Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management
The Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management is designed for adult working professionals in the public and private sectors of acquisition and contract management. The curriculum provides coverage of federal procurement practices, current issues in contracting and contract administration, legal and financial aspects of government contracting and policy issues associated with acquisition and contract management. Individuals without current experience in acquisition and contract management may be accepted into this program; however, all program prerequisite courses must be fulfilled.
The goal of the Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management is to prepare individuals for advanced leadership positions in the private, public and military sectors with specific skills and competencies in acquisition and contract administration.
Admission Requirements
The applicant to the Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management program must have a bachelor’s degree; however, the degree need not be in business administration. Students who are graduates from other fields are encouraged to apply. Students with an undergraduate business degree or courses may be able to waive the program prerequisite requirements in the MS/ACM program based on an evaluation of their undergraduate academic transcripts. Prerequisite courses are required of a student whose undergraduate major is outside the business area or who has not previously completed the courses in these prerequisite areas. The exact number of needed prerequisite courses depends on courses completed during the student’s undergraduate studies.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) may be required for admission evaluation purposes. General admission requirements and the process for applying are discussed in Section 1 of the University College catalog. Individuals who do not meet the stated requirements for regular admission may petition to take graduate courses for credit as a continuing education applicant.
Degree Requirements
The degree of Master of Science in Acquisition and Contract Management is conferred upon students who have successfully completed 33 credit hours of graduate course work plus other course requirements as listed on the student’s approved graduate program plan. Students without adequate undergraduate background will be required to complete all or part of the program prerequisites. Students may choose elective courses from those listed below.
Students with undergraduate credits for courses that they believe are equivalent to the program prerequisites should consult with their adviser concerning waiver of those courses.
Program Prerequisites (noncredit for this program)
| MGT 5000 | Financial Accounting (or two undergraduate accounting courses) |
| MGT 5132 | Basic Economics (or two undergraduate economics courses) |
Note: In addition, computer literacy is required as a prerequisite. It can be demonstrated by the applicant’s undergraduate course work, passing a proficiency examination offered by University College or by completing a suitable computer course.
| Required Courses (9 courses) | CREDITS | |
| MGT 5001 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| MGT 5002 | Corporate Finance | 3 |
| MGT 5013 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| MGT 5211 | Procurement and Contract Management | 3 |
| MGT 5213 | Contract Changes, Terminations and Disputes | 3 |
| MGT 5214 | Cost Principles, Effectiveness and Control | 3 |
| MGT 5217 | Contract and Subcontract Formulation | 3 |
| MGT 5218 | Contract Negotiations and Incentive Contracts | 3 |
| MGT 5220 | Contract Management Research Seminar* | 3 |
| Electives (2 courses) | 6 | |
| MGT 5017 | Program Management | |
| MGT 5064 | Cost and Economic Analysis | |
| MGT 5084 | Materiel Acquisition Management | |
| MGT 5138 | Business Ethics | |
| MGT 5212 | Advanced Procurement and Contract Management | |
| MGT 5240 | Business and Legal Aspects of Intellectual Property | |
| MGT 5231 | Government Contract Law | |
| MGT 5270 | Special Topics in Contracts Management | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 33 | |
*Serves as the capstone course for this program.
Note: Electives may be taken with the approval of both the faculty adviser and the program head from other graduate-level offerings in University College, or other colleges or academic units.