Guide to Information Technology Degrees
Updated July 9, 2024
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Do you want to combine your passion for computers with practical skills? Information technology could be the right field for you. Companies, government agencies, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations all need information technology specialists and managers.
An information technology specialist's day-to-day tasks could involve customer success engineering, network technology support, or tech operations analysis. These professionals can work in computer design services, education, healthcare, national defense, or nearly any other field.
Use this guide to learn more about information technology degrees, including what distinguishes IT from computer science, various degree levels, and why a degree may — or may not — be a better choice than a bootcamp.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is an Information Technology Degree?
Information technology, the use of computers or other technology to transfer electronic data, allows businesses to improve performance and productivity. Students interested in pursuing a degree in information technology study a variety of topics including programming, data management, and network security.
Information technology impacts society, too, by helping promote the spread of information, providing education tools, and connecting people around the world.
Graduates with degrees in information technology can contribute to the societal benefits of the field by supporting existing infrastructure, updating critical components, and creating tools to combat misinformation.
Computer Science vs Information Technology
Computer science and information technology can be confused due to their similarities and relation to the technology industry. However, these two subjects have differences. Computer science refers to designing and building computer systems and programs. Information technology refers to maintaining and analyzing computer systems and programs.
In some situations, an information technology degree may be more useful than a computer science degree, and vice versa. The below bullet points define the benefits of studying computer science vs. information technology in various scenarios.
Computer science degree advantages
- Preparing for careers that require C++, or JavaScript
- Learning about the software development cycle
- Studying database tools including MongoDB and PostgreSQL
Information technology degree advantages
- Learning about troubleshooting methods and network configurations
- Understanding ethical hacking
- Discovering how to integrate technologies into businesses
Overview of IT Degree Levels
Prospective information technology enrollees can pursue multiple education pathways, from certificates to doctoral degrees. Time commitments, curriculums, and ideal career paths can influence an individual's choice.
Students may start with a degree that can be completed faster to ensure their interest in the field. Graduates can pursue additional IT degrees to expand their field of knowledge and meet educational requirements for senior IT positions.
Information Technology Certificates
You can complete information technology certificates online, in person, or within a hybrid program. Certificate programs may require anywhere from 9-24 credits, which may take 6-12 months to complete. You can find certificate programs run by universities and private tech companies.
Certificate curriculums differ by the school or company hosting the program. Enrollees may study various subjects, including programming, math, and database management.
Many information technology careers require a higher degree of education, but with a certificate, you can pursue roles as a network system administrator, IT help desk support specialist, or cloud support specialist.
Associate Degrees in IT
You can earn an online associate technology degree at institutions across the U.S. Enrollees can complete the degree program within two years and choose a general IT track or specialization, including cybersecurity, data analytics, or game development.
The program's track impacts the curriculum, but students generally learn multiple technology skills, including cloud computing, computer security, and website development.
Associate degree graduates may be able to find entry-level technology careers or transfer credits toward a bachelor's degree. With an associate degree in information technology, you can pursue careers as an information specialist, website developer, or health IT specialist.
Bachelor's Degrees in IT
Accredited institutions offer IT bachelor's programs online and in person. Most bachelor's degrees take four years to earn, but self-paced and accelerated programs can be completed in 2.5-3 years. Often, you'll need to complete 120 credits to meet general education, core information technology, and elective course requirements.
You'll learn essential IT skills in the major courses, including scripting, computer networks, and project management. IT degree programs may also include technology certifications without any additional costs or time commitments.
Bachelor's degree-holders can pursue IT roles as computer programmers, computer network architects, or information security analysts.
Master's Degrees in IT
Another option is attending a fully online master's program in IT. These master's degree programs usually consist of 30-36 credits, which may take 1-1.5 years to complete. Before you enroll in a master's degree program in information technology, you should already have a fundamental understanding of IT.
Master's degree programs in IT teach various skills, including IT architectures, risk assessment, and solving business problems with computing.
Graduates with a master's technology degree can pursue advanced roles, including computer and information research scientist, computer network architect, and software developer. Recent graduates may need previous work experience to qualify for advanced IT positions.
Doctoral Degrees in IT
You can earn a doctoral degree in IT fully online; some programs offer flexibility with course start dates, lecture hours, and course choices. Doctoral programs may require 42-90 credits, which can take 3-4 years to complete. Attendees may be required to complete a mixture of courses, exams, and a dissertation.
In a doctoral program, you may learn about algorithms, multivariate modeling, and statistical research techniques. Programs may require that you pick a field of study in order to focus on more complicated topics, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, or data science.
Graduates holding a doctorate in IT can pursue the highest-level roles in the field, including chief technology officer, technical manager, or professor at a higher education institution.
Do You Need a Degree to Work in IT?
Potential employers may see an IT degree as proof of an applicant's preparedness for the job. However, some hiring managers understand that capable IT workers may have learned the valuable skills required for basic tech jobs via alternative methods.
MOOCs
Students who prefer alternative learning pathways or self-learning can participate in massive open online courses (MOOCs). MOOCs can be free and flexible and offer assignments to test participants' skills.
Self-Training
People may also use self-training, a method similar to MOOCs, to learn IT skills from online guides, books, and videos.
Hands-On
Those who learn better via hands-on methods can pursue internships in IT to gain experience. Mentors or tutors can also provide experiential learning in a comparatively relaxed environment.
Teaching yourself via the above methods may take several years, similar to the timeframe required for earning a degree. While these skills take time to develop, learning via open online sources or hands-on experiences can be free. Your commitment to learning, practicing, and establishing your skills determines how effective these methods are.
Bootcamps
Coding bootcamps are a middle ground between traditional degrees and self-teaching. Bootcamps, which consist of condensed learning courses, can be completed in 8-16 weeks.
Attendees follow structured curriculums from qualified teachers to quickly learn essential skills. Since bootcamps consist of only a few months of teaching, they often have specializations, including web development, data science, or cybersecurity.
Resources for IT Degree Students
Frequently Asked Questions About Information Technology
What is information technology?
Information technology refers to the use of any technological device to transfer, process, or secure electronic data. Most corporations use the broad industry to help with internal operations, which can improve efficiency.
What degree is best for working in IT?
The best degree for working in IT depends upon a person's ideal career path. Prospective IT employees should consider their future career, required skills, and educational prerequisites. While some jobs require a doctoral degree, many require only a bachelor's degree in IT.
Are IT degrees worth it?
IT degrees can be worth the time and cost for people interested in technology, computers, and programming. Degree holders can pursue their dream job, have remote work options, and gain additional skills in the field.
How difficult is an IT degree program?
An IT degree program can be difficult, as students must learn complicated coding languages, advanced technologies, and math. It also requires a significant time commitment for attending courses, studying, and completing assignments.
Page last reviewed January 26, 2024.
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