Degree Offerings

Is a Master's in Acquisition & Contract Management Worth It?

Deciding to pursue a contract management degree is a significant investment of your time, money, and effort. If you're asking, "Is a master's in acquisition and contract management worth it?" you're not alone—it’s smart to weigh your options. But with the growing complexities of procurement in both public and private sectors, having expert knowledge in acquisition and contract management can be a game-changer for your career. At Bellevue University, we offer a Master's in Acquisition and Contract Management designed to equip you with the skills needed to navigate this specialized field successfully.

What Is a Master's in Acquisition & Contract Management?

A Master’s in Acquisition and Contract Management is built for professionals who want to master the art of procurement and contracting—key areas in both government and corporate sectors. Think of it as a focused alternative to an MBA in contract management, offering practical, in-demand skills that make you indispensable in today’s global market.

Benefits of Getting a Master's in Acquisition & Contract Management

The demand for skilled acquisition professionals spans a wide range of industries, including:

  • Government and defense contracting
  • Healthcare systems and hospital networks
  • Construction and engineering firms
  • Tech companies managing global supply chains

The support and resources provided by my Bellevue Student Coach, in conjunction with the VR\&E program [Veterans Readiness and Employment], were crucial in helping me overcome the challenges of being a student while seeking employment. This support went beyond just aiding my professional development; it underscored the impact of education on a person's life. My coach played a key role in mapping out my academic path and tracking the administrative course toward my degree with precision…making a demanding degree program achievable while returning to the workforce.

– PJ Arellano, Veteran and Bellevue University graduate

Skills Gained in a Master's in Acquisition & Contract Management

Bellevue University's master’s in contract management program blends theory with practical application to ensure you're job-ready from day one. You’ll gain deep knowledge in areas like contract law, negotiation techniques, regulatory frameworks, and compliance. These skills not only enhance your value in the workplace—they also prepare you to lead strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.

Core Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Strategic decision-making: Learn to analyze business challenges and implement effective solutions.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: Navigate high-stakes contract scenarios with confidence.

Specialized Skills in Contracting and Procurement:

  • Strategic sourcing
  • Risk management
  • Contract financing
  • Subcontracting plans
  • Supplier selection
  • Customer analysis
  • Contractor responsibility
  • Statistical and quantitative techniques
  • Analysis and design of acquisitions and contracts
  • Managing professional business relationships

Financial Considerations for an Acquisition & Contracts Degree

When considering whether an advanced degree in acquisition and contracts is worth it, you’ll need to factor in elements like time, cost, education requirements, and personal commitment.

Weigh these costs above with the benefit of a master’s in acquisition and contract management. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the current median annual salary of purchasing managers, buyers and agents as $79,830 (as of 2024). Related BLS occupational wage statistics show mean wages by specific industry. However, employability for these occupations varies depending on factors such as level of education, location, experience, and specific job role and this data is not intended to be reflective or representative of any particular institution’s graduate employability.

Cost

Costs can vary significantly between institutions and are usually measured by cost per credit hour. Here's what you should know about Bellevue University:

Education Requirements

Beyond the financial costs, educational requirements take your time, effort, and personal commitment. Here’s what you can expect.

Time commitment

Most students complete a master’s degree in 2-3 years, depending on several factors, including how many credits they take per term and how many are required (part-time students will take longer).

  • A master’s in acquisition and contract management degree typically requires 33-36 graduate credit hours.
  • Bellevue University’s MS in Acquisition & Contract Management program requires 36 credit hours.
  • You can choose whether to take one or two classes at a time. If taken full-time (6 credits per term), the program can be completed in 6 terms (approximately one and a half years if continually enrolled, including summer term, and you progress according to the degree plan).
  • The program is available in both on-campus and online formats.

The university's flexible scheduling and understanding faculty allowed me to balance my commitments to family and the pursuit of work while working towards my degree. This challenging, yet supportive environment pushed me to develop resilience, time management skills, and a deeper understanding of my field, setting a solid foundation for my career advancement. BU's approach to education, emphasizing both personal growth and academic excellence, was instrumental in transforming a period of uncertainty into an opportunity for development and success.

– PJ Arellano, Veteran and Bellevue University graduate

The Bottom Line: Is a Master’s in Acquisition & Contract Management Right For You?

If you're a strategic thinker with an eye for detail and a passion for leadership, a Master’s in Acquisition and Contract Management could be the key to unlocking your next big career move. This specialized degree empowers you to lead procurement efforts, manage high-stakes contracts, and make data-driven decisions in both the public and private sectors. With demand across industries—from government to global corporations—there’s never been a better time to invest in your future.

Start Your Master’s in Acquisition & Contract Management at Bellevue University

Bellevue University believes the best way to build business skills is by combining real-world, hands-on learning with theory. The Master’s in Acquisition and Contract Management offers an engaging and flexible learning experience that fits your personal and work life. Ready to step into a high-impact role where your skills truly matter?

Explore Bellevue University’s Master’s in Acquisition and Contract Management and take the first step toward becoming a leader in acquisition and contract management today!

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