Why We Love It
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$42,140Potential Avg. Salary*
* Salary & growth data is based on the recent Bureau of Labor and Statistics data published at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes439011.htm for 43-9011 Computer operators 11/2021. Based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
With a bachelor of science in information technology, you’ll gain a broad understanding of the entire software and technology development lifecycle.
Students study the different technologies used in software programming and web development; learn about computing, networking, and storage systems and technologies; and learn how to test software and systems to ensure full functionality before release.
What is a Degree in Information Technology?
For modern IT jobs, most employers require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in information technology. A bachelor of science in IT provides students with a thorough overview of all of the different systems and technologies that come together to make functional software, websites, services, and systems.
Students learn how to program software using different programming languages, analyze systems for functionality or security problems, and test and validate systems prior to their release.
While most IT graduates take entry-level roles as programmers, web developers, systems administrators, or database administrators, the wide variety of skills that an IT degree exposes students to prepare them well for graduate-level education and promotions within their IT departments.
Students may go on to work as systems architects, IT directors, or even Chief Technology Officers after earning professional experience. Some also go on to develop and sell their own software or technology.
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What Courses Would I Take For a Major in Information Technology?
- Fundamentals of Database Systems
- Structured Query Language for Data Management
- Computer Security
- Fundamentals of Networking
- Systems Analysis, Design and Integration
- Information Technology Architectures
- Unix Fundamentals
- Introduction to Programming Logic
What Jobs Can You Get with a Degree in Information Technology?
Jobs in IT are growing at a rate much faster than average, so new information technology graduates should have ample career opportunities to choose from.
Jobs related to mobile technologies, big data collection and analysis, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things are experiencing the highest demands, so focusing your education on one of those four core areas of focus may provide the most promise for finding well-paying work soon after completing your degree program.
How Long does it take?
A bachelors in Information Technology will have a typical length of 4 years in a full time schedule. That said, there are many ways to speed up the timeframe by either taking more units via online coursework, community college, or taking free classes at OnlineDegree.com that could transfer to universities in the US.
Online Information Technology Degree
Online degree programs in information technology are offered by many universities. It is an attractive choice for adult students who are considering a career shift. Students are required to complete around 120 credit hours to earn a bachelor degree including 30 credit hours in general studies.
You may also choose to study an online master’s degree in information technology if you already have a bachelor degree in a related field.
What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?
Information Technology refers to the study of computer engineering with focus on the storing, transmission, coding and manipulation of data. The term is used to refer to data used in business rather than entertainment or personal uses. Information technology can be classified into three main areas including data storage and processing, the use of mathematical and statistical methods for determination of trends and simulation of higher order thinking which is known as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Information currently represents a valuable resource for companies that can help gain a fortune. For example, it is the main reason for the unprecedented success of amazon. The company used the data stored for browsing and purchases by the users to provide personalized suggestions and experience.
Information technology degree programs focus mainly on computers and communication technology. Additionally, students of these programs study courses related to management and information science which is the main difference compared to computer science programs.
What does an information technology student learn?
Information technology students learn courses related to computer software, hardware, data processing, databases and ethics related to the use and storage of information.
- Fundamentals of information systems: this is an introductory course that provides basic knowledge about computer systems, networks and the uses of information technology. According to the university, the course may have a concentration on business, education or other related topics.
- Project planning and implementation: one of the management courses commonly included in information technology programs. This course helps students to plan, manage and execute various sizes of projects.
- Cybersecurity: data breaches are currently a major concern for most companies that can result in losses reaching millions or billions of dollars. Cybersecurity introduces the required knowledge about data encryption as well as the use and development of firewalls and antiviruses.
- Fundamentals of networking: this course provides the knowledge for building and maintaining a network.
- Programming languages: the course introduces programming languages used for designing networks and databases. Students may have the choice to focus on a specific language.
Now I have the information technology degree…where can I work after graduating?
There is a high demand for information technology graduates in a wide variety of jobs. Graduates can work in almost all organizations
- IT consultant: graduates may choose to work as freelancer consultants to help various companies establish their computer networks or cybersecurity measures. It is ranked among the best jobs in the US and it is needed in almost all companies.
- Cloud architect: they help to design the cloud services and networks for companies while making the best choices to achieve the required tasks at the lowest possible cost.
- Computer forensic investigator: it is a unique career as they work in investigating cybercrimes to identify criminals based on a few codes, locations or other available criteria.
- Health IT specialist: the demand for this career is increasing with the gradual shift towards digital health records. The importance of this job has become more evident after the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Web and/or mobile application developer: Almost all companies and organizations are currently building and running their website and/or mobile applications. Existing online is crucial for boosting your business.
- Software engineers: they work on more advanced programs such as video games, social network websites or business management systems
- Other career options: information technology professionals may also work in other careers as sales or marketing for companies working in the field. They may also work as Geospatial professionals and Data Modelers.
Should I choose an information technology degree?
If you are passionate about analyzing data to reach valuable conclusions, then you should consider studying information technology. Studying information technology is a chance to integrate knowledge of computer systems with business and management. Studying information technology will help you develop a group of useful skills:
- Soft skills:
- Communication: you will always have to listen to the needs of the clients or employees that you are working with to deliver the right product.
- Organization: people working in information technology should have outstanding organizational skills to avoid the mess that could result from the huge amount of information that they normally deal with.
- Analytical abilities: analyzing the situation is the first step towards developing the right solution.
- Patience and persistence: some problems may take weeks or even months to solve or to reach the cause of the problem.
- Resourcefulness: spending time and effort to know about the available resources in information technology can save a huge amount of time, money and effort. For example, you may use available open-source programs, website themes or databases to build your product instead of building it from scratch.
2. Technical skills:
- Technical skills are the core of the information technology work including for example knowledge with cloud security, Jboss Application Server, Metadata Design, Integration Architecture, Distributed Computing, Information Architecture, Apache Kafka and Web Services Security.
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Best Jobs for Information Technology Degrees
The advantage of a bachelor’s degree in information technology is its flexibility. Graduates can work in a number of different roles in the technology industry—as web developers, software developers, systems administrators, database administrators, and systems integration testers—or they can work in more general roles as IT support staff.
They may also eventually qualify for promotions into IT director or CTO roles.
How to save time and money
Our mission is to help you to avoid paying full price for college. We want your Information Technology degree to be affordable and accessible. Here’s how you could save:
Create Your Free SmartPlan
There are many ways to make college affordable and accessible.
That’s why we created a helpful tool called SmartPlan.
It’s free, and helps you find potential ways to save and tons of information about each school you’re considering
Think of it as your “college blueprint”, to help you instantly craft a path to your degree:
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See what’s possible for you and generate a free plan within just a few minutes
Create My SmartPlanPursue a Certificate in Web Development First
One of the core areas of focus in an information technology degree program is web development. Instead of taking those courses while pursuing a bachelor’s degree, consider taking them as part of a certificate program before getting a bachelor’s degree.
With a certificate in web development, you can gain the skills you’ll need to work as a website developer, and you can use those skills to earn experience in the field and an income while pursuing your bachelor’s degree in information technology.
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