In this article, we profile the 20 best online bachelor’s in operations or project management degree programs for 2017 at some of the nation’s top-ranked and affordable institutions.
Project managers and operations managers often work together to achieve similar goals, but carry out different roles within an organization. Due to their similarities and differences, some colleges and universities offer a combined major, while other schools keep them separate. We reviewed online operations and project management programs from accredited institutions to provide you with various options on your search for the most well suited school.
We reviewed 56 accredited colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator) that offered online bachelor’s in operations management, project management, or closely related degree programs. From our list of schools, we reviewed rankings received from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. We chose regionally and nationally ranked schools, or institutions with rankings for online bachelor’s program and listed them in order of affordability.
Below are the resulting selections for our top 20 best online bachelor’s degrees in operations management or project management for 2017.
#20 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $30,386
Southern New Hampshire University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in operations management degree with two available concentrations in logistics and transportation or project management. The program is designed for working and busy students who want to take advantage of the convenience that an online degree offers. Students attend classes when it is convenient for them and have 24/7 access to course content and curriculum. All courses are delivered online and include continuous improvement tools and techniques, integrated cost and schedule control, project contracting and procurement, and supply chain management. Southern New Hampshire is ranked by U.S. News and World Report ford the 101st best regional university in the North and the #1 most innovative school.
#19 – Malone University
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Canton, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $27,960
Malone University offers a project management online degree program that is designed for working students. The online bachelor’s in project management program provides classes via distance education and allows students to gain course content at all hours of the day. Also, the program is highly customizable, so that students are able to tailor their degree toward personal interests or career goals. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Malone is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 69th best regional university in the Midwest and the 12th best value school.
#18 – Spring Arbor University
Online Bachelor’s in Organizational Management
Spring Arbor, Michigan
Undergraduate tuition: $25,510
In just 24 months, students can earn a type of online bachelor’s in operations management degree from Spring Arbor University. The school offers an online bachelor’s in organizational management degree that consists of 41 credits and customizable courses. The program emphasizes content that explores a wide range of topics including operations, organization, and project management. All courses are delivered online and include critical analysis and research writing, management of financial resources, organizational behavior, and organizations in the global environment. Spring Arbor is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 63rd best regional university in the Midwest and the 19th best value school.
#17 – Charleston Southern University
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Charleston, South Carolina
Undergraduate tuition: $23,440
Charleston Southern University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in project management degree program designed to equip graduates for careers in the field of management or for entry into a master’s in project management program. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Fifty-one credits are required in major studies, including business policy, decision making and project initiation, managing project quality and change, project estimation and cost management, and project risk assessment. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 98th best regional university in the South, and the online bachelor’s programs #21 among the best in the nation.
#16 – Saint Leo University
Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration – Project Management
Saint Leo, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $20,830
For those interested in business, Saint Leo University offers a bachelor’s in business administration with project management online degree. The program is offered through the IACBE-accredited Donald R. Tapia School of Business. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on campus. Some of the courses offered include contracts and procurement, project management implementation, project risk management, project teamwork and leadership, and quality improvement and management. Students also have the opportunity to gain real world experience through an internship in their geographic location. Saint Leo is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 62nd best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #59 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – City University of Seattle
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate tuition: $16,500
City University of Seattle is among our top picks for online bachelor’s in project management. The school offers an accredited bachelor’s degree that is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level careers as project managers, or a master’s in project management degree program. Flexible study allows students to take online classes and access course content at all hours of the day or night. Courses include critical thinking, introduction to project management, people and communication in projects, and project scheduling and cost management. City University of Seattle is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as a top regional institution in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank 45th out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Washington State University
Online Bachelor’s in Management
Pullman, Washington
Undergraduate tuition: $11,967
Washington State University offers a bachelor’s in management degree that may appeal to those interested in a project management online degree program. This flexible online degree explores topics in operations and project management. Courses are delivered entirely online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. The program is designed as a part-time program for students to attend in the fall, spring, and summer. Some of the courses include business strategy and policy, introduction to financial management, operations management, principles of management and organization, and small business policy. WSU is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 143rd best national university, and the online bachelor’s programs are listed as #15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#13 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $11,656
Colorado Technical University offers an affordable online bachelor’s in project management degree program designed for working and busy students. The program is ACBSP-accredited and explores topics in management, performance, and project risk. All courses are taught online by university professors who regularly teach on campus. These courses include contracts and procurement, HR project management, project management tools, project risk management, project scheduling and cost, and spreadsheet applications. Colorado Tech is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as one of the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#12 – University of Minnesota
Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Operations Management
Crookston, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $11,646
University of Minnesota offers a project management online degree program that may be completed partially online and partially on campus. The program is designed for working students who require flexibility when it comes to attending classes. The degree requires a total of 121 credits, with 51 credits within the operations management major. Courses include design of manufacturing systems and simulations, manufacturing in a global economy, manufacturing outsourcing decisions, and sustainable lean manufacturing. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best regional college in the Midwest and 3rd top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #212 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Operations and Supply Chain Management
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,641
Franklin University offers an accredited online operations management degree program designed with the working student in mind. The program is available entirely online and delivers courses via distance learning. Classes include business modeling, operations management, organizational behavior, purchasing and inventory management, supply chain management, and transportation and logistics management. Additionally, students may hone their business skills by taking courses in business law, financial accounting, management, and marketing. Franklin University is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top institution for business and related programs. The university and its management programs are accredited.
#10 – Ohio University
Online Bachelor’s in Technical Operations Management
Athens, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,548
Ohio University is one of our top picks for online bachelor’s in operations management. The school offers a bachelor’s in technical operations management that can be completed entirely online and in the comfort of your own home. Conveniently scheduled classes are ideal for working students who have little time during traditional hours to attend on-campus requirements. All courses are delivered online and include aspects of technical operations management, introduction to technical operations management, quality assurance and technical documentation, supervision and leadership in technical organization, and technical project management. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 146th best national university and 74th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s degree programs have earned recognition in recent years.
#9 – Ashford University
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management and Analysis
Undergraduate tuition: See school website.
Ashford University is one of our top picks for online bachelor’s in operations management. The school offers an IACBE-accredited bachelor’s in operations management and analysis that can be completed entirely online. Courses run five weeks, and students take one course at a time. All courses are delivered online and include decision and modeling analysis, operations management and quantitative techniques, production operations control, and strategic management and business policy. Classes are taught by university professors and instructors with experience related to the industry. Ashford University is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94501, 510.748.9001, www.wascsenior.org
#8 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $10,158
Arizona State University is one of our top choices for online bachelor’s in operations management degree programs. The school offers a bachelor’s in operations management, which may be completed entirely online through ASU’s Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. A total of 60-credit hours are required for completion of the degree, which is designed for students with an earned associate’s of applied science from an accredited institution. Classes are delivered online and include ethical issues in technology, legal issues in technologies, organizational effectiveness, quality assurance, and systems innovation. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 129th best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U. S. News.
#7 – University of Wisconsin
Online Bachelor’s in Management
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $9,203
University of Wisconsin offers a bachelor’s in management with operations or project management online degree concentration. Students are able to major in management and take classes specific to either operations management or project management for an earned concentration. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include engineering economy, industrial management, project management, quality tools, and resource planning and materials management. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 69th best regional university in the Midwest and 15th top public school. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #110 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#6 – Oregon Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
Klamath Falls, Oregon
Undergraduate tuition: $8,838
Oregon Institute of Technology offers an affordable online operations management degree program designed for working students. The program prepares graduates for careers in various operations management-related fields like industrial engineering, production supervision, and quality control. All classes are delivered online and are ideal for working students and those with daytime obligations. Courses include decision support systems, learn management, operations management, project management, and spreadsheet software laboratory. Oregon Institute of Technology is a highly ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 3rd best regional college in the West and the 1st top public school.
#5 – Colorado State University
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $8,400
Colorado State University offers an online bachelor’s in project management degree program designed for busy and working students who want to complete an education that qualifies them for project manager roles. Several areas of specialization are offered, and the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate exam. All courses are delivered online and include effective project scheduling and control, project management tools, project procurement and contract management, and total quality management. Colorado State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the school is ranked as the 129th best national university, and the online bachelor’s programs rank #48 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Minnesota State University
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
Moorhead, Minnesota
Undergraduate tuition: $8,096
Minnesota State University offers an affordable online operations management degree designed for technically minded students who want to earn a four-year degree in operations management. Courses are delivered online in a flexible and accelerated format designed to meet the work and life needs of students. Classes are eight weeks long, and the degree can be completed at your own pace. Online courses include cost analysis, methods improvement, occupational safety and health, principles of management, production inventory management, and process leadership. The institution is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Minnesota State as the 115th best regional university in the Midwest.
#3 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $7,257
Granite State College offers an accredited online operations management degree designed for students who want to become knowledgeable in strategic contributions and management. The online bachelor’s in operations management program prepares students for entry-level management careers or successful entry into a graduate level operations management program. All courses are delivered online and include financial modeling and decision making, integrative strategic management, legal and ethical issues in business management, organizational behavior or leadership, managing information technology, and project management strategies. Granite State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #99 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor’s in Project Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $7,050
Bellevue University offers an online bachelor’s in project management degree program designed for working and busy individuals who do not have time to attend traditional classes. The online program is one of few programs in the country accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These classes include advanced project management, applied project management, business communications, foundations of professional success, fundamentals of project management, and project cost. Forty credits are required within the major. Bellevue is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest, and the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#1 – Thomas Edison State University
Online BSBA in Operations Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate tuition: $6,135
The most affordable online operations management degree program on our list is offered by Thomas Edison State University. The 120-credit hour program combines business administration with operations management studies. All coursework is completed online, and classes are taught by the same university professors who teach on campus. Online courses include introduction to operations management, quality assurance, and strategic management. Several operations management-related electives are also available, including operations research, operations planning and scheduling, and transportation distribution systems. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North. Also, in recent years, the online bachelor’s programs have earned recognition. Thomas Edison State University is the most affordable online bachelor’s in operations and project management program on our list.
BDP Staff
April 2017
