Best Online Doctorate in Project Management
If you have a knack for leadership and strategy, have completed a master’s degree in your current field, and have a desire to advance your career, then a doctorate in project management online may be what you are looking for.
The demand for experienced and talented project managers is growing. According to a recent gap analysis published by the Project Management Institute, project-oriented industries are projected to add 25 million new professionals around the globe between 2021 and 2030.
The Best Online Doctorates in Project Management Programs
National University
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Online
National University offers a top-ranked online DBA in project management program. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.
The online project management program incorporates 48 credits of doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete an original dissertation that contributes to the field. A doctorate in project management prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and leadership.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid options.
National University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 26
Online Doctoral Programs: 15
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
- In-State$11,064
- Out-of-state$11,064
- In-State$16,794
- Out-of-state$16,794
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,518
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Choosing a Program
Project management is a useful skill in many industries. While your career path depends on your field and area of expertise, the insights from core doctorate coursework apply to almost any project management position. Common course topics include strategic thinking and organizational alignment, management and ethics, and risk and quality management.
Doctorate in project management concentrations are uncommon due to the cross-industry nature of the coursework. However, some programs offer concentration options, such as information technology or construction, for a doctorate in project management degree. Business and finance doctoral programs commonly offer project management as a concentration.
All doctoral programs require students to complete and present a research-based dissertation; other aspects, like admissions requirements or program length, vary by school. For example, some online programs include a residency component where students collaborate with faculty.
Some doctor of project management online programs allow students to begin classes at any time, while others only offer admission one or two times per year. When researching programs, you should consider these variables to determine which programs work with your schedule, learning style and career goals.
Online Doctorate in Project Management Concentrations and Curriculum
Concentrations for an online doctoral degree in project management are usually industry-specific (e.g., IT or construction). Most online Ph.D. programs in project management align with business and professional services industries. A sampling of concentrations is provided below.
Concentrations Offered for an Online Doctoral Degree in Project Management
Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Project Management
- Project Cost-Benefit Analysis: A central component of effective project management is understanding how to analyze the costs and benefits of a project. This course teaches students how to run cost-benefit analyses.
- Leadership Theory and Development: In leadership theory and development courses, students study models of leadership and applications of these concepts in real-world scenarios. A solid understanding of leadership development prepares you to be a more effective leader.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Students in this course study the history of and current developments in data analytics. They learn about effective frameworks that use data to make business decisions.
- Organization Innovation Thinking: Innovative or creative thinking at an organizational level involves finding solutions to complex challenges, which may include building an effective team culture or designing new processes. This course’s skillset prepares leaders for a variety of fields, such as marketing and education.
Careers With a Doctorate in Project Management
With a Ph.D. in project management online, you will be highly qualified to serve as a project manager or as an executive leader in business, manufacturing or other related industries. There is a particular demand for project management skills in fields that involve complex projects which evolve over time, like IT and healthcare.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
