Since the turn of the century, technology has become present in our cars, our organizations, our markets, our social lives, and our daily experiences. We now live in a world where technology can move so quickly that it can be difficult for everyone to keep up with the pace of the changes and the complexity of the information that goes into the processes.
An online IT degree prepares graduates to make technical information, networks, systems, and products more easily accessible and understandable for individuals, departments, organizations, and anyone who uses them. IT professionals work in careers that either analyze, maintain, and improve systems and networks, or support the professionals who work with them in some capacity. And this career path is marked for growth consistent with the expanding nature of technology in our society. If you’re intrigued by technology, now is the time for to launch your career with an online IT degree.
While it may seem that information technology and computer science is the same thing, that is not always the case. IT typically involves working with people far more often than careers in computer science. IT brings in the customer service aspect to the technology careers.
Information technology is related to every field that requires the use of technology among any number of people or organizations. While this may seem like a vague description, that’s because the options are practically limitless—there are professions in IT that can be combined with any other interest that you may have in mind. Whether you are primarily geared towards working with retail, nonprofits, medicine, nutrition, entertainment, or even education, you can find a career in IT that suits you. The scope of information technology jobs will only continue to expand in the coming years, as IT professions will grow by 12% before 2024.
Various IT jobs will pay differently—much like the other computer sciences—but the majority of professionals earn between $50,000 and $100,00 each year depending on their scope, experience, and educational background.
It is most common for those beginning a career in information technology to earn a bachelor’s degree, some may seek advanced degrees, and it’s also possible to begin some careers with an associate’s.
Here are some of the most common careers you can pursue with a IT degree:
IT professions require candidates who can communicate in a variety of contexts to provide professional customer service, and who are able to think analytically to solve complex problems.
Those who are interested in information technology should be prepared for working with people—whether those people are technology users, organization executives, or colleagues within an IT department. In addition, jobs in IT involve being familiar with various technical products, languages, and applications.
Online IT degrees will introduce students to the methods through which information is exchanged and how people and businesses use and interact with that information.
An online bachelor’s in information technology will provide the foundation for your career with courses on subjects such as:
Most programs will offer the opportunity to participate in an internship or capstone project that will provide some experience in the application of your skills and professional networking. Any occasion to strengthen a professional resume or portfolio should be seen as an advantage when deciding on a program.
Many companies will consider candidates with professional certifications in their related industries or tools. Certifications for skills such as technical writing, project management, and IT are all examples of beneficial education.
Some schools offer online degrees related specifically to IT management, information systems, or programs in a career-directed field such as technical writing. Some of these programs will provide the guidance towards or qualifications for additional certifications beyond the degree.
The prices for online IT degrees can vary greatly. This means that careers in IT can be accessible to aspiring professionals regardless of their background or finances.
Our rankings show the average cost of a bachelor’s level online IT degree to be just under $50,000. A master’s level IT degree costs around $25,000, on average. However, there are plenty of online bachelor’s in IT under $20,000. Keep this in mind as you compare costs. Click on any online degree below to see the total estimated cost of attendance, including all technology and online learning fees. If internships and work experience are priorities to your search, then consider programs that are within your price range that also offer those aspects.
