Missouri State University’s project management master’s program in the department of technology and construction management, part of the College of Business, was accredited by the Project Management Institute Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) on July 26.

Degree programs that achieve GAC accreditation must demonstrate and meet the GAC’s rigorous global standards of accreditation, which include an assessment of each program’s objectives and outcomes, faculty and student evaluations, onsite and online resources, annual self-evaluation and proof of continuous improvements in the area of project management education. Eighty-five project management degree programs at 39 institutions in 13 countries are accredited by GAC. GAC accreditation ensures the quality of academic degree programs and their graduates in order to meet the standards of the rapidly growing field of project management.

The project management master’s program at Missouri State provides relevant and timely graduate-level education to those aspiring to establish or enhance their project management success in all disciplines. A 100 percent online option is available for students who need maximum flexibility. The program equips individuals with the various skills needed to manage projects and keep them within budget and on schedule while meeting specifications and achieving customer satisfaction.

The project management master’s program has been in operation for five years and has steadily grown to a current enrollment of approximately 70 students. Because of the flexible delivery format, many students are able to earn their degree while successfully maintaining a full-time career.

“The project management master’s program at Missouri State has opened up opportunities for many students who would not have been able to pursue an advanced degree through a traditional program. The flexible online format allows access for those working full-time who wish to enhance their education and professional success,” said Dr. Neal Callahan, director of the program. “GAC accreditation adds credibility that will further advance the benefits of the program for both students and employers.”

Individuals who complete the Missouri State University GAC accredited project management program earn 1,500 hours of project management experience toward the requirements that are needed to sit for PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)^® credential examination. Currently, an applicant with a bachelor degree (or higher) must document 4,500 hours spent leading and directing project tasks. If the applicant documents that he or she graduated from a GAC accredited program, then only 3,000 hours of work experience need to be presented to fulfill this requirement.

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About Missouri State University
Missouri State University was founded in Springfield in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School. Today, Missouri State University is a public multipurpose, metropolitan university providing a broad array of instructional, research and service programs. The main campus of the University is located in Springfield, the third largest population center in Missouri with a metropolitan statistical area population of approximately 420,000.The Springfield campus includes more than 20,000 students representing 49 states and 76 countries.

The University’s statewide mission in public affairs, requiring a campus-wide commitment to foster competence and responsibility in the common vocation of citizenship, distinguishes its identity. The academic experience is grounded in a general education curriculum that draws heavily from the liberal arts and sciences. This foundation provides the basis for mastery of focused disciplinary and professional studies, as well as enables critical, independent and intellectual judgment about the culture, values and institutions of the larger society. 

About Project Management Institute (PMI)
PMI is the world’s largest project management member association, representing more than half a million practitioners in over 185 countries. As a global thought leader and knowledge resource, PMI advances the profession through its global standards and credentials, collaborative chapters and virtual communities and academic research. When organizations invest in project management, supported by PMI, executives have confidence their important initiatives deliver expected results, greater business value and competitive advantage. Learn more at www.pmi.org.

About the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC)
Established by the PMI Board of Directors in 2001, the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC) is a specialized accrediting body that assures the quality of project management degree programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

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Filed Under: Callahan · College of Business · project management · strong · technology and construction management