Why get a Project Management bachelor’s degree? It’s one of the first questions that people ask when they consider a career in project management. The biggest reason is having a bachelor’s degree in Project Management is more important today than it was in the past. Project management has always existed in one form or another, especially in professions like engineering, software, and construction. However, project management has recently become a profession in and of itself, making a bachelor’s in Public Management necessary for many people.
Plus, earning a bachelor’s degree in public management can mean a lot of benefits. For example, if you were to earn a bachelor’s in Public Management, you may gain a competitive edge as a professional project manager, not just as someone who has managed a couple of projects as part of a different job. Your bachelor’s in project management could also help you enhance critical project management skills, including effective leadership, communication, and leveraging resources.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Project Management Degrees
The editors at Bachelor’s Degree Center want prospective project management students to find programs that will pay off for their careers, so we feature only reputable, accredited institutions. Programs are ranked by factors including cost, reputation, and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Towson University
Towson University offers a BSBA in Project Management and Business Analysis (PMBA), which is ranked among the best degrees for project management. Students enrolled in Towson University’s best project management degrees will graduate prepared to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management from PMI – better known as the Project Management Institute. Coursework for this business/project management degree includes business intelligence, project quality, and advanced project management, to name a few. This project management degree from Towson University requires the completion of 121 credit units.
Towson University is a space-grant school that is a member campus of the state’s university system. Towson University’s Towson campus is home to approximately 22,150 students.
What We Like: Maryland’s first teacher’s training school, Towson University, was established in 1866.
Degree: BSBA in Project Management and Business Analysis
Towson University BSBA in Project Management and Business Analysis
2. Bryant University
Bryant University offers a BSBA in Team and Project Management that is ranked among the best degrees for project management in Rhode Island. Students enrolled in Bryant University’s best project management degrees will need to complete 122 semester units to graduate. Classes for this project management bachelor’s degree program includes team building and conflict resolution, foundations of marketing management, information technology & analytics, power and influence, organizational behavior, and business policy, plus a management internship, to name a few.
Bryant University was established in 1863 as a private institution of higher education. The school’s business programs have received accreditation from the AACSB. This space-grant school’s campus is home to approximately 3,650 students.
What We Like: Although initially established as a private, for-profit, business school, Bryant College is now a nonprofit university.
Degree: BSBA in Team and Project Management
Bryant University BSBA in Team and Project Management
3. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Project and Supply Chain Management that is among New Mexico’s best project management degrees. New Mexico State University’s 120 semester-credit BBA in project management includes coursework like business analytics, financial analysis & markets, human behavior in organizations, supply chain management, human resources, and production & operations management, to name a few. Each of the best degrees for project management has received accreditation from the AACSB.
New Mexico State University was established as a college in 1888. In addition to being a space-grant school, New Mexico State University is a land-grant school with a student enrollment of approximately 23,950 students.
What We Like: New Mexico State University holds the distinction of being the state of New Mexico’s oldest higher learning institution.
Degree: BBA in Project and Supply Chain Management
New Mexico State University BBA in Project and Supply Chain Management
4. University of the Incarnate Word
The University of the Incarnate Word offers a BSBA in Project Management that is ranked among San Antonio’s best degrees for project management. Students enrolled in the University of the Incarnate Word’s best project management degrees must submit a business policy and strategy capstone project to meet the BSBA’s program requirements and complete classes in concepts and functions of management, analysis of global business opportunities, statistical analysis of business, and models of management science, among others.
The University of the Incarnate Word operates as a multi-campus school that was established by the Sisters of Charity in 1881. The university operates two high schools, several elementary schools, and a university with a student enrollment of approximately 10,150 students.
What We Like: The ACBSP accredits the BBA and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programs.
Degree: BSBA in Project Management
University of the Incarnate Word BSBA in Project Management
5. Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University offers a BSBA in Operations Management that is recognized among New Jersey’s best degrees for project management. This project management degree from Thomas Edison State University = requires degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits across a comprehensive business-related curriculum. Thomas Edison State University’s best project management degrees require students to take classes from the project management curriculum in business and managerial communications, business in society, economics, introduction to operations management, computer concepts and applications, to name a few.
Thomas Edison State University (Thomas Edison) was established in 1972 to serve New Jersey’s adult population. Currently, the majority of 17,050 students attend classes offering through the school’s distance learning platform. Each of the business programs has received accreditation from the ACBSP.
What We Like: Thomas Edison State University provides both associate, baccalaureate, and master’s level degree programs
Degree: BSBA in Project Management
Thomas Edison State University BSBA in Operations Management
6. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a Bachelor’s degree program with a Project Management Minor that is available to those students who have completed 60 semester credits and are enrolled in Maryland’s School of Engineering or School of Architecture. Maryland’s best project management degrees include classes like communications for project managers, engineering project management, and project cost accounting & economics, among others. Students enrolled in the University of Maryland’s best degrees for project management are required to complete 15 semester credits to earn this project management minor from Maryland.
The University of Maryland (UMD) was established in 1856 as a land-grant school. The University of Maryland is also a space-grant and sea-grant, public ivy school with a student enrollment of approximately 41,050 students.
What We Like: The University of Maryland ranks in the top 100 categories of national and global schools.
Degree: Project Management Minor
University of Maryland Project Management Minor
7. Palm Beach State College
Palm Beach State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Project Management that considered among Florida’s best degrees for project management. Palm Beach State College’s best project management degrees are completion programs that require applicants to hold an associate’s level degree. Additionally. The ACBSP has accredited this supervision and project management degree. A key aspect of PBSC’s supervision and project management bachelor’s degree also mandates degree candidates complete a project management-related internship prior to graduation.
Palm Beach State College was established in South Florida in 1933. As a public institution of higher learning, Palm Beach State College serves about 48,550 students online and on-campus.
What We Like: Palm Beach State College holds the distinction of being the first junior college founded in the Sunshine State, with the school’s first classes held in a local high school.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Palm Beach State College BAS in Supervision and Project Management
8. Columbia Basin College
Columbia Basin College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management that ranks among the most innovative and best project management degrees in the northwest. Degree candidates must complete 182 to 184 quarter credits across four years to meet program requirements. Coursework for Columbia Basin College’s best degrees for project management includes professional communications, management, and organizational theory, operations management, introduction to engineering and leadership and organizational behavior, plus an advanced project management capstone project, among others.
Columbia Basin College is a community college that was established in 1955. Columbia Basin College’s online and campus-based programs serve about 11,150 students. Columbia Basin’s Moore Observatory is open to all students to learn about the world of astronomy through community hours.
What We Like: Columbia Basin College was developed to serve the residents of Franklin and Benton Counties in the state of Washington.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Columbia Basin College BAS in Project Management
9. Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems Technology with an academic emphasis in Computer Project Management that is recognized as one of the Sunshine State’s best degrees for project management. Students applying for admission to Eastern Florida State College’s best project management degrees must hold an associate of science (AS) or an associate of arts (AA) degree from a regionally-accredited school.
Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) was established in 1960 as a space-grant higher learning institution. Eastern Florida State College now operates as a multiple campus school with five campuses, one virtual. More than 24,550 students attend classes offered on the school’s Brevard County campuses and through the distance learning platform.
What We Like: Eastern Florida State College is a member school of the Florida College System and offers the highest rate of graduation of all Florida’s central colleges and schools.
Degree: BAS in Computer Project Management
Eastern Florida State College BAS in Computer Information Systems Technology
10. Pensacola State College
Pensacola State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Management with an academic track in Information Technology Project Management. Students interested in enrolling in Broward College’s best degrees for project management must already hold an Associate of Science (AS) or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or sixty credits in a related discipline. PSC’s best project management degrees include core classes like managerial risk analysis, process improvement methodology, strategic management, and innovation change, and the agile process, to name a few.
Pensacola State College was established as a junior college in 1948. PSC is a member of the state’s college system with multiple campuses in the greater Pensacola vicinity that serve approximately 35,850 students.
What We Like: Pensacola State College offers more than 100 majors in career training and technical advancement.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Pensacola State College BAS in Business and Management
11. Broward College
Broward College offers one of Florida’s best degrees for project management with its Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) program in information technology that follows Microsoft MCSE Systems Administration’s curriculum. Students interested in these best project management degrees from Broward College must hold an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree from an accredited college or university. Classes for this project and information management degree from Broward College include web systems and technologies, designing and improving server infrastructure, information systems management, and deploying exchange server, plus an internship, among others.
Broward College (BC) was established in 1959 as a junior college to serve the South Florida community. In addition, Broward College is a space-grant higher learning institution that is also a member of the state’s college system. More than 66,550 students attend classes online and on-campus.
What We Like: Broward College operates several campuses and educational facilities through Broward County, Florida.
Degree: BAS in Information Technology Project Management
Broward College BAS in Information Technology Project Management
12. Northern New Mexico College
Northern New Mexico College offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management that is recognized as one of New Mexico’s best degrees for project management. NNMC’s best project management degrees include classes like project planning and controls, project procurement and contracts, project communications, and risk management, to name a few. Northern New Mexico College’s business programs and degrees are accredited by AACBSP.
Northern New Mexico College was founded as a public college in 1909 dedicated to educating teachers for local residents. NNMC offers certificates, associate and baccalaureate degree programs from its two campuses in Espanola and El Rito. The school’s campuses are home to approximately 1,050 students.
What We Like: NNMC is ranked as the most affordable four-year higher learning institution across the United States’ southwest.
Degree: BBA in Project Management
Northern New Mexico College BBA in Project Management
13. Northwest Florida State College
Northwest Florida State College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management that performs as a completion program for students who hold an associate’s level degree or 60 credits in a related discipline. NWFSC’s best degrees for project management require degree candidates to complete 120 semester credits to graduate. Classes for these best project management degrees include quantitative methods for business decisions, ethics for business leaders, business trends and issues, and financial management, plus a project management capstone project, among others.
Northwest Florida State College is a member school of the state’s college system that was founded as a state college in 1963. The school’s online system and multiple campuses in Walton and Okaloosa Counties serve approximately 14,650 students.
What We Like: Northwest Florida State College operates a charter collegiate high school that allows eligible students to earn a high school diploma & college credits at the same time.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Northwest Florida State College BAS in Project Management
14. College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada provides one of Nevada’s best project management degrees with its Bachelor of Applied Science degree (BAS) degree program in Project Management for students who hold an associate-level degree from a school or university that has received regional accreditation. These 120-semester credit, best degrees for project management include coursework in human resources, interpersonal behavior, management technology leadership, strategic management, and competitive strategies for product/price management, to name a few.
The College of Southern Nevada (Southern Nevada) was established in Las Vegas in 1971 as a community college. CSN serves more than 34,950 students on its three campuses in Clark County.
What We Like: The College of Southern Nevada is also a space-grant institution of higher education that also operates academic learning centers in the greater Las Vegas area, including Nellis AFB.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
College of Southern Nevada BAS in Project Management
15. Central Washington University
Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management that is ranked among the best degrees for project management in Washington state. Classes for Central Washington University’s best project management degrees include the management of projects across all stages of the project management lifecycle. CWU’s bachelor’s degree in project management is available on the Ellensburg campus or entirely online. Core classes for this project management degree include leadership and supervision, financial analysis, and sustainable decision making, to name a few.
Central Washington University was established as a normal school in 1891. The school is organized into four divisions and colleges covering the arts/humanities, business, education, and sciences. CWU’s multiple campuses serve approximately 12,150 students.
What We Like: Central Washington University is recognized as one of the nation’s Hispanic Serving institutions of higher education.
Degree: BAS in Project Management
Central Washington University BAS in Project Management
How Do I Choose a Project Management Program?
It’s no wonder why project management has become its own profession, and it’s easy to see why that profession could require a Project Management bachelor degree. Project management involves a highly challenging set of skills, and a Project Management bachelor degree can help professionals develop those skills to become the best possible leaders. A career in project management involves making the most of tools and resources, keeping team members motivated, communicating effectively, and much more. The bottom line is that it’s not easy, but with a bachelor degree in Project Management, managers can learn how to maintain that all-important juggling act.
Once you’ve decided to earn a Project Management degree, you’ll need to choose a good Project Management program. That task is easier said than done, but a lot of people find it easiest to start with a broad list and then narrow down that list as they research. You might start by looking up a list of the top project management schools and the best Project Management degree programs.
As you look for the top project management schools, the most important criteria is that these schools are accredited. The United States has several accrediting bodies for colleges, including national and regional accrediting bodies. These independent organizations give their stamp of approval to schools that provide a relevant and worthwhile education. When you see that a school is accredited, you can know that a degree from this school will be worth something.
Next, know that the Project Management degree programs will likely have PMI accreditation. What is PMI accreditation? PMI is the Project Management Institute. It’s an organization for project managers, and their work includes research, advocacy, and education. When a program has PMI accreditation, it means that it has met PMI’s standards for quality and essential skill-building.
Finally, you can narrow your list of the best Project Management degree programs by focusing on your specific academic needs. For example, do you learn more easily in a small environment or a large one? Do you need the flexibility of an online program? What about a faith-based school? All of these questions can help you compare programs and find the one that will work best for you.
Is a Project Management Degree Worth It?
Is a Project Management degree worth it? Here’s the short answer: That depends on your goals and what you want to get out of your degree.
For example, when you ask “Is a degree in Project Management worth it?” are you asking from a financial perspective? In that case, you should know that project managers man an average of $116,000 per year. If you’re wondering “Why get a project management degree?” then you should know that having a degree can help you reach the goal of becoming a project manager and making a comfortable salary.
Of course, when you choose a degree, while money can definitely be an important motivation, it shouldn’t be your only one. Even in the most well-paid positions, doing work that you don’t enjoy is a recipe for burnout and mistakes.
So, why else might you consider a Project Management degree? You should consider this degree if you’re passionate about project management, you know that you have a lot of leadership potential, and you’re ready to enhance your project management skills to become the best manager possible. You should also consider a Project Management degree if you’re passionate about business, engineering, software, or another area that requires a lot of projects.
Here’s another answer to the “Why get a Project Management degree?” question: A degree can help you secure jobs. Not only does a degree look good on a resume, but an education can also help you make connections for networking and internships.
Project managers work in healthcare, business management, computer science, quality management, and more. Specialization provides a skill set, but soft skills like time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you get management positions like construction manager or IT project manager.
An online project management degree can also prepare you for a master of science for even higher-paying management jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sees a strong career path for professionals, from associate degree to master’s degree.
Finally, a Project Management degree can also prepare you for the PMP exam. The Project Management Professional exam covers essential topics that project managers need to know in order to take on projects effectively. With project management certification, your bachelor of science is even more valuable.
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