Earning a bachelor's in project management degree online provides a flexible path to many careers. Students learn how to take projects through each development stage. They grow skills in project planning, scheduling, and budgeting. Graduates can pursue project management careers in various fields, including healthcare, construction, and engineering.
Some bachelor's in project management programs require applicants to submit standardized test scores. Others require a minimum GPA. Degree-completion programs may only admit students with transferable associate degrees.
Learners interested in pursuing a bachelor's in project management degree online can use this page to learn more. Read on for information on costs, common classes, and potential project management careers.
Why Get a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management?
Earning a bachelor's in project management degree online can help graduates boost their careers. Project management cultivates core skills that learners can apply in academic, personal, and professional contexts. Degree-holders can pursue careers in project-oriented fields across public and private sectors.
Pursuing a project management degree online offers flexibility. Many online programs run asynchronously. This format allows learners to continue their careers while earning their degree. An online format also allows degree-seekers to attend top programs without relocating or commuting.
How Much Does a Project Management Degree Cost?
College costs an average of $35,331 annually, according to EducationData.org. However, degree costs vary by school and learners' residency status. Program length and whether students attend a private or public school also influence cost.
Earning a bachelor's in project management degree online can save students money. Online enrollees may pay fewer on-campus fees. They also sometimes pay discounted tuition rates.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra expenses, such as materials and books. Some schools charge graduation and technology fees. These fees may cover tech support and access to virtual classroom platforms. Online students may need to buy a new laptop to meet their program's technology requirements.
Some online programs include in-person components. Learners should budget for travel and lodging expenses. They may also need to factor in time away from work. Other expenses may include exam fees for professional certifications.
How Much Do Project Management Graduates Make?
Earning a bachelor's in project management degree online can lead to high-paying jobs in many fields. Some graduates work as project management specialists. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $77,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Degree-holders may also pursue managerial roles as construction managers or pharmaceutical project managers. These professionals often make above-average salaries.
Courses in Project Management
Most bachelor's programs require about 120 credits, including at least 60 general education credits. Enrollees often take business fundamentals such as marketing and accounting. Project management classes build core skills in project and team design, project scheduling, and cost management. Other classes may cover project performance and quality assurance, business analytics, and change management.
Many project management programs offer electives or concentrations to train students for specific careers. Bachelor's degree-seekers often complete a capstone project.
Students pursuing a bachelor's in project management degree online often take the classes below. However, specific classes vary by program. Learners should check with their prospective schools for more information.
Introduction to Project Management
This core class gives an overview of popular project management theories and practices. Enrollees learn how to work with stakeholders and design and complete projects. The course takes students through common project stages. Degree-seekers complete individual and group projects.Leading Complex Projects
This class focuses on the importance of aligning and motivating teams in the face of challenges and changes. Project management programs may offer this class under various titles. Coursework prepares students to anticipate and navigate challenges in program management.Contract Management
This core class provides skills and knowledge for getting and negotiating contracts. Common focal points include contract design, project budgeting, and purchasing. Students also learn about relevant laws and how to dispute negotiation. Coursework covers public information for public services contracts.
Careers for Project Management Students
Graduates with an online degree in project management may work in various fields, including construction, engineering, and information technology. Degree-holders may also work in advertising or pharmaceuticals.
See below for four popular project management careers.
Construction Project Manager
These managers plan and oversee building projects. They meet with clients, track spending, and supervise scheduling and logistics. Construction managers earn a median annual salary of $97,180, according to the BLS. The organization projects jobs for these managers to grow 11% from 2020-2030.Engineering Project Manager
These managers design, oversee, and solve problems with engineering projects. They direct activities and ensure product quality. Their work often requires detailed, technical planning. Engineering project managers also oversee staffing and budgeting. Architectural and engineering managers earn a median of $149,530 annually.IT Project Manager
These managers collaborate with other IT professionals to develop, install, or upgrade technology. They may design IT-related systems, software, or devices. IT project managers also supervise network upgrades, hardware installations, and data management projects. These professionals ensure that projects follow budgets and deadlines.
Computer and information systems managers earn a median annual salary of $151,150, which more than triples the median annual salary of $41,950 for all occupations.
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee site or departmental operations. They can work at private or public sector organizations. Their tasks may involve resource management, policy creation, and employee supervision. Duties vary by industry and employer. General and operations managers make a $103,650 median annual salary.
Top Bachelor's in Project Management Degrees Online
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
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Frequently Questions About Project Management Degrees
What jobs can I get with a degree in project management?
Earning a project management degree helps students develop communication, organization, and leadership skills. Graduates may work as project management specialists or managers in various industries.
What is the difference between a project manager and a program manager?
Project managers usually oversee particular projects within a specific time frame. Program managers supervise ongoing efforts that may involve many projects.
What kind of certifications do project managers need?
Many project managers pursue certifications from organizations such as the Project Management Institute. Common credentials include project management professional and program management professional.
