During a project management degree, you'll study core business concepts and the best practices for managing teams and projects. Graduates are prepared to guide exciting projects from idea to reality, on-time and on-budget.
An online bachelor's in project management prioritizes flexibility, making it easier for undergraduates to complete their degree. Many top-ranked colleges offer online project management degrees.
This page ranks the best online project management programs and describes what to expect from this degree. If you're considering a project management degree, use these rankings to find the right fit for your schedule, budget, and career goals.
College | Program stats | How much? |
Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, MN |
| Avg. annual net price: $16,893 Application fee: $20 |
Colorado State University Global Campus Aurora, CO |
| Tuition per credit:$350 Application fee: $25 |
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, FL |
| Avg. annual net price: $20,333 Application fee: $50 |
Charleston Southern University Charleston, SC |
| Avg. annual net price: $17,804 Application fee: $40 |
Saint Leo University St. Leo, FL |
| Avg. annual net price: $18,869 Application fee: $45 |
Online business courses are a convenient, accessible way to sharpen your skills, advance your career, or take your entrepreneurship to the next level.
Read nowA project management degree emphasizes project-based leadership skills. Through a mix of lectures, projects, and presentations, you'll gain career-focused knowledge and abilities. You may also complete an internship that provides real-world experience.
During a bachelor's program, you'll complete core business courses, classes within their major, and general education requirements. The curriculum builds strong analytical and organizational skills. Students also improve their interpersonal and teamwork skills.
An online learning format prioritizes flexibility. Distance learners often complete the same courses as on-campus students. Virtual classroom environments, discussion boards, and interactive online forums allow distance learners to connect with professors and classmates.
Project management courses
Project management courses build the knowledge and skills required for careers in the field. These courses cover the lifecycle of a project, from planning to procurement and execution. This section introduces common project management classes.
Project planning
The project scope and planning stage represents a critical step in managing projects. Learners examine project planning methods, including determining project resources, estimating the timeline, and budgeting for projects.
Project procurement
Procurement represents an important step in the project lifecycle. This course introduces learners to buying and selling as part of managing a project. Students learn how to estimate costs, write proposals, and create procurement plans.
Team leadership
Project managers require strong team leadership skills. This course explores effective strategies to lead teams and complete projects. The coursework also emphasizes communication and leadership styles.
Project risk management
Learners examine techniques to manage uncertainty in project planning and execution. The topics include identifying risks and monitoring potential threats. Students learn how to create a risk response approach.
Colleges offer project management degrees at the undergraduate and graduate level. Typically housed within a college's business school, project management programs emphasize career-focused skills.
At each level, project management degrees prepare graduates for different career paths. For example, most project managers hold at least a bachelor's degree.
You can also earn a non-degree certificate, such as a graduate certificate in project management. These credentials take less than a year to complete and offer focused coursework in a particular topic. They can bolster a degree and teach established professionals new skills.
Degree | Average length | Cost | Possible careers |
Associate in project management | Two years | $3,000-$16,000 |
|
Bachelor's in project management | Four years | $45,000-$60,000 |
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Project management master's | One to two years | $20,000-$40,000 |
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Project management doctorate | Three to four years | $35,000-$60,000 |
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To rank the top project management programs with an online enrollment option, we drew from reputable sources and applied ZDNet's ranking methodology. Prospective project management majors can use our ranking to learn more about the best online bachelor's programs in the field.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, Minnesota
About the program: The online project management degree emphasizes technical and managerial skills. The customizable and versatile degree encourages collaboration, leadership, and planning.
2. Colorado State University Global Campus
Aurora, Colorado
About the program: The 120-credit bachelor's in project management program at CSU-Global uses an online, Project Management Institute-accredited curriculum to train learners in planning and management.
3. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, Florida
About the program: Distance learners in the 120-credit project management program at Embry-Riddle receive academic and career counseling from certified Project Management Professionals.
4. Charleston Southern University
Charleston, South Carolina
About the program: The 125-credit bachelor's in project management program at Charleston Southern comprises accelerated seven-week courses. The curriculum includes core business concepts and specialized project management techniques.
5. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
About the program: The online project management degree at Saint Leo incorporates experiential learning in the form of conference presentations, internships, and professional association membership.