What factors should you consider when choosing an IT degree program?

When considering how to select an IT degree program to enroll in, there are several things a prospective student should consider. They include: 1) opportunities for hands-on learning, 2) accreditation, 3) preparation for certification, 4) flexible course scheduling, and 5) the lessons in communication & management skills.

What kind of skills and experience should a prospective IT professional have?

Those individuals considering life as an IT professional should ideally have: 1) high computer literacy, 2) critical thinking skills, 3) communication skills, 4) hands-on experience and applied knowledge, and 5) certifications.

Best Accredited Information Technology (IT) Degrees 2020

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New software updates, innovative apps, and smarter cellphones underscore just how quickly and constantly technology evolves. It can be hard to stay on the cutting edge with advances in today’s software, hardware and networks. With so many new ways for people and companies to use technology, there is a need for technical guidance and insight from information technology professionals. This page explores how IT degree programs can help students enter a job market as diverse and fast-growing as modern technology itself.

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In our modern technological climate, it is nearly impossible for companies to function effectively without information technology (IT) support for their computing needs. With a degree in information technology, students will be put in the position to achieve a career as an IT support specialist and utilize their technological understanding in problem-solving scenarios. We’ve looked into what each school offers in terms of student services, tuition, and student success rate, and we’ve compiled a list of the best programs available throughout the country. Check out the top ranking schools for information technology below.

Rank	School Title	Net Price	Financial Aid	Total Programs	Student-Teacher ratio	Ranking Score	School Description	Additional Benefits:	Placement Services	Counseling Services	Credit for Experience
1	Bunker Hill Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 1%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 99.78	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
2	Western Texas College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 35%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 99.17	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
3	Sacramento City College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 9	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 99.00	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
4	Southwestern Oregon Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 51%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 98.00	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
5	Minnesota State Community and Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 7	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.97	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
6	Haywood Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.71	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
7	North Central Michigan College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 17%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.70	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
8	Piedmont Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 13%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.70	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
9	Rowan-Cabarrus Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 2%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.46	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
10	Fort Peck Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 93%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 97.04	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
11	Durham Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 3%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.99	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
12	Lenoir Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 13%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.97	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
13	Washtenaw Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 14%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.91	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
14	Blue Ridge Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 10%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
15	Ivy Tech Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.75	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
16	South Mountain Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 28%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.73	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesNo	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
17	South Central College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 8%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.65	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
18	Owens Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 12%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.61	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
19	Edison State Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 16%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.55	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
20	Oakland Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.39	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
21	Stanly Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.05	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
22	Wayne Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.04	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
23	Pitt Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 96.03	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
24	Forsyth Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.98	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
25	Sinclair College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 28%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.90	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
26	Prairie State College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.85	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
27	Glendale Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.75	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
28	Capital Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 23%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.70	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
29	Anne Arundel Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 4%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.63	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesNo	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
30	McDowell Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.59	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
31	Alamance Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 16%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.56	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
32	Davidson County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 7%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.55	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
33	Lorain County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 25%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.50	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
34	Waukesha County Technical College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.48	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
35	Cosumnes River College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.47	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
36	Mesa Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 25%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.46	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
37	Hillsborough Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.39	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
38	Sierra College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % N/A	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.36	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
39	Beaufort County Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.29	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
40	Southwestern Illinois College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 14%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.27	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
41	Catawba Valley Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 5%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.19	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
42	Southwestern Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.15	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
43	Fayetteville Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 1%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.09	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
44	Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 9%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.06	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
45	Vance-Granville Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 18%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 95.02	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
46	Central Piedmont Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 3%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.98	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
47	Great Falls College Montana State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 11%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.97	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
48	Central Carolina Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 7%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.91	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesNo	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
49	Dutchess Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 6%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
50	Edmonds Community College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 27%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	Ranking SCORE 94.79	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes

Rank	School Title	Net Price	Financial Aid	Total Programs	Student-Teacher ratio	Grad Rate	Ranking Score	School Description	Additional Benefits:	Placement Services	Counseling Services	Credit for Experience
1	Stevens Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 96%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 7	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 78%	Ranking SCORE 99.81	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
2	Carnegie Mellon University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 53%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 87%	Ranking SCORE 99.24	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
3	Marist College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 87%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 80%	Ranking SCORE 98.78	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
4	Lindenwood University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 98.02	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
5	George Mason University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 20%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 6	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 66%	Ranking SCORE 98.02	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
6	Youngstown State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 45%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 32%	Ranking SCORE 97.40	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
7	Pace University-New York	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 97%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 56%	Ranking SCORE 97.21	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
8	Ferris State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 63%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 53%	Ranking SCORE 97.12	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
9	Tiffin University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 92%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 33%	Ranking SCORE 96.93	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
10	Rochester Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 90%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 63%	Ranking SCORE 96.83	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
11	Illinois Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 96.77	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
12	Oakland University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 76%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 43%	Ranking SCORE 96.61	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
13	Champlain College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 64%	Ranking SCORE 96.61	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
14	Oklahoma State University-Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 73%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 62%	Ranking SCORE 96.58	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
15	New Jersey Institute of Technology	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 46%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 54%	Ranking SCORE 96.55	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
16	Broward College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 23%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 5	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE N/A	Ranking SCORE 96.20	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
17	Saint Ambrose University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 63%	Ranking SCORE 96.19	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
18	La Salle University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 96.17	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
19	Ohio University-Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 68%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 63%	Ranking SCORE 96.16	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
20	University of Washington-Seattle Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 34%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 81%	Ranking SCORE 95.97	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
21	Point Park University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 95%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 50%	Ranking SCORE 95.84	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
22	Elmhurst College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 93%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 74%	Ranking SCORE 95.83	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
23	The College of Saint Rose	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 97%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 65%	Ranking SCORE 95.71	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
24	Murray State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 70%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 54%	Ranking SCORE 95.66	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
25	Loyola University Chicago	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 93%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 70%	Ranking SCORE 95.64	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
26	DePaul University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 94%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 68%	Ranking SCORE 95.58	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
27	Northeastern University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 69%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 79%	Ranking SCORE 95.52	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
28	Trevecca Nazarene University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 54%	Ranking SCORE 95.49	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
29	Idaho State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 37%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 31%	Ranking SCORE 95.46	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
30	Hodges University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 37%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 18%	Ranking SCORE 95.34	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
31	Boise State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 33%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 29%	Ranking SCORE 95.22	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
32	Florida State College at Jacksonville	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 15%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE N/A	Ranking SCORE 95.05	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
33	Daytona State College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 24%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 4	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE N/A	Ranking SCORE 94.98	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
34	Keystone College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 45%	Ranking SCORE 94.97	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
35	Western Illinois University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 56%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 54%	Ranking SCORE 94.87	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
36	Arkansas Tech University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 56%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 94.67	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
37	East Carolina University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 50%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 58%	Ranking SCORE 94.63	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
38	Franklin Pierce University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 50%	Ranking SCORE 94.58	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
39	Purdue University-Main Campus	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 47%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 70%	Ranking SCORE 94.56	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
40	Davenport University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 89%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 40%	Ranking SCORE 94.43	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
41	Barry University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 96%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 41%	Ranking SCORE 94.39	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
42	Cornell University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 47%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 93%	Ranking SCORE 94.37	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
43	Illinois State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 38%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 71%	Ranking SCORE 94.36	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
44	College of Saint Mary	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 34%	Ranking SCORE 94.34	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
45	Mount Marty College	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 92%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 51%	Ranking SCORE 94.21	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
46	Creighton University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 98%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 2	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 75%	Ranking SCORE 94.21	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
47	Buena Vista University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 100%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 51%	Ranking SCORE 94.28	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes
48	Washington University in St Louis	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 51%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 94%	Ranking SCORE 94.20	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
49	Lawrence Technological University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 82%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 3	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 52%	Ranking SCORE 94.19	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceNo
50	Kentucky State University	Net Price	FINANCIAL AID % 61%	TOTAL PROGRAMS 1	STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO	GRAD RATE 14%	Ranking SCORE 94.17	Read more	Additional Benefits:	Placement ServicesYes	Counseling ServicesYes	Credit for ExperienceYes

Information Technology Snapshot

A degree in information technology goes beyond learning how hardware or software work, and teaches you how to apply technology to address specific needs. Information technology professionals create unique solutions with the technology at their disposal and effectively communicate these solutions to a range of people. Most importantly, IT is an ever-expanding industry with a variety of available jobs, leading to a bright outlook for graduates of programs.

A 2011 report by
the Georgetown
University Center forecasts
that 51 percent of jobs in the
science, technology,
engineering, and math
industry will be computer
occupations by 2018.

The U.S. Bureau
of Labor Statistics
projects that there will be
more computing job
openings than
information technology
professionals can fill
through 2022.

As businesses continue to
expand to digital platforms, the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
anticipates that employment in
the computer and information
systems management field will
grow 15 percent between 2014
and 2024.

The U.S. Department
of Labor notes that more
than 90 percent of information
technology professionals are
employed outside of the
information technology industry,
with specialized training in
business sectors like
healthcare, manufacturing, or
financial services.

Technology innovation is poised to explode in the next decade. IT is already
becoming more than a support/cost center, and it will evolve into a strategic arm of organizations. Because technology is now smart enough to mostly support itself, the focus in the foreseeable future will center on getting, understanding, and acting on massive amounts of relevant data.

Grant Kirby

Information Technology Degrees by Level

Higher education programs allow students to enter the broad and quickly growing IT field. An associate or bachelor’s degree can help students narrow down the type of information technology career they are interested in pursuing. These educational experiences can be applied to later graduate programs or to acquire IT certifications in specialized areas, such as the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE).

Information Technology Associate Degrees

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.

Intro to Software Development

An introductory course on designing, coding, running, and understanding computer programs, with an emphasis on troubleshooting business and engineering applications.

Web Site Design

A survey of Internet concepts, network protocols, and client-server communications. Students learn the basics of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and DOM to create interactive web pages.

Intro to Programming Logic

Explores how to problem-solve via programming logic methods. Students learn and apply programming language constructs, including a project that translates real-life problems into forms that allow computer programs to solve those problems.

Human Relations in Administration

By studying human interaction skills (e.g. leadership, motivation, group dynamics, stress and time management), students learn techniques for effective workplace interaction, including international workplaces.

Information Technology Bachelor’s Degrees

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 bachelor’s 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 bachelor’s degree.

Introduction to Project Management

An examination of project manager techniques, such as efficient time use, accurate budgeting, and setting achievable project goals.

Fundamentals of Networking

Students acquire a foundational knowledge of current data communication and networking technologies, from the hardware to the components and connections of a network. Covers network protocols and the basic functions of network administration and operation.

Structured Query Language for Data Management

Covers structured query language, which is a standard tool for getting information from a database. Students use structured query language to store, retrieve, and manipulate data.

Introduction to Computer Security

A study of computer system security topics including cryptography, access control systems, telecommunications and network security, and disaster recovery programming.

Master’s & Doctorate Degrees in Information Technology

Type of Schools : Four-year universities, technical colleges

Time to Complete : Two to four years (not including previous time in bachelor’s 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.

Master’s Degrees

People applying for master’s programs must have a bachelor’s degree and experience with calculus, statistics, and high level computer skills. Students can specialize in different concentrations such as global business, pharmaceutical management, or analytics and information.

Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate programs assume students have basic knowledge of calculus, statistics, computer science, probability, and linear algebra; a prior degree in computer science, information technology, or industrial engineering is advisable. Students seeking a PhD must defend an original dissertation and complete extensive independent research assignments, and some doctorate programs require students to teach an undergraduate seminar class or gain practical experience through internships.

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 master’s or doctorate in information technology.

Multimedia Information Systems

Students learn the processes behind organizing multimedia content, physical storage and retrieval of multimedia data, content-based search and retrieval, and creating and delivering networked and multimedia presentations.

Electronic Commerce

Covers the theoretical foundations, implementation problems, and research issues of electronic commerce.

Network Administration

Students evaluate and recommend specific, current information technology processes in various areas, including network configuration, backup management, and system security. Students also examine network issues such as UNIX interoperability, addressing, and routing.

Business Intelligence Systems and Methods

Explores methods that will increase a company’s business value and capabilities. Students determine how they can improve the competitive advantage of an enterprise, evaluate management and market trends, and enhance customer service.

How did you gain most of your IT knowledge?While so much knowledge can be gained through school, reading, seminars, and online tools, the real learning happens through controlled failures. Fail too much and you are out of a job. Fail too little and you become irrelevant.

Grant Kirby

Choosing an IT Degree Program: Must-Have List

Opportunities for hands-on learning
When looking into a degree program, consider how the courses explore various sides of the information technology industry. Will classes help students prepare for certification tests or give access to internships? Do professors hire research and teaching assistants? The more opportunities students have to use classroom knowledge in the real world, the more quickly they can discover a career path that excites them.
Accreditation
A college’s information technology program needs to be accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) to ensure that a program meets the standards of the IT profession. ABET maintains a list of accredited associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on their website.
Preparation for certification
Information technology is an active field, so look for professors involved in current research, classroom hardware and programs that are up to date, and courses that will give a strong overview of the basics. Both associate and bachelor’s degree programs should prepare students to take future certification tests through Cisco, Microsoft, or CompTIA, as these tests are a standardized way of demonstrating IT knowledge.
Flexible course scheduling
Many working professionals choose to take higher education classes to advance their careers, and students may explore the IT job market with internships or contract work to see what areas interest them the most. Finding an on-campus program with flexible scheduling option can allow students to balance work responsibilities with school.
Lessons in communication & management skills
Verbal and written communication skills and the ability to manage people are essential qualities in the information technology field. Information technology professionals may be in charge of planning a project and directing a group of people on implementing it, describing over the phone how to troubleshoot a faulty printer, or preparing manuals for employees or customers. Learning these skills should be integrated into an IT degree program.

Key Skills & Experience for IT Professionals

High computer literacy
All IT degree programs expect applicants to have basic computer skills before applying. Information technology students learn programming languages, network and device troubleshooting, and other specialized technical skills depending on the level of higher education they pursue and the certifications they take.
Critical thinking
Troubleshooting is an essential part of IT work. Information technology professionals can weigh different technology options and choose the best fit, usually based on their experience with or knowledge of a particular technology.
Communication skills
Information technology professionals work with people at all levels of the business hierarchy. They must be able to express ideas clearly over the phone, in person, and in writing. They may also manage groups of people during a project, where it is essential to be professional, confident in their own abilities, and able to listen and collaborate effectively with others.
Hands-on experience and applied knowledge
Readings and classroom discussion are not a substitute for working directly on IT projects and learning from your own mistakes. Students who complete projects or complete internships will have an advantage when applying for jobs that are looking for practical knowledge and proven skills in an area of information technology.
Certifications
Many information technology jobs deal with specialized technical procedures or complex technology, and employers look for job applicants certified in these areas. IT workers can be certified as a technician in charge of maintaining computers, printers, and mobile devices; or a project management professional capable of directing a team. Becoming certified involves passing a skills exam through a credible certification firm such as CompTIA or Cisco, and it proves a candidate’s commitment to their area of the information technology field.
Self-motivated research
Those pursuing doctorates in information technology will engage in personal research projects that help develop the field, but students at any level can benefit from investigating an area that interests them and keeping up with changes and improvements. Employers appreciate candidates who have certifications and specific, specialized knowledge that proves their dedication to information technology.

What would you consider to be
essential to succeed in an information technology job?The primary skillset of information technology has to do with problem solving. Each new wave of technology results in unintended problems that cannot be solved with the technology that created them. If a person does not maintain a healthy curiosity and a drive to solve these increasingly complex problems, IT is not a friendly place for them.

Grant Kirby

Opportunities in Information Technology:
Careers & Specializations

Computer & Information Systems Managers

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024) :15 %

Annual Salary :$127,640

Typical Education :Bachelor’s or master’s degree

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.

Computer Systems Analyst

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024) :21 %

Annual Salary :$82,700

Typical Education :Bachelor’s 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.

Computer Support Specialists

Projected Job Growth (2014-2024) :12 %

Annual Salary :$50,380

Typical Education :Associate degree and/or industry certifications

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.

Similar Degree Programs

While information technology professionals help connect people and businesses with useful, relevant technology, there are degree programs that can prepare students for other branches of the technology industry.

Computer Science

The field of computer science focuses
on developing computer applications or data
systems, or computer and information research.
Students seeking a computer science degree
delve into computer architecture and software
development, programming,
and engineering.

Engineering

Students explore a diverse range of
specialties in an engineering degree program,
from software to electrical engineering. Associate
degrees focus on more technical aspects, while
bachelor’s degrees build on a general foundation with
specialties in mathematics, computers, programming,
or basic engineering. Graduate programs focus
even more intently on one area of engineering,
and can lead students to careers that range
from agricultural to nuclear energy.

Online Math Degrees

Math degrees follow many educational
paths that can prepare students for careers in
computer science, research, biomathematics,
or finance. Associate degrees build a mathematical
foundation, bachelor’s degrees examine those
foundations more deeply, and graduate
degrees in specialized areas prepare
students for their chosen
careers.

Resources for IT Students & Professionals

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Information Technology Degree Programs

CONTENT NAVIGATION

Top 2017 Information Technology Programs

Information Technology Snapshot

Information Technology Degrees by Level

Information Technology Associate Degrees

Information Technology Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s & Doctorate Degrees in Information Technology

Master’s Degrees

Doctorate Degrees

Choosing an IT Degree Program: Must-Have List

Key Skills & Experience for IT Professionals

Opportunities in Information Technology:
Careers & Specializations

Computer & Information Systems Managers

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Support Specialists

Similar Degree Programs

Resources for IT Students & Professionals

Take the next step towards your future with online learning.

Information Technology Degree Programs

Grant Kirby's Bio

CONTENT NAVIGATION

Top 2017 Information Technology Programs

Information Technology Snapshot

Information Technology Degrees by Level

Information Technology Associate Degrees

Information Technology Bachelor’s Degrees

Master’s & Doctorate Degrees in Information Technology

Master’s Degrees

Doctorate Degrees

Choosing an IT Degree Program: Must-Have List

Key Skills & Experience for IT Professionals

Opportunities in Information Technology: Careers & Specializations

Computer & Information Systems Managers

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Support Specialists

Similar Degree Programs

Resources for IT Students & Professionals

Take the next step towards your future with online learning.

Opportunities in Information Technology:
Careers & Specializations