Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
Washington, D.C., Virginia
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Program Overview
The MBA with a Project Management concentration at the University of the Potomac typically requires 36 academic credits for completion. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of core business functions before delving into specialized project management knowledge. Students complete eight foundational MBA courses (24 credits) covering essential areas such as managerial accounting, economics, finance, marketing, human resources, and strategic management. Following this, they undertake four specialized courses (12 credits) specifically focused on Project Management. This integrated approach ensures graduates develop not only deep expertise in project methodologies and tools but also the broader business acumen necessary to make effective strategic decisions and lead diverse teams in project-driven environments. The program is generally designed for completion within approximately two years.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the MBA with a Project Management concentration at the University of the Potomac begins with foundational MBA core courses, providing a solid business understanding. These typically include: "BUS 501 Managerial Accounting," "BUS 502 Managerial Economics," "BUS 503 Managerial Finance," "BUS 510 Strategic Management," "BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior," "BUS 530 Marketing Management," "BUS 560 Management and Information Systems," and "BUS 570 Business Ethics." After establishing this foundational knowledge, students then transition to the four specialized Project Management concentration courses: "MPM 610 Project Management Structure and Culture," "MPM 620 Project Management and the Enterprise Communication Plan," "MPM 630 Project Risk and Management," and "MPM 640 International Project Management." This comprehensive curriculum is designed to provide graduates with advanced knowledge in project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and control, with a focus on communication, risk mitigation, and international project contexts.
Research Focus: The University of the Potomac's MBA with a Project Management concentration is highly applied, focusing on equipping students with the practical skills to manage projects effectively in real-world business scenarios, rather than on traditional academic research culminating in a thesis. The program aims to prepare students to "formulate evidenced-based business solutions founded on stakeholder needs and interests" and to "develop decisions and managerial actions that enhance organizational effectiveness through effective communication and teamwork." Courses emphasize the application of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques to analyze complex project scenarios, identify potential risks, and develop mitigation strategies. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and problem-solving to ensure successful project delivery within scope, time, and budget constraints.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's MBA with a Project Management concentration demonstrates strong industry engagement by aligning its curriculum directly with the standards and demands of the project management profession. The inclusion of courses such as "Project Management Structure and Culture," "Project Risk and Management," and "International Project Management" reflects critical areas of expertise sought by employers. While specific industry partnerships may not be explicitly detailed, the program's practical focus and its emphasis on preparing graduates for roles in various industries (as project management is sector-agnostic) indicate a strong connection to professional practice. The curriculum prepares students to apply their knowledge directly to real-world projects, which is highly valued by organizations seeking skilled project leaders. The University also offers a Project Management Certificate program, suggesting a broad commitment to this field.
Global Perspective: The MBA with a Project Management concentration at the University of the Potomac inherently incorporates a strong global perspective, recognizing that many contemporary projects span international borders and involve multicultural teams. The inclusion of "MPM 640 International Project Management" as a core concentration course directly addresses the unique challenges and considerations of managing projects in a global context, including cultural differences, legal frameworks, and diverse stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, the broader MBA framework at the University of the Potomac aims to prepare graduates to "identify problems related to U.S. and foreign businesses and to artfully respond to these challenges." This holistic approach, combined with a diverse student body, fosters an environment that prepares graduates to effectively lead and participate in complex international projects.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's MBA with a Project Management concentration are highly sought after due to their dual expertise in strategic business management and specialized project execution. Their ability to effectively manage resources, mitigate risks, communicate with stakeholders, and lead cross-functional teams makes them invaluable in any organization undertaking initiatives. The program's practical orientation, including a focus on international project management, ensures graduates are prepared for diverse and impactful roles in a project-driven world.
Project Manager: This is the most direct path, where graduates are responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within defined deadlines and budgets across various industries like IT, construction, healthcare, and finance.
Program Manager: Oversees multiple related projects, ensuring they align with the organization's strategic goals and managing interdependencies between projects to deliver overall program value. This is a more senior role than a Project Manager.
Project Portfolio Manager: Manages an organization's entire collection of projects and programs, ensuring strategic alignment, effective resource allocation, and optimal performance across all initiatives. This involves high-level decision-making.
IT Project Manager: Specializes in leading technology-focused projects, such as software development, system implementations, cybersecurity initiatives, or infrastructure upgrades, ensuring they meet business goals and deadlines.
Construction Project Manager: Focuses on overseeing large-scale building and infrastructure projects, managing construction teams, budgets, schedules, safety compliance, and stakeholder communication from conception to completion.
Healthcare Project Manager: Leads initiatives within the healthcare sector, such as implementing new electronic health record systems, improving patient care processes, or ensuring regulatory compliance in hospitals, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies.
Management Consultant (Project-focused): Advises various organizations on optimizing their project management processes, improving project delivery, and implementing best practices to enhance overall operational efficiency.
Risk Manager (Project Specific): Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks that could impact project success, developing contingency plans and strategies to minimize disruptions and ensure projects stay on track.
Operations Manager: Oversees the day-to-day operations of an organization or a specific department, ensuring efficient processes, resource utilization, and continuous improvement, often with a strong emphasis on project execution.
Product Manager (with Project Management focus): While primarily responsible for a product's lifecycle, an MBA in Project Management equips this role with the skills to efficiently manage the various projects involved in product development, launch, and iteration.
