Master of Science in Project Management

Project Management FAQs

1. Is UW-Platteville accredited?
Yes, UW-Platteville is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. UWP is a Global Registered Educational Provider of the Project Management Institute.

2. How does the Master of Science in Project Management differ from an MBA?
The core courses for the Project Management degree are management or communications focused, offering a well-rounded view of project design and implementation. The project management courses are integrated to highlight the impact of one topic on another. The core courses for an MBA generally focus on accounting, economics and finance. Subjects are usually taught on a functional basis.

3. What are the entry requirements for the Project Management program?
All applicants must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, with at least a 2.75 GPA. For more specific admission information, go to http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted/degrees/pm/index.html.

4. How many courses do I need to complete to earn the degree?
The Project Management degree program consists of 30-36 credits. Under certain conditions, where graduate transfer credits are approved, students may require a minimum of 15 credits. Be sure to contact the Project Management program coordinator for questions concerning transfer credits.

5. How many hours should I commit to study each week?
For graduate-level coursework, it's recommended that you schedule at least 10-15 hours study time per week for each course.

6. Are there proctored exams for any of the courses?
Some courses require outside proctors, but most courses provide online exams. For information about specific courses, contact Bill Haskins, Project Management Coordinator, at projectmgmt@uwplatt.edu.

7. Is credit for life experience available?
The UW-Platteville Master of Science in Project Management program offers graduate credit to those who have completed their Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, as awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI). If you possess a current PMP certification, you may be eligible to receive 3 credits in PM 7010 Project Management Techniques I and 3 credits in PM 7020 Project Management Techniques II. To receive the credit, you must submit a form requesting a review of your certification to the UW-Platteville Distance Learning Center. To download this form, go to http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted/pdfs/crlifeform.pdf. This documentation must be submitted at the time you apply for admission to the Project Management program.

UW-Platteville also has transfer agreements with UW-Madison's Executive Education Program and with Colorado State University's Denver Center Project Management Certificate Program. For more information, go to http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted/degrees/pm/index.html  and click on "credit for life experience."

8. How long will it take to complete the Project Management degree?
Most full-time students can complete the degree in two years. Students are allowed a maximum of seven years to complete the program.

9. Is the Quality Management course a prerequisite for the Advanced Quality Management core course?
No, but for people who have had no experience in quality management, it would be a helpful background course to fulfill an elective requirement. Advanced Quality does have a quick first module that covers some of the basics, but it does not contain a process improvement project like Quality Management does. So, for people who have never done an actual process improvement project applying the basic tools, we recommend taking Quality Management first.

10. Do I need to start thinking about the writing requirement for the degree early in the program?

Not necessarily. The writing requirement is actually part of the capstone course - a written paper about the project that is done for that course. There is no additional separate thesis required in this program. So, whenever you have an idea for a 'culminating' project that you'd like to explore with us, contact your advisor. Our intent is that most people will have projects for their workplace that will not only help them complete the program but that will be professionally beneficial for them and useful for their organizations.