Project management is a diverse sector with a wide range of career paths. Different jobs accommodate associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree holders. However, the minimum academic requirement for most mid-level and high-ranking jobs is a bachelor’s degree.
A project management bachelor’s degree will grant you access to managerial positions and other lucrative career paths. Employers tend to hire bachelor’s degree holders who have the skills and experience to handle a wide range of duties. In this article, you will learn about some of the best project management degree programs, career paths, and job opportunities.
What Is Project Management?
Project management involves organizing and scheduling tasks, budgets, and workforce duties to ensure timely completion. Project management features different stages, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and completion. Project managers aim to save time, monitor costs, supervise the workforce, and deliver quality work.
What Is a Project Management Bachelor’s Degree?
A project management bachelor’s degree is a four-year program that prepares students for long-term careers as project managers, schedulers, and coordinators. A standard project management degree covers methodologies, software, management techniques, and the phases of project management.
Core courses also include leadership and supervision, customer relationships, financial planning, and IT fundamentals. Students also learn the different types of project management, from waterfall management to agile management, and explore essential project management skills.
These programs are accredited by globally recognized institutions like the Higher Learning Commission and Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for PM Education.
Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
You must present your high school diploma or equivalency and meet the institution’s education requirements for admission, such as a minimum GPA between 2.50 and 3.60. Depending on the institution, you might also have to sit for relevant exams. Make sure you consult with an admissions officer to find out the specific requirements for your chosen program.
How Much Does a Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) states that four-year programs’ total cost averaged $28,775 in 2019-2020. However, individual costs differ for public, private, non-profit, and for-profit institutions. The tuition cost also varies depending on the school and available courses. Tuition rates also differ for online and in-person project management degree programs.
Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for your Project Management Degree
Financial aid is the most popular option for students across the United States. The NCES indicates that almost 73% of undergraduate students apply for a form of aid, 63% apply for grants, and 39% apply for federal and non-federal loans. You can also apply for scholarships, tuition discounts, or pay your tuition in installments.
Best Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | Bachelor of Science in Project Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Central Washington University | Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| College of Southern Nevada | Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Columbia Basin College | Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| DeVry University | Bachelor’s Degree in Management, Project Management Specialization | Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for PM Education |
| Northern New Mexico College | Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management | The Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
| Thomas Edison State University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Operations Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Maryland | Bachelor’s Degree, Project Management Minor | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Wisconsin – Stout | Bachelor of Science in Management, Project Management Concentration | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Walden University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Project Management Concentration | The Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
Best Colleges for Project Management: Top Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A bachelor’s degree program is the minimum requirement for most project management professionals. Most careers in the project management field lead to leadership roles that require a lot of skills and hands-on experience. Below are 10 of the best programs in project management.
Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a non-profit institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The founder, Bill Brooks, started the university to cater to military personnel across the country. However, the institution has since diversified, serving students from all walks of life.
The Bachelor of Science in Project Management covers project planning, control, and execution. You will also gain relevant practical skills to help you excel in real-world projects. In addition, the curriculum teaches students to create PM plans using industry-leading tools and techniques.
Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Central Washington University
CWU is a leading project management institute. CWU offers an extensive PM degree program that produces skilled professionals in different project management sectors. The coursework covers computer networking, business communication, database management, and principles of management.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management | College of Southern Nevada
The College of Southern Nevada is a popular public college located in Clark County, Nevada. The institution offers a four-year project management program that features accelerated classrooms and both hybrid and online courses. Students learn how to utilize PM tools, apply analytical frameworks, conduct planning activities, and select complex projects.
Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management | Columbia Basin College
Columbia Basin College is a public community college in Washington, offering affordable tuition to over 10,000 students. This degree program aims to equip students with valuable project management knowledge and practical experience in real-world projects. The coursework covers planning, procurement and contracts, project risk management, and software expertise.
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management Specialization | DeVry University
DeVry University was founded in 1931, and it continues to provide visual learning experiences that produce skilled professionals across the board. It offers a business administration degree with a concentration in project management. The PM degree program merges the PMBOK guide with the university coursework to produce industry-ready candidates.
Some of the course outcomes include evaluating PM concepts and techniques, project quality management, theoretical application, innovative approaches, and practical experience. Students also learn about risk navigation and financial planning. Students who choose to transfer credits can complete the program in two to three years.
Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management | Northern New Mexico College
Northern New Mexico College is an affordable four-year college located in Southwestern US. The school’s project management program teaches students about organizational behavior, project planning and controls, leadership styles, procurement, and communication.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Operations Management | Thomas Edison State University
This higher learning institution is geared towards adult learners. The 120-credit program teaches critical thinking skills, design skills, and how to operate complex management systems. Students must complete capstone projects, which involve intellectual and practical skills, professional business requirements, and operations management fundamentals.
Bachelor’s Degree, Project Management Minor | University of Maryland
This minor is offered to students at the A James Clark School of Engineering and the School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation. You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and at least 60 credit hours to apply for this minor.
The coursework covers engineering project management, legal aspects, and managerial accounting. You must earn a minimum of 15 credit hours from all five courses to complete this undergraduate project management degree.
Bachelor of Science in Management, Project Management Concentration | University of Wisconsin – Stout
UW Stout is a career-focused public university among the top 15 universities in the Midwest. The coursework includes procurement and supply chain management, MIS decision support systems, and quality management. Students learn about business processes and advanced project management. You can work as a team leader, supply chain manager, or project manager.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Project Management Concentration | Walden University
Walden University is a prestigious institution serving students across the United States and in over 150 countries. The project management degree is designed to help students gain a structured approach to meeting their organizational goals. The project management curriculum focuses on PM strategies, methods, and several electives, which total about 90 credit hours.
Best Online Project Management Bachelor Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Baker College | Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Project Management Concentration | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Capella University | Bachelor of Science in Business, Project Management Concentration | Project Management Institute-Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Higher Learning Commission |
| City University of Seattle | Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Colorado Technical University | Bachelor of Science in Project Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Davenport University | Bachelor of Science in Technology Project Management | Council of Higher Education Accreditation |
| Liberty University | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Project Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs |
| Saint Leo University | Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Project Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Saint Louis University | Bachelor of Science in Project Management | The Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Bachelor of Science in Computer Technology, Project Management Concentration | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of the Incarnate Word | Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Project Management | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Colleges for Project Management: Top Online Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Programs
An online bachelor’s degree involves online students learning remotely through self-paced and instructor-led classes. Tech advancements and recent events have led to an increase in institutions prioritizing online learning. Here are some of the most popular online project management degree programs.
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems, Project Management Concentration | Baker College
Founded in 1911, Bakers College is a private college located in Michigan. The institution has campuses throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and a high acceptance rate of 73.2 percent. Students interested in project management careers can pursue this major, which is primarily online and can be completed in a total of 120 credit hours.
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The coursework covers digital analytics, systems modeling, design, programming languages, and project planning and management. These courses include 30 credit hours of general education, 18 credit hours of project management concentration, and 72 credit hours of information systems.
Bachelor of Science in Business, Project Management Concentration | Capella University
This online university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate project management education programs. The major includes eight to 14 general education courses, 10 major core courses, a capstone project, and eight specialization courses. Students learn human resource and motivation management, quality management, cost, and scope management.
Bachelor of Science in Project Management | City University of Seattle
This program covers 180 credits of study and four courses, including major core courses, general education, capstone, and emphasis area. Some of the courses include managing projects under uncertainty, IT service management, project scheduling for natural sciences, and more. You will also complete a project integration action learning project.
Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University is a for-profit university in Colorado Springs. The school has a 100 percent acceptance rate and admits thousands of undergraduate students annually. This major is one of the best at the institution, ranked as the Best Online Bachelor’s Program by US News & World Report on seven occasions.
It covers 180 credit hours, including 66 for general education, 82 for core courses, and 32 for the PM concentration. The coursework explores data-driven statistics, managing organizational change, international business communications, and project risk management.
Bachelor of Science in Technology Project Management | Davenport University
This major requires a minimum of 120 credit hours from various major core classes and specializations. The coursework covers foundations in technology and business, electives, and major courses. Upon school completion, you can find a PM career in the tech industry.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Project Management | Liberty University
This program is purely online and requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Students improve critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, which are all essential in project management. The courses include principles of management, leading global projects, operations management, and foundations of project management.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Project Management | Saint Leo University
The coursework for this program focuses on project management implementation, quality improvement and management, project risk management, project teamwork and leadership, and contracts and procurements. In addition, you must select specializations that add up to 120 credit hours along with the general elective credits.
Bachelor of Science in Project Management | Saint Louis University
Saint Louis is a catholic university known for its business and health care programs. It also offers an array of majors like management, marketing, communication, biological and biomedical sciences, and kinesiology. In this program, students learn about contract management, project strategy, and project management math.
Bachelor of Science in Computing Technology, Project Management Concentration | University of Massachusetts Global
This project management concentration focuses on the latest technologies and skills that come in handy in planning, structure, and managing projects. The coursework includes systems quality assurance, organizational information systems, principles of management, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Project Management | University of the Incarnate Word
UIW is a private catholic university in Texas. The business administration major features a project management concentration, which helps students explore PM methods, quality assurance, organizational behavior, project leadership, and more. This concentration accounts for 21 credit hours of your total credit hours.
What’s the Average Project Management Bachelor’s Degree Salary
According to Payscale, the average salary for a professional with a Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management is $73,000 per year. However, the annual wage differs according to the job title and industry. For example, computer and IT managers earn approximately $151,150 annually, whereas project coordinators earn an annual salary of $48,454.
Top Project Management Bachelor Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Project Management Bachelor Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $151,150 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | $149,530 |
| Financial Manager | $134,180 |
| Sales Manager | $132,290 |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | $104,280 |
| Construction Manager | $97,180 |
| Business Analyst | $87,660 |
| Project Manager | $75,109 |
| Junior Project Manager | $51,341 |
| Project Coordinator | $48,454 |
Best Project Management Bachelor Degree Jobs Explained
Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Average Salary: $151,150
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 482,000
- Highest-Paying States: New York, California, New Jersey
Computer and information systems managers specialize in planning, coordinating, and monitoring computer-based activities. Typical duties include analyzing an organization’s IT needs, assessing short-term and long-term departmental needs, and negotiating with hardware and software vendors. They must also showcase leadership skills.
Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Average Salary: $149,230
- Job Outlook: 4%
- Number of Jobs: 197,800
- Highest-Paying States: California, Colorado, Texas
Architectural and engineering managers oversee on-site operations and handle production, construction, quality assurance, and manufacturing. They develop project concepts, hire and coordinate staff members, estimate costs, and do research. They need extensive project management experience, excellent analytical skills, risk management expertise, and in-field knowledge.
Financial Managers
- Average Salary: $134,180
- Job Outlook: 17%
- Number of Jobs: 681,700
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, District of Columbia
Financial managers handle the budget for all projects. They work with the project manager to create a budget, analyze expenses, and create long-term financial plans for an organization. They create financial statements, review reports, and analyze market trends to maximize project profit. They must understand business administration, production planning, tax law, and cost management.
Sales Managers
- Average Salary: $132,290
- Job Outlook: 7%
- Number of Jobs: 397,900
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island
Sales managers head the sales team in handling customer complaints, preparing budgets, and assigning sales quotas. They develop training programs for the team and oversee the distribution of goods and services in various sales territories. They must be well-versed in asset procurement, customer relations, and communication.
Medical and Health Services Manager
- Average Salary: $104,280
- Job Outlook: 32%
- Number of Jobs: 429,800
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, Hawaii
Medical and health services managers oversee entire medical facilities, working closely with medical practitioners. These managers develop departmental goals, create work schedules, organize health and financial records, and monitor the budget. They must keep up with the changes in healthcare laws and technology to ensure the medical facility provides the best care possible.
Construction Manager
- Average Salary: $97,180
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 448,000
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, New York, Delaware
Construction managers oversee all the activities on a construction site. They understand cost estimation, project planning, project leadership, and PM software tools. In addition, some of their daily duties include selecting subcontractors, explaining contracts, responding to work emergencies, coordinating the workforce, and ensuring site security.
Business Analyst
- Average Salary: $87,660
- Job Outlook: 14%
- Number of Jobs: 907,600
- Highest-Paying States: New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey
Business analysts help organizations improve their systems by conducting an in-depth analysis of the workplace. Analysts review an organization’s processes, interview employees and customers, and assess the company software. They then offer recommendations or introduce new complex systems that enhance the organization’s workflow.
Project Manager
- Average Salary: $75,109
- Job Outlook: 9%*
- Number of Jobs: 320,000*
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island*
There’s a high demand for project managers. Management of projects involves organizing tasks, managing budgets, and leading the project team to finish projects on time. A project management degree helps these professionals align various projects with the business strategy and create strategic initiatives to achieve project success.
Junior Project Manager
- Average Salary: $51,341
- Job Outlook: 9%*
- Number of Jobs: 320,000*
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island*
Junior project managers provide support to the project manager. They prepare schedules, coordinate projects, and assist in quality planning. Junior project managers also step in to supervise the project, write reports, and monitor progress.
Project Coordinator
- Average Salary: $48,454
- Job Outlook: 9%*
- Number of Jobs: 320,000*
- Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island*
Project coordinators ensure that projects run smoothly by organizing teams, planning regular meetings, and talking to clients directly. They also play a significant role in budgeting, monitoring expenses, and project quality control. Project coordinators must excel in inventory control, cost analysis, project scheduling, and other related areas.
*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Administrative Services and Facilities Managers
Project Management Bootcamp VS Project Management Bachelor’s Degree: Which Is Better?
Most people prefer the Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management because it is more prestigious and paves the way for more career opportunities. Project management bootcamps are intensive short-term programs, which are condensed to offer specialized courses. Both educational options offer different advantages, as listed below.
Benefits of a Project Management Bachelor Degree
- Career Opportunities: A bachelor’s degree offers better job prospects. Employers prioritize candidates with a bachelor’s degree, which is the minimum academic requirement for most project management positions.
- Better Pay: A bachelor’s degree puts you in a better position to negotiate a higher salary. Furthermore, you don’t have to find an entry-level position to gain professional experience.
- Networking: You have a better chance of networking and creating lasting work relations at a four-year program. You will be in touch with mentors and work associates through the university and their different internship programs.
- Opportunities to further your education: Holding a bachelor’s degree gives you the chance to further your education by pursuing a master’s degree or a doctorate.
Benefits of a Project Management Bootcamp
- Affordability: Bootcamps are more affordable compared to pursuing a four-year university degree.
- Short-term: If you’re looking to launch a successful career in project management within a year, a bootcamp offers short-term courses. For example, Flatiron School offers a 12-week program for aspiring professional project managers.
- Curriculum: Bootcamps use a career-focused curriculum that prepares students for specific jobs within the industry. Upon graduation, you will have the expertise to secure a job immediately.
- Career Services: Bootcamps offer career counseling services that help students achieve their career goals in project management. You will work closely with a career coach to select relevant courses of study, create a resume, and send out job applications.
Should You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management?
Yes. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum academic requirement for project management job opportunities. Project management professionals are in high demand, with a job outlook of up to 32 percent, meaning you can access a wide range of employment opportunities. Project managers can work in any industry, giving you the freedom to explore different career options.
Project Management Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
It takes four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree. Students can pursue the programs online or in-person at accredited institutions across the US. Choosing to study part-time or taking a professional certification exam may increase the time it takes for you to become a project manager.
You can work as a project manager, project coordinator, scheduler, financial manager, and so much more. Popular project management specializations include healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, or construction.
Yes. Some people pursue a project management career through bootcamps or Associate Degrees in Project Management. However, these education options may only make you eligible for entry-level project manager positions. You must showcase hands-on practical experience and knowledge in order to advance in the field of project management.
Not really. You only need to acquire the relevant hard and soft skills to launch a successful career. Most programs will teach you the fundamentals of project management, such as planning, budgeting, leadership skills, communication skills, and software applications.
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