Online MBA Programs in Project Management
| OnlineMBA.com Staff Modified on May 3, 2022
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With an MBA in project management, both new and experienced business professionals can hone their skills in strategy, communication, and decision-making. These degree-seekers also learn the intricacies of overseeing project-based budgets, a strong draw for employers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), project management specialists made an average annual salary of $84,290 as of May 2020. With a 9% growth rate projected across all management positions from 2020-2030, a project management MBA positions graduates to take advantage of a dynamic field.
Degree-seekers can anchor their research using our list of top project management MBA programs. The list provides in-depth details about each school, allowing for easy comparisons. This page also covers degree expectations and potential careers in project management.
What Is Project Management?
Project management enjoys a history as long as civilization — for example, the Great Pyramid of Giza made its debut in 2570 BC. However, modern project management did not begin until the 20th century. In 1956, the American Association of Cost Engineers formed as the first professional organization focused on project management.
Modern project managers can follow a variety of career paths in construction, technology, advertising, and engineering. They also work as consultants, and can advance to high-level executive positions.
Project managers set goals and plans, monitor project progress, and ensure everything continues to operate smoothly after project implementation. This crucial bird's-eye view of a large undertaking can apply to construction and capital projects, computer systems, and the management of entire corporations.
The BLS reported that nearly 1.4 million project management and business operations specialists worked in the U.S. as of May 2020. This number does not account for project management professionals with other titles. Top industries for project management specialists include management, consulting, computer systems, and government.
Successful project managers need to communicate well and possess strong leadership skills, as they often supervise teams of personnel. With an MBA in project management, graduates enter the workforce with the confidence necessary to secure the positions they seek.
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Why Get a Project Management MBA?
By pursuing a project management MBA, students build leadership skills that employers value. Degree-seekers can select project management as an MBA concentration, adding skills like corporate communication and planning to a core business curriculum. The MBA provides a well-rounded approach to business education, setting graduates on a path to career success.
Other benefits of earning an MBA in project management include:
- Advancement Opportunities: Students hoping to advance to positions in executive leadership may want to pursue a concentration in project management. The concentration emphasizes the intricacies of decision-making while overseeing the many moving parts of a large project.
- Skill Building: Project managers need to demonstrate confidence as they oversee large tasks. By developing the knowledge and experience they need to break big projects into actionable tasks, MBA graduates enter the workforce with the assurance they need to succeed.
- Flexibility: Project management applies to diverse areas of business. Computer and information systems are an ever-changing arena, and organizations need project managers to help them keep up with the times. Construction and government projects likewise need strong project leadership to make sure they proceed smoothly.
What to Expect From an Online MBA in Project Management
An online project management MBA teaches best practices in project strategy, goal-setting, and assessment. Participants often engage in hands-on experiences as they learn to communicate with other managers, delegate tasks, and understand where a project fits into the overall company. Many project management MBA programs prepare students for industry certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
A typical project management MBA requires 35-45 credits, which students can complete in as few as 16 months. Enrollees can choose from online, in-person, and blended formats. Some online programs run courses asynchronously, enabling participants to access materials at their convenience. Others require real-time online meetings. Degree-seekers may pursue similar project management concentrations alongside a master of science.
Admission requirements may include GMAT scores, GPA minimums, work experience, and business course prerequisites.
The MBA Admission Process
Project management MBA applicants should hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Some schools set minimum GPA requirements in the neighborhood of 2.75-3.0, while others view grades holistically in context of the whole application. Students may need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, though not all programs require them.
One of the larger variances in admission requirements exists between programs that cater to experienced business professionals, and those that accommodate any academic background. The former may require prerequisite courses in accounting, statistics, and economics, plus three or more years of work experience. The latter programs tend to provide the essential foundational courses, and require little to no previous work experience.
When applying to an MBA in project management, prospective students may need to submit a personal statement, resume, and recommendation letters. Many schools require application fees.
Project Management Degree Options
Prospective students interested in project management may encounter the major in different forms. A master of science in project management focuses exclusively on topics like supply chain, product development, and risk management. These programs typically emphasize particular areas of project management, such as technology, or offer specific concentrations like agile project management and business analysis.
Degree-seekers may also find project management attached to another degree type as a concentration. For example, a school might offer a master of science in leadership and organization development with a concentration in project management. Such a program would focus on the main topic, providing in-depth leadership concepts and adding a smaller credit load related to project management.
These options may still lead to PMI professional certifications. Unlike the MBA, however, the curriculum may not provide general business knowledge in crucial areas like finance and accounting. Students looking to obtain solid business skills that apply to many industries and occupations should consider the wide breadth of knowledge an MBA in project management can provide.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
Comparing Project Management and General MBAs
Degree-seekers with an interest in business leadership may question whether to pursue a general MBA or an MBA emphasizing project management. While similarities exist between the two paths, students can consider their career goals and personal interests to select the right program.
Because an MBA in project management provides integrated business knowledge, students can enjoy flexibility even with a specialization. Their understanding of the many moving parts involved in a large task make project management graduates attractive candidates for executive organizational leadership.
Students who know they want to pursue such roles, or who aim for construction or IT management, may want to pursue the concentration. Those less certain of their career goals may prefer the general MBA.
| MBA in Project Management | General MBA | |
|---|---|---|
| Completion Time | 16-30 months | 16-24 months |
| Credits for Graduation | 35-45 credits | 32-48 credits |
| Curriculum | Core business courses in strategic management, accounting, and marketing; concentration courses such as project initiation, project planning, and supply chain management. | Strategic management, accounting, marketing, operations management, brand management, and entrepreneurship; electives include negotiation and customer analysis. |
| Careers | Management consultant, construction manager, supply chain manager, marketing manager, IT manager, quality assurance manager, chief executive officer | Management consultant, marketing manager, chief executive officer, IT manager, financial manager, human resources manager |
| Student Goals | May enter seeking to hone skill sets for a particular job, or a profession they already hold. | May enter without much business knowledge, or looking for the most flexible career options. |
Popular Project Management Courses
Each online project management MBA program presents its own curriculum, designed to meet the specific needs of its student body. Still, learners can expect to encounter similar coursework among many programs. Foundational business courses represent the core of most MBA programs, with specialization options branching out from there.
Some programs offer elective choices, allowing students to select from two or more courses to fulfill a particular requirement. Many programs also require capstone projects. Coursework frequently encountered in an MBA in project management program includes:
How Much Will an MBA in Project Management Cost?
Program cost is an important factor for many prospective students. While tuition costs vary widely, degree-seekers can expect to find online project management MBA programs in the range of about $20,000-$50,000. Prospective students must also budget for books and materials, cost of living, and travel costs associated with programs that include on-campus visits.
Many factors can influence tuition costs, including state residency status, school prestige, and program type. Private schools often charge higher tuition than public schools, for example, and some schools apply reduced rates to online learners regardless of residency status.
For assistance in funding their education, students should fill out a FAFSA to qualify for government grants and loans. They may also seek out need and merit-based scholarships from professional societies, corporate foundations, and nonprofit organizations.
Jobs for MBAs in Project Management
Project management MBA programs prepare graduates to work in a variety of lucrative business occupations. With the knowledge and experience the degree provides, graduates can choose from many types of companies and industries.
The BLS reported a median annual salary of $109,760 across all management occupations as of May 2020, many of which apply to project management professionals. Management analysts earned $87,660, while architectural and engineering managers earned $149,530.
Top-paying industries for project management specialists include independent artists, writers, and performers; computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing; and monetary authorities — Central Bank. Careers for graduates with an MBA in project management include:
Often employed in government, manufacturing, and engineering services, these professionals develop new products. They assemble recommendations for staffing, equipment, and scheduling, including a budget for the whole project. They also hire project staff and oversee their work. Adept in business, they may handle construction operations, manage production plants, and oversee quality assurance departments.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree; master's often preferred
- Job Outlook (2020-30): +4%
- Median Annual Salary: $149,530
Many construction managers run their own businesses as contractors. These professionals also work for specialty trade contractors and nonresidential business construction companies. They oversee entire construction projects from concept to completion, often serving as a main point of communication for their clients. They estimate project costs and schedules, hire subcontractors, ensure that their project meets relevant regulations, and troubleshoot problems.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree at minimum
- Job Outlook (2020-30): +11%
- Median Annual Salary: $97,180
Sometimes known as IT project managers or computer and information systems managers, IT managers coordinate technology for their organizations. They set goals, implement strategies, and make sure computer systems operate smoothly. They need to understand a company's overall goals so they can research and select systems to help meet them. These professionals often work in industries such as computer systems design, finance, and insurance.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree; master's often preferred
- Job Outlook (2020-30): +11%
- Median Annual Salary: $151,150
Chief executives supervise their company's overall direction. Their responsibilities include establishing policies, setting goals, and working with directors to ensure staff meet those goals. They design and approve strategies, receive reports from managers, and may report on the company's progress to a board of directors. They oversee all budgets and financial operations, analyze reports, and make top-level decisions for optimizing operations.
- Required Education: Bachelor's degree; master's often preferred
- Job Outlook (2020-30): +8%
- Median Annual Salary: $107,680
Selecting Your Project Management MBA Program
Degree-seekers can use the list of the top project management MBA programs as a solid starting point for finding great schools. Every prospective student prioritizes different objectives, however, and clarifying priorities can help narrow down the list of potential schools.
Accreditation should rank high on every prospective student's list of considerations. National and regional accreditation apply to the institution as a whole, with regional accreditation widely accepted as the more rigorous standard. Many employers do not recognize degrees from schools without regional accreditation. For program-specific standards, aspiring MBA students can look for accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
The length of a program is another important factor for many students. Professionals already working full time may prefer a longer timeline. Those hoping to enter the workforce sooner might opt for accelerated programs, or schools that allow them to take more credits at once.
A strong alumni network can help graduates secure jobs. Many degree-seekers look for programs with alumni connections to major companies. Program participants may also want to consider whether they can access the school's career resources, attend networking events from a distance, and participate in student chapters of professional associations.
Why You Should Get Your MBA in Project Management Online
Online education provides flexibility for both students and academic programs. As online study grows in popularity, options abound across a variety of disciplines. With an MBA, learners can enjoy the same breadth of concentration options and rigorous programming as those offered by in-person programs.
With an MBA in project management, students can engage in distance learning without worrying about fulfilling crucial in-person components. MBA students can often gain significant experience by meeting with colleagues and business partners online.
When considering an online MBA in project management, students should ensure they can motivate themselves to complete work outside of a classroom environment. Synchronous class meetings or periodic in-person residencies can energize those who thrive in communities, while asynchronously presented materials may suit those who work best on their own.
Because an online MBA demands the same commitment as an on-campus program, students should honestly assess their own capabilities before enrolling.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
2022's Top Online MBA Programs in Project Management
Project managers work with a team to oversee the lifecycle of a project. This requires specialized training offered by some of the nation's best business schools. Review the five best online MBA programs in project management based on our ranking criteria listed below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an MBA in project management?
Project management MBA graduates enjoy a wide variety of career opportunities. With a strong knowledge base in business foundations, they can manage departments or advance into upper management to oversee whole organizations. Popular career paths for project managers include architectural and engineering manager, construction manager, IT manager, management analyst, and chief executive officer.
Is PMP better than an MBA?
Project management professional (PMP) certification is a widely recognized industry credential. Many MBA programs actually lead toward PMP certification, making the two educational paths complementary rather than exclusionary. With an MBA plus a PMP, project managers offer employers a foundation of business experience that extends beyond their specialization.
Is an MBA in project management worth it?
With an MBA in project management, graduates qualify for an exciting variety of potentially lucrative jobs. Many employers prefer a master's degree for positions such as IT manager, architectural and engineering manager, and top executive. The salary potential is a strong draw; chief executive officers, for example, earned an annual median salary of $107,680 as of May 2020.
What kind of project management degrees are there?
The master of science in project management zooms in on the specialty with a highly focused curriculum. A master of science in leadership may also offer concentrations in project management. With the MBA, students complete a business core, taking courses like accounting and strategic management alongside their concentration courses.
Do project managers need an MBA?
Project managers may qualify for some jobs with a bachelor's degree, depending on the employer and the level. With an MBA, though, graduates typically secure faster advancement and higher-level jobs. Some big companies require managers to hold an MBA, and many employers list the degree as a preference.
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