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ABSTRACT:
The George Washington University recently implemented a project management program. Project management is an emerging professional discipline because many professionals who have been practicing in a traditional discipline find themselves performing the duties of a project manager. This advanced degree program sharpens the student's quantitative and personal skills, which are necessary for project management. The program curriculum contains eight core courses, a suite of elective courses, and a capstone course. A distinct feature of this program is that, in addition to the traditional campus program, it is available as a distance education option. Instructor-student interaction is very effective and timely because of the use of a private shell on the web as way to submit and return homework.
KEY WORDS: project management, distance learning, the Internet
In response to an emerging need to provide project management education to practicing project managers in the Washington, DC, area (and elsewhere), the George Washington University began planning and developing a master's degree program in project management in 1996. Because of a growing demand by government and industry for more broadly educated project managers, this master's degree program offers an innovative curriculum that focuses on achieving a balance of practice and theory. The program was constructed to include all of the skills that practicing professionals need as they make the transition from team members to project managers. Our project management program has enjoyed phenomenal growth: since 1996, about 200 students have been admitted into the program, and another 90 have entered the distance program.
Distance education is ideal for professionals and managers who want to enhance their ability to motivate people, integrate complex projects, and achieve costeffective results. Distance education involves innovative teaching options, including taped lectures and online syllabi, class notes, and homework. The system makes education available to students, regardless of their geographic location. George Washington University's program is geared toward practicing professionals who need to get the job done on time and within budget while meeting specifications and achieving customer satisfaction.
The project management program launched a distance component in 1998. This component is a pioneering effort in the remote delivery of a project management graduate degree program. Qualified students at virtually any location in the world can pursue a degree in...