The path toward establishing a long-lasting career working project management jobs can be made easier thanks to enrolling in one of the best online PhD in Project Management programs. This guide will help provide you with 10 of the best online PhDs in Project Management to help you find the doctoral program that best suits your needs and wants.
Getting a project management PhD online can help you earn a good income after graduating while giving you plenty of flexibility during your studies. These programs can help you find project management jobs in areas like healthcare, education, and business. They can also help you develop the in-demand leadership, management, and assessment skills you need to succeed.
Can You Get a PhD in Project Management Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Project Management online. The majority of online project management PhDs are course-based, but many universities can also require an on-site residency at some point during the program. Similar to on-campus PhD programs, online PhDs also incorporate a dissertation process, research proposal, and graduate course requirements.
Most universities also allow you to transfer credit hours from your graduate coursework toward your doctorate and typically offer a more flexible schedule for their online programs compared to their in-person programs. Project management PhD programs also provide a wide range of concentration options across the business, healthcare, human resources, and financial areas.
Is an Online PhD Respected?
Yes, an online PhD is respected, and this especially applies to the field of project management and other course and theory-based subject areas. Your online PhD in Project Management holds equal credibility to an in-person degree as it provides the same level and quality of knowledge and training.
That being said, online PhDs are still somewhat new to the academic world and aren’t very common, meaning that they can be limited when it comes to the scope of their research and dissertation options. Luckily, thanks to project management being less technical than fields like artificial intelligence or mechanical engineering, online project management programs are easier to find.
What Is the Best Online PhD Program in Project Management?
The best online PhD program in project management is a PhD in Business Management with a Specialization in Project Management. To get a job in project management, you need strong leadership, finance, time management, and human resource development skills, all of which a PhD in Business Management with a Specialization in Project Management will help you learn.
A PhD in Business Management with a project management concentration will provide you with the business, finance, and project management background needed to succeed. Moreover, the skills you learn will be transferable across more fields than other kinds of PhDs. Similar online PhDs that will help you land the best jobs in the field are in business administration or management.
Why Liberty University Has the Best Online PhD Program in Project Management
The best online PhD program in project management is offered by Liberty University. Its DBA in Project Management takes around three years to complete and is a recognized and established online program that can give you a competitive advantage in the professional and academic fields.
One of the biggest advantages of this program is the ability to transfer credits from previous graduate coursework, covering up to 50 percent of the program’s credit requirements. This can significantly expedite your doctorate journey while only costing you $595 per credit hour.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-masters-degrees
Online PhD in Project Management Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for an online PhD in Project Management are usually a combination of different educational and professional qualifications. The specific requirements will vary from school to school, but some common requirements include a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, and three to five years of relevant work experience.
Schools often also require applicants to have completed certain graduate course prerequisites in business, finance, and management. When applying, you’ll also need to submit a copy of your resume, official college transcripts, and a personal statement. While many universities have waived GRE or GMAT scores requirements, they are still mandatory for others.
Online PhD in Project Management Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- Competitive GRE or GMAT scores
- Your resume
- Three to five years of professional experience in project management or administration
- Graduate coursework in business and management
- A personal statement showcasing your interest in the university and the PhD program
- A completed financial aid application
- Passing a doctoral interview
Best Online PhDs in Project Management: Top Degree Program Details
| School | Program | Estimated Length |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue University | PhD in Human Capital Management | Flexible schedule |
| Capella University | PhD in Business Management with a Specialization in Project Management | 6 years 9 months |
| City University of Seattle | PhD in Business Administration | 3 to 4 years |
| Colorado Technical University | PhD in Management | 3 years |
| Hampton University | PhD in Education Management | 2 years |
| Liberty University | DBA in Project Management | 3 years |
| Northcentral University | PhD in Business Administration | 38 months |
| Regent University | PhD in Organizational Leadership | 7 years |
| University of Alabama | PhD in Nursing Practice | 2 to 3 years |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | PhD in Management: Community College Policy & Administration | 7 years |
Best Online PhDs in Project Management: Top University Programs to Get a PhD in Project Management Online
The top university programs to get a PhD in Project Management are offered by Liberty University, Bellevue University, Northcentral University, and University of Maryland Global Campus. Finding the right program that suits your needs and wants can be difficult. To help you with your school search, we’ve put together the following list of the best online PhDs in Project Management.
Online Project Management PhD Graduation Rates: How Hard Is It to Complete an Online PhD Program in Project Management?
It is very hard to complete an online PhD program in project management. Getting a PhD, whether online or on-campus, is a long and difficult process requiring years of research on a complex subject matter.
An online PhD in Project Management typically requires the completion of 50 credits divided between its coursework, residency, research, and dissertation requirements. PhD programs can be very expensive and can take up to seven years to finish. You’ll have no choice but to put in the time, money, and work to earn your PhD.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Project Management Online?
It takes about three to four years to get a PhD in Project Management online if studying full time. The duration of your degree will vary based on your transfer credits, the program curriculum, and whether you’re studying part time or full time. Some universities allow students to transfer up to 50 percent of the required number of credits, which can accelerate your PhD timeline.
That being said, if you’re studying part time, it can take much longer to finish. Most universities put a seven-year cap on the completion of your degree. Not having any transfer credits or having issues with your dissertation proposal approval can elongate the time it takes for you to earn your PhD.
How Hard Is an Online Doctorate in Project Management?
An online Doctorate in Project Management is very hard. This degree requires the understanding of a multitude of subject areas as well as the completion of advanced coursework and a dissertation component. Project management PhD coursework typically covers complex topics in business administration, financial management, risk assessment, and cost control.
Being able to demonstrate your expert understanding of these fields and your ability to apply them to your dissertation topics and presentations is a must. Getting an online PhD can be even more challenging as it narrows your research capabilities and access to program faculties. Online PhD programs require you to have more self-discipline and motivation than their in-person counterparts.
Best PhD Programs
[query_class_embed] phd-in-*subject
What Courses Are in an Online Project Management PhD Program?
The courses in an online project management PhD program include Human Resource Development, Operations Management, Budget Allocation, and Risk Assessment. You will also take courses in supply chain management, operations leadership, cost control, and quality assessment.
Keep in mind that the core courses you end up taking can vary depending on your concentration and choice of project management field. Healthcare administration, business management, IT management, or education management-focused PhD programs will all have courses that others wouldn’t.
Main Areas of Study in a Project Management PhD Program
- Business administration
- Education management
- Risk assessment
- Finance and cost control management
- Human resource management
- Operations management
- Healthcare management
How Much Does Getting an Online Project Management PhD Cost?
It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Project Management, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES). The actual cost of your online PhD will differ from school to school. Public institutions will typically cost significantly less than private institutions. Luckily, there are numerous financial aid opportunities available to PhD students to mitigate the cost of their tuition.
How to Pay for an Online PhD Program in Project Management
You can pay for an online PhD program in project management by applying for employer sponsorship, personal loans, FAFSA grants, or university scholarships. Choosing to study part time can help you work as you study and allow you to better afford your tuition. You can also apply for external PhD funding opportunities to help pay for your degree.
How to Get an Online PhD for Free
You cannot get an online PhD for free. A free PhD education is only possible if you get a fully-funded offer from the university or an external organization. You can get in touch with the university’s program faculty or your advisor to see if there are any potential opportunities for this, although know that these are extremely rare to come by and even harder to earn.
What Is the Most Affordable Online PhD in Project Management Degree Program?
The most affordable online PhD in Project Management degree program is the University of Alabama’s PhD in Nursing Practice which costs $17,600. The university charges $440 per credit hour and requires 40 credit hours for the program. Although it is the cheapest, it’s also the most limiting in terms of scope and has some of the strictest entrance policies.
Most Affordable Online PhD Programs in Project Management: In Brief
| School | Program | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | PhD in Nursing Practice | $440 per credit |
| Liberty University | DBA in Project Management | $595 per credit |
| Colorado Technical University | PhD in Management | $598 per credit |
| City University of Seattle | PhD in Business Administration | $765 per credit |
| Bellevue University | PhD in Human Capital Management | $795 per credit |
Why You Should Get an Online PhD in Project Management
You should get an online PhD in Project Management because you’ll be able to accelerate your career trajectory toward executive and management positions. You’ll also get to increase your earning potential and job security. An online PhD also offers the benefit of a more flexible and convenient education for those looking to advance their education while working full time.
An online PhD program will help you acquire the leadership, management, finance, and business administration skills you need to move up the career ladder in a wide range of industries. You should also opt for an online PhD if you want a more affordable postgraduate education, as online degree programs are typically cheaper than in-person programs.
Top Reasons for Getting a PhD in Project Management
- Higher salaries. Having a PhD will qualify you for lucrative senior or management roles that come with high salaries. You’ll be able to apply for project manager, team leader, or senior executive positions across large organizations in a wide variety of industries.
- Opportunities across multiple industries. Project management is a broad field vital to just about all industries. With this PhD, you’ll be able to establish your career in information technology, data science, business, finance, education, healthcare, or sports management.
- Competitive advantage in the job market. Getting a PhD in Project Management will boost your candidacy and give you a competitive advantage in the job market. PhDs are highly respected degrees providing a high job placement potential, especially if earned at a reputable institution.
- Specialized in-demand skills. Your project management PhD will help you master many in-demand management skills. You’ll gain specialized skills in operations management, budget control, quality assessment, human resources, and more.
Best Master’s Degree Programs
[query_class_embed] *subject-masters-degrees
What Is the Difference Between an On-Campus Project Management PhD and an Online PhD in Project Management?
The difference between an on-campus project management PhD and an online PhD in Project Management is the scope of the research you can conduct, the cost, the level of respectability, and the learning environment you’ll be in. Below is an explanation of these key differences.
Online PhD vs On-Campus PhD: Key Differences
- Cost. An online PhD program is typically less expensive compared to an on-campus doctoral degree because it uses fewer university resources and typically incurs fewer additional costs related to things like transportation and study materials. The flexible schedule of online programs also allows you to continue to work while you study.
- Research opportunities. An on-campus PhD in Project Management will offer more research opportunities. On-campus students can more easily get a project management doctorate based on research and residency components. Online project management PhDs are more course-based and are more restricted in their research topic potential.
- Respectability. The respectability and credibility of traditional in-person PhDs are more favorable as online PhDs are newer and less common. On-campus PhDs are typically more recognized and accepted across the industry due to their higher research capabilities.
- Networking opportunities. Online PhD programs have fewer socialization and networking opportunities than campus-based PhD programs. As a student, you’ll have more access to faculty and other students if you’re enrolled in an in-person program.
How to Get a PhD in Project Management Online: A Step-by-Step Guide
To get a PhD in Project Management online, you need to meet the program’s application and degree requirements. While these will vary from school to school, there are some common steps needed to get an online PhD in Project Management. Here’s what you can expect to do to earn yours.
Online PhD in Project Management Salary and Job Outlook
The salary and job outlook for an online PhD in Project Management holder will vary according to your chosen profession and specialization. The salary you earn can range from $60,459 to $136,272, with information technology, human resources, and business management professions tending to come with higher salaries.
Similarly, your projected job outlook as a project management PhD holder will also differ according to your chosen industry. Healthcare and information technology management occupations have the highest projected job outlook rate out of the different industries you can work in with a PhD in Project Management.
What Can You Do With an Online Doctorate in Project Management?
With an online Doctorate in Project Management, you can become a senior project manager, engineering manager, IT manager, or operations manager. You can also venture into research or academic fields across the industry. The career options for this doctorate are immense and lead to tons of lucrative potential.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Project Management
- IT Manager
- Senior Operations Leader
- Human Resource Manager
- Education Management Specialist
- Business Manager
Potential Careers With a Project Management Degree
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
What Is the Average Salary for an Online PhD Holder in Project Management?
The average salary for a PhD in Project Management holder is $71,000 per year, according to PayScale. Your salary will vary depending on your specialization, skills, job designation, and place of employment. Tech and business management positions typically pay higher compensation packages, and as your experience increases, so will your pay.
Highest-Paying Project Management Jobs for PhD Grads
| Online Project Management PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Program Management Director | $136,273 |
| Human Resources Director | $90,198 |
| Information Technology Project Manager | $88,702 |
| Hospital Administrator | $88,174 |
| Education Manager | $60,415 |
Best Project Management Jobs for Online PhD Holders
The best project management jobs for online PhD holders span across the tech and non-tech industries. Thanks to your education, you could pursue senior roles across the information technology, human resources, sports, healthcare, business, or education industries. Below are some of the highest-paying jobs you can get with your online project management PhD.
Is It Worth It to Do a PhD in Project Management Online?
Yes, it is worth it to do a PhD in Project Management online. Getting an online doctoral program allows you to master specialized skills more flexibly and conveniently than an in-person doctoral program would. Online PhD programs are also more affordable when compared to on-campus PhD programs.
This degree will allow you to more easily advance your career in the field of data science, healthcare, business, or education. The best online PhD in Project Management will help you land senior management roles that offer high salaries and plenty of job security.
Additional Reading About Project Management
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-major-for-project-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/how-to-get-a-job-in-project-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-online-project-management-bachelors-degrees/
Online PhD in Project Management FAQ
Yes, you can get your PhD in Project Management fully online, as several universities offer virtual residency programs. That being said, many project management online programs also require a year of on-site residency.
Yes, an online project management doctorate degree is credible and respected. An online degree offers the same graduate coursework and leadership and project management skills as an in-person degree. Although online PhDs are less common, they are still accepted as advanced degree qualifications.
Online PhDs in Project Management are generally three to four years long. They can be made shorter if you have a high number of transfer credits or longer if you want to study part-time.
An online project management PhD covers advanced topics in business, finance, operations, quality control, and risk assessment. The degree isn’t entirely course-based, requiring the completion of a dissertation and research process. You will find the material you will cover easier if you also have a project management master’s degree.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
