Getting a degree in project management is an exciting opportunity that opens up a whole host of career opportunities. If you’re looking at online project management degrees, there are many things you should consider. What kind of career are you pursuing? What type of industry do you work in or are looking to get into? There are many exciting things you can after you receive your project management bachelor’s degree online. But the first step toward a productive career is to define your goals and find a program that works for you.
There are several enticing benefits to earning your bachelor’s degree in project management. The national average salary for a project manager is $92,000 and is even higher than that in fields like computer and information systems. Graduates who receive a bachelor’s degree in project management online can work in the fields of manufacturing, construction, information services, finance, insurance, and more. It’s a skill set that is highly in demand and there are countless industries where the degree is valuable. Plus, with a project management bachelor’s degree online, you’ll be able to learn these in-demand skills at your own pace from the comfort of your own home or work setting. There is no limit to what you can do with a bachelor’s degree in project management online, all you have to do is set your goals and get to work.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Project Management Degrees
Working adults and other nontraditional students want to know that their online degree is time and money well spent. That’s why Bachelor’s Degree Center editors only feature accredited, trustworthy colleges and universities. Online Project Management degree programs are ranked according to their tuition cost, student satisfaction, and potential salary, helping prospective students decide if a program is right for them.
1. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers one of the best online project management degrees. Students who complete the program earn a BS in Project Management. This Bachelor of Science program teaches students the process of tackling projects in real-world scenarios during the capstone project. Students learn to manage projects using the highest standards available in the industry and through the use of a detailed project plan. This program has PMI GAC accreditation from the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center
Approximately 4,200 undergraduate students attend Bellevue University, located in the Omaha area of Nebraska. The small institution accepts all students who apply and some of the most popular majors include social sciences, legal studies and business.
What We Like: With a 100% acceptance rate, this university opens its doors to an eclectic student body both on campus and online. Additionally, 82% of the students receive some form of financial aid.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Bellevue University BS in Project Management
2. Arizona State University
Arizona State University has a BAS in Project Management, which is one of the best online project management degrees. This bachelor’s of applied science helps career-minded students master concepts and skills that will serve them well in a competitive industry. This program is multidisciplinary and some courses are offered in the bachelors of arts organizational leadership tract. However, the BAS in Project Management focuses on important management skills. Students can take advantage of experiential learning opportunities as part of their elective credits. The program focuses on leading diverse teams through successful completion of projects. Students will study the foundations not only of project management but leadership and budgetary constraints as well.
Arizona received an A‑minus grade from students surveyed in terms of academics, value for money, diversity of the student body, and other factors. The university is a well-respected public school located in the Phoenix area. Nearly 9 of 10 students who apply receive acceptance letters from the university and choose majors such as business as psychology.
What We Like: With 96% of students receiving financial aid, compared to 83% nationally, students have a good chance to get the funds they need to finish their education at ASU
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Arizona State University BAS in Project Management
3. Northeastern University
Northeastern University has one of the best online project management degrees. Students who successfully complete the course criteria receive a BS in Project Management. All courses are available online to help students balance work and life responsibilities. Students learn the skills needed to manage projects in any industry. The curriculum is a mixture of employer demanded skills such as strategic, technical and business management skills. Students master the tools needed to plan and lead complex projects.
Northeastern is a highly regarded university in Boston. This large institution has nearly 14,000 undergraduate students and operates as a private entity. Although they have a low acceptance rate of 18%, most students who begin their education here completed here. The school graduates 89% of students, which is phenomenal.
What We Like: Additionally, 95% of Northeastern students received some kind of financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, or loans.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Northeastern University BS in Project Management
4. Embry-Riddle Worldwide
Embry-Riddle Worldwide offers a BS in Project Management that is among the best online project management degrees. The coursework involved in this project management bachelor’s degree program helps students prepare for entry-level roles and project management. Project managers need a broad base of technical soft skills and the ability to lead teams in a cross-functional environment. They also need hard skills such as quantitative analysis to solve complex issues they will face in the workplace. Project managers must also learn how to track project progress and creating reports for decision-makers.
Embry Riddle has an excellent reputation as a technical school. It helps students reach professional goals and achieve personal satisfaction that they are receiving one of the best educations available. US News and World Report give the school high marks for programs geared towards veterans.
What We Like: The school is among the top 25 online colleges.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Embry-Riddle Worldwide BS in Project Management
5. CSU Global
Colorado State University Global also has one of the best online project management degrees. Graduates receive a BS in Project Management. Students can do all of their coursework online, which allows for a great deal of flexibility for students who work or who have other obligations that prevent them from taking classes in person. project management is a great job for students who like working with others and managing processes and human resources specific to long- or short-term projects.
CSU Global produces reliable project managers that are respected in the field. The university strives to create conscientious graduates who will immediately be an asset in the workplace. This small institution has 2,000 undergraduate students and is a public university offering all coursework online. It accepts nearly every student who applies and has many popular majors such as human resources, business, and information technology.
What We Like: Colorado State University Global accepts 99% of students who apply. Additionally, 71% of students believe their teachers put a lot of effort into the courses. Further, 72% of students surveyed said that it was easy to get the classes they need.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Colorado State University Global BS in Project Management
6. University of Wisconsin Parkside
The University of Wisconsin Parkside has one of the best online project management degrees. This program confers a project management certificate with a bachelor’s of science or bachelor’s of arts degree. There is an increasing demand for well-trained project managers. The project management Institute indicates that 200,000 project management-related roles will open up each year. Experienced project managers ready for retirement will also leave a gap for new talent eager to learn the business.
Wisconsin — Parkside is a public university in the Milwaukee area with nearly 3,200 undergraduate students. There are a number of other majors besides project management. Some of the most popular majors include psychology, criminal justice, and business.
What We Like: The school only accepts 66% of students who apply. This indicates that students who choose Wisconsin Parkside as their primary school should apply early and take their time on the application.
Degree: Project Management Certificate with BSBA
University of Wisconsin Parkside Project Management Certificate with BSBA
7. Central Washington University
One of the best online project management degrees is located at Central Washington University. This BS in Project Management fills the gap for skilled employees. Students learn a wide foundation of project management, business, and technology skills. These skills will help them manage every level of the process and make it easier to interact with leaders and technology workers. Core courses include project management in every industry from construction to high-tech startups. Like many other project management programs, this one covers risk management, scheduling, and tracking resources.
Central Washington University offers 135 undergraduate majors and is located in Seattle, Washington. With over 12,000 undergraduate students, this large university is one of the major educators in the northwest. The school also offers 30 master’s degrees, which is good news for students who wish to continue their education beyond the bachelor’s level.
What We Like: The university has a generous acceptance rate of 85%, with 90% of students receiving financial aid.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Central Washington University BAS in Project Management
8. University of Wisconsin Stout
The University of Wisconsin Stout also houses one of the best online project management degrees. Graduates who successfully complete all the courses and requirements receive a BS in Project Management, with a strong focus on leadership. Students learn to lead teams throughout the entire project life cycle. this includes requirements gathering, planning, executing, and testing. The program includes exposure to a variety of project tracking techniques and technology frameworks.
UW-Stout is a respectable public university with over 6,000 undergraduate students. More than 9 out of 10 students who apply receive an acceptance letter and an opportunity to continue their education at the baccalaureate level. Popular majors at the school include education, business, and operations management.
What We Like: The school ranks eighth among the top universities in the state, and 83% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Degree: BS in Management — Project Management
University of Wisconsin Stout BS in Management — Project Management
9. Ferris State University
Ferris State University has a BS in Project Management that is one of the best online project management degrees. This project management bachelor’s degree turns out students who can tackle complex projects and move them along efficiently. Students will work alongside professionals to learn advanced project management techniques. The program teaches students the tools to meet the demands of today’s top employers. Students already working in business or technology can accelerate their careers with a project management degree focused on healthcare, construction, or other industries requiring project management.
Ferris State University focuses on transferring skills needed by employers in the field. Classes are taught by faculty members, not graduate assistance. A vast majority of classes have low student-teacher ratios, with 85% of courses having less than 25 students.
What We Like: Nearly 87% of students who apply are accepted at the university, meaning that the school provides broad access to bachelor’s level education.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Ferris State University BS in Project Management
10. Saint Louis University
One of the best online project management degrees is hosted by Saint Louis University. This BS in Project Management has received acclaim by the Project Management Institute, which named the school a Registered Education Provider. This designation indicates that an organization maintains the highest academic requirements when it comes to project management-related certifications and degrees. This 120-credit course has been approved by the PMI and gives students flexible options when it comes to career goals. There are six terms each year that give students versatile start dates.
Saint Louis University is a catholic university that has more than 6,000 undergraduate students. Its online format gives students flexibility when it comes to managing careers and completing their education. Admission is very competitive, and just 58% of students who apply are accepted. Some of the majors available at the school include kinesiology, nursing, and psychology. The school graduates a staggering 79% of students.
What We Like: Saint Louis University ranks number eight among the best Catholic colleges in the country. This might make it a good fit for conservative students who want an education that matches their religious beliefs.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Saint Louis University BS in Project Management
11. College of Charleston
The College of Charleston also has a competitive BPS in Project Management that is one of the best online project management degrees. The program focuses on producing effective leaders and communicators. Students learned critical thinking, budgeting skills, and how to motivate eclectic team members. Graduates emerge ready to tackle complex projects. This program benefits students who want to work in a wide range of settings such as public, non-profit and private employers. The curriculum follows PMBOK standards and students learn the ins and outs of project scheduling, risks, quality, and other factors.
The physical location is based in Charleston, SC, a city full of history and charm. The College of Charleston is a well-regarded public university founded in 1770. The school offers top-quality educational experiences for its students and welcomes students from around the United States. Located in historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public university that attracts students from around the world.
What We Like: The school is among the top four universities in South Carolina.
Degree: BPS in Project Management
College of Charleston BPS in Project Management
12. Minnesota State University Moorhead
The BS in Project Management at Minnesota State University Moorhead is among the best online project management degrees in the country. This bachelor of science in project management is geared for students who enjoy planning, tracking, and closing projects successfully. If you have great organizational skills and want to work in the technology field, this might be a great program for you.
Minnesota State — Moorhead has nearly 4,000 students at the undergraduate level and is physically located in Moorhead MN. Students who wish to attend the university should take their time on their application and get it in as early as possible. The school accepts just 65% of those who apply. For those who do receive an acceptance letter, there are many majors including nursing, business, and elementary education.
What We Like: Most students (93%) receive some form of student aid.
Degree: BS in Project Management
BS in Project Management — Minnesota State University Moorhead
13. St Petersburg College
St Petersburg College has a BAS in Project Management that is also ranked among the best online project management degrees in the country. This online bachelor’s degree focuses on organizational leadership and gives students a firm foundation in what it takes to successfully complete business objectives in a modern business environment. The degree offers several concentrations including the following: General Management/Organizational Leadership, Sports Management, Sustainability, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship.
Located in sunny Pinellas County, Florida, St Petersburg College has nearly 9,000 undergraduate students and is considered a midsize school. Through its generous admissions policy, the school accepts 100% of those who apply, and majors include liberal arts, business, and nursing.
What We Like: Approximately 85% of students surveyed found jobs in their field within two years of graduation.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
St Petersburg College BAS in Project Management
14. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers one of the best online project management degrees. Students gain important skills such as the motivation and leadership needed to complete projects in scope. Courses are provided in an online format that works well for professionals who hold down careers and have families. Graduates emerge with a firm understanding of contracts, project management, and decision-making processes.
Saint Leo is a catholic university. This private institution is based in the Tampa area and has more than 6,000 undergraduate students. Popular majors include liberal arts and criminal justice.
What We Like: The University accepts 72% of students who apply, making the admissions process quite competitive. However, all those who are admitted receive some kind of financial aid.
Degree: BABA in Project Management
Saint Leo University BABA in Project Management
15. Columbia Southern University
The best online project management degrees include a BABS in Project Management from Columbia Southern University. The program teaches students to organize teams, provide status reports to decision-makers and motivate team members. Students learn the business and technical concepts needed to create and manage project workflows.
Columbia Southern has over 8,000 undergraduate students. Considered a midsize university, it has several majors including occupational safety, business, and fire science.
What We Like: Columbia Southern University accepts 100% of students who apply and 94% of students say they can get the classes they need.
Degree: BSBA in Project Management
16. George Fox University
George Fox University has a bachelor’s in project management that is among the best online project management degrees available. This program equips students with the knowledge to become skilled project managers. The program includes an overview of skills and tools used to complete projects and motivate team members. the program features PMI-inspired approaches to produce effective managers.
George Fox University has more than 90 majors and ranks among the top Christian colleges in the West. With a history spanning 125 years, George Fox has a reputation for producing high-quality graduates. The university emphasizes spiritual and intellectual growth to produce well-rounded Christian scholars.
What We Like: The university ranks number nine among the best colleges in Oregon.
Degree: Bachelor’s in Project Management
George Fox University Bachelor’s in Project Management
17. University of Maine at Presque Isle
The University of Maine at Presque Isle hosts one of the best online project management degrees. This BABA degree in Project Management confers a solid foundation and business functions and technology initiatives. Students can complete the degree 100% online and gain proficiency in business computing, information systems, managerial accounting, and financial management. The coursework also includes ethical and legal considerations to produce well-informed leaders that are an immediate asset to prospective employers. Students gain experience in resolving real-world situations by using a case study approach in some classes.
Maine at Presque Isle has just 700 undergraduate students. This public university accepts 99% of those who apply. Among its popular majors, students choose criminal justice, business, and project management.
What We Like: With its 99% acceptance rate, the university gives a wide range of students access to higher education. Additionally, 91% of students receive some form of financial aid.
Degree: BABA in Project Management
University of Maine at Presque Isle BABA in Project Management
18. Charleston Southern University
Charleston Southern University has a BS in Project Management that ranks among the best online project management degrees. The school’s flexible scheduling allows students to take a hybrid approach if they wish. With a seven-week format, the university offers many start dates for working adults. This format also makes it easy for students to take time off without losing a full 15 weeks. This project management program prepares students for a wide range of industries. Many graduates go on to work in government contracting, manufacturing, and construction.
This private Christian university is located in the Charleston area and has approximately 3,000 undergraduate students. This is a competitive school that only accepts half of the applications sent in. Therefore, it’s important to prepare the application carefully and find ways to make it stand out.
What We Like: Approximately 94% of students believe that professors prepare vigorously for classes.
Degree: BS in Project Management
Charleston Southern University BS in Project Management
19. Colorado Christian University
The BS in Project Management at Colorado Christian University ranks among the best online project management degrees. This program teaches students to think strategically when it comes to project management. CCU’s BS in organizational management offers a unique perspective and graduates master strategic planning, risk reduction, and budget analysis. Planning and scheduling are key skills needed to successfully manage projects. Leadership and collaboration are also skills that effective project managers bring to each project they tackle. Colorado Christian universities project management program imbues these values and skills into successful graduates.
Colorado Christian University takes a practical approach in its bachelor’s degrees, including project management. Education here is based on real-world experiences in order to give students a firm foundation and prepare them for positions in the private and public sectors. Located in the Denver area, this Christian university is well-respected. It accepts 100% of students who apply.
What We Like: Colorado Christian University ranks number 42 among the best online colleges in the country. This is a respectable ranking considering that there are thousands of universities offering courses online.
Degree: BS in Project Management
BS in Project Management — Colorado Christian University
20. Western Nevada College
One of the best online project management degrees is offered by Western Nevada College. Graduates receive a BAS in Organization and Project Management. Courses in organizational leadership prepare students for work in a number of settings, including small businesses to large corporations and public and private institutions. Students learn leadership skills and gain a deep knowledge of project management terminology and duties.
Western Nevada is an open-access public school with a physical location in Carson City, NV. This small institution has about 2,000 undergraduate students. Popular majors include nursery education and physical sciences.
What We Like: All students who apply are accepted by the university, and 70% of students say they found employment within two years of graduation.
Degree: BAS in Organization and Project Management
Western Nevada College BAS in Organization and Project Management
21. Waldorf University
Waldorf University’s BS in Business Administration Project Management is one of the best online project management degrees. This program concentrates on teaching students the framework needed to guide projects to completion. Students learn how to design and apply project plans as well as how to motivate people to complete projects on time.
Waldorf University has 1,700 undergraduate students. This for-profit school has a competitive admissions policy with just 66% of those who apply receiving acceptance letters. Those lucky enough to gain admission study fire protection, business, occupational safety, and other popular subjects.
What We Like: Around 90% of students receive financial aid.
Degree: BAS in Business Administration — Project Management
Waldorf University BS in Business Administration Project Management
22. Baker College
Baker College hosts one of the best online project management degrees, and graduates receive a BS in Information Systems Project Management. Information systems make it possible for people to use technology to run businesses and process data. Savvy project managers gain a deep knowledge of both technology and business so that they can understand the processes they wish to manage. Baker College’s program focuses on an information systems and tools needed to effectively manage projects. Students also learn how to interact with customers and suppliers and master business concepts needed to drive performance.
Baker College has been educating students for more than a century. The college has a policy of offering programs where graduates can reasonably expect to find work. It also communicates with prospective employers to ensure that graduates emerge with marketable skill sets.
What We Like: Baker College is the largest independent nonprofit school in Michigan.
Degree: BS in Information Systems — Project Management
Baker College BS in Information Systems — Project Management
23. City University of Seattle
City University of Seattle has a BS in Project Management that ranks among the best online project management degrees. The bachelor’s of science in project management program prepares students to facilitate projects and help businesses achieve their goals. Collaboration and leadership are primary skills mastered by graduates. Students who work will be glad to learn that the degree is available fully online. Students can focus on information technology or choose subspecialties to personalize their education.
CityU is a small university with 166 undergraduate students. It accepts all students who apply, and popular majors included liberal arts and business.
What We Like: Of students surveyed, 82% felt they could find jobs after graduation.
Degree: BS in Project Management
City University of Seattle BS in Project Management
24. Brandman University
Brandman University has a BS in Computing Technology Project Management that is among the best online project management degrees. this program emphasizes practical skills that graduates can transfer to a number of different industries. The coursework focuses on planning and managing projects and quality assurance efforts.
Brian’s been is located in Irvine CA but offers courses online. This private university has 1,200 undergraduate students. It accepts 89% of those who apply and some of the most popular majors include business and psychology.
What We Like: Nine out of 10 applicants receive an acceptance letter from the school.
Degree: BS in Computing Technology, Project Management
Brandman University BS in Computing Technology Project Management
25. Amberton University
Amberton University has a BBA in Project Management that is considered one of the best online project management degrees. Students learn project management skills that make them effective leaders in business and private organizations. Project managers keep tasks on schedule and provide reliable reporting to leaders regarding the progress of key initiatives. With online courses, students can’t continue working and apply knowledge and skills to their current jobs.
Amberton University was founded in 1971 and this nonprofit school is based in Garland, TX. The school has been educating leaders in a variety of fields for 50 years. The school has a generous admissions policy and nine out of 10 of those who apply gain access to higher education at a respected university. The school welcomes students from across the country and around the world.
What We Like: The school’s generous acceptance policy means that students in remote locations will have a chance to earn their degree even if they can’t attend classes in person.
Degree: BBA in Project Management
Amberton University BBA in Project Management
What Does a Project Manager Do?
You may be asking yourself, what does a project manager do? Several exciting responsibilities are part of a project manager’s job description, however, the exact requirements vary from job to job, depending on the field. The key responsibility of a project manager is to plan, organize and direct the completion of specific projects. A project manager is responsible for overseeing a particular assignment throughout the project life cycle, which includes initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and closing.
The precise tasks that are part of a project manager’s job description will depend on the business and the assignment itself. However, project managers are responsible for overseeing a task from start to finish ensuring that it is handled as efficiently as possible. Every business needs a point of contact who can lead a team and monitor the progress of an assignment to ensure that tasks get completed on schedule and nothing slips through the cracks.
That being said, the skills and job description for a project manager are much different in the tech field than they are in the construction field and where you end up will depend on your background and career goals. A project manager’s job description will typically include things like time management, resource planning, budget allocation, and managing a team. If you’re wondering exactly what project managers do, you should research the field you’re interested in getting involved in and look at various job descriptions. This will give you a more accurate sense of what a project manager does day-to-day and what kinds of skills are required.
What are Some Specializations in Project Management?
There are several different types of project managers. Different kinds of project management are needed in different fields. Some work in IT, others in construction or engineering. Popular project management specializations include:
- Financial Services
- Information Technology
- Healthcare
- Law
- Construction and Engineering
Specialization in project management is very important because you must have a deep understanding of your industry if you want to be successful at leading a team and staying on time and budget. Therefore, different types of project managers are needed in different industries. You should thoroughly research a variety of specializations in project management before you decide on a particular role.
There are all kinds of opportunities to explore, and you never know what type of project management roles are available. But to be successful, you must find the roles you are best suited to handle. Specialization in project management is essential because the exact job description will greatly for different kinds of project managers. The overarching skills and responsibilities will be the same. However, the daily activities of a project manager in health care will be vastly different from someone in the legal field.
There are even different kinds of project managers within the same industries. For instance, a health insurance company will likely require a different type of project management than a hospital. Project management specializations are distinct across not only different industries but across different organizations and institutions as well. That’s why it’s vital to do your research on the different kinds of project management before deciding on a particular career. There are plenty of opportunities in the field, but you have to know what you want to do and what you’re best suited for before diving in.
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