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MBA Project Management Online
From construction to hospitality, project managers work in a variety of fields and industries. These skilled leaders develop new departmental strategies, hire talent, and oversee large projects. Positions in this field require a combination of work experience and education, and many project managers earn an MBA.
An MBA Project Management Online teaches the professional skills necessary to lead at a high level. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that all project management and business operations specialists earn a mean wage of $80,220, though some specific positions lead to much higher wages. This page explores the best online MBA in project management programs, including potential job outcomes, salaries, and what to expect from an online school.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online MBA in Project Management Programs
Business professionals looking to advance their careers want to earn degrees from the very best online MBA in project management programs. Focusing on factors like quality, prestige, and accreditation, we’ve ranked the top online MBA in project management degrees.
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| College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Stevens Institute of Technology Castle Point On Hudson, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030-5991 | $36,680 | 83% |
| #2 University of Texas at Dallas 800 West Campbell Road, Richardson, Texas 75080-3021 | $13,874 | 70% |
| #3 DeSales University Division of Business 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034-9568 | $20,520 | 69% |
| #4 Montclair State University 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07043-1624 | $12,600 | 67% |
| #5 Maryville University 650 Maryville University Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-7299 | $27,846 | 71% |
| #6 Bellevue University 1000 Galvin Rd S, Bellevue, Nebraska 68005-3098 | $4,749 | 66% |
| #7 Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 700 Terrace Heights, Winona, Minnesota 55987-1399 | $9,180 | 64% |
| #8 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 800 W Main St, Whitewater, Wisconsin 53190-1790 | $8,108 | 62% |
| #9 Waynesburg University 51 W College St, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania 15370-1257 | $16,080 | 66% |
| #10 Capella University 225 South 6th Street, 9th Floor, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-3389 | $14,767 | NA |
| #11 Mississippi State University Lee Boulevard, Mississippi State, Mississippi 39762 | $8,800 | 61% |
| #12 Central Michigan University 106 Warriner Hall, Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859 | $16,700 | 61% |
| #13 Norwich University 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, Vermont 05663-1035 | $17,904 | 61% |
| #14 Cornerstone University 1001 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525-5897 | $13,680 | 60% |
| #15 University of Mary 7500 University Dr, Bismarck, North Dakota 58504 | $16,740 | 60% |
| #16 University of Hartford 200 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117-1599 | $14,292 | 59% |
| #17 Lawrence Technological University 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan 48075-1058 | $21,366 | 60% |
| #18 Dallas Baptist University 3000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211-9299 | $18,072 | 58% |
| #19 Trevecca Nazarene University 333 Murfreesboro Rd, Nashville, Tennessee 37210 | $9,917 | 56% |
| #20 Northwest University 5520 108th Ave NE, Kirkland, Washington 98083-0579 | $19,101 | 58% |
| #21 Florida Institute of Technology 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32901-6975 | $22,338 | 59% |
| #22 Oklahoma Christian University 2501 E Memorial Rd, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013 | $11,250 | 55% |
| #23 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,980 | 47% |
| #24 Grand Canyon University 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, Arizona 85017 | $10,175 | 41% |
| #25 Fayetteville State University 1200 Murchison Rd, Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-4298 | $3,438 | 34% |
Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Understanding MBA Project Management Online Programs
Those new to online education or graduate degrees might not know what to expect from an MBA project management online. Current business professionals looking to learn effective leadership, strategy, and management skills often pursue this degree, though schools sometimes offer several options.
Common Specializations for an MBA Project Management Online
MBA in project management students sometimes have specific career goals in mind and choose a concentration that aligns with their goals. Two popular project management MBA specializations include project leadership and operations management.
Area of Focus | Description | Careers This Concentration Prepares For |
|---|---|---|
| Operations and Project Management | On top of project management skills learned, operations and project management also teaches the factors that help businesses operate. Coursework could include topics like supply chain management and service operations. Graduates still find leadership positions within organizations, only with a focus on operations. | Operations strategy consultant Supply chain manager Project director |
| Project Leadership and Management | Those who want to become workplace leaders or eventually begin their own company specializing in project leadership and management. This specialization emphasizes different leadership tactics, and graduates should be able to measure the effectiveness of people and workplace culture. | Project director Project planner Project quality manager |
MPM Vs. MBA in Project Management: Understanding the Differences
Just because a business professional is interested in project management doesn’t mean an MBA is the best option. Depending on each students’ individual goals, a master’s in project management could be a better graduate-level option than an MBA in project management. Below are some factors for each option and how they align with different student goals.
MBA in Project Management | Master’s in Project Management |
|---|---|
| Focuses on general business topics with an emphasis on project management Great for those looking to advance their career Leads to a broad array of career outcomes in business MBAs are highly respected in the business world | Focuses on project management within a specific industry Great for those looking to change careers Leads to project management specific positions The master’s degree is highly respected among project management professionals |
Online MBA in Project Management Admission Requirements
Graduate programs, including online MBA in project management programs, want to make sure that candidates meet minimum levels of qualification so they can succeed in the degree. Some common online MBA in project management requirements include:
- Work Experience: Most MBA programs are designed to help current business professionals advance their careers. An online MBA in project management may require 1-2 years of relevant work experience.
- Undergraduate Degree: All online MBA programs require applicants to first earn an undergraduate degree. While not always required, schools usually prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees in business.
- GMAT/GRE Scores: Many colleges and universities require GMAT and/or GRE scores. The GMAT measures MAB readiness and the GRE measures general graduate degree readiness. Specific requirements vary by institution.
- Letters of Recommendation: Graduate schools want to enroll high-caliber students. To learn more about applicants, schools require several letters of recommendation from current/previous employers and professors.
- GPA: Even when not required, a strong GPA strengthens applications and increases the chances of earning a scholarship. In some instances, a high GPA could remove GMAT/GRE requirements.
Curriculum for an Online Master of MBA in Project Management Program
An MBA in project management combines general business principles with courses focused on different project management skills, theories, and topics. While specific course names and materials vary by school, many colleges and universities require courses similar to these.
- Leadership: A lower-level course that covers broad business topics, leadership focuses on the application of leadership techniques as a manager within a business. Students learn different leadership skills, including communication and managerial styles, to learn how to best lead within an organization. This course prepares students for their future careers as workplace leaders.
- Project Tools and Techniques: A course specific to project management, project tools and techniques introduces the different ways to plan and implement projects to meet overall goals. Students learn about different tools and techniques, then learn how to apply tools and techniques at different stages of the project. This course serves as a foundation for future project management courses.
- Project Management: An overview of the entire field, project management looks at different processes, concepts, and practices. This course covers the life cycle of a project, including planning, executing, and closing.
- Operations Management: Usually required or offered as an elective course, operations management lets students explore the production and delivery of items. Great for those interested in careers in supply chain management, operations management teaches students to design, operate, and improve supply chains through supply chain management software, decision trees, and lean management principles.
- Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making: A math-heavy course required later in the MBA, quantitative analysis and decision making combines statistics and mathematics to determine the probability of various outcomes. Students learn to use quantitative analysis to make better project management decisions, then explain their reasoning to others.
Skills Gained in an Online MBA in Project Management Program
Aside from earning a graduate degree, students enroll in online MBA in project management programs to learn sought-after skills. Students learn these skills through instruction, coursework, and sometimes internships.
- Project Management: A skill all on its own, students master project management during their MBA. Because project managers work in a variety of fields, the project management skills learned should apply to any project management positions.
- Communication: After finishing their MBA, graduates end up in management roles where they oversee employees and work with other managers. Students learn to communicate with workers at every level of the organization to maintain a smooth business flow.
- Leadership: Project managers serve as the head of a project, meaning they must possess excellent leadership skills. Through group projects, course theories, and previous experience, MBA programs help students develop their leadership skills.
- Decision Making: Projects rarely go exactly as planned, and project managers must make quick decisions. Through quantitative analysis and individual projects, students learn to make smart, effective decisions on short notice.
- Business Ethics: From remaining compliant with regulations to maintaining a healthy company culture, ethics plays a large role in business operations. Project management students learn to practice effectively while remaining ethical.
How to Pay for an MBA in Project Management Degree
By studying online, MBA in project management students could secure a lower tuition rate than on-campus students. However, learners still need a way to cover the rest of their degree costs. Fortunately, MBA students have several ways to help pay for their degrees.
Techniques for Paying for Your Online MBA
Fellowship
Similar to internships, fellowships pay students to work, helping them pay for their education while gaining real-world experience. Fellowships like the Forte MBA Fellowship also include other benefits.
Financial Aid
Offered by universities, financial aid helps students who demonstrate financial need pay for their degree. Those who cannot continue working while earning their online MBA may qualify for financial aid.
Employer Assistance
To develop existing talent, employers may cover some, or all, of an MBA student’s educational costs. Eligibility varies by employer and program; for example, the City University of Seattle works with employers while other colleges may not.
Scholarships for Online Master’s in Project Management Students
Aside from the methods mentioned before, online MBA in project management students take advantage of scholarships to help cover some, or all, of their academics costs. Some potential scholarships include:
- PMI Academic Scholarships Who Can Apply: The PMI Educational Foundation awards various academic scholarships. Award sizes and requirements vary, though students should be pursuing a degree related to project management. Amount: $1,000-$7,500
- PMI Professional Development Scholarships Who Can Apply: Another array of scholarships offered by the PMI, the professional development scholarships help those planning on becoming project managers pay for their education. Winners are selected based on financial need and background.Amount: Up to full tuition
- APTF Public Transportation Scholarships Who Can Apply: The American Public Transportation Foundation offers multiple scholarships to students interested in a career in public transportation. Some awards only applicants pursuing graduate-level management degrees. Amount: Varies
- Ray Piper Global Project Management Education Scholarship Who Can Apply: Available to anyone studying or planning on studying project management, the Ray Piper Global Project Management Education Scholarships can be used at any college or university in the world. Amount: $1,000
- Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships Who Can Apply: With various scholarships available, the Kosciuszko Foundation awards scholarships to students of Polish descent who pursue a graduate degree, including an MBA. Students must be studying full-time. Amount: $1,000-$7,000
Career and Salary Outlook for Online Project Management MBA Graduates
Project managers work in an array of industries, and job titles can vary. Most project managers end up working for a large business or corporation, managing multiple clients projects at a time. Some potential industries of employment include construction, healthcare, marketing, hospitality, and entertainment.
Note that no amount of education guarantees any specific position, salary, or a career at all. While job titles and responsibilities vary, many online MBA in project management graduates end up in positions like these.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (2019-2029) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $100,980 | 32% | A high-paying and high-growth position, medical and health services managers plant and direct various healthcare services. Other tasks include hiring staff, creating work schedules, and setting department goals. |
| Sales Managers | $126,640 | 4% | The head of an organization’s sales team, sales managers set sales goals, train employees, and monitor customers to keep sales strategies up to date. Sales managers work in wholesale, retail, finance, and manufacturing. |
| Cost Estimators | $65,250 | -1% | A cost estimator analyzes data to determine the overall cost of various projects. These professionals work in all fields, and they must have great analytical, mathematical, and communication skills. |
| Construction Managers | $95,260 | 8% | Construction managers coordinate and supervise construction projects. Most construction managers oversee large projects, hire builders and workers, and make sure the building site remains compliant with regulations. |
| Top Executives | $104,690 | 4% | Leaders at the highest level of the organization, top executives consist of professionals like CEOs, CFOs, and presidents. Project managers could take on a larger leadership role with their new skills from an MBA program. |
(Source: BLS)
Resources for Online MBA in Project Management Students
Students interested in project management benefit from joining professional organizations. These professional organizations offer networking opportunities, workshops, industry resources, and job boards, making them great resources for online MBA in project management students and new professionals.
- American Business Women’s Association: Founded in the aftermath of WWII, the American Business Women’s Association works to connect women in business to foster personal growth, continued education, and professional recognition.
- American Management Association: Great for new management professionals, the American Management Association teaches professionals new skills to navigate the evolving field of management. Member benefits include a free seminar, industry research, and various discounts.
- Business Professionals of America: Business Professionals of America has over 45,000 members, many of whom are current students pursuing a business degree. Members can learn new skills and connect with other MBA in project management students.
- International Project Management Association: With locations in every major area around the globe, IPMA consists of over 70 smaller organizations. Students can use this resource to learn more about scholarships, locations, and professional development.
- Project Management Institute: The leading organization for project managers, the Project Management Institute offers both students and professional memberships. PMI also awards leading industry certifications.
