MS - Project Management-Operations Research

The Master of Science in Project Managementdegree with a concentration operations research is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds seeking advanced leadership positions in the private, public and military sectors. The master’s in project management with a concentration in operations research is suitable for individuals from fields other than business, including mathematics, science and engineering. Career paths for individuals who earn a master’s in project management vary and according to a study published in October 2008 by the Anderson Economic Group, an average of 1.2 million project management positions across several industries will need to be filled each year through 2016.

The objective of the masters in project management with a concentration in information systems is to meet the industry demand for project managers who can improve business performance and to provide individuals with the operations research skills needed to excel in challenging work environments. The operations research concentration focuses on the mathematical and statistical analysis, decision analysis and other topics related to the operations research component of project management as well as the core competencies of the masters in project management.

Curriculum

Curriculum program plans shown reflect current degree requirements. Previous academic year requirements can be accessed from the catalog page by choosing the appropriate academic year.

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Master of Science in Project Management – Operations Research

The applicant to the Master of Science in Project Management – Operations Research degree program must have a bachelor’s degree; however, the degree need not be in business administration. Students who are graduates from other fields, especially mathematics, science and engineering, are encouraged to apply. Students with an undergraduate business degree or courses may be able to waive up to 12 hours of the program prerequisites in the program based on an evaluation of their undergraduate academic transcripts. Prerequisite courses are required of a student whose undergraduate major is outside the business area or who has not previously completed the courses in these prerequisite areas. The exact number of needed prerequisite courses depends on courses completed during the student’s undergraduate studies.

The GRE or GMAT may be required for admission evaluation purposes. General admission requirements and the process for applying are discussed in the Academic Overview of the university catalog. Individuals who do not meet the stated requirements for regular admission may petition to take graduate courses for credit as a continuing education applicant.

The goal of the Master of Science in Project Management – Operations Research is to prepare individuals for advanced leadership positions in the private, public and military sectors with specific skills and competencies in
project management and identified concentration areas.

Degree Requirements

The degree of Master of Science in Project Management – Operations Research is conferred upon students who have successfully completed 33 credit hours of graduate coursework plus other course requirements as listed on the student’s approved graduate program plan. Students without adequate undergraduate background will be required to complete all or part of the program prerequisites. Students may choose elective courses from those listed below.

Students with undergraduate credits for courses that they believe are equivalent to the program prerequisites should consult with their adviser concerning waiver of those prerequisites.

Program Prerequisite (noncredit for this program)

Note: In addition, computer literacy is required as a prerequisite. It can be demonstrated by the applicant’s undergraduate coursework, passing a proficiency examination offered by the Extended Studies Division or by completing a suitable computer course.

Students may elect to concentrate their studies within operations research. The specialization courses will be selected from the electives listed below.

*Serves as the capstone course for this program.