What Can You Do With an Integrated Studies Degree?

For most professionals in today's evolving landscape, the path forward is not linear, and it's not always clearly defined. Recognizing this, you may be looking for a degree program that provides a strong academic foundation and supports the development of the core competencies needed in the modern workforce while also leaving room for personalization.

Integrated studies is an interdisciplinary field that lets you build upon your existing foundation, develop transferable skills, and choose a focus area that aligns with your career goals. A bachelor's degree in integrated studies prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, making this a valuable option to consider.

What Is an Integrated Studies Degree?

An integrated studies degree is an undergraduate program designed for students who have previously completed college coursework, but who have not earned a bachelor's degree. By merging multiple fields and expanding on a student's existing academic foundation and professional background, this degree program offers a flexible pathway toward a wide range of career paths. Within this program, students create a 40-credit focus area based on their previous credits, professional experience, and career goals. Examples of focus areas within integrated studies include business management, criminal justice, mathematics, and law, highlighting the versatile nature of this program.

How Is It Different From a Traditional Major?

A traditional college major will offer a fixed curriculum that aligns with industry standards within that field. For example, a business degree program will require students to complete coursework on key topics, such as finance, marketing, and business principles. In an integrated studies program, however, several fields are merged into one program. Adult learners and transfer students appreciate the transfer credit advantage of this program, as it often supports an accelerated pathway toward degree completion.

What Can You Do With an Integrated Studies Degree?

Graduates with an interdisciplinary studies degree work across various industries in roles that involve cross-disciplinary thinking, but career outcomes from this program depend heavily on concentration choice.

These are some of the common careers with an integrated studies degree:

Business and Management

Research published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveals that more than 15% of graduates with an integrated studies degree pursue management occupations, and business management is a common concentration area within this degree program.

Business and management roles that graduates may be able to pursue include:

• Operations Manager – In this broad management role, professionals may oversee multiple departments or business locations. Operations managers develop organizational policies and manage daily operations.
• Sales Manager – Working to deliver products or services directly to the consumer, sales managers set goals and develop strategies to generate revenue for the organization.
• Human Resources Specialist – Responsible for attracting, hiring, and retaining top talent, human resources specialists have a direct impact on organizational success and workplace culture.

Communication, Marketing, and Media

With a strong understanding of organizational needs and well-developed communication skills, integrated studies graduates may choose to pursue communications and marketing roles such as:

• Public Relations Specialist – Public relations specialists develop strategies for their clients designed to improve their visibility and maintain a positive image, not only among their target audience but also the general public.
• Marketing Analyst – To assist with the development of data-driven, actionable marketing strategies, marketing analysts research economic conditions and consumer preferences.
• Copywriter – Playing a key role in marketing teams, copywriters generate marketing copy that is used for websites, scripts, brochures, emails, and other marketing materials.
• Social Media Manager – To promote brand visibility and improve engagement levels, social media managers oversee brand profiles on major social platforms. They may be responsible for creating and scheduling content, increasing brand engagement, and monitoring key metrics.

Education and Social Services

The interdisciplinary nature of the integrated studies program is well-suited to career paths in education and social services, with some graduates pursuing roles like:

• Case Manager – A case manager is a social work professional who strives to connect people with the resources they need to live healthy, fulfilling, and productive lives.
• Youth Development Specialist – To make an impact on the lives of young people in a community, youth development specialists create targeted programming and increase access to mentorship services.
• Community Outreach Coordinator – Community outreach coordinators serve as a link between nonprofit organizations and the public, working to raise awareness and increase engagement among the local community.
• Instructional Coordinator – With the goal of developing relevant and impactful programming, instructional coordinators create curriculum and teaching standards that ensure that students receive a high-quality education.

Nonprofit and Public Service

In the nonprofit sector, integrated studies graduates will find that their interdisciplinary knowledge and transferable skills are applicable in a variety of roles, such as:

• Program Director – Charged with the task of developing programs that align with a nonprofit organization's mission, program directors work to secure funding, manage program budgets, and improve community relations.
• Grants Coordinator – A grants coordinator is a specialized professional within a nonprofit organization who is responsible for searching for, applying to, and securing grants that support the organization's mission.
• Government Administrator – Responsible for overseeing a particular agency or department run by the government, a government administrator must ensure that all tax dollars are used responsibly, legally, and ethically.
• Policy Analyst – Working closely with nonprofit organizations and government agencies, policy analysts research social and economic issues to assist with the development of policies and prospective legislation.

Healthcare Administration

The dynamic nature of the modern healthcare landscape has led to an increased need for adept healthcare administrators and medical service managers. In the field of healthcare administration, professionals rely on advanced organizational understanding and business acumen to oversee the business activities of a healthcare facility. By combining previous professional experience with targeted coursework, integrated studies graduates can prepare for this growing field.

Project Management

Considered to be one of the most common and versatile landing spots for integrated studies graduates, project management involves both business acumen and strong interdisciplinary skills. Project managers oversee end-to-end coordination of individual projects, requiring them to be organized and detail oriented. Key responsibilities in project management roles include:

• Planning the project timeline
• Coordinating the budget
• Overseeing staff
• Monitoring project progress
• Communicating with the client

What Industries Hire Integrated Studies Graduates?

Employers across sectors value adaptability and interdisciplinary thinking, which is why integrated studies graduates can find job opportunities in a wide range of fields and industries. Some of the industries that frequently hire graduates with a bachelor's degree in integrated studies include:

• Business
• Marketing and advertising
• Healthcare administration
• Education
• Nonprofit and government

In addition, integrated studies graduates are well-positioned for entrepreneurial endeavors, as they possess the industry-specific knowledge and comprehensive business foundation needed to chart their own path forward.

Is an Integrated Studies Degree Worth It?

Yes, for the right student, an integrated studies degree is a worthwhile investment of your time and resources. This program is developed with modern learners in mind, giving you the ability to transfer credits and apply credits for prior learning. If you have completed previous college coursework but have not earned a bachelor's degree, this program may offer a streamlined pathway. It's best for students who have transfer credits or credits for prior learning that can be applied and who also are intentional about their concentration choices.

How to Choose the Right Integrated Studies Program

Choosing the right integrated studies degree will have a direct impact on your educational experience and your career prospects after graduation. As you evaluate integrated studies degree programs, consider the following factors:

• Number and type of concentration options available
• Level of advising support
• Credit transfer policies
• Online availability
• Accreditation

An accredited online bachelor's degree in integrated studies can provide you with an opportunity to leverage your previous experience and simplify the path forward.

Take the Next Step

The flexibility of the bachelor's degree in integrated studies is its strength, and choosing the right program is essential to preparing for the next step in your career. Champlain College Online's Bachelor of Integrated Studies degree lets you create a 40-credit focus area using your previously earned college credits and demonstrated prior learning from your professional experience. By building upon your existing foundation and intentionally selecting professional courses, general education courses, and elective choices, you can take a strategic step forward.

Request more information about our online degree programs today.