Best Online Bachelor’s in Project Management Programs

Q: Do I need a certification like PMP after graduation?

No, you do not need a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification immediately after graduation, but it can strengthen your credentials and advancement potential. Certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or PMP support career growth and leadership opportunities.

Q: Can I become a project manager with just a bachelor’s degree?

Yes, you can become a project manager with just a bachelor’s degree, especially in entry-level or coordinator roles. Many employers value foundational education combined with communication, organization, and leadership skills. Experience gained through internships or junior project roles can lead to advancement into full project management positions.

Q: What industries hire project management graduates?

Project management graduates are hired across industries, including construction, information technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government. Demand spans sectors because organizations rely on project managers to plan budgets, coordinate teams, and deliver projects on schedule.

Compare the best online bachelor’s in project management programs. Learn costs, certifications, and career outcomes to choose the right program.

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Updated April 29, 2026

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If you’re looking for an online bachelor’s in project management, the best programs will help you develop practical skills and deliver great career opportunities. You should also choose a program that meets recognized industry standards and prepares you to manage timelines, budgets, and teams in real-world settings.

Our list of the best online project management bachelor’s degrees offer flexible scheduling, good student outcomes, institutional credibility, and affordability.

In this Article

Best Online Project Management Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

Best for Working Students

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Best Flexible Online Degree for Full-Time Professionals

Saint Louis University offers its online project management bachelor’s degree through a program dedicated to working adults. The School for Professional Studies features built-in flexibility and resources for working adults. This self-paced format and career coaching brings in good results. According to Saint Louis, 90% of its alumni are working or in graduate school within six months of graduating.

Why Attend Saint Louis Online

Flexibility at the Forefront: Saint Louis University allows you to finish your degree at your own pace, including scheduling around work and personal obligations.
Training and Certificates Available: Saint Louis University also offers a number of online training and certificates, including in project management.
Industry Experts Available: Program faculty have real-world experience in the project management field.

Know Before You Go

Standard tuition is $660 per credit, but it is discounted to just $300 for active-duty service members, veterans, and first responders.
You might also be eligible for a discount with one of more than 120 corporate partners.
Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis, and transfer credits are encouraged.

26%

Online Enrollment

$52,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

88%

Retention Rate

$52,260

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Students Enrolled: 17,082

Institution Type: Private

Best for Career Advancement

Minnesota State University Moorhead

Moorhead, MN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Best Program Pathway to Industry-Recognized Certifications

Project Management Institute (PMI) certifications are widely recognized as ways to boost your resume in the project management field. You’ll have access to these programs as part of MSU Moorhead’s online project management degree. You can pursue either Project Management Professional (PM) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification during your degree.

Why Attend MSU Moorhead Online

Industry Accredited: MSU Moorhead's project management program is recognized by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.
Accelerated Classes: Courses are offered in eight-week modules, allowing you to finish the degree fast.
Virtual Office Hours: Faculty are required to hold virtual office hours throughout the week, meaning you’ll have personalized access to your instructors.

Know Before You Go

You can get credit for an associate degree, meaning you’ll only need 60 credits to finish the bachelor's degree program.
An ACT or SAT isn’t generally required for admission but may be required for some scholarships.

77%

Online Enrollment

$8,838

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$8,838

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 53%

Students Enrolled: 4,410

Institution Type: Public

Best for the Trades

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Best Online Degree for Construction and Trades Professionals

Bemidji State University's project management degree has a more niche focus. If you’re a trades professional with a two-year degree, Bemidji State offers a unique, accelerated pathway to turning that into a bachelor’s degree in project management.

Why Attend Bemidji State Online

Faculty With Trades Experience: Bemidji State faculty have real-world experience in the trades, so they’ll be able to help you apply project management to the field.
Built for Trades Professionals: The online, flexible program is built for someone working a full-time trades schedule.
Accelerated Degree: You’ll need just two years to finish the bachelor's degree.

Know Before You Go

You’ll need a building-focused trades associate degree to qualify for the program, including 32 technical credits.
The program allows you to take on as much or as little coursework as needed while you work full time.
Bemidji State also provides pathways for students with only a diploma in the trades to meet the minimum program requirements.

70%

Online Enrollment

$8,994

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$8,994

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 71%

Students Enrolled: 3,926

Institution Type: Public

Best for Transfer Students

Herzing University-Minneapolis

St. Louis Park, MN
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Most Generous Transfer Policy

Herzing's online project management program has by far the most generous transfer policy on our list. You can transfer up to 90 credits toward the degree, leaving only 30 credits to finish the program. If you’re one of millions of Americans with some college, but no credential, Herzing’s transfer policy can help you finish your degree fast.

Why Attend Herzing Online

Get Your Degree Fast: If you transfer the max amount of credits, you can finish your degree in just a year.
Career Support: Herzing offers career coaching and networking services even after you graduate.
Stackable Credentials: Herzing incorporates stackable credentials into its program, including in areas like tech and business.

Know Before You Go

Herzing features rolling admissions, so there’s no application deadline.
You can earn dual credit toward a master of business administration (MBA) degree from Herzing.
You’ll need prior college credit, ACT or SAT scores, or other entrance testing to qualify.

91%

Online Enrollment

$12,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

57%

Retention Rate

$12,360

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 94%

Students Enrolled: 752

Institution Type: Private

Best Real-World Experience

Davenport University

Grand Rapids, MI
4 year
Campus + Online
Accredited

Why We Chose It: Best Degree for Hands-On Project Management Technology Experience

Employers are looking for graduates with tech skills, and Davenport’s online program puts that at the forefront. Hands-on experience is baked into the online bachelor’s in technology project management program. It also features real-world projects integrated into the curriculum.

Why Attend Davenport Online

Hands-On Learning: You’ll have online projects and internship opportunities during the program.
Strong Employment Rate: According to Davenport, 96% of its graduates are either employed or have continued to pursue their education.
Dedicated Networking: Davenport’s Student Association of Project Management (SAPM) can help you build connections with your peers.

Know Before You Go

Davenport offers round-the-clock tutoring through its Global Campus.
Davenport offers rolling admissions with no fee.

81%

Online Enrollment

$22,272

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

74%

Retention Rate

$22,272

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State

Acceptance Rate: 97%

Students Enrolled: 4,848

Institution Type: Private

How to Choose the Best Online Project Management Program for You

Choosing the best online project management program begins with understanding your goals, learning preferences, budget, and desired career path. Then compare accreditation, curriculum quality, and support services.

Cost and Financial Aid

Most online bachelor’s in project management programs on our list charge roughly $600 per credit, though some public institutions may fall below that range and private universities may exceed it. The cost difference also depends on in-state and out-of-state tuition.

Ticket Price: A lower tuition rate can reduce debt, but you should weigh program quality, accreditation, and career outcomes equally.
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study funding from federal and state programs.
Residency: Public universities typically offer lower tuition for students who meet in-state residency requirements, while out-of-state students may pay significantly higher rates for the same courses.

Find Financial Aid for Your Project Management Program

Business Scholarships

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Online Student Scholarships

Accreditation and Program Quality

Accreditation is a key indicator of academic rigor and industry relevance in project management education. Programs accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Accreditation Center (GAC) meet internationally recognized standards for curriculum, faculty qualifications, and continuous improvement.

This designation signals that the program meets competencies employers value and can support students’ eligibility for respected credentials such as the Project Management Professional (PMP).

Flexibility and Format

Your best-fit online project management program depends on your schedule, learning style, and personal responsibilities. If you work full-time or manage family commitments, asynchronous courses may offer the greatest convenience because they allow you to complete assignments on your own timeline. If you prefer structure and interaction, you may benefit from synchronous classes with scheduled sessions and real-time collaboration.

Certifications and Career Outcomes

When comparing programs, review graduates’ career outcomes, such as job placement rates, salary potential, and advancement opportunities, to gauge real-world value.

For example, programs like Minnesota State University Moorhead’s emphasize preparation for industry-recognized certifications, including the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials. These certifications are widely recognized by employers and demonstrate standardized project management knowledge and leadership skills.

How Much Does an Online Project Management Degree Cost?

The online project management programs on this list vary in price, but the average cost is roughly $595 per credit, slightly higher than the overall average of roughly $490 per credit hour for bachelor’s degrees nationwide.

A typical bachelor’s degree requires about 120 credits, putting the estimated yearly cost between $10,000 and $35,000, depending on the school and the student’s residency status. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses and make these programs more affordable.

What Can You Do With a Project Management Degree?

Employment for project managers is expected to grow 6% by 2034, which is roughly 58,700 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is faster than the average growth for all occupations.

Project Management Jobs
Job	Median Annual Salary (May 2024)	Description
Logisticians	$80,880	Manage supply chains and help organizations with purchasing and shipping products
Project Management Specialist	$100,750	Work across teams to coordinate project details like staffing, budget, and schedules
Construction Manager	$106,980	Oversee construction projects, including planning, coordinating staff, budgeting, and supervising projects
Management Analysts	$101,190	Help companies cut costs and improve efficiency by looking at an organization’s finances and structure

Source: BLS

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Project Management Bachelor’s Degree?

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

While the typical program length is 4 years, students can shorten this time by using accelerated formats, taking advantage of transfer credit policies, and prior learning assessments that award credit for work or military experience. Some universities are experimenting with a 90-credit (3-year) bachelor’s degree, which significantly reduces both tuition costs and time to graduation.