to transfer credits to another school if needed.
In addition to institutional-level accreditation, individual project management master's programs can earn programmatic accreditation. The (PMI) is the approved accrediting agency for all project management programs in higher education. To be accredited by the PMI, a project management program must be designed to train professionals to follow industry-standard methods and practices.
If you're considering earning your master’s in project management online, you may want to research several aspects of each program before enrolling. Below are some key questions to ask:
- Can you devote yourself to your coursework full time? If needed, make sure the program can be completed on a part-time basis so that you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Will the online program help prepare you for certification? Many project management professionals seek some type of certification to make themselves more competitive in the job market. Possibilities include (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Master Project Manager (MPM), and CompTIA Project+.
- Are the online classes synchronous or asynchronous? With synchronous classes, you'll usually have to log in at specific times to view lectures and participate in live class discussions and other learning activities. With asynchronous classes, you'll be able to complete each week's assignments on your own schedule.
Beyond accreditation status and online course format, there are several other points to consider when choosing a master's in project management program. Specifically, you may first want to establish a cost estimate for earning this graduate degree and your budget.
If you want to save money on your master's degree, an online program may be your best option. Some schools charge lower tuition fees for distance learning students, which could significantly reduce the cost of the degree. As an online student, you'll also save money by avoiding college room and board or transportation costs.
You can also minimize your financial investment by applying for financial aid. Be sure to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form as well as applications for private scholarships. The Project Management Institute, for example, offers several .
If you are on a budget, check our our lists of the most affordable management master's degrees and affordable MBAs.
Is a Master's in Project Management Worth It?
Earning a master's degree in project management requires a major investment of time and money, so deciding to go back to school for this degree deserves careful consideration. Only you can determine if this is the right step for you based on your personal circumstances and career goals. However, taking a look at the potential benefits and possible drawbacks of a master's in project management may help you make the best choice:
Potential Benefits
- are much higher than the average U.S. salary. Project management specialists, for example, earn a median salary of $100,750 per year. While the top 10% of these earners make more than $165,790.
- A project management master's degree can allow you to work in a wide variety of industries. Most programs take a comprehensive approach, helping you learn how to manage people, utilize practical business tactics, and employ valuable software.
- Many project manager-related roles are growing at a fast rate. Careers in this field range from 6%, as indicated above.
Potential Drawbacks
- A master's degree is an expensive endeavor. Even if you take your courses online, which can be slightly less expensive than on-campus, you can still expect to spend over in total.
- Many project manager roles require experience on top of a degree. This means that some employers value practical skills — which can only be achieved from work experience and certificates — over theoretical and academic achievements.
- A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is more widely recognized than a master's in project management. Employers know what comes with an MBA, but they may be less knowledgeable about the credentials that come with a project management master's degree.
Master's programs can be difficult to achieve while adding tens of thousands of dollars to your overall education costs. But if you're a dedicated student with some work experience, you can expect to land a role earning far more than the average U.S. salary. Even more encouraging is the wide range of skills you learn in a project management master's program, which are amplified by the act of learning in a remote, online environment.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Project Management Degree?
A traditional or online master's degree in project management can open the door to a variety of career opportunities across sectors. Graduates will gain a wide range of expertise in people management, communication, risk analysis, scheduling, and financial oversight. These skills are increasingly valuable in business, allowing professionals to join a company even without an expert-level knowledge of their specific product.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graduate students who've earned project management master's degrees may be qualified for the following occupations:
Project Management Specialists
oversee an entire project's scope, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and customer service. Specialists may also be considered senior project managers and take on additional duties, such as training new employees and acting as the main point of contact for clients. For senior-level roles, some employers may require a master's degree and several years of work experience.
Computer and Information Systems Managers
When you search for project manager roles, many will fall within the field of IT. generally work within software and website development while still adhering to traditional PM duties, such as scheduling, risk analysis, budgeting, milestone tracking, and problem-solving. Employers will likely require prerequisite skills in software development along with a master's degree.
Management Analysts
use their knowledge of project management techniques to organize and improve the efficiency of organizations. They're hired to maximize growth as well as increase productivity and performance.
What Courses Do You Take in an Online Master’s in Project Management Program?
The curriculum for a PM master's revolves around the specific project management skills you'll need to be a team leader and business management expert. You'll learn ways to manage and mitigate risk, analyze financial reports, communicate with stakeholders, and develop complex schedules with numerous moving parts. There will also be courses covering the fundamentals of common project management methods, such as Scrum and Agile.
Let's take a closer look at some common core courses found in an in-person or online project management master's program:
- Project Risk Management: Risks are inherent with every project, regardless of scale. In a risk management course you'll learn about methodologies for risk analysis as well as the skills and tools required to mitigate the inevitable challenges, threats, and issues that come with complex projects.
- Agile Project Management: At its most basic level, Agile is a set of processes and techniques that focuses on teams producing some type of project. Agile plays such an important role in project management that there are specific courses where you'll learn the associated methodologies, including its overarching philosophies.
- Project Leadership: Courses in project leadership or project governance teach the skills needed to actively lead groups of people by employing effective strategies and adaptable communications. You'll learn to identify and negotiate expectations while facilitating teamwork. Topics typically include project planning, motivation, and conflict resolution.
- Project Scope and Scheduling: This course will teach you how to properly plan for an upcoming project, including understanding its scope and the best ways to allocate resources, organize documents, utilize scheduling tools, and predict budgets.
- Quality Management: You'll need to know how to maintain project quality along with efficiency. This course explores the qualitative methods used to ensure the best possible project outcome through identifying standards, monitoring control, and analyzing dependencies.
What Are the Requirements for a Project Management Program Online?
To be accepted into a master's in project management program, you'll need an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as a bachelor's in project management, bachelor's in business, or a degree in finance. Depending on the school you're applying to, your official college transcripts from your undergraduate degree may need to show that you maintained a GPA of 2.8 or possibly higher. Some schools may also require high scores on the GMAT or GRE entrance exam.
Graduate programs in project management generally require the completion of 24-36 credit hours. Given this broad range, some full-time students may be able to earn the degree in 18 months to two years, and part-time students may be able to finish in two to three years.
Toward the end of each program, you'll have a chance to put your skills to the test with a capstone project. This usually entails real-world project oversight in a team environment with the purpose of developing a portfolio for your future employers. Some programs may also include an internship.
Student Reviews of Online Project Management Programs
The complaints on here about SNHU are really funny. I really do have to laugh at it because it reminds me of myself in high school. I say this because of all the excuses I've read and all the lies people are putting on here about this school just because they don't get their way. From from bad advisors, to bad classes, to bad teachers....what else, Diploma mill? this is an accredited school! non-profit, why would they want you to come to their school? lmao! These people are lazy and finding every... Read More
Review Date: 3/23/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience with Penn State World Campus was outstanding. The courses were thorough, and the online format offered the flexibility I needed for my graduate studies. The faculty delivered expert instruction and personalized support, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. I highly recommend both Penn State University and its World Campus.
Review Date: 8/18/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
GCU is no different from any other online school. They all pretty much follow the same format, with a few wrinkles. I find some of the course work challenging and some of the course work easy. I have attended several online schools and they all are about the same. GCU is like every other online school, they have some people that like it and some people that do not. Remember, education is what you make it. There are numerous of people who have become successful from GCU. I completed a Masters from... Read More
Review Date: 7/15/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
At 59 years old I finally took the leap of faith and went back to school. I first started my BS in Cyber Security & Information Assurance I am not going to lie it was an experience I will never forget I liked it so much that I went back and got my Masters in Informstion Technology Management. I have to say I had an excellent experience from enrolment to the instructors and mentors were all top notch. I also won the capdtone award from someone that hated writing I was excited to win that. I just wish... Read More
Review Date: 10/14/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experience since I have been enrolled at Strayer has been great! I love how the materials and research is provided for you, I will admit this is my first experience with online learning but I am enjoying it. There are times when some classes have been more challenging than others, but giving up is not an option. What I will tell you is the tutors are available and very useful. I have been enrolled with Strayer since 2018 and I am now closer to getting my Masters'. Utilize the services that are... Read More
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have had a great time with EU, I received my bachelor’s degree in construction management in 2018 and loved the school so much that I went back and now pursuing my master's degree in project management. The administration personal are so helpful on anything that I need, they also really care about how you’re doing in school. I got many phone calls from my assist dean on how I was doing. I really like this school and wish I could get my doctorate degree from this school. I would definitely recommend... Read More
Review Date: 11/12/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
CSU is a nationally accredited school. I have earned two master's degrees from regionally accredited college, and I consider myself a 'life-learner.' I honestly don't foresee a time when I will stop attending school. I can tell you that the opportunity to learn and apply yourself is as available here at CSU as any other regionally accredited school. With that said, students coming right out of high school are better off in a RA school and have that campus experience and interaction. For established... Read More
Review Date: 11/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
You get what you pay for. Professors are great. But the online delivery (Moodle) of course material, chats etc is much much less than I expected, after using products such as Pearson, Canvas ans black-board. Moodle/Amberton Univ has no videos, just a text of live chats, its like watching TV with sound, but no picture. Many books to order, much reading, written APA style case studies, varily easy program, but the front line support staff are not knowledgeable, do not know their system well, or course... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
University of Wisconsin-Platteville has helped make my educational goals an obtainable asset! With online classes, I am able to work full time to help cover the tuition expenses. The Desire2Learn portal has streamlined access to classes. The calendar feature reminds you when homework is due and when tests are coming up. They offer a variety of online programs that are user friendly. I highly recommend UW-Platteville for your educational needs.
Review Date: 2/6/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
UMUC is a good option for full-time employees, and graduate students. The course load is average, however, I learned a lot. All the exercises helped me to think critically, and those are relevant to work too. I am happy with the program. I am recommending to go for the Project Management program.
Review Date: 2/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Read some reviews on here and here's the honest truth. If you're not self-motivation, an online education is not for you. That's not just at Grantham, that's anywhere! While there are professors to help you, it's primarily up to YOU to do the work and research to "teach" yourself. I've doubled up on classes as taking one at a time isn't overly challenging or time-consuming, and I work a full time job and have two young kids at home. I'm down to my last 4 classes and have a 4.0 GPA, and I spend about... Read More
Review Date: 1/24/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
If you are looking for a challenging MBA program CCU is the place to be. CCU integrates faith with learning. I have grown exponentially because I am challenged to go outside of my comfort zone. The faculty is outstanding. They have both online and campus programs. I take my classes 100% online which fits my schedule perfectly. Without the option of online classes, I would not have been able to go for my MBA. I highly recommend CCU to anyone who is contemplating an advance degree.
Review Date: 2/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
When most students apply to take online classes, they may think that it is going to be an easy A. That is not the case. I dont say this in order to scare you away from the program, but to assure you that you are getting what you paid for in a Georgetown education. You have access to highly intelligent and engaging instructors that care about your intellectual development, even if you never step inside of a classroom. I believe that I am getting a quality education and that I am not simply paying... Read More
Review Date: 3/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Pros of the online graduate program was the fact that I have a full-time job and this allowed me to work full-time and also go to school. The cons would be the one-on-one interaction but I must say I built really good relationships with other students in my program. We were able to bounce ideas off of each other and ask questions for clarification on different topics.
Review Date: 8/21/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I like my school because it provides great benefits for AT&T employees like me. We get a really great discount on top of the reimbursement money. Going to school is way easier online than when I use to attend in the campus. Now that I have a husband and 3 small kids on top of being a full time employee, I find it really convenient to attend online classes. You still have to participate and do your tasks but you can do it in your own time. I like the flexibility a lot. My school has very supportive... Read More
Review Date: 3/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
To future students, You will hear pros and cons about on-line Universities, there are several reasons if you choose to pursue, and on-line education, University of Phoenix is the way to go. I have attended major state Universities and yes, there are pros and cons about them as well, the fact that you are in a classroom/lecture hall might be appealing. But, try sitting in an auditorium with 400+ listening to a lecture in Chemistry and there is standing room only, and the lab for that class only holds... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I would rate the education and class culture experience as experience as OUTSTANDING. After completing my graduate degree with Trident, my wife attained her Masters degree and we have two children that are currently attending. Would recommend this school to everyone without hesitation.
Review Date: 3/17/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I feel the pros of my graduate program will help benefit me for future jobs. It will show that at the age of 43, I am willing to continue my education and learn as much as possible to always improve upon myself. However, I feel a con to an online school is even though you can do it at your own free time, there are no breaks. You just go from one course to the next. When juggling a 7 year old, work, and helping with my grand baby (yes, I have a 24 and 23 year old daughters as well), it can be overwhelming... Read More
Review Date: 5/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Enrollment and Student Services staff go above and beyond the call of duty to assist those in need. The demonstration of professionalism and personalizing communication sets the University apart from others.
Review Date: 2/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
A pro is the available tools and resources for completing my studies. A con is the heavy workload with a full-time job and family obligations.
Review Date: 8/24/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No