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Master of Acquisition Management |
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UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW |
UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW |
American Graduate University's distance learning education programs offer working adults
a convenient, content-rich approach in acquiring a quality professional education
at a reasonable cost. The University offers individual courses, AND three degree programs: Master of Acquisition Management (MAM), Master of Project Management (MPM), and Master of Contract Management (MCM) and several Master's Certificate programs.The University offers individual courses, AND three degree programs: Master of Acquisition Management (MAM), Master of Project Management (MPM), and Master of Contract Management (MCM) and several Master's Certificate programs.
The University, established in 1976, is a traditionally structured, nonresidential institution
of higher learning. The University's programs are carefully designed, extensively researched and documented, organized and conducted by a faculty chosen for both their practical and theoretical background.
Coursework is undertaken through structured distance education. It is not necessary
to be registered in a degree or certificate program in order to enroll in individual University courses.
Applicants for admission to a degree program must hold a bachelor's degree from
an accredited educational institution. Students may secure limited credit for courses
taken
at other public, private, or Government educational institutions.
The University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). AGU is a Registered Global Education Provider for the Project Management Institute. The Defense Acquisition University and the University have formed
a strategic partnership for the establishment of cooperative graduate degree and certificate programs.
The unique experience and educational resources of American Graduate University, in the areas of acquisition management, project/program management, contract management and business management, allow it to offer work of an unparalleled academic excellence not available from any other nontraditional educational institution.
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UNIVERSITY MISSION |
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The mission of American Graduate University is to develop and deliver quality graduate education at a reasonable cost in the areas of acquisition and contract management, project/program management, and overall business management that meets and/or exceeds the needs of its students.
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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY |
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American Graduate University was founded in 1976. The University offers a whole vehicle
of education that operates outside the campus and classroom tradition. The University
is uniquely qualified to offer courses and degree programs in the fields of acquisition management, contract management, project/program management and business management. It has a well-defined and structured curriculum, an excellent faculty,
an extensive proprietary collection of textbooks and course materials, an on-going dissemination research program, and the most complete library in the field.
To support
its activities, the University has complete in-house facilities and staff for course development, conduct and administration, research, graphics and printing. It maintains
a complete reference library on all aspects of acquisition, contracting, and program/project management.
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UNIVERSITY WITHOUT WALLS |
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American Graduate University is a true "university without walls" designed to make maximum use of efficient educational methods and technology. The University's use
of a structured curriculum and educational technology, tied in directly with the co-curricular effect of the student's day-to-day activities, provides a cost-effective route
to formal higher education on a national scale. The University's blend of text and web-based technology
is designed to duplicate the real business atmosphere for its adult student body.
The acceptance of the University's offerings is evidenced by the fact that several thousand students complete public, in-house, and distance education courses each year, and by the continuing support of hundreds of companies and government agencies.
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UNIVERSITY OBJECTIVES |
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The general objectives of the University for each student are to provide:
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A foundation
in the general management principles applicable to the operation of any business and their specific application to the areas of acquisition management, project/program management, contract management and business management.
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A more complete understanding of his or her own present functional interests
in relation to business
as a whole, and to the total economic, political, technological and social environment.
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A better appreciation of the importance of management and leadership in business.
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An increased ability to research and solve problems independently.
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An understanding
of the proper relationship of the principles to the changing techniques used to implement them.
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Facility in critical analysis, and analytical, communication, quantitative and synthesizing skills.
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A combination of breadth in the total knowledge area, with a detailed, saleable amount of depth in functional specialty areas.
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ADVANTAGES TO THE STUDENT |
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Advantages to the student of participation in the program are:
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The ability to participate
in a nationally recognized program, with an integrated curriculum, and demonstrable high educational standards.
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The assurance that if you are transferred, or change positions, you can pursue your education at your new location without worrying about differences
in course content or availability, and without worrying about transferring credits.
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The ability to pursue your studies completely through distance education.
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The ability
to proceed in a planned fashion, independent of the availability
of classroom courses, since all of the courses required for the degrees are available in structured distance education formats.
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ACCREDITATION AND APPROVALS |
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 American Graduate University's education programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and
is also a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The University also has full institutional approval from the California Bureau for Private Post secondary and Vocational Education to grant the degrees.
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AFFILIATIONS |
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AGU is a Registered Global Education Provider of the Project Management Institute.
The University has a strategic partnership with the Defense Acquisition University to offer DOD personnel the opportunity to credit their DAU courses toward a joint DAU-AGU certificate program or graduate degree. AGU is a charter member of the National Contract Management Association's Contract Management Learning Center.
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| DEGREE PROGRAMS |
THE DEGREE PROGRAMS |
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Today's management environment is exceptionally turbulent. Resources are scarce, technology advances rapidly, requirements and perceived needs change quickly, the global marketplace is very competitive and the laws and regulations are becoming more numerous and more complex.
Today's managers, both in industry and government, in order to respond effectively
to the changing environment, must have two essential elements. The first is a personal value system appropriate to the problems and human expectations of the times. The second is the ability to understand and interpret basic management disciplines and technological, environmental and political trends in order to achieve organizational and societal goals.
American Graduate University serves as an institution of higher learning for persons engaged in the areas of acquisition and contracts management, project/program management, and general business management. The function of the University
is to define and provide the education for successful participation in the field. Students may take individual courses as their need dictates, or they may participate in the University's degree programs.
The University offers intellectually demanding programs leading to a Master of Acquisition Management (MAM) degree, a Master of Project Management (MPM) degree, or a Master
of Contract Management (MCM) degree. The programs provide a unique educational opportunity for the mature adult student that, both in content and sophistication, compares favorably with the most advanced management education available from any public, private or Government educational institution.
The University's programs are completely structured, extensively researched and documented educational programs, organized and conducted by a professional faculty with an extensive practical and theoretical background. These rigorous programs produce
a management education of substance, quality, and considerable market value.
The programs of the University provide a choice of plans for the educational development
of managers based on the needs and obvious career channels of the individual firm
or agency and the industry. This approach is designed to reduce the waste of scarce educational time and dollars in attendance at random courses and seminars. The program
is organized so that individual managers can be the principal determinants as to what happens to them educationally, within the parameters of the needs of the organization and industry, so that their education will have meaning to all three.
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Master of Acquisition Management & Master of Contract Management
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General Management Courses |
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Acquisition & Contracting Courses |
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• *Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Management Accounting
and Control
Course 657
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
Or
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
Or
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Comprehensive Examination
or Project
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• Federal Government Contracting
Course 601
• Government Contract Law
Course 603
• Business Development and
Proposal Preparation
Course 613
• Pricing and Financial Management Course 619
• *Contract Management and Administration
Course 631
• Program Management
Course 625
Or
• Project Management
Course 627
• Negotiation Principles and Practices
Course 635
• Source Selection
and Contract Award
Course 651
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Each course is 3 semester units.
Program requires completion of 36 semester units .. back to top .. |
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MASTER OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
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General Management Courses |
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Project / Program Mgmt Courses |
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• *Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Management Accounting
and Control
Course 657
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
Or
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
Or
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Comprehensive Examination
or Project
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• *Managing Projects
Course 627
Or
• Program Management
Course 625
Or
• Mastering IT Project Management Course 628
• Technical Program Management Course 629
• *Building, Leading and Managing Project Teams
Course 671
• Contracting and Procurement for Project Managers
Course 632
• Earned Value Management Systems
Course 647
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
• Project Quality Management
Course 687
• Negotiation for Project Managers
Course 636
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Each course is 3 semester units.
Program requires completion of 36 semester units .. back to top .. |
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MASTER OF ACQUISITION MGMT |
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Master of Acquisition Management |
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The practice of business management in the acquisition field is a unique, highly sophisticated profession. Management practices and procedures in this field not only encompass mastery of the normal functions of an organization, e.g., product and service development, financial management, law, technical and operations management, program management, contracting, and general management, but also the regulatory requirements and the management techniques unique to the Government acquisition, contracting and program management processes. These requirements and techniques interrelate with normal business management procedures resulting in an evolutionary business management process,
far different from, and in many areas more sophisticated than, normal commercial management. The broad area of Government acquisition, contracting and program management has achieved recognition as an educational and management discipline
for which there are established rationale and needs. However, there are generally few professional degree or certificate programs provided by traditional post-secondary schools. The purpose of the MAM program is to encourage the students to improve their present work capabilities, and to prepare themselves for increasing acquisition management responsibilities, by the development of an intensive knowledge of their chosen discipline
on a broad base of information on the management theories, procedures, practices, techniques and skills associated with business operations. However, rather than learning these in unrelated units of information, the general knowledge, techniques and skills associated with specific areas of acquisition management in the Government environment are integrated into a complete body of knowledge. This provides the student with a more meaningful educational experience by taking advantage of the co-curricular effects of his
or her daily work experience, and at the same time, provides that student with multiple career choices in the field of acquisition and contracting with the Federal Government.
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Master of Acquisition Management |
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The goals of the program are:
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A broadness of view.
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A professional approach to acquisition management.
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An expanded knowledge of the several management functions, particularly those policies, practices and procedures directly related to managing contracts and programs in the Federal Government.
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A sensitivity to the modern Government acquisition environment.
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A facility for using analytical skill in the solution of problems.
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Career advancement in terms of increased status, salary increases, and promotions.
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Master of Acquisition Management |
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The Master of Acquisition Management program is organized into a block of five general management courses and a block of seven acquisition courses totaling 36 semester units. The management courses are designed to provide the student with an overall framework
of business knowledge. They stress the basic principles, concepts, and practices associated with the overall management of any business. The acquisition courses provide the student with a detailed working knowledge in the areas of law and regulations, source selection and contract award, finance and pricing, negotiation, program, technical and production management, contract management and subcontract and purchasing management.
The student must successfully complete each course and then pass a program comprehensive examination or complete an approved project.
The courses may all be taken through distance education. Please see AGU’s web site
at www.agu.edu for course fees.
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General Management Courses |
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Acquisition & Contracting Courses |
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• *Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Management Accounting
and Control
Course 657
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
Or
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
Or
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Comprehensive Examination
or Project
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• Federal Government Contracting
Course 601
• Government Contract Law
Course 603
• Business Development and
Proposal Preparation
Course 613
• Pricing and Financial Management Course 619
• *Contract Management and Administration Course 631
• Program Management
Course 625
Or
• Project Management
Course 627
• Negotiation Principles and Practices
Course 635
• Source Selection
and Contract Award
(Required for MAM degree)
Course 651
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Each course is 3 semester units.
Program requires completion of 36 semester units .. back to top .. |
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MASTER OF
PROJECT MGMT |
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Master of Project Management |
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Project Management is the process where a single leader/manager is responsible for building a project or program team to accomplish the project's objectives on schedule, within budget, and to the customer's satisfaction. This includes planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, monitoring, motivating and controlling the combined efforts of all of the product teams, functional and staff groups within an organization, and outside contractors and vendors. It is the integrated management of a specific project carried out in
a systematic way. Management of projects and large programs consisting of a number
of projects is one of the most complex and demanding management concepts in existence. Project management skill is quite different from the technical skills that are so often associated with most projects. There are aspects of all projects which are outside the scope of the technical areas, yet which must be managed with every bit as much care, ability, and concern. That is, these non-technical areas must be well managed if the project's objectives are to be met with optimum economy of resources, and with the maximum satisfaction
to the participants.
The purpose of the MPM degree program is to provide the ability to integrate organizational, business and technical management systems with human and leadership skills
to successfully manage dynamic projects and programs. The program is based on the body
of knowledge developed by the University in presenting courses in project/program management to thousands of industry and government personnel since 1970. The program is also based on the work done in developing a body of knowledge by the Project Management Institute, an independent non-profit organization of project management professionals.
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Master of Project Management |
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The goals of the program are:
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A structured, yet varied knowledge of the theory and practice of project/program management.
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An opportunity to study the role of the project manager, and to learn the strategies, tactics and functions associated with the management of an entire project
or program.
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A more complete understanding of project interests in relation to business
as a whole, and to the total economic, political, technological and social environment of the field.
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A more complete understanding of his or her own functional interests in relation
to business as a whole, and to the total economic, political, technological and social environment of the field.
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An understanding of the proper relationship of basic principles in relationship to the changing techniques used to implement them.
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Facility in critical analysis, and analytical, communication, quantitative and synthesizing skills.
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An increase in the marketability of the student's skills and experience in today's competitive marketplace.
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Master of Project Management |
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The Master of Project Management program is organized into a block of general management courses and a block of project management courses. The management courses are designed to provide the student with an overall framework of business knowledge. They stress the basic principles, concepts, and practices associated with the overall management of any business. The project management courses provide the student with both the theory and a working knowledge of the project management field to include the areas of leadership, business and financial management, human relations, technical management, communications and negotiation and international operations.
The student must successfully complete courses totaling a minimum of 36 semester units
in the program and then pass a program comprehensive examination or complete
an approved project.
The courses may all be taken through distance education. Please see AGU's web site
at www.agu.edu for course fees.
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General Management Courses |
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Project / Program Mgmt Courses |
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• *Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Management Accounting
and Control
Course 657
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Organizational Behavior and Human Resources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
Or
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
Or
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Comprehensive Examination
or Project
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• *Managing Projects
Course 627
Or
• Program Management
Course 625
Or
• Mastering IT Project Management Course 628
• Technical Program Management Course 629
• *Building, Leading and Managing Project Teams
Course 671
• Contracting and Procurement for Project Managers
Course 632
• Earned Value Management Systems
Course 647
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
• Project Quality Management
Course 687
• Negotiation for Project Managers
Course 636
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Each course is 3 semester units.
Program requires completion of 36 semester units .. back to top .. |
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| MASTER’S CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS |
MASTER’S CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
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For students who do not wish to complete an entire degree program, or do not have
an undergraduate degree, the option of a Master’s Certificate Program is available. Certificate programs are available in the areas of Acquisition and Contracting, Project/Program Management, Financial Management and Pricing, and Management.
To receive a certificate, a student must be admitted to the program, successfully complete the required courses and all course examinations. Recipients must have a minimum of one year experience in the Certificate subject area. An outline of the Certificate Programs may be found below.
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JOINT DAU-AGU MASTER’S CERTIFICATE |
The strategic partnership between the Defense Acquisition University and the American Graduate University offers DOD personnel, who have earned a Level 1, 2, or 3 certification in one of DOD's Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L) workforce fields, the opportunity to apply their DAU training towards a Joint Master's Certificate in one of the four areas mentioned above.
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THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
Acquisition and Contracting:
This program provides a knowledge of the acquisition, contracting and procurement processes and how this interrelates with standard business management processes.
Project/Program Management:
This program provides a knowledge of the organizational, human, business and technical processes for successfully managing projects and programs.
Financial Management and Pricing:
This program provides a knowledge of the planning, analysis, decision-making and control tools necessary for making and implementing effective financial decisions.
Management:
This program provides a structured, yet varied knowledge of the practice and principles
of business management.
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Acquisition and Contracting
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Project / Program Mgmt Courses |
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• Federal Government Contracting
Course 601
• Government Contract Law
Course 603
• Business Development and
Proposal Preparation
Course 613
• Program Management
Course 625
Or
• Managing Projects
Course 627
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
• Pricing & Financial Management
Course 619
• Contract Management and
Administration
Course 631
• Source Selection and Contract
Award
Course 651
• Negotiation - Principles and
Practices
Course 635
Successful completion of six courses (including Course 601 and Course 619) is required for the issuance
of the Professional Certificate or the Joint DAU-AGU Certificate.
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• Program Management
Course 625
• Managing Projects
Course 627
• Mastering IT Project Management Course 628
• Technical Program Management Course 629
• Building, Leading and Managing Project Teams
Course 671
• Negotiation for Project Managers
Course 636
• Earned Value Management Systems
Course 647
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
• Contracting and Procurement for Project Managers
Course 632
• Project Quality Management
Course 687
Successful completion of six courses (including Course 625, 627 or 628, and Course 671) is required for the issuance of the Professional Certificate or the Joint DAU-AGU Certificate.
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Financial Management and Pricing |
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• Pricing & Financial Management
Course 619
• Negotiation - Principles and
Practices
Course 635
• Financial Management
Course 661
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Management Accounting and
Control
Course 657
• Federal Government Contracting
Course 601
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
Successful completion of six courses (including Courses 619, 661 and 657) is required for the issuance of the Professional Certificate or the Joint DAU-AGU Certificate.
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• Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Management Accounting and
Control
Course 657
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Managing Projects
Course 627
• Organizational Behavior and
human Resources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
• Management Economics
Course 663
Successful completion of six courses is required for the issuance of the Professional Certificate or the Joint DAU-AGU Certificate.
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STRUCTURED DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES
The University offers a wide variety of structured distance education courses. This program provides a convenient, low-cost method of pursuing individual courses or the complete degree or certificate program.
These structured distance education programs use a text-based, web-enabled approach utilizing a blend of print and electronic media. They are designed to serve men and women who must study on their own time, or in accordance with flexible schedules. They are tailored for the adult who has family, job and community responsibilities. The courses are carefully designed teaching systems. Each course takes into account that the student does not have the physical presence of an instructor nor access to a library. Therefore, the textbooks and written materials furnished are self-explanatory. All of the steps and divisions in the subject matter are explained in writing. Further, student questions and discussions normal to the classroom situation are anticipated and made a part of the course material. The teaching is built into the course. Provision is made for contact with faculty and staff for individual student questions. Student contact with faculty, staff and other students
is accomplished through AGU's web site, e-mail, fax and telephone.
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AUTO-INSTRUCTIONAL LEARNING PROGRAM
The courses are based on the University's auto-instructional program of feedback and reinforcement based on a Five Step Study Method. Every step in learning is accomplished
by student action. The student learns by active participation and feedback. Complicated material is absorbed by learning each simple part that makes it up. Learning moves from the simple to the difficult. Learning steps are corrected constantly so that misinformation
is forgotten and correct information is confirmed and retained.
Each course has an assigned instructor who interacts with the student through e-mail,
fax
or phone.
Course lessons are organized in a sequential and logical order. The subject matter is broken into small learning units with all the steps and divisions of the subject matter fully explained. Before moving to the next unit, the student's learning achievements are tested. The student returns the test to the University for correction and grading. Student examinations will
be returned in approximately three working days from receipt. A final examination is given which requires the application of the principles underlying the field of study. Examinations are "open book" and designed to test a student's understanding of the subject matter and the ability to use it in practical applications. Certain final examinations are proctored. Studies show that the terminal achievements of distance education students are as great
as those taught by conventional methods.
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STUDY GUIDES
The Study Reference Guide is the student's auto-tutor for each course. A number of lessons are included in each Guide. Each Lesson Plan describes exactly what the student should know after completion of the Lesson. It prescribes the Lesson Assignments and furnishes Collateral Reading References. The Lesson Review Exercises and Answers provide a list
of the important points in each Lesson. They are designed to reinforce learning immediately. They also provide a means to quickly review the lesson content. Finally, the Subject Examination for each Lesson allows the student to demonstrate mastery of the Lesson.
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CASES and EXERCISES
A number of cases and exercises are furnished with each course illustrating actual problems. The major objectives of the cases and exercises are to encourage the student to engage in independent thinking, and to assist in developing skill in using the knowledge imparted in the course.
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LIBRARY of MATERIALS FURNISHED
Structured distance education requires a combination of theory and performance which
is achieved by use of text material, cases, exercises, and testing designed to make a rapid transfer from theory to know-how. Each student receives a complete library of all the necessary text material including textbooks, readings, cases, and exercises. The extensive text material, much of which is published and copyrighted by the University, is worth the price of the course.
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COURSES COVER ALL PRACTICES
All program/project management courses are in accord with the Project Management Institute's "Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" and the current practices
in government and industry. The acquisition and contracting courses are in accord with current regulations and practices of government agencies and the Uniform Commercial Code. The business management courses are similar in content to those offered at other graduate level business schools.
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LIST OF DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES |
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Acquisition And Contracting
• Federal Government Contracting
Course 601
• Government Contract Law
Course 603
• Pricing and Financial Management Course 619
• Business Development and
Proposal Preparation
Course 613
• Contract Management and
Administration
Course 631
• Negotiation - Principles and
Practices
Course 635
• Source Selection and Contract
Award
Course 651
Program/Project Management
• Program Management
Course 625
• Managing Projects
Course 627
• Mastering IT Project Management
Course 628
• Technical Program Management
Course 629
• Building and Managing Project
Teams
Course 671
• Contracting and Procurement for
Project Managers
Course 632
• Risk Analysis and Management
Course 679
• Earned Value Management
Systems
Course 647
• Project Quality Management
Course 687
• Negotiation for Project Managers
Course 636
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General Management
• Essentials of Management
Course 602
• Business Research Methods
Course 653
• Management Accounting and
Control
Course 657
• Organizational Behavior and
Human Re-sources
Course 659
• Financial Management
Course 661
• Management Economics
Course 663
• Management Information Systems
Course 695
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