Project Management

The University of Kansas offers a comprehensive Program in Project Management designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to lead and successfully execute projects across various industries. This program provides a robust curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the dynamic project environment. Students will learn key concepts such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, team leadership, and stakeholder communication. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills tailored to project management contexts. Participants will gain familiarity with industry-standard tools and software, enhancing their ability to develop project plans, monitor progress, and ensure successful project completion. The coursework is complemented by real-world case studies, hands-on projects, and opportunities for internships, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings. The University of Kansas faculty, comprising experienced industry professionals and academic experts, provides mentorship and guidance throughout the program. Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) and will be competitive for project management roles in sectors such as information technology, construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies. Whether students aim to advance their current careers or pivot to project management roles, this program offers a rigorous and supportive learning environment to help achieve those goals.

Academic Catalog Course Listing

Concentration Courses (12 cr.)

• PMGT 816: Project Management Fundamentals I
• PMGT 817: Project Management Fundamentals II
• PMGT 818: Project Management Fundamentals III
• PMGT 819: Project Management Fundamentals IV

Core Courses (12 cr.)

• PMGT 802: Innovation and Change Management Process
• PMGT 810: Financial Management
• COMS 730: Writing and Speaking for Decision Makers
• COMS 930: Seminar in Speech: Applied Organizational Communication
  • COMS 930 will soon be replaced by COMS 811: Applied Organizational Communication

Capstone (3 cr.)

• PMGT 835: Project Management Capstone Course

Elective Courses (Pick Two - 6 cr. Total)

• PMGT 820: Management of Intra-Organizational Projects
• PMGT 821: Management of Consulting Projects
• PMGT 822: Management of Governmental Projects
• PMGT 823: Risk Management for Project Managers
• PMGT 824: Project Cost Estimation, Analysis, and Control
• PMGT 825: Portfolio Analysis for Project Managers
• PMGT 826: Program Management
• PMGT 827: Project Team Management and Development
• PMGT 828: Management of Global Projects
• PMGT 829: Management of Distributed Project Teams

Admissions Requirements

1. A Bachelor of Science or closely related science
2. A 3.0 undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale)
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score: Quantitative - 155+; Verbal - 146+.
   The GRE may be waived, upon departmental review, if the applicant has 2 + years of qualified professional and related experience
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Current resume
6. International students must meet KU’s English proficiency, Visa/I-20, and financial support document requirements

School of Engineering Scholarships and Fellowships for First Year Graduate Students

Scholarships and fellowships are awards based either on academic merit alone, or on academic merit and financial need. Awards are applied directly to a student's tuition and fees. Typically, funds left over after disbursements are made are returned to the student in the form of a check (or direct deposit into a bank account). 

School of Engineering scholarships and fellowships for incoming graduate students are awarded on a competitive basis. Award considerations include the applicant's academic performance (GPA), personal statement, scores on achievement tests, letters of recommendation, evidence of involvement in and commitment to the engineering profession, and an individual's record of scholarly activities. There is no separate application process for these awards. Students are automatically considered when a complete application is submitted. Each department nominates qualified graduate students. Awards are generally allocated in March.

Incoming and current students may also qualify for the following KU and external scholarships and fellowships.

• Engineering Graduate Ambassador Fellowship, deadline: end of March each year
• Madison and Lila Self Doctoral Fellowship, deadline: students are nominated for this fellowship, departmental deadline is normally late January or early February
• Graduate Studies Fellowships and Scholarships, deadline: varies, check the link provided for details
• Graduate Engineering Association (GEA) Student Travel Funding

Funding from Engineering Departments

Individual programs or departments may offer funding opportunities for graduate students. Links to information about program/departmental funding are below.

• Aerospace Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
• Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
  • Cyber security
• Mechanical Engineering

The University of Kansas offers a comprehensive program in Project Management designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to lead and manage projects across various industries. This program emphasizes practical applications, integrating theoretical frameworks with real-world scenarios to prepare students for successful careers in project leadership. Students attending this program will learn about project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, ensuring they are well-versed in all phases of project management. The curriculum covers core areas such as risk management, quality assurance, budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder communication, fostering a robust understanding of the multifaceted nature of managing complex projects. The program often utilizes case studies, simulations, and collaborative projects to enhance experiential learning and develop problem-solving abilities. In addition to technical skills, students also gain insights into leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making, which are vital for effective project oversight. The university's faculty comprises experienced professionals with industry backgrounds, providing mentorship and up-to-date perspectives on evolving project management practices. Graduates from the program are prepared to obtain professional certifications like the Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), further enhancing their career prospects. The program is suitable for both aspiring project managers and those already working in roles that require project coordination and leadership. It is typically offered in various formats, including on-campus courses, online modules, and hybrid options to accommodate diverse student needs. Overall, the University of Kansas' Project Management program aims to develop competent, confident, and innovative project managers capable of contributing effectively in today's competitive and dynamic business environments.