Best Online Master’s in Project Management Programs of 2026
Explore the best online project management master’s degrees and discover the benefits they can provide during and after your studies.
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2026As organizations look for skilled leaders who can effectively manage and oversee complex projects from start to finish, there’s a strong demand for project management specialists. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that jobs for project management specialists will grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034.
A master’s degree in project management can provide you with advanced leadership and planning skills, preparing you for in-demand roles in project, product, and operations management.
To help you make an informed decision, we compiled a list of the best online master’s in project management programs that offer high-quality education and the flexibility for you to balance your studies and your personal life.
Best Online Master’s in Project Management
How We Rank Schools
George Washington University — Best Career Services
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: GWU supports project management students in finding jobs after graduation through a career center, coaching, and an industry mentorship network.
George Washington's MS in project management is our top choice for students seeking the best career services and support to advance their careers. The F. David Fowler Career Center offers career coaching, including interview and elevator pitch prep. Students can also take advantage of corporate site visits around the D.C. area. According to the center, annual graduate salaries average $109,478, with a typical signing bonus of $18,042.
You also have the option to join the Careers360 program, where you can meet one-on-one with mentors in consulting, finance, and marketing at businesses like Deloitte, IBM, Bank of America, and JPMorgan.
What We Like About GWU
- Add a 12-credit graduate certificate in human capital, management leadership, or quantitative business to your master's at no extra cost.
- Pursue the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to bolster your master's degree with skills in risk management, financial planning, and leadership.
- As an online graduate student, you automatically receive a 30% tuition discount scholarship, costing you a total of $43,596 instead of $62,280.
What We Don't Like
- While weekly live sessions may work for some students, others may find it difficult to balance work and school.
- Even after the 30% tuition discount, GWU is the second-most expensive school on our list after Georgetown University.
24%
$35,100
92%
$35,100
- Acceptance Rate
- 47%
- Students Enrolled
- 25,374
- Institution Type
- Private
Georgetown University — Best Brand Recognition
- Washington, DC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Having the Georgetown name behind your degree could make you more competitive for project management roles.
The online master's in project management from Georgetown University leverages its renowned name, and that visibility can pay dividends for graduates seeking project manager roles. The program, within Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies, includes coursework aligned with the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge and courses focused on using AI to manage projects.
Because Georgetown is considered a "Hidden Ivy," a highly selective liberal arts college, a degree from the school carries weight. When recruiters scan credentials, the Georgetown name can help you stand out, and the online MPM's curriculum backs up your skills.
What We Like About Georgetown
- Stack your degree with a 12-credit certificate in Lean & Agile Practices at no extra cost.
- Courses are mostly asynchronous and take place in either a traditional 15-week format or an accelerated 7.5-week format.
- Georgetown has maximum Yellow Ribbon funding for eligible military and veteran students, so the university will cover tuition after the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
What We Don't Like
- Georgetown is the most expensive program on our list, costing more than $50,000, about $12,000 more than our most affordable private university.
- Georgetown's program is reviewed and approved by the Project Management Institute (PMI) accrediting body, but it is not accredited by PMI's Global Accreditation Center.
21%
$58,848
97%
$58,848
- Acceptance Rate
- 13%
- Students Enrolled
- 20,031
- Institution Type
- Private
Ohio University — Best Value Online Project Management Master's
- Athens, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This program is the most affordable on our list by over $10,000.
Ohio University's master's in project management is by far the most affordable on our list, beating the next-most affordable school (Regis University) by over $10,000. OU estimates you'll pay $25,170 for the entire program if you're an in-state student, while out-of-state students only pay $660 more.
It's also the most affordable option for veterans/active-duty personnel, as eligible students can receive a 15% discount for the online program and have their military experience transferred as college credit. OU is also a Yellow Ribbon school that provides maximum funding, meaning that it covers the remaining tuition after Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are applied.
What We Like About OU
- OU has seven concentrations/certificates, the most of any on our list, including ones in artificial intelligence, finance, and human resources.
- The program offers six start dates in spring, summer, and fall for maximum flexibility.
- OU's project management program is accredited by PMI's Global Accreditation Center.
What We Don't Like
- You need to submit a personal statement, two letters of recommendation, and a $50 application fee to apply.
- OU doesn't appear to offer any online student-specific resources.
62%
$ 9,444
84%
$17,436
- Acceptance Rate
- 85%
- Students Enrolled
- 25,767
- Institution Type
- Public
Regis University — Best Online Project Management MBA
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: This is the only master of business administration program on our list.
Regis' graduate program in project management is the only one on our list that confers an MBA upon graduation. The program comprises business classes, such as product development, business ethics, business intelligence, and finance. According to Payscale, MBA grads earn about 14% more on average than project management grads who hold MS degrees.
The program's capstone project allows you to gain practical leadership experience by presenting a project to a real company's leadership team. Other classes emphasize team collaboration in simulated operations management scenarios and how to develop an agile product.
What We Like About Regis
- Regis offers a fast but flexible degree program, which you can complete in 1-2 years through eight-week terms.
- Start on one of six dates in January, March, May, June, August, or October, whichever is most flexible for you.
- Regis is our most affordable private university at $1,066 per credit for a total cost of $38,376. The school offers up to $10,200 in merit scholarships.
What We Don't Like
- If you're looking for a more specialized STEM experience, this program may not be the right fit for you, as it maintains a strong business focus.
- Although Regis is a Yellow Ribbon school, it only covers a maximum $17,500 per year after the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
60%
$14,573
72%
$14,573
- Acceptance Rate
- 86%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,627
- Institution Type
- Private
Wake Forest University — Easiest Online Program Application
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose It: Program applicants are not required to submit test scores, essays, or letters of recommendation. Plus, Wake offers rolling admissions.
The online master of project management at Wake Forest University stands out as the easiest program to apply to on our list. Most other programs require letters of recommendation and a personal essay, which might be a barrier for many busy professionals. WFU's School of Professional Studies says it wants "to be accessible to anyone," and its admissions criteria reflect this.
Instead of a lengthy process involving writing samples, recommendation letters, and test scores, all you need to do is upload your application with your academic transcripts and updated resume. The school sometimes even waives its $50 application fee. WFU is also our second-most affordable private university, with a total tuition of only about $600 more than Regis.
What We Like About WFU
- Enjoy academic and career support from WFU's student success managers, and join live video discussions with industry professionals and faculty.
- Choose two electives, including courses that prepare you for certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Certified Associate in Project Management certification, and ScrumMaster certification.
- WFU's MPM takes an average of two years to earn, although students have the option to accelerate their studies or graduate on a more flexible schedule.
What We Don't Like
- Like Georgetown University, WFU's program is not accredited by PMI's Global Accreditation Center; however, it is an Authorized Training Partner (ATP).
- Although WFU is a Yellow Ribbon university, students at the School of Professional Studies are not eligible for additional funding.
16%
$38,650
95%
$38,650
- Acceptance Rate
- 22%
- Students Enrolled
- 9,121
- Institution Type
- Private
How We Highlight What Schools Do Best
We analyzed each school’s program to identify qualities that set it apart from others on this list, prioritizing factors like affordability, career services, and brand recognition. Based on these strengths, we assigned each school a superlative category.
Since many programs share similar offerings and outcomes, our goal is to simplify your college decision-making by highlighting the features most relevant to your needs.
We verified these schools’ facts in November 2025.
Why You Should Get a Master’s in Project Management
Develop Advanced Skills: A master’s in project management can help you develop advanced planning and problem-solving skills, making you a more effective leader when overseeing projects.- Career Advancement Opportunities: With a project management master’s, you can pursue senior-level positions with greater earning potential, such as senior project manager and project management consultant.
- Learn Versatile Skills: The skills and expertise you acquire during your studies can be applied to a variety of roles, organizations, and industries.
Benefits of Getting a Master’s in Project Management Online
- Nearly all (99%) online master’s students and graduates surveyed in our 2025 Online Education Trends Report would recommend online learning to others.
- The vast majority (75%) of online master’s students and grads think online learning is equal to or better to on-campus learning.
- Roughly 70% of online graduates say their program effectively prepared them for their first job.
How to Choose the Best Project Management Master’s Program for You
Picking the best project management master’s degree is a personal decision, but making sure your choice is affordable, accessible, and rewarding is a good start.
Here are some important factors to consider:
How Much Does a Master’s in Project Management Cost?
Master’s in Business, Management, and Marketing, 2019-2020
Online Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,995
In-Person Avg. Tuition & Fees
$21,974
Source: NCES PowerStats
Graduate education can be expensive, but online learning can sometimes be a more affordable option.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average annual cost for an online master’s in project management is approximately $11,000. This is about 50% less expensive than the average cost for an in-person program, at $22,000.
Additionally, an online program can reduce your travel costs and facilities fees, making it more budget-friendly.
Despite these savings, 26% of the online master’s students we surveyed in our 2025 Online Education Trends Report said that paying for their education and minimizing student debt was their greatest challenge. Financial aid offices at many schools offer graduate students scholarships, grants, and fellowships, so contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Find Financial Aid for Your Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Master’s Degree in Project Management?
Typical # of Credits
36 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
A typical master’s program takes around 36 credits and up to three years to complete, though accelerated options exist. For example, the University of New Hampshire offers an online master’s in project management program that can be finished in 18 months.
Application Requirements
Admission requirements for a master’s degree program in project management typically include:
Bachelor’s degree- Minimum GPA requirements
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- GRE or GMAT scores
- Statement of purpose
What Can You Do With a Project Management Master’s?
A master’s in project management can prepare you for leadership positions in several sectors, including manufacturing, business, and healthcare.
These degrees also equip you with in-demand skills, such as strategic planning, risk management, budget control, adaptability, sustainability, and AI and data integration. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project managers with strengths in these areas are in high demand.
The following table highlights some of the occupations project management master’s graduates can pursue:
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Project Management Specialist | $100,750 | Manages project staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and communication to ensure successful project completion |
| Operations Manager | $102,950 | Manages daily business operations, optimizing resources and workflow |
| Cost Estimator | $77,070 | Analyzes production and service costs to improve budgeting and reduce expenses |
| Logistician | $80,880 | Organizes product life cycles and supply chains, including purchasing, transportation, and inventory management |
Learn More About Project Management Jobs
Is a Master’s in Project Management Worth It?
Pursuing your master’s in project management online offers the benefit of schedule flexibility and less travel time, making it easier to balance work and study.
Additionally, it can open doors to senior-level career opportunities and higher salaries. Data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers shows individuals who earn a master’s degree in a management-related field can expect to earn over $30,000 more in starting salary compared to those who only hold a bachelor’s degree.
Education Beyond a Master’s Degree
Earning a master’s in project management can lead to more advanced degrees, such as a doctorate in business or management. These degrees can prepare you for executive leadership positions, specialized consulting roles, or teaching and research positions in academia.
Note that some doctorates, such as a doctor of business administration (DBA), may require prior professional experience for admission. Top executive and consulting positions typically prefer candidates with practical experience, so gaining hands-on project management experience before or during your doctoral studies may enhance your career prospects after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Project Management Degrees
Project management offers diverse career opportunities and strong earning potential across industries such as business, construction, manufacturing, and tech. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that project management specialists will experience a faster-than-average job growth of 6% between 2024 and 2034. Additionally, the median annual salary for these specialists is $100,750 which is twice the median for all occupations.
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