Posted on Sep 8, 2015
For degrees in regard to IT Project Management, what is better to persue? A B.A. in Project Management or Business Information Systems?
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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.
IT Project Manager
Project Manager
Information Technology
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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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.
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Suspended Profile
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.
SSgt (Join to see)
The degree in Project Management is just a general project manager degree. Non IT related. However with my Associates being in IT, it basically Information Technology basically becomes my minor I presume. I could be completely wrong though.
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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..
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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SSgt (Join to see)
What about if I'm still currently serving? I want to attempt to get my degree before getting out of the military and just ensure I'm taking the right path. I'm one class form having my Associates in Information Technology, but I don't know how much pull that would have compared to a bachelors.
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PO1 James Mason
Academically a Bachelors degree is better. What I did when I was still in was to work on translating all the planning I did on a daily basis into the fundamental tenets of project management. Project management is pretty much the same regardless of what the discipline is. Also try talking with your chain of command about how you can get more involved in the day to day planning so you can get that experience. Look at your credential opportunities and U.S. MAP stuff as well.
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PO1 James Mason
It's a federal department of labor apprenticeship program open to active duty military. We pushed it really hard in the navy for our junior sailors. It might be worth looking at. Here is the link for the navy but check for something similar offered by the air force. http://www.doleta.gov/OA/usmap.cfm
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