Earning an information technology (IT) degree can lead to high-paying jobs in innovative fields. As the world increasingly relies on computerized systems, the need for qualified IT professionals also rises. An online bachelor's degree in information technology meets the minimum education requirement for most entry-level IT jobs.
Some of the best online IT schools prepare candidates to pursue in-demand careers in computer programming, database administration, or cybersecurity, all of which offer earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 15% increase in computer and IT jobs nationwide from 2021 to 2031. These professionals earned a median annual wage of $97,430 as of May 2021.
The following sections explore the qualities of the nation's best online IT degrees, including admission requirements and popular courses.
What Is a Bachelor's in Information Technology?
An online bachelor's degree in information technology prepares students to pursue high-paying jobs in the fast-growing computer and IT field. IT attracts technology enthusiasts with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Potential careers for IT graduates include computer network architect, computer programmer, computer systems analyst, and information security analyst. The BLS projects an additional 682,800 new jobs in the computer and IT field between 2021 and 2031. The best-paying and most in-demand IT jobs typically require at least a bachelor's degree.
Almost every industry relies on technology and needs skilled tech workers. IT degree-holders work for software and hardware companies, technology consulting services, financial organizations, and retailers. Other potential employers include telecommunication companies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.
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Admission Requirements for IT Degree Programs
Admission requirements for an online bachelor's degree in information technology programs vary by school. Typical prerequisites include a high school diploma or GED certificate, SAT or ACT scores, and letters of recommendation.
Most IT degree online programs do not require previous IT experience. Students with associate degrees, certificates in information technology or computer science, or job experience may complete a bachelor's degree more quickly.
Many universities use the Common App, which lets undergraduates apply to many schools at one time by submitting a general application. Some programs require supplemental materials like an application essay or resume. Students may need to complete an interview during the application process.
IT Degree and Concentration Options
IT degrees may have different names, concentrations, and curricular focuses. Not all institutions offer all IT degrees. Below, we explain the differences between degree types.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in IT: A BS in IT degree provides a foundation in general information technology with an emphasis on math and science. Learners focus on technical IT skills and often choose a concentration in an IT subdiscipline.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in IT: Less common than a BS in IT, a BA in information technology covers the fundamentals of IT but incorporates more arts and humanities classes. Students build soft skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in IT: A BBA in IT focuses mostly on general business and management skills with an emphasis on information technology. Graduates can pursue careers in business or IT.
Popular Information Technology Degree Courses
The best online schools for IT offer a variety of core, specialty, and elective courses. Programs typically require foundational coursework and conclude the IT degree with a capstone project.
Bachelor's in IT degrees provide broad, introductory skills in network security, computer programming, data management, IT management, and web development. Some information technology degree programs include optional coursework relevant to common industry certifications such as Java programming or CompTIA.
Network and Security: Network and security coursework introduces students pursuing their IT degree online to different computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and VPNs. Learners explore the protocols of virtual communication over a computer network. Security topics include mitigation techniques, protecting network vulnerabilities, and basic security policies and procedures.
Management: This IT degree course outlines the different data types, including structured, unstructured, and quasi-structured data. It also covers basic data management and security. Students learn common terminology and commands for structured query language, data definition language, and data manipulation language. Learners also practice SELECT queries, and data updates and deletions.
Business of IT: This class emphasizes the core principles and practices of IT management. Coursework covers IT infrastructure, development, and operations management. With a focus on project management, information technology degree students explore resource allocation, risk assessment, and performance measurement skills.
Web Development: Coursework introduces students to foundational web languages like HTML5, Javascript, and cascading style sheets. This course expands on basic coding skills to develop web documents for desktop and mobile devices. Topics include code validation and testing, user interface design, and SEO optimization.
Capstone: Most IT degree online programs conclude with a capstone course, usually a project or written report. Students propose, implement, and report on a technical project in their area of IT expertise.
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How Much Will a Bachelor's in IT Degree Cost?
Many factors affect the cost of earning a bachelor's in IT degree. Learners can expect tuition to fluctuate according to whether a school is public or private. Institutions may also charge different rates for in-state and out-of-state students. However, some schools may charge reduced or in-state tuition for online programs.
Most college students require financial aid to complete an information technology degree, including scholarships, grants, and loans. IT degree students typically complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for federal and other aid. Prospective learners should exhaust scholarship and grant opportunities first, then pursue loans, which do require repayment.
Learn more about IT certificate programs Consider a master's in IT degreeThe 5 Best Online IT Schools
Interested in an information technology degree? Explore the five best online bachelor's programs in information technology (IT) for 2023. The link below covers our ranking methodology.
Why Get an IT Degree?
Pursuing an online bachelor's degree in information technology offers a number of benefits to students:
Adaptable Tech Skills: An online IT degree can lead to a variety of jobs in business, technology, and management. Graduates of a bachelor's IT program can apply the skills they learn in computer programming, administration, and research to jobs in many industries.
High Earning Potential: Most IT careers requiring at least a bachelor's degree offer high earning potential. Many tech professionals earn salaries more than double the national median salary of $58,260 in 2021. For example, computer network architects earned an annual median wage of $120,520 in 2021.
Job Security: Information security analyst jobs are projected to grow 35% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Students can pursue lucrative job opportunities in various industries with an IT degree.
Jobs for Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree Holders
Earning an online bachelor's degree in information technology can help graduates qualify for diverse computer and IT occupations. The type of career you can pursue and the earning potential depends on factors like previous experience and the focus of your bachelor's degree.
Payscale reported that graduates with a BS in information technology made an average annual salary of $78,000 as of November 2022. Earnings vary significantly by occupation.
Chief information security officers earned an average annual salary of $173,000 as of November 2022, while incident managers made $90,620 and penetration testers earned $88,000. IT security administrators earned an average annual salary of $67,200 as of November 2022, and security analysts made $70,500.
Learn more about potential information technology degree careers below.
Top Jobs for IT Degree Graduates
Choosing the Best Online IT School for You
Students should consider only accredited online information technology degrees. In addition, some of the best online IT schools may hold programmatic accreditation from an agency such as ABET.
The following is a list of critical considerations for prospective online IT degree students.
Concentrations/Specializations: Since IT degrees prepare graduates for diverse careers, students may select a school that offers their desired specialization.
Required Admission Materials: Many information technology degree programs require applicants to hold an associate degree and at least two years of work experience for admission. Others may require standardized test scores.
Staff Credentials/Diversity: IT programs often hire well-known professors and field experts to attract students. Research which programs have faculty who specialize in areas relevant to your career aspirations.
Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Schools with a lower student-to-teacher ratio can offer more individualized attention from faculty members.
Cost/Financial Aid: Explore which schools offer reduced or in-state tuition for online learners to maximize the value of your degree.
University Resources/Career Services: The best online IT schools support their students with campus resources like career services. Some IT programs offer industry certificate programs to boost their students' credentials.
Why You Should Get Your IT Degree Online
Distance education grows more prevalent each year. Earning an IT degree online offers convenience, affordability, and flexibility. Online bachelor's degrees in information technology programs give students the freedom to complete coursework wherever and whenever they want.
An IT degree may be more suited to the online learning experience than other disciplines. Students work primarily on a computer, troubleshoot tech problems, and communicate online — all skills required for success in most IT jobs.
Factors to consider when deciding between an in-person or online degree include personal learning style, time management skills, opportunities for interaction and networking, and cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online IT Degrees
Can I get an IT degree online?
Yes! Many schools offer partially or fully online information technology degrees. Earning an IT degree online can offer convenience, flexibility, and affordability compared to a traditional on-campus program.
How long does it take to get an online bachelor's degree in information technology?
Most bachelor's degrees in IT take two to four years of study to complete, depending on whether you have any transfer credits or enroll full or part time. Students may also shorten completion times by transferring credits for prior academic, work, or military experience.
What is the best online IT school?
The best online IT schools are accredited, affordable, and have an excellent academic reputation. You should also consider your personal learning style and career goals when choosing a school.
What kinds of jobs can you get with a degree in information technology?
The IT sector offers jobs in fields like computer programming, information research and security, and database administration. Computer network architects and information security analysts are among the highest earners.
