The Students Before Profits Awards were created to recognize nonprofit colleges and universities offering degrees that put students before profits and education before the bottom-line. For our ranking of the Online Master’s in Project Management winners, we chose online Project Management degree programs from nonprofit colleges and universities, accredited by independent and trusted accreditation boards, with lower than average tuition costs, and have ranked them by affordability.
When deciding what degree program is best, many students take into account affordability and flexibility. College costs are at an all-time high which has caused many students to look for programs that give them the most bang for their buck. Students also are looking for classes that provide a more flexible program of study. Many students are working full-time to pay for their college degrees so they need to have programs that are able to be schedule around their current busy schedules. This has led to many students seeking degrees online. Online degree programs have many benefits over their on-campus counterparts. These programs tend to be cheaper than on-campus programs will providing the same curriculum. Students are also able to craft their schedule to best suit their needs and are not bound to whatever programs are accessible to them geographically.
Featured Programs
Project Management degrees are great for students who would like to enter into a multitude of different types of organizations as a project manager. Most corporations and companies have shifted their businesses to a project-based approach which has facilitated a great deal of need for trained project managers. Project managers will head up projects to make sure that they are meeting their goals and staying on-time. These students will be tasked with heading up teams, establishing goals for these teams, and providing oversight to make sure that these teams complete their goals on-time and on-budget. By gaining a Master’s degree in Project Management, students will be able to enter into the highly in-demand field of project management with the confidence that they will stand out amongst their peers.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Online Masters in Project Management
#1. Missouri State University
In 1905, Missouri State University was established through legislative action as the Fourth District Normal School. Originally, Missouri State University’s purpose was to train teachers to prepare them to work within the state’s public school system. The first classes to be held at Missouri State University took place in the summer of 1906. By 1919, the school had been renamed to Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College to better reflect the purpose of the institution. During the 1920s and 1930s, Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College began to offer more liberal arts programs prompting the school’s name to be changed once more to Southwest Missouri State College in 1945. On March 1st, 2005, the school’s name was finally renamed to Missouri State University. Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University enrolls over 26,000 students. Missouri State University is is public institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students enrolled at Missouri State University are able to enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Project Management degree. Through this program, students will be able to enter into a variety of different fields including health care, business, management, finance, technical, and service-related industries. This program of study is available entirely online. Students are not required to visit the Missouri State University campus to complete their studies. A minimum of 33 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Missouri State University’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $10,395
#2. Avila University
Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Avila University was established in 1916. Originally established as the College of Saint Teresa, Avila University was founded by the Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. In its early years, Avila University shared grounds with the nearby St. Teresa’s Academy. At first, Avila University only enrolled female students and only offered two-year associate’s degrees. However, this changed in 1939 after it was announced that the College of Saint Teresa would be moving to its own location and, after its move, it would start to offer four-year programs. In 1961, the College of Saint Teresa was renamed to Avila College in honor of Saint Teresa of Avila. Later on, the school began to accept male students and also received university status, prompting the name to be changed to Avila University. Now offering thirty-six different degree programs, Avila University enrolls 1,700 students. Avila University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
The Master in Management with an Emphasis in Project Management degree is offered to students at Avila University. In this program students will learn to develop communication, teamwork, leadership, and management skills. They will also learn behavior skills of management and how to apply those properly in the workplace. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Avila University campus. A minimum of 37 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Avila University’s Master in Management with an Emphasis in Project Management degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $17,464
#3. Colorado State University
Edward M. McCook, the Governor of the Colorado Territory, established Colorado State University in 1870. Existing solely on a piece of legislation, the school faced development issues early on its history. After a few years of little progress, activity on the new Colorado State University started back up after land was purchased for the school. The plot of land was located just outside of Fort Collins. Originally called Colorado Agricultural College, the school was quickly added to the Colorado State University system in 1876. By 1879, the school was finally accepting its first class of students. Now called Colorado State University, the school enrolls a student body of 34,000 students. Colorado State University is a public institution.
Online Masters Project Management
By enrolling at Colorado State University, students are able to enroll in a Master of Project Management degree. Students will learn how to establish and carry out organizational goals, plans, policies, and procedures in deadline-driven environments. They will be taught how to make business decision, solve problems, and assess potential problem areas within company systems. This program is available entirely online and does not require students to visit the Colorado State University campus for its completion. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Colorado State University’s Master of Project Management degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $18,000
#4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
At the Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio, Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle established the Embry-Riddle Company in 1925. The following year, the two opened the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation. Eventually closing in Cincinnati, Ohio, Talton Higbee Embry reopened the school in Miami, Florida. Working with the University of Miami, the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation began offering training to pilots for World War II through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. Due to massive amounts of growth, the school relocated to what was once the Fritz Hotel. As the school’s curriculum expanded, it was eventually renamed Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With campuses located in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University enrolls a student body of just over 30,000 students. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Project Management degree. This program of study students will learn how to plan, budge, assess risk, over see, and document different types of projects. By studying this program, students will be prepared to manage the various facets of projects no matter what the industry. This program is available entirely online and does not require students to visit the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University campus. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Embry-Ridddle Aeronautical University’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $19,200
#5. Bellevue University
Opened with the mandate to provide working adults in Nebraska an alternative option to gain a higher education, Bellevue University was established in 1966. Originally called Bellevue College, the school quickly grew over the next decade. By 1974, Bellevue University had grown so large that it had become the fourth-largest private college in Nevada. Years later, the school began offering Master’s programs. Upon receiving university status, Bellevue College changed its named to Bellevue University in 1994. Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University still operates out of its original campus. However, Bellevue University has added additional campuses to accommodate for growth in west Omaha. Currently 10,000 students are enrolled on-campus and online. Bellevue University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
The Master of Project Management degree is offered to students at Bellevue University. Focusing on teaching qualities of leadership, students will gain advanced training in project management. Students will be taught how to initiate, plan, control, and close out projects, while delivering them within the scope, schedule, and budget constraints of the project. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Bellevue University campus. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Bellevue University’s Master of Project Management is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $19,620
#6. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The Wisconsin Institute of Technology and Wisconsin State College merged together in 1959 to form what is now known as the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Its furthest origins dating back to 1866, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s earliest heritage dates back to its time as the Platteville Normal School, a preparation school for teachers. Later renamed Platteville State Teachers College, it was later renamed again to the Wisconsin Institute of Technology, Platteville. At this same time, the Wisconsin Mining Trade School was formed, and would eventually become the Wisconsin Institute of Technology. These two schools merged in 1966, gained university status, and entered the Wisconsin State University system, forming the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Located in Platteville, Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville has a student body of just shy of 9,000 students. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is a public institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Project Management degree. In this program, students will learn how to lead complex projects, while developing skills intended to help cultivate relationships among team members. Students will learn how to manage time, budget, and project scope. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $19,950
#7. Liberty University
Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, Jerry Falwell, established what would eventually become Liberty University as the Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971. Developed with the goal of providing a Christian-based option of higher education, the Lynchburg Baptist College was named for the town it was located in: Lynchburg, Virginia. Operating under the Lynchburg Baptist College name for just four years, the school was renamed to Liberty Baptist College in 1976. After almost a decade of operating as the Liberty Baptist College, the school was granted university status in 1985 and was renamed to Liberty University. While still committed to its Christian heritage, Liberty University prides itself on being welcoming of all people. Still located in Lynchburg, Liberty University enrolls a student body of 15,000 on-campus students and an additional 100,000 students online. Liberty University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
The Master of Science in Marketing Specialization in Project Management degree is offered to students at Liberty University. This program of study has students studying advanced project management theory in preparation for entering into either a local or global business market. They will learn time management, critical thinking, and organizational skills that are key to becoming a successful project manager. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Liberty University campus. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Liberty University’s Master of Science in Marketing Specialization in Project Management degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $20,340
#8. Regis University
Settling in Las Vegas, New Mexico, a group of Italian Jesuits fled to America seeking asylum in 1877. Once they arrived in the city of Las Vegas, New Mexico, the group decided that this would be the site they’d established the Las Vegas College – what would eventually become Regis University. After operating the school for a few yeas, the Bishop of Denver requested that the Jesuits move to the city of Denver to start another school. Originally independently operated, the Jesuits decided to streamline their operations by combining Las Vegas College with the nearby Sacred Heart College, creating the College of the Sacred Heart. In 1921, they changed the school’s name to Regis University in order to honor Saint John Francis Regis. Currently, Regis University has a student body of 8,700 students. Regis University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a Project Leadership and Management Concentration degree at Regis University. In this program, students will learn how to manage projects from a strategic perspective. Students will learn how to cultivate the skills of their team and to think critically in order to complete a project on-time and on-budget. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Regis University campus. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Regis University’s Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a Project Leadership and Management Concentration degree is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $21,150
#9. Florida Institute of Technology
More commonly known as Florida Tech or FIT to its current students and alumni, the Florida Institute of Technology accepted its first class of students in 1958. Originally located at the Melbourne Municipal Airport, the Florida Institute of Technology was established as the Brevard Engineering College by Dr. Jerome P. Keuper. Using buildings originally used as a Naval Air Station, Brevard Engineering College quickly outgrew the available space and construction began on additional buildings to increase the size of the campus. Operating under the name of Brevard Engineering College for the next eight years, the school was renamed in 1966 to the Florida Institute of Technology. Located in Melbourne, Florida, the Florida Institute of Technology enrolls a student body of 6,600 students. Florida Institute of Technology is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students at the Florida Institute of Technology are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Project Management degree. Through this program of study student will gain training that will prepare them to enter into managerial positions. Students will be able to specialize in concentrations including Operations Research, Information System, and many more. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Florida Institute of Technology. A minimum of 33 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Florida Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $25,641
#10. Northeastern University
In 1868, the Evening Institute for Younger Men was established creating the framework for what would eventually become Northeastern University. From its inception, Northeastern University was established with the goal of offering students flexibility in their education. One of the earliest night schools, Northeastern University as founded in Boston, Massachusetts. Over time, the school began to add satellite campuses in Charlotte, North Carolina; Seattle, Washington; and Silicon Valley, California. Ranked as having the highest research activity by the Carnegie Classifications Institution of Higher Education, Northeastern University is highly regarded for its research efforts. Offering over 190 different undergraduate and graduate programs, Northeastern University enrolls a student body of 25,000 students. Northeastern University is a private institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Project Management degree at Northeastern University. Through this course of study students will learn how to manage complex projects while avoiding common management mistakes. Students will learn how to assess project scope, risk, quality through the use of a variety of different metrics. Upon completing this program, students will be prepared to enter into project management. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Northeastern University campus. A minimum of 45 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Northeastern University’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Tuition: $29,070
#11. Pennsylvania State University
Popularly known as “Penn State”, Pennsylvania State University was established in 1855. Established originally as the Farmer’s High School of Pennsylvania, the curriculum for the school expanded due to the donation of a 200-acre parcel of land. This donation allowed the school to grow to accommodate more students and more classes, resulting in the name of the school being changed to the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania. A few years later, the Agricultural College of Pennsylvania received federal funding through the Morill Act. This federal funding allowed the school to continue growing causing it to be renamed to Pennsylvania State College in 1874. After receiving university status in 1953, the school was renamed to Pennsylvania State University. Now one of the largest universities in the United States, Pennsylvania State University enrolls almost 100,00 students. Pennsylvania State University is a public institution.
Online Masters Project Management
The Master of Project Management degree is offered to students at Pennsylvania State University. This program of study is designed to prepare students with the necessary skills to enter into a variety of industries as a project manager. Students are able to specialize in topics including Enterprise Architecture, Enterprise Resource Planning, Supply Chain Management, or partake in an independent study. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Pennsylvania State University campus.A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Pennsylvania State University’s Master of Project Management degree is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $29,250
#12. Western Carolina University
The people of Cullowhee, North Carolina, decided that it was time that a better school was built to serve their community in the year 1888. The residents of the town of Cullowhee banded together to form a board of trustees that would work to establish the precursor to Western Carolina University, then known as Cullowhee Academy. Officially founded in 1889, the school was renamed to Cullowhee High School. In 1905, the school was changed from a high school into a state normal school called Cullowhee Normal & Industrial School. The school was renamed again in 1925 to Cullowhee State Normal School, and again in 1929 to Western Carolina Teachers College. At this point, the school served to train teachers for work within the state of North Carolina. Over time, the curriculum of the school grew and the school was renamed to Western Carolina College in 1953, then Western Carolina University in 1967. Now a part of the University of North Carolina system of higher education, Western Carolina University is home to almost 9,000 students. Western Carolina University is a public institution.
Online Masters Project Management
Students at Western Carolina University are able to enroll in a Master of Project Management degree. This program of study has students learning the skills and information needed to become successful project managers. Students will learn how to identify and foster the skills of team members in order to complete projects on-time and within budget. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Western Carolina University campus. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Western Carolina University’s Master of Project Management degree is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $30,240
#13. City University of Seattle
Dr. Micheal A. Pastore established City University of Seattle in 1973. The original vision for the school was to create a place of higher education that specialized in providing educational opportunities to working adults. At the time, Dr. Micheal A. Pastore believed that Seattle, Washington, was lacking in options for non-traditional students. By creating a school that offered night and weekend classes, Dr. Micheal A. Pastore hoped to tap into a group of people that wanted to continue their education but were unable to do so due to scheduling concerns and work obligations. City University of Seattle proved to be very successful prompting the creation of additional campuses. Currently, City of University’s main campus is still located in Seattle, Washington and enrolls almost 6,400 students. City University of Seattle is a private institution.
Masters in Project Management Online
The Master of Science in Project Management degree is offered to students at City University of Seattle. Through this course of study students will learn how to align project goals to meet business goals, and resolve conflict. They will also learn how to lead teams domestically and globally, while applying project management techniques in various situations. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the City University of Seattle campus. A minimum of 45 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: City University of Seattle’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Tuition: $30,510
#14. Brandeis University
Originally, Brandeis University operated as a medical university called Middlesex University. After running out of funding and shutting down, the local Jewish community took over the Middlesex University space and began planning a new school. The school was named Brandeis University after the first Jewish Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Louis Brandeis. Brandeis University was founded on the belief that students would never be chosen based upon quotas of race, sex, or gender, but rather their level of intelligence. The school went so far as to not include any questions related to race, sex, or gender on their applications. They only asked information regarding academic proficiency. Located in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis University enrolls nearly 3,600 students. Brandeis University is a private institution.
Masters in Project Management Online
Students at Brandeis University are able to enroll in the school’s Master of Science in Project and Program Management degree. Through this program students will learn the skills necessary to lead projects effectively. They will gain access to an experience faculty and current practitioners in order to ask questions and learn real-world applications of project management skills. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Brandeis University campus. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Brandeis University’s Master of Science in Project and Program Management degree is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Tuition: $33,240
#15. Golden Gate University
Started a reading group, Golden Gate University’s origins date back its humble beginnings as an evening program offered by the San Francisco Central YMCA. Wanting to provide adults in the area with a way to continue their education, the San Francisco YMCA introduced what they called the YMCA Nigh School. Students could study topics including mathematics, bookkeeping, Spanish, and much more. Eventually the school began to add additional topics of study, eventually even adding a law school. Underestimating the demand for such a program, the YMCA Night School quickly became too large for the YMCA and it was decide that the program would be spun-off to become Golden Gate College. Operating as Golden Gate College for a few years, the school eventually received university status and was renamed to Golden Gate University. Located in San Francisco, California, Golden Gate University is home to a student body of 5,300 students. Golden Gate University is a private institution.
Masters in Project Management Online
The Master of Science in Project Management degree is offered to students at Golden Gate University. Through this course of study students will learn how to understand business dynamic, corporate strategy and stakeholder issues. They will also become well-versed in a variety of management skills including leadership, planning, problem solving, communication, staffing and much more. This program is available entirely online and does not require any visits to the Golden Gate University campus. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this degree.
Accreditation: Golden Gate University’s Master of Science in Project Management degree is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Tuition: $35,100
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