Information Technology Degree Programs

Type of Schools: Community colleges, technical schools

Time to Complete: One to two years

Career Opportunities: Systems Administrator, Network Specialist, Security Engineer, Applications Engineer, Technology Support Specialist

Overview: Previous job experience or certifications in information technology may apply towards an associate degree, but students do not need any initial IT education to apply for associate degree programs. Many of the course credits for an associate degree can fulfill course requirements for students who plan to take their education further with a bachelor’s or graduate-level degree.

Learning Outcomes: Students take classes designed to develop critical thinking skills as well as technical skills in coding, computer hardware and software, web design, cybersecurity, and data and network management. Students can also choose elective courses that explore more specialized knowledge areas. Colleges may ask students to purchase particular hardware and software to complete the technology coursework.

Below are examples of classes that students typically register for and the skills that you would be expected to learn over the course of an associate degree education.

Type of Schools: Four-year universities, community colleges, technical colleges

Time to Complete: Three to four years

Career Opportunities: Systems Analyst, Software Developer, Network Security Engineer

Learning Outcomes: A Bachelor of Science in information technology provides a strong foundation in information technology essentials like programming, systems administration, database and network management, security, and ethics. Students learn to program in at least one high-level programming language; evaluate operating systems and networks; and create, organize, and maintain modern databases.

Courses also teach project management skills that help build students leadership abilities and establish effective tactics for on teams. At the bachelors level, students will typically specialize in a particular area of information technology, such as programming software applications, security, or network management.

Undergraduate programs often require courses outside of information technology classes, such as humanities and science electives, that are part of a university’s general education requirements for all students. The following list presents information technology classes that students usually encounter when pursuing a bachelors degree.

Type of Schools: Four-year universities, technical colleges

Time to Complete: Two to four years (not including previous time in bachelors degree programs)

Career Opportunities: Professor, Senior Consultant, Director or Vice President of Information Technology, Chief Information Officer

Overview: Ultimately, graduate programs teach students to understand business management functions, analyze and design integrated systems, confidently recommend IT strategies, demonstrate leadership and communication skills in project management positions, and conduct original research that contributes to knowledge in the information technology field.

Graduate programs offer opportunities for customized degree concentrations and independent research, but there are basic course requirements that most graduate students will need to fulfill. Below are some of the classes students might choose to take for a masters or doctorate in information technology.

Also known as information technology managers, computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities within a business. They set the technology goals for a company and put together the systems needed to meet those goals. This may include installing and supporting network systems, maintaining web sites, modeling data communications hardware and software, and supervising support specialists. Computer and information systems managers have strong leadership skills and project management abilities in addition to their knowledge of helpful technical systems.

• Projected Job Growth (2014-2024): 15 %
• Annual Salary: $127,640
• Typical Education: Bachelors or masters degree

Computer systems analysts connect the separate worlds of business and information technology in ways that are tailored to individual company needs. They examine a company’s existing technological systems and procedures in order to improve them, working within a budget or particular project guidelines. These professionals are troubleshooters and problem-solvers, but computer systems analysts are also collaborators; designing solutions for clients’ distinct needs requires teamwork and negotiation along with industry knowledge.

• Projected Job Growth (2014-2024): 21 %
• Annual Salary: $82,700
• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree

Computer support specialists advise people and organizations on the use of computer hardware or software. They help troubleshoot tasks such as printing, e-mail, program installation, and word processing. They provide technical assistance over the phone, in person, or electronically. When computer support specialists assist information technology employees within a specific organization, they are called computer network support specialists. When they assist laypeople and non-IT users who are having computer problems, they are called computer user support specialists.

• Projected Job Growth (2014-2024): 12 %
• Annual Salary: $50,380
• Typical Education: Associate degree and/or industry certifications