General and interdisciplinary studies (sometimes called “integrated studies”) are often used interchangeably, but there is a fundamental difference between the two types of degree programs.

General studies programs typically cover a wide variety of course topics to provide students with broad skills in critical thinking to encourage lifelong learning.

Interdisciplinary/integrated studies programs are more career-focused than general studies, a combination of disciplines designed to help students pursue a particular career path.

A few possible ways students can build a degree to match the career of their choice:

1. Students working in a healthcare institution looking ahead to qualify for administrative positions may concentrate their study in business and healthcare administration.
2. Students working in IT interested in working in the government or public safety fields may consider concentrating in network security and criminal justice.
3. Students who dream of running their own business in the fast-paced technology industry may choose to concentrate in business and network security.
4. Students interested in pursuing career pathways in behavioral health may choose to concentrate in health and human services and psychology.

Yes! You will learn skills adaptable across many industries and possess abilities sought after by employers everywhere. Get educated, better yourself, and build yourself a new career with all sorts of potential.

Requirements to become a project manager will vary by employer. There is always a balance of formal education vs. experience.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in project management signals to hiring managers you have invested the time to build the fundamental skills necessary to succeed in the role. With a degree and a proven track record in real-life project management, you can become qualified for more and more positions and earn more choice in your career path.

Project management is incredibly important to keep businesses functioning properly. Without clear expectations underpinning the many types of everyday tasks, project executors don’t know who needs to do what by when.

Project managers are crucial to set priorities, manage processes, audit workflows, guard against scope creep, reduce costs and keep the big picture in mind so everyone involved in a project can feel free to perfectly execute the details.

Businesses must work persistently towards organizing and solidifying their processes for prioritizing and completing projects. Project managers are on the front lines helping to keep business running smoothly.

Yes, a bachelor’s degree is a factor in determining your eligibility. Current eligibility requirements for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification include:

• Holding a 4-year degree
• Three years leading projects
• 35 hours of project management education/training or CAPM Certification

You will need to gain experience to qualify for the PMP exam and earn your certification whether you earn a bachelor’s degree or not. However, earning a degree in project management can best build your skills and get you there faster—not only to get certified, but to truly excel as a project manager.

Project management is not a profession that’s perfect for every personality type. Project managers often wind up wearing many hats and are accountable to complete tasks on time and on budget. People will look to you to deliver the final word and set expectations for what needs to be done, who needs to do it and when they need to do it.

As with any goal-oriented position in a supervisory role, project management can be stressful.

However, it’s a highly enriching career in that you are constantly learning and honing your skills. Every day will be a little different and there will always be new little “fires” to put out. If you thrive in that sort of environment, you are a great fit for a role in project management.

The average salary for project managers varies widely based on the state in which you work, experience level, and certifications earned.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, project management specialists earn an average annual salary of $108,100 per year ($51.97 per hour).*

Earn PMP certification to increase your potential. The Project Management Institute reports project professionals who earn PMP certification earn a 16% higher median salary.