3 Best Online Project Management Degrees in Illinois

A project management bachelor's degree prepares students for leadership roles in business. Project managers organize, implement, and oversee the successful project lifecycles. Managers must have a strong skill set with project planning, risk management, resource and staffing allocation, team leadership, and budgeting at the forefront.

You can learn these and many more skills in an online project management program. If you want to enroll in an online project management program in Illinois, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Elmhurst University offer top programs.

Below, we'll explore the best online project management degree programs for Illinois students. We'll also highlight affordable online project management programs elsewhere in the country and answer frequently asked questions about these degrees.

Best Online Project Management Degree Programs in Illinois

Project management programs teach the skills needed to excel in project management roles. The following Illinois online project management programs can help set your career on the right track.

1. Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University attendees can enroll in the Master of Project Management program to develop their budgeting, team member building, decision-making, and risk management skills. This program offers on-campus or online courses that are taught simultaneously so students can learn via their preferred delivery method.

The degree satisfies the Project Management Institute's (PMI) requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam. If you're not ready to complete a full master's degree, you can enroll in the graduate certificate program.

2. Lewis University

Lewis University, located in Romeoville � a village about 30 miles southwest of Chicago � offers a Master of Science in Project Management that students can complete online. Enrollees explore coursework in conflict management, global team leadership, cultural awareness, and technical management.

Learners can apply classroom hours toward project management certification requirements. They can also benefit from Agile certifications and generative-AI training. This program is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC).

3. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers an MS in management information systems with a project management specialization. This online degree teaches the fundamentals of project management and explores risk management, project procurement, and Agile project management.

SIUE's School of Business has received accreditation from the Association to Advance College Schools of Business (AACSB International). It offers affordable tuition at $538.55 per credit hour, enabling students to pay just $16,156.50 in total costs to earn this degree.

Other Online Project Management Degrees

Are you looking for additional degree programs in project management? The following undergraduate programs are offered at schools that open enrollment to students residing anywhere in the U.S.

1. Pennsylvania State University

Penn State World Campus offers a 100% online Bachelor of Science (BS) in project and supply chain management. This degree program teaches scheduling, resource coordination, logistics, purchasing, and other supply chain and project management skills.

The university offers career services including a career coach, graduate school resources, and internships. Enrollees are prepared for PMP, Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) certification exams.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

The BS in Business Administration with a concentration in project management at Southern New Hampshire University prepares students to become operations managers, purchasing managers, supply chain managers, and more. Project management courses teach learners to create budgets, set timelines, and report progress to stakeholders.

SNHU is a Project Management Institute (PMI) registered education provider. The school offers an elective course for students interested in CAPM certification. Enrollees can look forward to affordable tuition at just $330 per credit hour.

3. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona Global Campus is home to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in project management. Coursework explores project risk management, schedule control, and quality management.

Online students can enjoy benefits in-person learners may not receive like 24/7 online service, the flexibility to work from anywhere, and free access to Microsoft 365. Core courses and electives can help students prepare for the PMP certification exam.

4. University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts Global offers an online BS in information technology with an emphasis on project management to prepare students to schedule, plan, and manage IT projects. Core courses explore database management, team building, and information system security. A capstone is included.

Enrollees with IT professional certifications can substitute some program courses. Eligible certifications include CompTIA A+, CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), and PMP (Project Management Professional).

5. Capella University

Capella University is home to a BS in business with a project management specialization. This online program helps learners develop project strategies, facilitate effective communication, and assess project performance.

Students can enroll via the FlexPath self-paced learning format, which allows them to take as many courses as they'd like each 12-week billing session. The program offers a $15,000 Capella Progress Reward and grants credit for prior learning to save on tuition costs.

6. Colorado State University

Colorado State University Global offers a 100% online BS in project management accredited by the Global Accreditation Center (GAC) for Project Management Education Programs. The curriculum is aligned with the Project Management Institute. Enrollees learn agile methodologies, scheduling, procurement, and project quality management.

This program has been ranked among the best online bachelor's degrees in project management. Tuition is an affordable $375 per credit.

7. Arizona State University

The online Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in project management at Arizona State University (ASU Online) teaches the project management process from conception to completion. Coursework explores organizational ethics and cost, procurement, and risk management. Students develop their communication and leadership skills.

This program is designed for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science. The curriculum aligns with standards developed by the Project Management Institute.

FAQs About Online Project Management Programs

Online project management programs can lead to exciting careers in the field. Review the following FAQs for more information about these degrees.

Which Type of Degree is Best for Project Management?

A degree in project management is often the best option for a project management career. However, you could also consider a degree in business administration. If you're interested in managing healthcare or information technology projects, consider a project management program offering an emphasis or concentration in these areas.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management?

A bachelor's degree in project management prepares you for numerous career paths. Here are some to consider:

• project manager
• portfolio manager
• contracting officer
• commercial project manager
• event project manager
• technical manager

A project management specialist role is also common for degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this role is projected to grow faster than average at 7% from 2023 to 2033.

What Skills Will I Gain With an Online Project Management Degree?

Online project management programs help students develop important skills for successful careers after graduating. Some include:

• project planning
• scheduling
• negotiation
• budgeting
• communication
• decision-making
• leadership
• team building

Find an Online Bachelor's Degree in Project Management Today

If you're ready to jumpstart a career in project management, explore the accredited degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges directly to find out how their programs can help you reach your career goals.