UHD’s MBA program offers 10 MBA Concentrations, including a dedicated Concentration in Project Management and Process Improvement (PMPI). Did you know that you can study the other Concentrations, and still graduate
with an Emphasis in either Project Management (PM) or Process Improvement (PI)?
That’s right: By adding three extra classes in PM or PI to your Concentration (for
a total addition of nine credit hours), you can elevate your resume to stand out from
the crowd of candidates.
What is the PM/PI Emphasis?
The UHD MBA Emphasis offers a two-for-one opportunity: It allows students to pick up knowledge of Project Management or Process Improvement, at the graduate level, while still allowing them to pursue a different Concentration (such as International Business, Human Resource Management, Finance, etc.).
Please note: The PMPI Concentration is the only MBA Concentration that may be split in half, with Project Management or Process Improvement added as an Emphasis to one of the other nine Concentrations.
Having experience in Project Management or Process Improvement is more than just a versatile skill. In fact, it’s a key component to many organizations’ operations.
Have you heard? Project Management Specialists make an estimated mean annual wage of roughly $100,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: The PM/PI Emphasis
How Do I Apply for the PM/PI Emphasis?
Applying for the Emphasis is simple: When you apply using the online Graduate Application Portal, you’ll see a drop-down menu of program options. The menu lists all the possibilities of Concentrations, as well as all the Concentrations combined with the different Emphases. Select the program of your choice and take the next step in your graduate journey!
I’m interested in pursuing one of the Graduate Certificates, not the MBA degree. May I still apply for an Emphasis?
Yes, Graduate Certificate students may also apply for an Emphasis.
What are the classes for the PM/PI Emphasis?
With three additional classes, students can add the PM emphasis or PI emphasis. Course Descriptions for each of these courses can be found here
Project Management
- MBA 6381: Project Management Overview
- MBA 6382: Project Life Cycle-Initiating, Planning and Executing
- MBA 6383 Project Life Cycle-Monitoring, Controlling & Closing
Process Improvement
- MBA 6384: Change Management & Leadership
- MBA 6385: Process Improvement Tools & Techniques
- MBA 6386: Process Improvement Application
Can I take the three classes in any order I want?
Classes are designed to build on each other cumulatively in a specific sequence. Some classes are only offered once a year, so it is strongly recommended that students apply to the MBA early and commit to completing the sequence of classes in the intended order. Otherwise, students may be waiting an extended period of time before the course comes up in the sequence again. Admitted students are able to discuss sequencing and course options with their MDCOB Graduate Academic Advisor to learn more about their options.
Does the UHD Project Management curriculum make students PMP-certified?
According to the Project Management Institute, there are at least four core elements to any project management process:
- Defining project scope
- Identifying deliverables
- Managing risks
- Effective communication across teams
The UHD Project Management curriculum gives students a solid foundation for in these four core elements. It is common for students to leverage the course content as a step towards PMP certification. Students will still need to study for the PMP certification exam, and eligibility requirements can be found at the Project Management Institute’s website: Project Management Professional (PMP)® Certification | PMI.
What are the possible degree options with the PM/PI Emphasis?
With several corporate driven concentrations, the UHD MBA allows students to customize their graduate school journey to better align their academic experience with their future career goals. More importantly, it’s a great way to distinguish your skills in the market and signal to employers an enhanced and unique skill set.
With the option to select a PM or PI emphasis, consider the combinations and possibilities:
| UHD MBA | |
| Project Management Emphasis | Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Accounting with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA Accounting with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Finance with a Project Management | MBA Finance with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA General Management with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA General Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Human Resources Management with a Project Management | MBA Human Resources Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA International Business with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA International Business with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Finance with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA Finance with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA General Management with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA General Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Leadership with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA Leadership with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Sales Management and Business Development with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA Sales Management and Business Development with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| MBA Supply Chain Management with a Project Management Emphasis | MBA Supply Chain Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
Currently, the PM/PI Emphasis is not currently available for the Business Intelligence
Concentration.
| UHD MBA | |
| Project Management Emphasis | Process Improvement Emphasis |
| UHD Graduate Business Certificates | |
| Graduate Certificate Accounting with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate Accounting with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Finance with a Project Management | Graduate Certificate Finance with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate General Management with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate General Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Human Resources Management with a Project Management | Graduate Certificate Human Resources Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate International Business with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate International Business with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Finance with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate Finance with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate General Management with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate General Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Leadership with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate Leadership with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Sales Management and Business Development with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate Sales Management and Business Development with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
| Graduate Certificate Supply Chain Management with a Project Management Emphasis | Graduate Certificate Supply Chain Management with a Process Improvement Emphasis |
Currently, the PM/PI Emphasis is not currently available for the Business Intelligence Concentration.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning more about the MBA application requirements? Join one of our upcoming MBA Information Sessions!
Ready to apply? Create your application account in the UHD Graduate Application Portal.
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The Executive Path is the official blog of the University of Houston-Downtown’s MBA Program. For further information about the UHD MBA Program, you may find our webpage at Houston's MBA Program (uhd.edu). For the upcoming calendar of virtual Information Session links, click MBA Information Session (uhd.edu). To reach the UHD MBA Office, our contact information is here: Contact Us (uhd.edu).
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