(3 Credit Hours)

An essential component of the PMST degree requirements is the development and completion of a Professional Experience Project (internship). These activities engage students in real-world work situations involving technical problems, team work, communication skills, and decision making.

The expectation is that students do more than merely serve as an intern. A project is “a temporary endeavor undertaken to produce a unique product, service or result.” (PMI Guide to PMBOK®, 2000) The PMST program requires that graduate students plan and execute a project with a sponsor external to the university setting, usually a local industry partner, government agency, or non-profit organization. The process includes:

• Identifying a project relevant to the sponsor and meeting the University’s requirements for a master’s project;
• Working with the sponsor in proposing a solution;
• Implementation of the project;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of the solution.

Our goal is for students to complete their project during a single semester. To meet this goal, students need to plan their projects (and have the project approved by the program director, track director, and supervisory committee) in the preceding semester.

The project scope will vary from project to project; however, most projects require a time commitment of 12-18 hours per week. This weekly time commitment translates into 180 — 270 hours for a 15-week semester. The project must include a science (or STEM) and transferable skills (business) component related to their program of study. Students enroll in MST 6975 to receive credit for their project.