2023's Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

portrait of OnlineMBA.com Staff
by

Updated March 21, 2023

Individuals interested in becoming project managers can pursue MBAs in project management online. Explore the top MBA programs in project management online.

OnlineMBA.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Two women working together on a laptop Credit: Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy / Image Source / Getty Images

Start your business career — or take it to the next level — with an MBA in project management. Explore the following list of 2023's top five online MBAs with project management concentrations.

Discover how we ranked these programs by clicking on the link below.

Our Ranking Methodology
Top 5 Online Project Management MBA Programs: At a Glance
Rank School Admissions Insights Program Overview
1.

University of Mary | Bismarck, North Dakota
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.75
  • Application Cost: $45
  • GMAT/GED Required: No
  • Tuition: $570/credit
  • Required Credits: 36
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) and on campus
2.

University of the Southwest | Hobbs, New Mexico
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 3.0
  • Application Cost: $0
  • GMAT/GED Required: No
  • Tuition: $649/credit
  • Required Credits: 36
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)
3.

Cornerstone University | Detroit, Michigan
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.7
  • Application Cost: $0
  • GMAT/GED Required: No
  • Tuition: $610/credit
  • Required Credits: 38
  • Program Length: 1.5 years
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous) and on campus
4.

Norwich University | Northfield, Vermont
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.75
  • Application Cost: $0
  • GMAT/GED Required: No
  • Tuition: $808/credit
  • Required Credits: 36
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)
5.

Colorado Christian University | Lakewood, Colorado
  • Minimum Undergrad GPA: 2.5
  • Application Cost: $0
  • GMAT/GED Required: No
  • Tuition: $628
  • Required Credits: 39
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (asynchronous)

Project Management Online MBA Programs for You

Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.

#1 2023’s Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

University of Mary

  • Bismarck, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online

Founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation, Mary continues to operate on the Benedictine values of hospitality, service, and moderation. The university serves about 3,800 students and offers over 50 online and evening programs.

Master of Business Administration

The project management MBA at Mary prepares students to become ethical and strategic leaders. The curriculum covers essential business practices to develop technical and communication skills. 

All MBA students — regardless of their chosen concentration — must complete nine core business courses. Students explore marketing, managerial accounting, business research, and ethics. The capstone project requires learners to present research-based solutions to organizations' real-world problems.

The three-course project management specialization immerses students in the project lifecycle. They start with a class on effective project initiation before moving on to the planning process. The final course builds upon the first two classes and explores project execution, covering everything from control processes to risk management.

Mary's Affordability

Students can fulfill some credit requirements with military or work experience. They can demonstrate their skills through examination or with written portfolios. Mary also offers several graduate scholarships, including for working professionals.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
  • Tuition: $570/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 16 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous); on campus
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate submits official transcripts, recommendation letters, and an online application detailing their educational and professional experience.
    • GPA: 2.75
    • Cost: $45
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,980
Out-of-state
$17,980
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,875
Out-of-state
$16,875
Retention Rate
78%
Admission Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
3,799
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 2023’s Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

University of the Southwest

  • Hobbs, NM
  • 4 years
  • Online

USW began as a two-year Baptist college in 1956 before expanding to a four-year college shortly after. The quick growth and diverse student community prompted the change from a Baptist to a non-denominational Christian school in 1962. Today, USW offers Christian education and promotes a servant leadership philosophy.

MBA in Project Management

USW offers 12 concentration options, each focusing on personal initiative and servant leadership. These specializations include core courses, but required classes differ depending on the concentration.

The project management MBA program starts with a core course on leadership before guiding students through other business classes like organizational behavior and change management. Learners also explore foundational skills in financial management and business analytics. 

After finishing the seven-course business core, each student completes five project management classes. They learn about sustainability, risk management, and quality control. The capstone course offers practical project management experience in organizational design and strategy.

USW's Affordability

USW includes the cost of textbooks and technology fees in the tuition and offers laptops to online MBA students. Enrollees can also apply for several scholarships and grants, including a graduate discount that makes the first class free.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
  • Tuition: $649/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate completes a short online application before submitting undergraduate transcripts, a personal essay, and a professional portfolio. 
    • GPA: 3.0
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$16,000
Out-of-state
$16,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$22,500
Out-of-state
$22,500
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
904
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 2023’s Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

Cornerstone University

  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

CU has evolved from evening Bible studies in 1941 into a university that covers 132 acres in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a Christian university, CU aims to create a community that reflects God through love and diversity. 

Master of Business Administration

At CU, the MBA in project management program combines business concepts with practical application. Students learn about effective collaboration, personal management, and intercultural understanding through a Christian worldview. 

The nine core courses cover essential business disciplines like economics, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. Students also learn about marketing and managerial finance before diving into the project management concentration classes.

Learners start the concentration by exploring the project management framework and methodologies. This fundamental course also explains how students can pursue certification. The next class covers management principles about budgeting, quality assurance, and conflict management. The final course covers risk management strategies and communication. 

CU's Affordability

CU waives the $85 vehicle registration fee for online enrollees. Recent CU graduates can also apply some undergraduate credits toward their MBA programs.  

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Tuition: $610/credit
  • Required Credits: 38 credits
  • Program Length: 1.5 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous); on campus
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate completes an online application and submits official transcripts demonstrating the completion of a bachelor's degree.
    • GPA: 2.7
    • Cost: $0
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$26,250
Out-of-state
$26,250
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,920
Out-of-state
$13,920
Retention Rate
86%
Admission Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
1,917
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
31% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 2023’s Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

Norwich University

  • Northfield, VT
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Norwich celebrates over 200 years of pursuing academic excellence. Captain Alden Partridge founded Norwich as the first private military college in the United States, and the school continues to promote leadership, service, and lifelong learning.

Master of Business Administration

Norwich MBA students can select from a general path or seven specialties, but only the project management focus holds extra accreditation. Norwich's PMI-accredited MBA in project management online can prepare students for PMP or CAPM certifications.

Learners complete three core courses covering managerial finance, resource management, and strategic marketing. The other three classes focus on project management themes like leadership and communication. Students also explore techniques and tools to use throughout the project lifecycle. 

These concentrations also include independent research projects. Enrollees work with corporate partners or their current employers to explore project management case studies. 

Norwich's Affordability

In addition to accepting GI Bill benefits, Norwich provides a military scholarship for National Guard, Reserve, and active duty personnel. The school also offers a 10% discount for students working at its partner organizations and merit-based scholarships for high-achieving learners.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); PMI Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs
  • Tuition: $808/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: After completing an online application form, students submit a letter of intent, undergraduate transcripts, and a professional resume with three reference contacts.
    • GPA: 2.75
  • Standardized Tests: None
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$40,608
Out-of-state
$40,608
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,614
Out-of-state
$18,614
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
3,975
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
65% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 2023’s Best Online MBA Programs in Project Management

Colorado Christian University

  • Lakewood, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

CCU's founding principles of grace and truth still form a core of the university's Christian education over 100 years later. This evangelical and interdenominational university serves nearly 10,000 students, including many working professionals. 

MBA — Project Management Emphasis

Before starting MBA degrees, CCU students must complete three prerequisite courses in fundamental accounting, finance, and statistics. They must also choose from seven concentration options — one of which is project management. 

The MBA in project management at CCU includes ten core classes and three specialty courses. The core courses cover economic analysis and managing legal issues. Students develop practical experience creating researched-based business proposals in capstone projects.

Project management courses explore moral leadership principles and practical management strategies. Enrollees learn to schedule, plan, and control projects while practicing servant leadership. 

CCU's Affordability

CCU's College of Adult and Graduate Studies has awarded over $3 million in scholarships and grants, such as tuition discounts for alumni returning to complete a master's degree. Reserve, National Guard, and active duty personnel also receive a significant discount, paying $350 per credit.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Tuition: $628/credit
  • Required Credits: 39 credits
  • Program Length: 18 months
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Students complete online applications and prerequisites. Each applicant must submit official bachelor's or master's transcripts and a professional resume demonstrating at least five years of professional experience.
    • GPA: 2.5
    • Standardized Tests: None
    • Cost: $0
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$24,160
Out-of-state
$24,160
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,474
Out-of-state
$13,474
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,839
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Common Questions About Online Project Management MBA Programs

What courses are in a project management MBA program?

A project management MBA program typically includes three courses — sometimes more — that focus on project management. These classes explore communication, leadership, project management tools, and the project lifecycle.

What is a project management MBA degree?

A project management MBA degree is a traditional MBA degree with a project management concentration. These programs generally include a core curriculum and specialty project management courses.

What is the starting salary for someone with a degree in project management?

As of February 2023, Payscale reported an average entry-level project manager salary of $59,520. The average salary can reach over $80,000 with 5-9 years of experience and over $95,000 after 20 years.

What jobs can I get with a project management MBA degree?

Project management MBA graduates often work as project managers and project analysts in industries like healthcare, finance, and information technology. They can also pursue advancements to executive or directorial positions.

Recommended Reading

Search Programs by Concentration

View schools and degrees from across the country.
Find the right program to advance your career.