When we started developing the curriculum for the Masters of Engineering degree with a concentration in Information Engineering Management we asked ourselves - what exactly should a leader really look like? Our brainstorming eventually led us to the question - what can our curriculum teach leaders to do better? We came up with several key answers, but project management was among the most important.

Whether we realize it or not, our days are filled with countless opportunities to manage projects. So what if you could practice managing those countless projects using some of the most popular management methods used in major companies today? What if you had tools that allowed you to manage a team of any capacity? What if you learned what makes most project teams dysfunctional and learned how to correct them?

We understand that you have a purpose for beginning a graduate program, whether it's starting a company, getting a new job, or developing skills that would help you move into a leadership position. For those reasons, we've crafted the IEM curriculum, including IEM 612: Project Management, to give you the tools to successfully lead projects, teams, and make the transition from engineer to manager.

Discover your Project Management Style

A true leader not only leads, but leads well. Through our discussions and exercises in various project management techniques you can discover your true project management style, as well as the best management style for the organization you will be leading.

In IEM 612,  we examine and compare various project management styles to help give you tools to work with no matter what project you're heading up. Two of the most well known styles are the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and SCRUM/AGILE approaches to project management.

Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)

As the standard to obtain a PMP certification, PMBOK allows you to use standardized practices across departments and standardized systems across various companies. Using a process of Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing, PMBOK focuses on what works and also what doesn't work. This allows you to focus on what can go right and avoid failure of projects. 

SCRUM/AGILE

These words are used interchangeably in project management terminology, but there is an important distinction between the two. AGILE refers to a set of methods or practices including collaboration, self-organization, and cross functionality of teams, while SCRUM is the framework used to implement the AGILE methodology. The individual parts that make SCRUM happen are a Product Owner, a list of tasks called a Backlog, a timeframe referred to as the Sprint, a Daily Scrum progress update, and a Retrospective review of work. There is no training or standard for SCRUM, and it can be used by everyone from construction crews to marketing agencies.

While both styles get a project done, as we examine them in class you will be able to see which best fits both your personality and the project you're working to complete.

Hands-on Teamwork

While part of IEM 612 is studying project management styles, an additional part of the class is working in simulated teams with project leaders and customers. This will give you an opportunity to work a project using your own self-designed hybrid project management approach and practice real life communication, something so many of us struggle with, within the context of a team environment.

In-depth studies, discussions, and team exercises will help you begin to see projects in everything you do.  You will also be able to recognize the dysfunctions that affect all teams, no matter how well they are managed. IEM 612 provides coursework relevant to information engineering and management, but also consistent with your professional development goals.

Looking to grow into a new position of leadership?

You'll be able to focus on ways to network in your company, connect with other leaders, and increase your visibility — all through project management. The study of project management will help you complete projects in time and under budget, allowing you to make a case for future leadership positions. Use the form on this page to schedule a time to talk or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Let us help you find your path to a technical or engineering management career.