Best Online MBA in Project Management Programs of 2025

Q: Is an MBA better than PMP certification?

The better choice between an MBA and a PMP certification depends on you and your career goals, as an MBA program provides a broad education and a PMP certification is more specialized. An MBA program is applicable for careers across industries, offers networking opportunities, and develops your leadership skills. However, it does take more time to complete. A PMP certification can be achieved faster and focuses on industry-needed practical skills, but is specialized instead of general. Professionals with master's degrees tend to make more than people with just a certification.

Q: Does an MBA count toward PMP certification requirements?

An MBA degree typically does not count toward PMP certification requirements. A PMP certification typically requires professionals to have at least a bachelor's degree and 2-5 years of project management experience. However, an MBA can still be independently worth it for your career goals.

Q: How much do project managers with an MBA make?

According to Payscale data from April 2025, project managers typically earn between $55,000 and $122,000 a year. How much you make as a project manager with an MBA degree, however, can vary depending on your years of experience, your location, what industry you work in, and what other certifications you may have.

Q: Is an MBA or MS better for project management?

Neither an MBA or an MS is inherently better than the other for project management, and which program you should pursue depends on your career interests. An MBA program typically has a broader focus, focuses more on organizational strategy, flexible career paths, and can be a stepping stone to executive roles. A MS in project management is usually more specialized to project management, focuses on practical skills, and is a good fit for professionals wanting to pivot to project management or hone their skills in the field.

Find out which project management MBA programs ranked at the top of our list and what you should consider when researching MBA programs.

Edited by

Updated May 15, 2025

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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online MBA in Project Management Programs

#1: Wake Forest University — The school’s AACSB-accredited MBA program tops our list thanks to strong student success rates and high median earnings for graduates.

Project managers, or project management specialists, coordinate and oversee a project’s budget, timeline, and staffing. They manage complex projects from start to finish for companies in a variety of industries, such as tech and manufacturing.

An MBA in project management program can help you develop the skills necessary to become a successful project manager and business leader.

Below, we ranked the best online MBA programs in project management by evaluating key factors like student retention, graduation rate, and cost. Explore our picks below to find the best project management master’s program for you.

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In this Article

Top Online MBA in Project Management Programs 2025

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

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

22%

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

Why Wake Forest Made Our List

Wake Forest's online MBA in project management offers a practical blend of business fundamentals and project management training. Core courses focus on areas like financial management and business law, while the project management track prepares you to effectively manage teams and timelines. The program strongly supports professional growth through initiatives like the WakeNetwork online networking platform and the Office of Personal and Career Development.

Why Attend Wake Forest

Ongoing Support: You'll get consistent support and networking opportunities through the WakeNetwork online platform and the Office of Personal and Career Development, which provides access to career coaching, relevant events and workshops, career fairs, and more.
Focused, Collaborative Learning: With just 30-40 students per cohort, you'll get more opportunities for interaction, peer learning, and one-on-one faculty engagement.
Career Growth While Enrolled: According to Wake Forest, MBA students received an average salary increase of 38% while still enrolled, and 60% received promotions before graduating.

Know Before You Go

Work Experience Preferred: Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of full-time work experience, but applicants' average amount of experience is 8.9 years.
Full-Time Employment Preferred: Wake Forest prefers applicants who currently work full time. Those who don't must receive approval from the program director.
Not Fully Asynchronous: Courses in this program may contain a mix of asynchronous discussions and synchronous video sessions.
High Tuition Cost: This program costs about $70,000 in total, while others in this list cost around half that amount.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$63,608

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$63,608

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,121

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,650

Wake Forest University

Winston-Salem, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$38,650

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,650

Acceptance Rate

22%

Online Enrollment

16%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$63,608

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$63,608

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

9,121

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Wake Forest Made Our List

Why Attend Wake Forest

Ongoing Support: You'll get consistent support and networking opportunities through the WakeNetwork online platform and the Office of Personal and Career Development, which provides access to career coaching, relevant events and workshops, career fairs, and more.
Focused, Collaborative Learning: With just 30-40 students per cohort, you'll get more opportunities for interaction, peer learning, and one-on-one faculty engagement.
Career Growth While Enrolled: According to Wake Forest, MBA students received an average salary increase of 38% while still enrolled, and 60% received promotions before graduating.

Know Before You Go

Work Experience Preferred: Preference is given to applicants with at least two years of full-time work experience, but applicants' average amount of experience is 8.9 years.
Full-Time Employment Preferred: Wake Forest prefers applicants who currently work full time. Those who don't must receive approval from the program director.
Not Fully Asynchronous: Courses in this program may contain a mix of asynchronous discussions and synchronous video sessions.
High Tuition Cost: This program costs about $70,000 in total, while others in this list cost around half that amount.

Endicott College

Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$13,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

72%

Acceptance Rate

39%

Online Enrollment

Why Endicott Made Our List

Endicott's online MBA offers tons of flexibility for working professionals and allows you to pursue two concentrations at the same time. This makes Endicott a strong choice for those looking to deepen their expertise in multiple business areas, from construction project management to public administration. The program combines career-focused learning with collaborative opportunities, including networking and an optional international study class.

Why Attend Endicott

Flexible Admission Requirements: Endicott doesn't require prior work experience or GMAT or GRE test scores to apply — you only have to submit a 250-word essay, a resume or CV, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation.
Flexible Start Dates: The program offers eight start dates per year, while others in our list offer only three.
Dual Concentration Option: Endicott lets you pursue two concentrations at the same time. There are 18 concentrations to choose from, including healthcare, human resources, and public administration.

Know Before You Go

No Programmatic Accreditation: This online MBA hasn't been evaluated by a third-party organization to guarantee quality standards in business education. The other programs on our list hold AACSB and ACBSP accreditation.
No Project Management Concentration: While the program offers many concentrations and specialized courses, such as construction project management and agile project management, it doesn't have a dedicated project management track.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,312

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,312

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

4,254

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,370

Endicott College

Beverly, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$13,370

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,370

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

39%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,312

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,312

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

4,254

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Endicott Made Our List

Why Attend Endicott

Flexible Admission Requirements: Endicott doesn't require prior work experience or GMAT or GRE test scores to apply — you only have to submit a 250-word essay, a resume or CV, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation.
Flexible Start Dates: The program offers eight start dates per year, while others in our list offer only three.
Dual Concentration Option: Endicott lets you pursue two concentrations at the same time. There are 18 concentrations to choose from, including healthcare, human resources, and public administration.

Know Before You Go

No Programmatic Accreditation: This online MBA hasn't been evaluated by a third-party organization to guarantee quality standards in business education. The other programs on our list hold AACSB and ACBSP accreditation.
No Project Management Concentration: While the program offers many concentrations and specialized courses, such as construction project management and agile project management, it doesn't have a dedicated project management track.

Norwich University

Northfield, VT4 yearCampus + Online

$22,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

47%

Online Enrollment

Why Norwich Made Our List

Norwich's online MBA in project management uses an asynchronous format, giving working professionals extra flexibility to deepen their expertise without impacting their careers or personal lives. The core curriculum covers traditional MBA topics while integrating Project Management Institute (PMI) standards directly into the classroom. The program is even accredited by the PMI's Global Accreditation Center, the world's leading specialized accrediting body for project management and related degrees.

Why Attend Norwich

Low Tuition Cost: Norwich's MBA in project management boasts the lowest total tuition cost on our list: around $29,000. The other schools on this list charge $36,000 or more.
No GMAT or GRE: Norwich doesn't require GRE or GMAT scores — you just need an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Accepts Up to 12 Transfer Credits: You can receive the equivalent of up to 12 credits for prior college experience. In comparison, the two other schools on this list allow you to transfer only up to six credits.

Know Before You Go

Proof of English Proficiency May Be Required: If you don't have a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, you'll need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to prove your English-language fluency.
No Flat-Rate Tuition: Norwich's MBA requires 36 credits, and the cost per credit hour is $550-$799. This means your total tuition costs can range from around $20,000-$29,000.
Independent Research Project Required: During your final three courses, you'll complete a case study with a company to apply what you've learned in your concentration. This project must be completed in addition to the program's 36 required credits.

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$46,860

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,860

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

3,274

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,176

Norwich University

Northfield, VT4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$22,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,176

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

47%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$46,860

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$46,860

Retention Rate

69%

Students Enrolled

3,274

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Norwich Made Our List

Why Attend Norwich

Low Tuition Cost: Norwich's MBA in project management boasts the lowest total tuition cost on our list: around $29,000. The other schools on this list charge $36,000 or more.
No GMAT or GRE: Norwich doesn't require GRE or GMAT scores — you just need an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher.
Accepts Up to 12 Transfer Credits: You can receive the equivalent of up to 12 credits for prior college experience. In comparison, the two other schools on this list allow you to transfer only up to six credits.

Know Before You Go

Proof of English Proficiency May Be Required: If you don't have a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the primary language of instruction was English, you'll need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to prove your English-language fluency.
No Flat-Rate Tuition: Norwich's MBA requires 36 credits, and the cost per credit hour is $550-$799. This means your total tuition costs can range from around $20,000-$29,000.
Independent Research Project Required: During your final three courses, you'll complete a case study with a company to apply what you've learned in your concentration. This project must be completed in addition to the program's 36 required credits.

Is an Online MBA in Project Management Right for You?

Pros

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), project management specialists earned a median annual salary of $100,750 in 2024 — that’s around double the national median annual salary for workers across all occupations.
A project management MBA can help prepare you for an in-demand career. The BLS projects employment for project management specialists to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033, which is almost double the projected national average rate for all occupations.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), class of 2023 MBA graduates earned an average starting salary of just under $96,000 — and 83% were employed full time.
Online programs can provide flexibility without compromising on quality. In BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 94% of online MBA and master’s students and graduates surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment (ROI).

Cons

While online MBA programs tend to cost less than in-person ones, master’s programs as a whole can still be expensive. Compare the cost of a master’s program to the median annual salary for project managers to determine its potential ROI.
In our 2024 report, only 52% of online MBA and master’s students and graduates surveyed said their online classes included opportunities to build their professional networks.
Most employers say previous work experience is essential for potential employees, but just 32% of the online MBA and master’s students and graduates we surveyed said they took classes that included internships or co-op programs.

Curious what else you can specialize in? Explore popular MBA concentrations

How to Choose the Best Project Management MBA Program for You

Before you commit to a particular MBA in project management program, be sure to look at factors like cost and financial aid, program length, application requirements, and job opportunities.

Cost and Financial Aid
Program Length
Application Requirements
Accreditation
Careers

Cost of MBA in Project Management Program

Cost of a Business, Management, and Marketing Degree

Online

$11,171 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$8,505 Avg. Net Price

In-Person

$23,313 Avg. Tuition & Fees

$16,133 Avg. Net Price

Source: NCES PowerStats; latest available data is from 2019-2020 and is for all MBA concentrations

Business Scholarships: Schools, departments, and local businesses may offer scholarships for students studying business. You could also look for scholarships from local or state governments seeking to support their region’s business sector.
Graduate School Scholarships: Reach out to your school’s financial aid office to learn more about potential grants and scholarships available to graduate students.
Online Student Scholarships: If you enroll in an entirely online program, you may be eligible for scholarships specifically targeting online students.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Filling out the FAFSA can make you eligible for state, federal, and institutional grants, as well as federal loans.
Student Loans: Consider student loans as a last resort after taking into account your scholarship and grant options. Carefully review the terms of a loan before you agree to it. Note that federal loans typically offer lower interest rates.

Project Management MBA Program Length

Typical # of Credits

30-36 Credits

Typical Program Length

1-2 Years

MBA in Project Management Application Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree: Most MBA programs require you to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before you can apply.
Transcripts: You’ll need to submit all official transcripts from all colleges you previously attended.
Minimum GPA: Graduate schools will look at your undergraduate GPA, with many MBA programs requiring or preferring applicants to have at least a 3.0.
Letters of Recommendation: You may need to submit 1-3 letters of recommendation from previous professors and/or employers.
Test Scores: Depending on the school, you might need to take the GRE or GMAT prior to applying.
Interview: Typically one of the last steps in admissions, a representative from the MBA program or admissions committee will interview you about your experiences and goals.

Accreditation for MBA in Project Management Programs

Programmatic accreditation is the process of evaluating an academic program or department to ensure it meets certain quality benchmarks and educational standards.

When researching project management MBA programs, you should prioritize programs that have been accredited by one or more of the following:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education(IACBE)

Jobs With an MBA in Project Management Degree

Popular MBA in Project Management Jobs
Job	Median Annual Salary (April 2025)	Description
Construction Project Manager	$88,980	Prepares construction bids based on projected costs, reviews blueprints, oversees permit applications, and manages construction projects
Project Analyst	$68,230	Supports project managers by creating data-driven reports and assisting with decision-making on projects
Project Management Consultant	$94,470	Helps clients plan, organize, and manage complex projects, as well as offers advice and recommendations
Project Management Director	$130,160	Works with various teams to ensure a project is being carried out on time without exceeding its budget
Project Manager	$81,390	Coordinates the budget, staffing, and timeline of specialized and complex projects, as well as oversees projects’ teams and stakeholders

Source: Payscale

Education Beyond an MBA in Project Management Degree

Project Management Certifications: The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers three project management certifications, which can help demonstrate your management expertise and skills to employers. One popular certification — project management professional (PMP) — targets industry professionals with 3-5 years of experience.
Other Business Certifications: Earning other types of business certifications, such as supply chain certifications, can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Try to tailor the certifications you earn to the types of project management jobs and industries in which you’re most interested.
Doctorate in Business Administration: Many employers look for project managers with a master’s degree, but some business professionals choose to pursue a doctor of business administration (DBA) or Ph.D. in business. This advanced degree program can help prepare you to conduct high-level research and take on executive positions, like chief executive officer (CEO).

Frequently Asked Questions About Online MBA in Project Management Programs

Is an MBA worth it for project management?

Whether an advanced degree is worth it depends on your career goals and the projected earnings of the job you are trying to get.

The average tuition and fees before financial aid for an MBA in project management ranges from $11,171 for an online program to $23,313 for an on-campus program, according to 2020 data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). According to the BLS, project management specialists earned a median annual salary of $100,750 in 2024.

Comparing the cost of an MBA program to the median salary of a project manager, you will see that an MBA can be worth it for you.