As technical sophistication and logistical requirements of projects today become more complex, the need for a capable project manager cannot be neglected. A recent study by Project Management Institute (Make reality Global Survey 2020-2021) included Project Management among the top five areas that business leaders would like to focus on. Still, the industry faces a shortage of skilled project managers. As per the PMI 2021 Talent Gap Report, the global economy will need 25 million new project managers by 2030. This means that nearly 2.3 million new project managers will be required every year to keep up with the demand in the sector.
I hope this helps you get a picture of how hot a career in project management can be! You choose any domain, be it retail, supply chain operation, business, or marketing, all are looking for efficient Project Managers. A good degree program from a recognized university can help you fulfil your dream of becoming a project manager.
What is Project management?
Project management involves planning and organizing a company’s resources to get a specific task, event, or duty towards completion. A degree in project management supercharges your career for project management jobs across industries and helps organizations find people they need to work smarter and perform better.
A project manager supervises a project from inception to finish, keeping track of daily activities to ensure the deadline is met.
A project manager can be described as someone responsible for leading the team, outlining the goals, interacting with stakeholders, and seeing the project through its closure. The tasks can be anything from building a bridge, launching a new product, or developing new software; the project manager is responsible for the success or failure of the project.
With a degree in project management, you have the following skill set in your armor.
- Effective communication- You must become a pro at communicating with your team members or stakeholders.
- Planning and budgeting of the project
- Coordination and liaising – With timelines to adhere to, meetings, and synchronize the work of different teams, you have to be at the peak of your organizational skills.
- Leadership: You have planned everything to the minutest detail, but still, some deadlines can be missed, and people will get sick or change jobs. You become someone who can carry on with the changes and carry on smoothly despite the commotion.
- Tracking and Monitoring-Project management is not just completing the project but also successfully completing it. You keep track of the performance to ensure that the project runs according to the plan.
How Long does it take to become a Project Manager?
The road to becoming a project manager depends on your experience, education, and career objective. It can take a few months to four years of full-time study.
A conventional associate degree takes two regular years of study. Bachelor’s degree will take two years. A master’s will take one year or two years, along with the time required to complete the graduation.
The time required to complete an online course in project management varies. In an online bachelor’s degree, the school may consider your past work experience to forgo the requirements of a traditional bachelor’s course. The time required to complete an online degree can be similar to the traditional one but with fewer courses at a time.
Types of Project Management Degrees
Project management degree programs can be found at all degree levels. They range from associate to Ph.D., being the topmost degree level.
Further, the time required to complete the degree varies depending on the degree chosen, as shown in the table below.
| Type of Degree | Credit hours required | Time required to complete the degree |
| Associate Degree | 60-90 | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120-180 | 4 Years |
| Master’s Degree | 30-36 credits | 1-2 years |
| Doctorate | The program requires coursework including thesis | Minimum 4 years |
Difference between Project Manager and Business Manager
This appears to be quite a popular question among those considering career options in this field. Let’s sort the role confusion between Product Manager and Business manager by learning the difference between the job role of the two.
The business manager deals with the entire business, whereas the Project Manager deals with a specific project. For ease of explanation, as detailed in below chart.
| Nature of comparison | Project management | Business Management |
| Definition | As per PMI (Project management Institute), Project management is the use of specific knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to deliver something of value to people. Projects include building a structure, developing software for a better company procedure, providing relief after a natural disaster, and expanding sales to a new area. | Business management is managing, coordinating, and organization of business activities. The responsibility of a business manager involves overseeing operations, reviewing contracts, and helping employees reach their top productivity. |
| Process | One time | Continuous |
| Nature | Non-repetitive and unique | Repetitive and Regular |
Cheapest Online Associates Degree in Project Management
#1 Wake Technical Community College
Programme: Associate of Applied Science in Project management
Tuition: $76 (in-state);$268(out of state)
Accreditation: The commission on colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
In this 67 Credits program, you will study accounting, finance, economics, business ethics, and human capital management. The curriculum is designed with a mix of theory and practical application that aligns itself with government, industry, and entrepreneurship.
#2 Forsyth Tech Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Project Management Technology
Tuition: $76 per credit hour (in-state); $268 per credit hour (out of state)
Accreditation: The commission on colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
The 64-credit program is offered both on campus and online. General Understanding of the business environment, strong communication, and good decision-making skills are helpful personal attributes for the course. A strong maths background, especially high school algebra, and strong reading comprehension skills are recommended for the program.
#3 Clackamas Community College
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Project Management
Tuition: $117 per credit hour(in-state); $283 per credit hour (out of state)
Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
The AAS in Project Management program focuses on project planning, forecasting, and scheduling to keep up with the latest industry trends. This 90-92 credit program is offered both online and in person. This affordable two-year program equips you to kick-start a career as a project portfolio manager, project administrator, or project leader.
Program: Associate of Applied Science in Project Management
Tuition: $204.20 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission(HLC).
project management program, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to work as project managers, assistant project managers, project schedulers, cost estimators, and project coordinators.
#5 Cambridge College of Health & Technology
Program: AS in Data and Project Management
Tuition: $24,600 for the full program
Accreditation: Accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
This online/hybrid AS in Data and Project Management Program focuses on imparting knowledge and skills for students to enter employment in businesses in information technology and healthcare-related industries as data and project management support professionals. The 75-week program has course content as varied as human relations, communication, leadership skills, and efficient work practice.
10 Cheapest online Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
#1 College of Southern Nevada
Program: Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management
Tuition: $258.61per credit hour(in-state);$850per credit hour(out of state).
Accreditation: Continuously accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
This 120-credit degree program provides a unique pathway for students to build upon the technical skills and knowledge to emerge as successful project managers.
#2 Minnesota State University Moorhead
Program: BS Degree in Project management
Tuition: $294.59 per credit hour(in-state);$589.18 per credit hour(out of state)
Accreditation: Minnesota State University’s degree is accredited by The Project Management Institute(PMI) Global accreditation center for project management Education Programmes(GAC). The college is ranked #5 in the top Public Universities in Minnesota.
This BS in Project Management requires 120 credits for course completion. The university boasts that 100% of its project management students have jobs. Another benefit of the program is the transfer credit with an AA, AAS, or AS degree. This means that you will need 60 credits or less to complete the course.
#3 Colorado State University Global
Program: Bachelor of Science in Project Management
Tuition: $350 (per credit hour both in state and out of state)
Accreditation: Accredited by Higher Learning Commission (HLC)and ranks #4 in top Public Universities in Colorado.
CSU Global is the first non-profit statutorily defined online university in the USA. The College allows you to add a specialization to your online degree. The College offers a wide range of options from which you can choose your specialization. To give you an idea, below are some of the choices.
- International Business
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Healthcare management
- Construction management
#4 Bellevue University
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $440 per credit hour
Accreditation: Bellevue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission(HLC). Further, The Bachelor of Science in Project Management Degree is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).
Bellevue University offers a 127-credit bachelor’s Degree in Project Management. Experienced corporate and business leaders will teach you. They bring with them experience and expertise to give an actual world perspective on a variety of topics.
#5 Embry Riddle Aeronautical State University
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $465 per credit hour
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). It is ranked #9 best college in Florida
Embry-Riddle’s BS in Project Management has 120 credit hours of classes. The course is developed entirely by certified Project Management Professionals (PMPs), and all its faculty are certified PMPs. The college boasts that 94% of its graduates earn employment or enroll in continuing education within one year of graduation.
#6 City University of Seattle
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $470 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
In this BS in Project Management, students must receive 180 credits. Students can opt for a Specialised study emphasis in which five courses are taken in a specific content area. The Specialized Study emphasis is proposed by the student and has to be approved by the Program Director before registration.
#7 Ferris State University
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $505 per credit hour(US Residents); $815 per credit hour(International Students)
Accreditation: ACBSP, Higher Learning Commission
Ferris State University is a public university. Online application for this program requires a minimum of 3.0 GPA, a current resume, a one-page statement of purpose, GRE/GMAT scores, and three academic or professional letters of reference.
#8 Charleston Southern University
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $515 per credit hour
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Project management Students complete 51 significant credits along with Charleston State University’s 47 hours of Liberal Arts Core in 17-24 months. US News and World Report recognize the program as the #29 best online program in the nation. The program aims to equip students with project initiation, execution, monitoring and control, and finalization knowledge.
#9 Saint Louis University
Program: BS in Project Management
Tuition: $650 per credit hour
Accreditation: Regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.
The BS in Project Management at SLU is a 120-credit degree program to equip you with integrated leadership and management competencies. The program offers six start dates throughout the year and six-week terms. Applicants need at least three years of work experience and a high school or GED diploma.
#10 Capella University
Program: BS in Business Project Management
Accreditation: Capella University is accredited by the Higher learning commission. Along with this, the program specialization is certified by Project Management Institute(PMI) Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management (GAC)
Students have to choose from two learning paths. GuidedPath is for structured learning with a set schedule and peers. The other is Flexipath which allows students to take the course at their own pace. For graduation, students require 180 quarter credits. Those who qualify can transfer up to 135 credits.
10 Cheapest Online Masters in Project Management
#1 Missouri State University
Program: MS in Project management
Tuition: $267 per credit hour(in-state);$572 per credit hour(out of state).
Accreditation: Theprogram is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management Education.
This online MS in Project Management program is suitable for working professionals needing flexible courses. Admission to the course is very competitive and requires the applicant to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, work experience, and a decent GRE/GMAT score.
#2. Western Carolina University
Program: M.S. in Project management
Tuition: $320.53 per credit hour(in-state) ;$948.70per credit hour(out of state).
Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
M.S. in Project Management from Western Carolina University requires 36 credit hours of coursework. This university is among the nation’s best providers of online degree programs in a collection of rankings released on Jan. 15, 2019, by U.S. News & World Report. Also, the Master’s course in Project Management consistently earns the honor of being a Top 5 “Best Buy” among U.S. graduate programs in business management. This is six semester hours of graduate credit in each 16-week term.
#3 University of the Cumberlands
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $335 per credit hour.
Accreditation and Ranking: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges(SACSCOC). It is ranked #9 in the best colleges in Kentucky.
The master’s in project management focuses on leading, managing, and coordinating complex initiatives. With the 31-credit hour program, you will master the in-demand leadership and management skills you need to succeed in a project management capacity and stand out to employers in today’s competitive business landscape.
#4 University of Alaska Anchorage
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $444 per credit hour (in-state); $907 per credit hour (out of state).
Accreditation: Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
In this MS Project Management Program, students expand their knowledge and skill in the critical areas of managing end-to-end projects successfully across a broad range of scale, complexity, and constraints through the appropriate application of knowledge and tools, and techniques. Students must showcase mastery of project management via a capstone project. Graduates of the program fulfill the educational hours required to sit for the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
#5 Colorado State University Global
Program: Master in Project Management
Tuition: $500 (both in-state and out-of-state).
Accreditation & Ranking: Accredited to Higher Learning Commission. Ranked #4 in Top Public Universities in Colorado.
This 36 credit hours program will help you gain the management skills necessary to evaluate, synthesize, analyze and apply concepts when leading unique projects on a multi-national scale. The advanced topics you will study in this course are Project management office, project risk management, project controlling and monitoring, project performance metrics, and agile project management.
#6 Granite State College
Program: M.S. in Project Management
Tuition: $545 per credit hour(in-state) and $595 per credit hour (out of state).
Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
This MS program in Project Management requires 30 credit hours of coursework. This program is designed for working professionals to apply what they learn in a workplace setting integrating their studies with their professional goals. Their master’s degree in business, including project management, is top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Graduates of this online program develop competency in the various disciplines of project management required for Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
#7 Bellevue University
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $630 (both in-state and out-of-state)
Accreditation: Accredited by Higher Learning Commission(HLC)
The 36 credit hour of coursework program focuses on learning the specific and wide-ranging skills needed to advance in the world of project management.
As a graduate of this program, you will be able to Initiate, plan, execute, control, and wind up projects such that they are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget constraints while meeting customer satisfaction.
#8 University of Wisconsin – Platteville
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $715 per credit hour
Accreditation: Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission(HLC).
The 36-credit hour program enables you to succeed at the industry’s highest levels by preparing you to lead complex projects, cultivate relationships, and manage the “triple constraint” of time, budget, and project scope. This online project management course is accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Centre for Project Management Education Programs. A completed degree is one-third of the project management work experience required for the PMI Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
#9 Sam Houston State University
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $728.25(both in-state and out of state).
Accreditation: Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Graduates from this MS in Project Management program develop and expand upon their skills and knowledge in team leadership, strategic planning, portfolio and program management, project analytics, and governance applicable to large projects and programs. The program also prepares the students for certification by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the premier certifying organization for the project management discipline. The program aims to provide a unique opportunity to combine a broad knowledge of business and management principles with a specific understanding of successful project-based strategies.
#10 Penn State World Campus
Program: MS in Project Management
Tuition: $1007 percredit hour (both in-state and out of state).
Accreditation: Accredited by the Middle StatesCommission on Higher Education.
In this 30-credit hour program, Students may opt to complete six credits of electives in an area of interest such as engineering, supply chain management, or enterprise resource planning, or they may prefer to complete a research project based on a current issue in project management within an organization. The AACSB-accredited program has internationally renowned faculty in the field of project management. The program aims to provide career development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skill sets in managing large, complex projects.
Project Manager Wage Gap by Education
Project managers with a Master’s degree get an average yearly salary of $114,821, compared to $102,588 for those with a Bachelor’s degree, based on data collected by Zippia.
Salary figures are in USD.
Jobs available after a degree in Project Management
With a degree in project management, a wide range of options is open before you. Professionals in Project management might find employment in engineering, technology, building, manufacturing, and telecommunications. These specialists oversee all the aspects of a project, although they may operate in several businesses. These adept management organizers have positions that allow them to apply their skills in sophisticated ways, but they also bear significant responsibility inside organizations.
Project Managers
Project management is probably the position that most people are familiar with. These professionals are team captains of a project. The project manager oversees the project from beginning to end and reports to the client who requested it. Setting deadlines, managing team members, allocating money, and planning work are some of their specialized duties.
Assistant Project Manager
It is logical to have an assistant project manager on hand to ensure all tasks stay on track because a project manager’s job entails considerable responsibility. For individuals with less experience, this is the perfect entry-level job. This person is typically in charge of a small number of specialized tasks that help demonstrate their willingness to take on greater responsibilities and advance to the project manager position.
Senior Project Manager
Occasionally, a senior project manager is in charge of several programs or initiatives that are frequently requested concurrently or are crucial to one another’s success. They coordinate each project manager’s efforts, ensuring that activities of top priority are finished on time and within budget. They might also inform executive leadership about the program’s state and its effects on the business.
Project Coordinator
Since this is frequently an entry-level role; project coordinators may have less practical experience than other positions in the industry. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Career Outlook lists some of their responsibilities as creating reports, setting up meetings, and helping the management team. These services might be of numerous kinds. Keeping the team informed of crucial information and coordinating communication among team members are two of a project coordinator’s primary responsibilities.
Project Scheduler
Some undertakings are large-scale and intricate. Having a project scheduler on staff is beneficial when there are many team members and certain rules must be followed. As the title suggests, the person is in charge of coordinating all the different components of the project’s schedule. This expert will receive vital information from the management team, and they will be responsible for ensuring everyone else on the team stays on task. Although specialized tools can help with this, the project planner must be extremely organized.
Types of Degrees Held by Project Managers
According to Zippia, Project managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree. That degree is obtained by 68% of project managers. Master’s degrees come in second place with 14%, and associate’s degrees come in third with 11%.
How can I use my Project Management Degree?
A project manager gets things done. A degree in project management can lead to a vast range of career opportunities, including general management, in a wide range of sectors. People with project management abilities have much to offer to companies in numerous areas, from budgeting and team building to stakeholder management, and earn excellent remuneration in return. Project managers can work in almost any field.
Project managers are frequently found in various industries, including marketing, construction, and information technology. Project managers can also work for governments, managing infrastructure improvements or large projects for agencies and non-profit organizations, helping to manage fundraising campaigns or new initiatives. A business can use a project manager’s talents if it embarks on endeavours with a specific end goal in mind.
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