In the field of project management, a doctoral degree is the highest level of academic attainment. It may allow you to pursue career paths in business, government, or nonprofit and maintain professional freedom. Good knowledge of the best PhDs in Project Management will help you find a suitable school and program to help you achieve your goals.
To aid your research, this article will provide details on the best schools that offer a PhD in Project Management, lucrative project management jobs, and expected salaries, to help you decide if a project management PhD is worth it.
What Is a PhD in Project Management?
A PhD in Project Management is a research-oriented graduate program also referred to as a Doctorate in Project Management. This program provides a curriculum covering advanced project and strategic management principles that prepare students for projects in the industry. This degree program takes an average of three to five years to complete.
How to Get Your PhD in Project Management
If you’re skilled at leadership, strategizing and critical thinking, then project management is most definitely in your wheelhouse. Project management experts are sought after in several industries because they are reliable leaders who can delegate work and push a project forward. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about earning a PhD in project management.
While a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the subject will teach you the fundamentals, a doctorate degree will take your career to the next level. From degree programs to financial aid or top project management institutes, CareerKarma has got you covered.
How to Choose a Project Management Doctorate Program
Today’s technology has influenced several aspects of our lives and has made it easier to send and receive information, which is why more and more students are turning toward online degrees. An online PhD is often more convenient and less expensive than a regular one. During the COVID-19 pandemic, online learning seems to be the only feasible way to continue your education.
Before enrolling for an online PhD, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, you should try to pursue an affordable PhD program that doesn’t require arbitrary fees, such as graduation or assessment fees. You should also make sure that you are well-equipped with the resources you’ll need to earn your project management degree.
Furthermore, you should research whether your graduate program is asynchronous (self-paced) or not. A self-paced course is preferred by some because you do not have to worry about deadlines.
It is also important to make sure your program is accredited and legitimate so you don’t face issues down the road when it comes to transferring credits or seeking employment. You can do so by visiting school websites, checking program reviews or by contacting schools directly for further information.
How to Get Into a Project Management PhD Program: Admission Requirements
The requirements to get into a project management PhD program include a master’s degree from an accredited university, letters of recommendation that reflect your academic and professional experiences, and proof of funding for your doctorate. Alongside official transcripts, some programs require a statement of purpose as part of the admission requirements.
Depending on the university you are applying to, you may require a master’s degree relevant to your field of study. If they are part of the admission requirements, you may also need to provide GRE or GMAT scores. A completed application is also a vital part of the admission requirements.
PhD in Project Management Admission Requirements
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of funding
- Official transcripts
- Statement of purpose
Project Management PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Project Management?
It is not very hard to get into a PhD program in project management. Although getting into a PhD program is statistically difficult, you may be accepted into a PhD program in project management if you meet the admission requirements of the school and program.
How to Get Into the Best Universities
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Best PhDs in Project Management: In Brief
| School | Program | Online Option |
|---|---|---|
| DePaul University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| George Fox University | PhD in Business Administration | Yes |
| George Washington University | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| Hampton University | PhD in Business Administration | Yes |
| Jacksonville University | PhD in Business Administration | Yes |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | PhD in Business Administration | No |
| The University of Arizona | PhD in Management | No |
| University at Buffalo | PhD in Management | Yes |
| University of Maryland | PhD in Project Management | No |
| University of Tennessee | PhD in Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations | No |
Best Universities for Project Management PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Project Management
The best universities for project management PhDs are The University of Arizona, George Washington University, DePaul University, and the University of Tennessee. If you are wondering where to get a PhD in Project Management, explore the best schools below.
What Courses Do These Programs Include?
A PhD in project management will help you master everything from risk management to information technology. Most programs include coursework that extensively covers topics such as advanced concepts in project management, complex adaptive systems, risk management systems and current field trends. Certain programs, like the one at Walden University, also require students to complete a doctoral writing project and on-campus residencies.
Other courses include operations management, advanced theory and practice in program management, and human resource development, among others.
This combination of practical and theoretical learning will give you keen insight into the workings of business management and information systems. As a result, you will emerge from the program prepared to handle high-level project management leadership roles with refined skills in analysis, measurement and problem-solving.
Can You Get a PhD in Project Management Online?
Yes, you can get a PhD in Project Management online. You can obtain an online doctorate if you study full-time and complete a total of 60 credit hours. The online project management doctorate covers coursework and a research-based dissertation. However, you may be able to earn your PhD in Project Management online in less time if your university offers an accelerated program.
Best Online PhD Programs in Project Management
| School | Program | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University | Online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management | 3 years |
| Colorado Technical University | Online Doctor of Management | 3 years |
| Liberty University | Online Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management | 3 years |
| Northcentral University | Online Project Management, PhD-BA | 3 to 4 years |
| Walden University | Online Doctor of Business Administration in Project Management | 2 to 3 years |
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Project Management?
It takes two to five years to get a PhD in Project Management. Generally, students will need to complete 60 credits, a dissertation, and a thesis to graduate from the program. Due to the level of research and specific study topics, the time it takes to complete the program can vary greatly.
Some programs require you to complete the core courses in the first two years and focus on your dissertation for the following year. Graduates of project management PhD programs work in various areas, including information technology, finance, and education.
Is a PhD in Project Management Hard?
No, a PhD in Project Management is not hard. A PhD in Project Management is not intellectually challenging, but it does require dedication and determination to complete your coursework and research dissertation.
Some of the challenges you may face while trying to earn a PhD in Project Management include time management, funding issues, stress, and managing a work/life balance. If you can manage these issues during your program, you will complete the program with ease.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Project Management?
It costs $19,314 per year to get a PhD in Project Management, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. According to these reports, private colleges have higher tuition rates and cost estimates for a project management doctoral degree than public institutions.
Different factors determine the cost of a project management degree. Just as schools vary, tuition rates also vary. Since many universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students, state residency is an essential issue. On the other hand, some universities charge set tuition for online students regardless of their location.
How to Pay for a PhD in Project Management: PhD Funding Options
The PhD funding options that students can use to pay for a PhD in Project Management include teaching assistantships, research fellowships, scholarships, student loans, and funding from universities. These funding options provide you with the opportunity to complete your program with ease, pursue your research effectively, develop skills, and achieve your goals.
Best Online Master’s Degrees
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What Is the Difference Between a Project Management Master’s Degree and PhD?
The difference between a project management master’s degree and a PhD is that a Master’s Degree in Project Management is career-oriented, whereas a PhD is research-oriented and prepares you for a career in academic research. However, some students pursue a PhD in Project Management to enhance their qualifications and move up the professional ladder.
Another difference between a project management master’s degree and a PhD is the duration it takes to complete. A Master’s Degree in Project Management takes one to two years to complete, while it takes three to five years on average to complete a project management doctorate.
Master’s vs PhD in Project Management Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for a Master’s Degree in Project Management should increase by 17 percent from 2016 to 2026, the fastest rate of any education level. PhD-level project management jobs are also likely to grow at around 13 percent, faster than the 7 percent average foreseen for all occupations.
Difference in Salary for Project Management Master’s vs PhD
The average yearly salary for a professional with a project management master’s degree is $85,000, while a professional with a PhD in Project Management earns up to $96,000 in a year. The salaries often vary according to qualifications and years of experience.
A project management master’s degree holder could earn more than a professional with a PhD if he has more years of experience. Some of the experience levels in project management include early career level, mid-career level, and professional career level. While experience is an asset, a PhD holder will start at a higher salary than a master’s holder.
Related Project Management Degrees
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Why You Should Get a PhD in Project Management
You should get a PhD in Project Management because it will boost your skillset and provide you with the necessary qualifications to pursue a project management career in an academic or professional field. Below are some specific reasons for getting a PhD in Project Management.
Reasons for Getting a PhD in Project Management
- It gives you a competitive edge. A PhD in Project Management will provide you with an advantage in today’s job environment. It establishes exceptional credibility by demonstrating competence in your field and a lifelong dedication to learning, which will aid you in achieving your career goals in any field.
- You can hone your skills. With a PhD in Project Management, you will learn new strategies for leading people and managing projects. You can also learn valuable skills that are transferable to any employment field. This project management degree can also help you make wholesome contributions to your job.
- You can become a scholar-practitioner. A PhD in Project Management will give you the knowledge and confidence to attend and present at academic conferences. You will develop your scholarly voice, prepare a dissertation, and publish peer-reviewed publications in renowned journals in your field.
- It makes you a better thinker. A good PhD program in project management encourages you to do more than just consume information. You’ll acquire new levels of strategic thinking by moving past passive learning, which you may apply in new and exciting ways in your job, company, and subject of interest.
Getting a PhD in Project Management: Project Management PhD Coursework
Getting a PhD in Project Management requires doctoral students to take various courses within an area of concentration. Project management PhD coursework may include project risk management, operations management, and human resource management. Students will also learn about project-based strategic leadership and quality management and control.
Project Risk Management
Risk management is critical during projects’ conception, planning, and execution. In the project risk management course, you will learn how to analyze potential risks that may arise during the project management process. You will also discuss techniques to limit the influence risks have on the project’s outcome.
Operations Management
Operations management examines standard strategies for managing operations staff and business processes in for-profit and non-profit enterprises. Students will benefit from learning how to efficiently manage, control, and supervise commodities, services, and people.
Human Resource Management
This project management course examines core human resource management methods and discusses the use of training, development, and performance management. Human resource management is critical in shaping, strengthening, and changing an organization’s culture.
Project-based Strategic Leadership
The main goal of project-based strategic leadership is to motivate project managers to be the business leaders of their projects. This course provides them with the tools and knowledge they need in order to learn the formal approaches to strategic and business-oriented aspects of projects.
Quality Management and Control
Quality management and control are vital to maintaining a successful company that offers products that meet consumers’ expectations. This course covers strategies for evaluating and improving the quality of processes, manufacturing, and how quality affects customer relationships.
Best Master’s Degrees
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How to Get a PhD in Project Management: Doctoral Program Requirements
It is vital to understand how to get a PhD in Project Management before beginning your journey toward a career in the project management profession. Below we have broken down the doctoral program requirements to help you understand what it will take to graduate with a PhD in Project Management.
Potential Careers With a Project Management Degree
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PhD in Project Management Salary and Job Outlook
An average PhD in Project Management salary can range from $82,360 to $126,230, depending on the career path. With a PhD, you can gain employment in high-demand managerial positions. Below are some examples of these jobs and their salaries.
What Can You Do With a PhD in Project Management?
With a PhD in Project Management, you can pursue many different career options, including leadership, project management, teaching, and research positions. With your degree, you can work as a management analyst, industrial production manager, human resources manager, operations manager, and operations research analyst.
Best Jobs with a PhD in Project Management
- Management analyst
- Industrial production manager
- Human resources manager
- Operations manager
- Operations research analyst
What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Project Management?
The average salary for a PhD in Project Management is $71,000, according to PayScale. Specific salaries vary according to the profession, education level, the field of practice, and current field standards. With advanced training and competitive skills you’ll be able to advance into a higher annual salary.
Highest-Paying Project Management Jobs for PhD Grads
| Project Management PhD Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Managers | $126,230 |
| Operations Managers | $115,250 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,150 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
Best Project Management Jobs with a Doctorate
The best project management jobs with a doctorate degree are human resource managers, operations managers, industrial production managers, management analysts, and operation research analysts. Below is a detailed breakdown of these jobs.
Is a PhD in Project Management Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Project Management is worth it. With a doctorate, there is no limit on what you can achieve and how far your organization can go with your qualification and skills. You’ll be able to work in various fields and make a lucrative salary.
A bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Project Management will teach you the foundations, but a doctorate will propel your career forward. Project management professionals are in high demand across a wide range of organizations because they are dependable leaders who can delegate tasks and move projects forward.
Additional Reading About Project Management
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PhD in Project Management FAQ
Yes, project management is a good career choice. The profession provides high salaries and gives plenty of opportunities for advancement. However, a project management career can be quite demanding and stressful.
Project management has several drawbacks, including resource loss, security concerns, scheduling difficulties, and interpersonal conflicts. Furthermore, outsourcing work or recruiting new personnel to complete the project could result in hefty costs for your company.
Yes, project management is in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in management occupations should increase by nine percent between 2020 and 2030, which is roughly in line with the national average.
Some of the benefits of studying project management include gaining skills that give you a competitive advantage over others, standing out from the crowd, improving the quality of your job, working smarter, and achieving desired results.
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.
