Online Masters in Project Management Degrees & Programs

Earning a Master in Project Management Online might help prepare you to pursue potential career opportunities in a variety of industries. Help implement and plan resources that organizations need to complete projects with this degree program.

What are Online Masters Degree in Project Management?

An online masters degree in project management is a postgraduate program focused on helping students learn how to lead team members and organize large and small projects to ensure quality and timely completion. Students in a master’s in an online project management program usually engage in coursework that shows them how to use qualitative and quantitative analysis to plan, organize, execute, and measure the success of projects. Online project management master’s programs also typically include coursework in organizational leadership and technology. Some of the courses included are:

• Project management principles
• Organizational behavior and project management
• Ethics in project management
• Quantitative methods for project managers
• Qualitative methods for project manager
• Risk management
• Resource management
• Conflict resolution
• Business management

The business world has seen several changes. Increasing globalization, the rise of the Internet and the age of the startup have all come together to establish a landscape different from the standard office environment of years past. Specifically, many businesses now take a more project-focused approach to problem solving. Smaller companies especially might find the smaller size and agility of project-centric groups to be more manageable and more flexible in a world where financial resources may be hard to come by. Of course, a project is only as good as its management strategy, which is why the role of the project manager may often be considered important in an organization.

Online Masters Degree in Project Management Admission Requirements

Requirements for a master in project management online program vary by school. Still, they may include a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field with a minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, and professional experience. Some schools require applicants to take the GRE or GMAT before admission. Prospective students interested in a master’s degree online project management program should take into account the tuition and associated expenses of the program. In addition, various research schools find the one best suits their needs.

Master in Project Management Online Programs: Curriculum

Unlike standard business education, online project management master’s degree programs take a much shorter-term approach to accomplishing corporate objectives. Whereas business leaders need to be trained to think long-term, project managers’ goals are generally more centered on immediate to middle-term completion of a goal, be it a product development or a service campaign.

The Project Management Institute broke the processes involved in this sort of business leadership into five categories: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing[i]. These are the key competency areas that graduate programs in this field are likely to be geared toward. From soft skills like time management and communication to more concrete objective-oriented actions like quality control and financial planning, project management is designed to give graduates the skills and knowledge they need to successfully handle all aspects of a temporary assignment from inception to postmortem.

Additionally, a master in project management online is designed to prepare students for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and follows the guidelines of the Project Management Institute (PMI). Students can apply completed credits toward PMI’s certification

How long does it take to earn a master’s in project management online?

The amount of time it takes to earn a master’s in project management online varies depending on the program and the individual student’s circumstances. A master’s degree in project management can be completed in two years or less when studying online, although some programs may take longer. The timeframe also depends on the number of courses taken each semester and whether any courses are taken concurrently. Additionally, many universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to complete their degrees in as little as one year. It is best to contact the university you are considering for more information on their specific program requirements and timelines.

Project Manager Salary Potential and Job Outlook

Graduates of an online master project management program may wish to pursue career paths in the world of consultancy. For example, construction is an industry that commonly operates on a project basis. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction managers earned a 2021 median annual salary of $98,890, with jobs expected to grow by 8% through 2031. Those who are interested in exploring a more business-situated career may wish to consider professions such as management analysts. These professionals operate on a consulting basis to help companies improve their operational efficiency and maximize profits. The BLS reported that this job earned a 2021 median annual salary of $93,000, and there is a 11% growth in jobs expected through 2031.

Market research might be another career option for graduates of an online project management master’s degree program, as companies strive to adapt their marketing strategies to cater to new generations of consumers. According to the BLS, market research analysts earned a median annual salary of $63,920 in 2021, with jobs expected to grow by 19% through 2031.

Is Earning a Master in Project Management Program Right for You?

Moving further into the 21st century, companies are likely to have to continue adapting to new ways of doing business. Smaller, more agile firms may flourish in this ever changing business world, and these organizations tend to operate on a project basis. Educated and trained professionals who are adept at project management may be well situated to help lead the charge moving into the new business landscape.

GradSchools.com offers 36 Gradua Schools with Online Masters Degree in Project Management