What to look for in an online project management degree

Project management is an extremely versatile career field. The skills and expertise gained from a project management degree program can be put to use in a range of industries, from marketing and technology all the way to construction and manufacturing.

Finding a high-quality project management program may seem simple on the surface. But when you consider your various lifestyle needs and responsibilities, there's a certain level of flexibility you know you'll need.

Online learning is a great solution for busy professionals looking to go back to school, but what exactly should you be looking for in an online project management degree? Join us as we outline some of the markers of a strong online project management program.

4 Things effective online project management programs have in common

The Project Management Institute (PMI) has indicated that there's a widening gap between employers' need for skilled project management workers and the availability of professionals to fill those roles. There's been a dramatic increase in the number of jobs requiring project-oriented skills.

If you hope to capitalize on that growth with a project management degree, it's important to choose a program that is well equipped to support all of your academic needs. Keep the following elements in mind as you research online project management programs.

1. Students gain professional skills they can apply immediately

Project management programs are expected to provide graduates with skills related to organizational planning, time management, and data tracking and reporting. But a truly effective online project management degree will teach students how to take the professional skills they're learning in the virtual classroom and apply them to business challenges in real time.

You'll want to look for a degree program that teaches students to tackle real-world business problems. By actively learning how to solve true-to-life business needs, students are given the ability to apply their newfound skills immediately in their professional lives.

Bellevue University's project management programs, for example, utilize an applied learning approach that offers students the benefits of integrating business scenarios and simulations to bring case studies to life. This hands-on approach teaches students to operate according to the highest project management standards through every stage of a project plan.

2. Courses are taught by corporate business leaders

Your instructors will play a critical role in your project management education. If you're looking to be taught by experts in the field, it's important to seek out an online program with faculty members who have robust industry experience. You want to learn from professors who have years of professional practice under their belts.

If this is important to you, be sure to look into the faculty at your target schools. For example, the online project management program at Bellevue University is taught by an impressive array of business leaders with professional experience at organizations like FedEx, Walmart, and Lockheed Martin. They blend their knowledge in logistics, retail, and technology with leadership principles to give students a real-world perspective on project management in a variety of different industries.

3. The program has received PMI accreditation

For some, enrolling in an online program can feel like a bit of a gamble; you have no guarantee of a return on your investment. And while that's true — no school can guarantee you any particular professional outcome — certain factors will indicate a program's ability to provide you with an effective education.

Specialized program accreditation is granted by organizations that establish standards related to a specific profession. When it comes to project management programs specifically, you'll want to be sure you find a program that has been accredited by PMI's Global Accreditation Center (GAC). This specialized program accreditation serves as the gold standard in the field, signifying that it has been carefully assessed and deemed to meet comprehensive global standards in project management education.

4. Students have access to a robust network

While much of your time as a project management student will be spent amassing the skills you'll eventually use on the job, earning your degree is also an opportunity to begin building your professional network. If you're able to find an online project management degree program that's equipped to help you make important networking connections, it could have a hugely positive impact on your career prospects after graduation.

Bellevue University has a Project Management Center of Excellence, for example, which can be a great networking tool for students. The Center connects faculty, students, staff, alumni, and local business leaders to provide a community of expertise, helping participants learn in collaboration about managing complex organizational projects on a global scale. For an undergraduate student hoping to launch a thriving project management career, the knowledge gained and connections made can have a lasting impact.

Launch a promising project management career

Now that you've committed yourself to the idea of unlocking some new career prospects by advancing your education, it's time to find the right online project management degree for you. As you seek out an accredited program that boasts esteemed faculty, applied skills-based learning, and robust networking opportunities, you may find exactly what you're looking for at Bellevue University.

Our graduates gain more than just a degree; they gain a strong professional network and the most relevant skills to prepare them for a thriving career in project management. Learn more about what you can expect by visiting Bellevue University's Bachelor of Science in Project Management program page.