The Project Management Programs Put Students on Path to Success with Skills that Apply Across Industries

Stephen Durney, an IT specialist project manager with the United States Department of the Army, is completing his Bachelor of Science degree in Project Management, a JCERT-supported program. He graduates in May.

"I can state with absolute clarity that the Project Management courses are on point,” said Durney, who completed testing and received his PMP certification in December while working full-time.

“So many people cram and stress over test prep, but I just didn’t have time for that. I relied on my experience as a project manager and the institutional knowledge I’ve gained through my course work at KU," Durney said.

With a strong background in planning and facilitating military exercises, Durney works on projects from battalion level on up. His detailed plans and objectives ensure Army units are trained effectively and cost-efficiently, including major exercises like Cobra Gold and Yama Sakura. Cobra Gold is an annual, multinational military exercise in Thailand, and Yama Sakura is also an exercise held each year with service members from Japan, the United States, and Australia.

The online bachelor’s in Project Management is a degree-completion program offered through the KU Edwards Campus. It’s designed for students aspiring to enter or advance in the project management profession and teaches how theory and practice come together to solve real-world problems in a variety of fields.

“By completing his degree, Stephen is enhancing his skills in strategic planning, project management and process improvement,” said Gary Broils, program director of the project management programs. “The knowledge and techniques he's gained have been instrumental in his current role, enabling him to plan and execute military exercises more effectively, improve process efficiencies and collaborate better with various stakeholders.”

The career outlook for project management professionals is promising. Lightcast, a research company tracking national labor market data, reported a 10.5% increase in project management jobs in the U.S. between 2021 and 2024, with a median salary of $95,000.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), project management is a growing profession, with nearly 2.2 million new jobs expected globally each year through 2027. Organizations across sectors are increasingly embracing project management due to globalization, evolving technology and rapid automation of work processes.

Employers in both public and private sectors are seeking qualified professionals with real-world skills and educational credentials.

"Like Stephen, many students in the undergraduate project management program believe it is a game-changer,” Broils said. “It's offered online and focuses on practical skills and the latest industry trends. If you're looking to lead projects and make a real impact, this program is definitely worth considering."

The KU project management program’s two bachelor’s degrees (BS and BAS) provide foundational and practical skills. For those seeking advanced expertise, the Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees are available, with the latter focusing on technical aspects for engineers. A graduate certificate in project management is also available for professionals who want to build their skills without pursuing a full degree.

Get more information about KU’s project management programs.