Army IT Specialist Expands Knowledge and Skills through “Transformative” Project Management Program at the KU Edwards Campus

Stephen Durney, an IT specialist project manager with the U.S. Army, has a strong background in project management; he’s responsible for planning and facilitating battalion and higher-level military exercises for at least 1,000 soldiers.

In an experience he calls “transformative,” Durney recently expanded those skills while earning his Bachelor of Science in Project Management at the KU Edwards Campus. He had previously earned his Project Management Professional certification from the Project Management Institute.

“I can state with absolute clarity that the KU Edwards Project Management courses are on point,” Durney said.

Durney is ready to apply his expanded project management skills to his job, where he plans and ensures Army units are trained effectively and cost-efficiently. He manages major exercises like Cobra Gold, an annual multinational military exercise in Thailand, and Yama Sakura, an exercise with service members from Japan, the United States and Australia.

The online bachelor’s in project management is a degree-completion program designed for students aspiring to enter or advance in the project management profession. It teaches how theory and practice come together to solve real-world problems across various industries.

“By completing his degree, Stephen is enhancing his skills in strategic planning, project management and process improvement,” KU Edwards Campus program director Gary Broils said. “The knowledge and techniques he's gained have been instrumental in his current role, enabling him to plan and execute military exercises more effectively, improve process efficiencies and collaborate better with various stakeholders.”

The career outlook for project management professionals is promising. Lightcast, a research company tracking national labor market data, reported a 10.5% increase in U.S. project management jobs between 2021 and 2024, with an annual median salary of $95,000.

According to the PMI, project management is a growing profession, with nearly 2.2 million new jobs expected globally each year through 2027. Organizations across sectors are increasingly embracing project management due to globalization, evolving technology and rapid automation of work processes.

Employers in public and private sectors are seeking qualified professionals with real-world skills and educational credentials

“Like Stephen, many students in the undergraduate project management program believe it is a game-changer,” Broils said. “It's offered online and focuses on practical skills and the latest industry trends. It’s ideal for those who lead projects and want to make a real impact in their organizations.”

The JCERT-supported KU project management program offers three undergraduate degree-completion options: the Bachelor of Science in Project Management, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management and the Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Project Management. For those seeking advanced expertise, the Master of Science and Master of Engineering degrees are available, with the latter focusing on technical aspects for engineers. A Graduate Certificate in Foundations of Project Management is also available for professionals aiming to enhance their skills without pursuing a full degree.

Get more information about KU’s project management programs.