KU announces online project management undergraduate programs for fall 2022

OVERLAND PARK — Driven by globalization, evolving technology and rapid automation of work processes, all types of organizations are placing growing emphasis on project-based planning, development and operations to gain a competitive advantage. The University of Kansas is launching two new online bachelor’s degree programs, as well as a minor, in project management for the 2022-2023 academic year to give students with an associate degree or equivalent hours the chance to enter a growing and in-demand field. KU’s School of Professional Studies currently offers project management at the graduate level, but the need for highly skilled project managers in a variety of industries prompted the addition of its new undergraduate offerings.

Stuart Day, dean of the KU Edwards Campus and School of Professional Studies, said these new programs offer unique opportunities for students looking to advance their careers.

“By offering the program through the School of Professional Studies, we are able to ensure an interdisciplinary approach to project management, which allows students to explore a variety of emphasis areas and ensures that they take a broad approach to project management,” Day said. “Offering these programs online gives more students the chance to succeed.”

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), organizations and companies across sectors and geographic borders steadily embrace project management. As a growing profession, project management is on track to gain nearly 2.2 million new jobs globally each year through 2027.

“Project management’s significant and sustained growth across many industries has increased the demand for project managers, and we have expanded our existing project management offerings to help address this growing need.” said John Bricklemyer, professor of the practice and director for engineering management and project management programs in the School of Professional Studies. “Students looking to finish their degree in project management will learn how theory and practice work together to solve real-world problems in a wide variety of fields.”

These new online project management degrees, supported by the Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT), aim to graduate professionals ready to fill in-demand jobs in the Kansas City area and beyond.