A bachelor's in project management can prepare you for an exciting and lucrative career. Project managers run company initiatives efficiently, and the skills required to do so are needed in nearly every industry. As new technologies and ideas reshape the economy, project managers will help lead industries into the future.
Choosing to pursue a project management bachelor's degree online allows you to earn a degree on our own schedule and often more quickly than an on-campus degree. You may be able to apply your work experience toward college credits. This guide will help you decide if an online project management program is the right degree for you.
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How Much Can You Make in a Project Management Career?
Your online project management degree can lead to a variety of careers, and while it won't guarantee you a job or a specific salary, it will increase your chances of getting hired. A bachelor's in project management will open up a variety of potential positions and help you stand out from other candidates with less education. The table below lists five careers your degree can help prepare you for, as well as the median salaries and expected growth of each position. This table is by no means exhaustive but is intended to give you some ideas for your own career planning.
- Median Annual Salary: $104,700
- Job Growth 2016-2026: 8%
These professionals work at the head of companies, ranging from small businesses to large corporations. They may work within a specific department or oversee multiple departments within an organization. This is rarely an entry-level position; aside from starting their own company, most people need years of work experience to qualify for this line of work.
- Median Annual Salary: $121,060
- Job Growth 2016-2026: 7%
Sales managers focus their energy on increasing sales for their company. They might design and implement new programs to boost sales, work to improve the efficacy of existing programs, or ensure that members of the sales team are trained and kept up-to-date on the most recent techniques and directives used by the department.
- Median Annual Salary: $129,380
- Job Growth 2016-2026: 10%
Sometimes called marketing or promotions managers, these professionals draw attention to the company in order to bring in new or returning customers and clients. These professionals benefit from project management, but also require some knowledge of advertising or marketing. People in this position generally have work experience in advertising or marketing firms or departments before reaching this level.
- Job Growth 2016-2026: 10%
These professionals manage corporate support services. This can include record keeping, facilities management, or maldistribution. Depending on the size of the company they may handle these things personally or supervise a team of other employees. They might also design and implement new systems or plans to maintain these services.
- Job Growth 2016-2026: 14%
These professionals analyze the effectiveness of existing departments, programs, or managers in order to improve the quality and efficiency of a given company or department. They often work for consulting companies that focus on this kind of service, but large organizations may offer similar positions.
Sources: BLS 2018
What Courses Can be Taken for an Online Project Management Degree?
Every bachelor's degree in project management is unique, so every program has different course requirements. The table below offers five examples of the kinds of courses you may take, though the names and specific details will vary from one program to the next.
Leadership Principles
These courses address personal, professional, and organizational leadership tactics and the skills necessary for successful project management.
Principles of Management
In these courses, you'll cover the functions of management, including planning, organization, staffing, and leadership.
Project Scheduling and Control
These courses explore best practices for planning projects and keeping them on track. Students participate in immersive scenarios to give them a first-hand understanding of the concepts.
Project Management Tools
In project management courses, you'll become familiar with the tools and techniques used to successfully manage projects, and will be introduced to popular software used for that purpose.
Project Risk Assessment
Here, you'll cover the techniques used to assess projects for potential risks, as well as how to mitigate those risks in order to minimize the impact on a given project.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Courses and Careers in Online Project Management Programs
There are a lot of factors to consider when evaluating schools. This section includes five common questions that can help you figure out if an online program is right for you. Every school has advisers who will be happy to help you with more specific questions.
What are the benefits of attending online?
Online programs are generally more flexible, allowing you to fit them into your schedule. Some programs are offered in accelerated formats, which means you will take more classes per term than normal, and finish your degree more quickly. Perhaps most useful, many online programs cost less than their on-campus equivalents.
Is an online program the same quality as one on campus?
You will get the same quality of instruction online because most courses are taught by the professors who administer on-campus equivalent courses.
Can I get financial aid for an online program?
Yes! The Free Application for Federal Student Aid can help you find loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help you cover the costs of going to college. These sources are available to any students who attend accredited schools, both online and in-person. Other sources of funding, such as private scholarships, may have more specific requirements, such as enrollment in a certain university.
How do I choose classes for my online project management degree?
You will have required courses that you must complete but should have the freedom to choose some of your other classes, both within your degree and for your general education requirements. Choose courses that align with your career goals.
How long will my degree take?
That depends on a few factors. A bachelor's degree can generally be completed in four years of full-time study. Taking extra courses each term or attending during the summer can reduce this time, but can also be more stressful than taking the expected number of courses. Many online programs offer ways to reduce the time you spend on your degree.
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Project Management Programs
Scholarships are a great way to help pay for your online bachelor's degree in project management. Unlike student loans, they don't have to be paid back, but they are competitive and can be hard to get. The table below includes five scholarships to help get you started looking for some to which you may apply.
This scholarship is for a student pursuing a project management-related curriculum, full or part time, undergraduate or graduate, at an accredited university. It is open to members of the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Baltimore, Maryland chapter, or the child or grandchild of a member. The PMI has been helping to advance project management as a field and discipline since 1969, and today boasts almost three million members in 80 different countries.
Recently increased to $3,000 a year, this scholarship is offered by the PMI's Orange County, California chapter. This scholarship is intended for students who are entering or continuing their degree program (with proof of enrollment) in a project management-related field. Winners will be chosen based on their academic credentials, two essays, and the judges' overall impression that they have the capacity for academic success.
Each year the PMI Education Foundation (PMIEF) awards up to $2,000 to a member from the Washington, D.C. chapter of the organization. This scholarship can only be applied to accredited schools in Maryland, Virginia, or the District of Columbia. The PMIEF applies the credentials and application information of any student applying to all applicable scholarship opportunities, allowing you to apply for seven scholarships with one application.
The Dallas, Texas chapter of the PMI offers this scholarship of up to $2,500 each year. In order to qualify, a student must be pursuing a project management degree. They must also either live and study in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, or be a student who lives in the area and intends to pursue a project management degree. This latter qualification can include local students studying online.
This PMI global scholarship awards up to $3,000 annually, and can be used by a student currently enrolled in a project management program at the bachelor's level or above, at an accredited college or university. Students do not need to be residents of the United States, allowing international students to attend American institutions online. The deadline for the application is May 1st of each year.
Best Online Bachelor's in Project Management
#1 Online Project Management Degrees
Colorado State University-Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Aurora-based Colorado State University-Global Campus educates degree-seekers online and on campus. Students can pursue 39 online programs from the public institution, along with in-person academic offerings. The school offers an online bachelor's in project management.
The program's flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy enrollees to complete degree requirements. Distance learners can study from anywhere using the virtual classroom environment. Online students can consult with professors virtually. Undergraduate degree-seekers usually earn the bachelor's in four years of full-time study. Incoming students with transfer credits can earn their degree faster.
The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers can submit the FAFSA and determine whether they qualify for federal financial aid. The school's online undergraduate programs cost an average of $408 per credit. Financial aid counselors help students locate and apply for scholarships, grants, and loans.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Online Project Management Degrees
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
- Daytona Beach, FL
- 4 years
- Online
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a private postsecondary institution in Daytona Beach, Florida. Those interested in further schooling or career advancement can pursue a bachelor of science in project management.
Students complete the online project management coursework in a flexible learning environment. The curriculum consists of video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. By transferring credits, degree-seekers can finish degrees faster. The distance learning format makes it easier for students to keep their expenses low.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide at a Glance:
Percent of Students Who Graduate: 28%
Students Awarded Financial Aid: 49%
Students Awarded Student Loans: 14%
Average Cost Per Credit: N/A
Average Net Price: Unavailable
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Online Project Management Degrees
Minnesota State University Moorhead
- Moorhead, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students at Minnesota State University Moorhead can pursue an online bachelor's in project management. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online project management program's flexible scheduling options.
The public institution delivers academic programs from its campus in Moorhead. The school's 21 online programs allow students to pursue degrees from any location. Degree-seekers with personal or professional responsibilities often enroll in one of the institution's five online bachelor's programs.
Degree candidates take classes on general education topics, foundational subjects, and more advanced areas of the field. To complete the online bachelor's program, degree-seekers earn at least 120 credits. The program features a rigorous curriculum, helping enrollees develop foundational knowledge in the field.
Learners can access support services including academic advising, tutoring, and career services. Faculty advisors and career counselors help undergraduates and alumni locate job placements in their field. Financial aid counseling can help students reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Project Management Degrees
Davenport University
- Grand Rapids, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Davenport University offers a top-ranked online bachelor's in technology project management. Degree-seekers can choose from online programs or on-campus programs offered at the private institution's main campus in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Working professionals and busy students benefit from the flexibility of an online learning format.
The online bachelor's program draws on a rigorous curriculum to build advanced project management knowledge and skills. Degree-seekers work with faculty mentors and academic advisors to design a customized course of study based on their career goals. The school supports distance learners with financial aid counseling, online tutoring, and career services.
The school's accreditation status means that distance learners qualify for federal financial aid programs such as the Pell Grant. Undergraduates also pay for their degree with scholarships, state grants, and student loans.
Davenport University at a Glance:
Total Bachelor's Programs: 31
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Number of Online Students: 4,707
Rate of Acceptance: 82%
Rate of Graduation: 49%
Average Price Per Credit: Unavailable
Transfer Credits Allowed: No
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
