Online Contract Management Degree Programs

With an online contract management degree, you would be responsible for the procurement of services and goods necessary to keep the firm running and services that keep their companies running.

Contract management is the process of managing contract for goods, services and works. It includes monitoring performance, commercial elements, logistics, delivery, improvement, and customer concerns. Procurement majors and contract management masters degree students focus on increasing the revenue of the organization while reducing the costs involved with purchasing. The United States federal government is a major employer with Important skills to have include communications, negotiation skills, leadership skills, and knowledge of supply-chain management as well as logistics. Online contract management and acquisition management degrees prepare students to administer and manage processes by which a firm or organization contracts for goods and services to support its operations.

Contract Management Degree Programs

Strayer University

• Associate in Arts in Acquisition and Contract Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration - Acquisition and Contract Management
• Diploma: Acquisition and Contract Management
• Executive Graduate Certificate in Business Administration in Acquisition
• MBA in Acquisition
• Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration - Acquisition and Contract

Contract Management Education and Training

Courses in contract management and procurement often include business law, accounting, financial management, acquisitions, contract management methods, marketing, and sales. Other contract management courses in bachelor and contract management masters degree programs might include legal and financial management courses, business law, acquisitions courses, and contract management methods.

Skills and knowledge you acquire in the contract management program of study are:

• Knowledge of supply chain management
• Logistics management
• Procurement management
• Communication skills, leadership skills, and negotiation skills
• Technology skills

Contract Management Careers

Acquisitions and contract managers are also known as purchasing agents or buyers. To be successful, contract managers must a good understanding of economics, finance, marketing, negotiation, and contract management. Buyers purchase goods destined for resale, products as diverse as Christmas trees, clothing, and electronics. Purchasing agents secure goods and services needed for use within their own company, such as raw materials or office supplies.

Contract managers consider sales records and inventory levels, target potential suppliers, and keep abreast of changing supply and demand trends. They must have a sound understanding of economics and purchasing trends contractors of public services across the country.

This can include contract law and administration, negotiations, buying procedures and logistics, cost and price analysis, vendor relations, and auditing and inspection. Areas of employment can be found high-technology systems, international purchasing, and construction.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents is expected to increase 7% between 2008 and 2018. The BLS reports the following income levels for 2008: Purchasing managers - $89,160; Middle 50% - $67,370 and $115,830; lowest 10% below $51,490; highest 10% over $142,550.

Many acquisitions managers work in manufacturing and wholesale trade. The United States federal government and military are also major employers with professionals with a contract management degree. The median salary is about $80,000 for procurement and acquisitions managers.