For executives of many companies, it’s a refrain that has become all too common: a new, expensive business-wide information technology project is initiated. And despite high expectations, the project comes in months late, over budget, and with less functionality than originally promised.

The problem, according to industry surveys, is a lack of skilled information technology (IT) project managers in the work force. Employers consistently rank IT project management as one of their most glaring needs. Additionally, in the era of stricter federal financial reporting requirements, such as those mandated by Sarbanes-Oxley regulations, and with the forces of globalization and outsourcing in play, IT departments are being asked to do more than ever by corporate management.

Responding to these market demands, DePaul University’s School of Computer Science, Telecommunications and Information Systems (CTI), one of the Midwest’s largest information technology schools, is launching a master’s degree program in IT project management this fall.

The program – aimed at students with a bachelor’s degree and IT experience – seeks to combine their technology skills with a set of project leadership and process management skills to produce exemplary IT project managers.

“DePaul is known for our career-oriented master’s programs, as well as for being at the forefront of technology,” said David Miller, CTI Dean. “This new IT Project Management master’s degree recognizes the increasing importance of possessing both business knowledge and team management skills for IT workers’ career growth.”

Coursework will focus on a number of areas, including risk management, procurement and contract management, time and cost estimation, tracking techniques, IT testing and quality assurance. The program also places an emphasis on team leadership and communication skills.

Students can complete the 13 course Master of Science in IT Project Management degree in one or two years, depending on the quantity of course work attempted each quarter. The program is offered on DePaul’s Chicago Loop Campus and via CTI’s industry-leading distance learning technology .

DePaul CTI is one of the most innovative and wide-ranging information technology and digital media schools in the country. The undergraduate programs enroll 1,125 students and offer 14 different degrees. Approximately 2,000 students are enrolled in its 18 graduate programs. CTI also features a doctoral degree program in computer science. For more information, visit www.cti.depaul.edu.

For admissions information about the IT Project Management degree, contact Maureen Garvey, executive director of CTI Admissions at (312) 362-8714 ctiadmissions@cti.depaul.edu.