For degrees in regard to IT Project Management, what is better to persue? A B.A. in Project Management or Business Information Systems?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:29:54 -0400

I am currently enrolled to study for my B.A. in Project Management through Ashford University, but when looking at what the civilian side ask for, I always see companies asking for tech related degrees.

Response by PO1 James Mason made Sep 8 at 2015 5:34 PM

PO1 James Mason — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:34:12 -0400

Hard to go wrong with an IT degree and your PMP certification. However, IT experience with a PMP Cert goes a lot further than a degree in project management from a college by itself. Get an internship while you're going after your degrees.

Response by CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling made Sep 8 at 2015 5:59 PM

CW4 Abdulaziz Bulling — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 17:59:49 -0400

Graduating with a degree in IT Project Management does not mean you are a certified PMP; that is a separate exam. The classes in project management are a great place to gain the necessary and required training, but there is a required number of hours experience that is also required to sit for the exam. It is a rigorous process but well worth it.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 8 at 2015 6:17 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 18:17:22 -0400

A degree in computer science covers it all

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 10:21 PM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 22:21:06 -0400

Two separate paths. IT Project Management is not very technical. Some programs have a CIS or CS with a PM specialty. However, if you want marketability, focus on a computer science degree and get a couple of pm classes as your electives.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 12:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:22:29 -0400

I don't believe getting a BA in Project Management is a very good idea unless it's icing on a long technical career. I would recommend getting a degree in BIS or some other more technical degree. If you have your heart set on the PM degree, I would back it up with some good certifications such as PMP and CISSP. If you decide to go with a more technical degree, I would still make sure to pick up a couple certifications.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Sep 14 at 2015 10:55 AM

SSG Eddye Royal — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:55:10 -0400

Sir, It would be Informatikn Systems, that would lead you into Cyber Crime Security at FairFax Va, or FT. Gordan, GA. I currently am going to FAIR Fax for a MS Information Tech. Cyber Crime, it all transfer to DOC in Assurance (PHD)

Response by CPT Joe Gettys made Dec 23 at 2015 4:05 AM

CPT Joe Gettys — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 04:05:39 -0500

I would advise getting the Tech background, this would be your area of domain knowledge. Them move to a Master's degree in Project management. Having a PM degree w/o domain knowledge makes it difficult to get PM gigs. Think of the domain knowledge as a foundation. YOU may even consider getting a PMI certification to go with the BA degree.

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Aug 13 at 2017 12:44 PM

SSgt Boyd Herrst — Sun, 13 Aug 2017 12:44:26 -0400

Mix it up.. see what you can trade off on credits wise.. talk to your counselor, Dept. Chair. pick up addition credits to enhance your degree/portfolio..