Online degrees in contract management are
typically offered at the master level. Many are Master of Business
Administration (MBA) programs with a contract management specialization.
While there are also online associate's and bachelor's degree programs
available that touch upon contracts and acquisition, management-level
career roles are most often gained by those with a master's degree.
These master's degree programs are designed for those who desire to
handle contracts and negotiations in either the government or private
sector. Students undertake lessons in finance, marketing, law and
management. Many individuals come from construction backgrounds, but
skills may be applied to a wide variety of industries where contracts
are heavily used.
In order to enroll in an online master's degree in contract management or a Master of
Business Administration
program with a concentration in the field, applicants must already have
at least a bachelor's degree. Most schools prefer prospective students
to have a Bachelor of Business Administration. Graduate colleges also
often require students to submit either Graduate Record Examination or
Graduate Management Admissions Test scores with their program
applications.
Programs generally require a minimum of 36 credit-hours and may need
to be completed within a 2-year period. Students complete online
coursework through instructional materials, study guides and digitized
archives. They communicate with instructors by using e-mail, instant
messaging services or online forums. A computer with current software
and hardware along with a high-speed Internet connection is vital.
List of Common Online Courses
Online contract management master's degree program curricula
emphasize financial management, business research and contract
negotiation. A thesis paper or project may be required.
Government Contract Law Course
This course does not provide sufficient legal background to negotiate
contracts or independently resolve legal disputes. Students learn the
legalities and relationships between the government and contractors on a
theoretical level.
Contract Negotiation Course
Students consider issues of work to be done, costs to be incurred,
terms, prices and conditions within the scope of contracts. They study
both national and international negotiation methods.
Contract Management Course
This course looks at federal acquisition regulations, contract
management practices and administrative functions from the perspective
of both the client and contractor. Contract methods, performance,
documentation and challenges are typical topics of study.
Financial Management Course
Lessons introduce estimating, pricing, analyzing and negotiating
contracts. Specific topics of study include cost accounting standards,
termination and contract audits.
Proposal Preparation Course
Students go through each step of the proposal process in this class.
They learn to work with subcontractors, select sources and define the
final contract.
Those who graduate from an online master's degree in contract
management program may work as management analysts or consultants,
construction managers or government contractors. According to the United
States Bureau of Labor Statistics, graduates with a talent for public
relations are in the best positions to obtain and maintain lucrative
management consulting jobs (
www.bls.gov). A large number of
management consultants are self-employed; however, those seeking jobs
with corporations or government agencies might want to consider seeking
additional certification. While not an employment requirement,
certification from the Institute of Management Consultants USA, Inc. may
give the graduate an edge over fellow jobseekers.
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