Top Colleges for Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees for 2019
"The IT field offers many specialization options, including web development, database administration, information security, and computer tech support."
Even in economic downturns, some fields continue to perform well. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) demonstrates ongoing demand for IT professionals, despite relatively high unemployment in some fields amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The BLS projects an 11% growth rate for computer and information technology occupations between 2019 and 2029, much faster than the 4% projected growth rate for all occupations.
Factors driving this demand include employers' continued need for IT workers. For instance, jobs for information security analysts are projected to grow by 31% between 2019 and 2029, according to the BLS.
Students often begin their IT education with a two-year associate degree. Many senior colleges allow learners to seamlessly transfer their associate degrees to bachelor's in IT degrees. Some learners begin their education at the bachelor's level. The IT field offers many specialization options, including web development, database administration, information security, and computer tech support. Online IT programs make learning affordable and accessible, especially during a pandemic.
Data shows significant earning potential for workers in computer and information technology occupations. Web developers made a median annual salary of $73,760 as of 2019, according to the BLS. Database administrators and computer network architects with bachelor's degrees made a median yearly pay of $86,550 and $112,690, respectively.
Read on to learn more about online IT programs and the educational requirements for IT careers.
Featured Online Schools
FEATURED COLLEGES
| Rank | School | Location | Average Net Price 2017-2018 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ivy Tech Community College | Indianapolis, IN | $5,425 |
| 2 | Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | $11,244 |
| 3 | Thomas Edison State University | Trenton, NJ | $7,519 |
| 4 | St. Petersburg College | Clearwater, FL | $3,477 |
| 5 | Seminole State College of Florida | Sanford, FL | $19,526 |
| 6 | Franklin University | Columbus, OH | $18,684 |
| 7 | Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | $27,432 |
| 8 | Minnesota State Community and Technology | Fergus Falls, MN | $10,235 |
| 9 | Vincennes University | Vincennes, IN | $9,937 |
| 10 | Keiser University — Ft. Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | $27,649 |
IT vs. Computer Science
While IT and computer science degrees share many similarities, substantial differences exist. Students who pursue computer science degrees acquire the programming and coding skills necessary to build complex technologies and systems from scratch. Those who pursue IT degrees learn to deploy those systems to address contemporary business challenges.
IT professionals are business problem-solvers who use existing infrastructure to achieve organizations' technology goals. They integrate, maintain, and update systems. These professionals also explore the costs and efficiencies of new products and processes, and they make sure organizations stay current with updates, such as for product licensing.
Computer scientists acquire advanced expertise in writing code to develop computer programs, applications for mobile devices, and other innovations. They master programming languages such as SQL, C++, C#, Python, and JAVA, and possess knowledge of complex math concepts and data analytics. Computer scientists install, configure, and test their systems before deploying them. They update the products and make changes to accommodate an ever-changing and competitive technological landscape.
IT professionals need less advanced programming skills, but must maintain a keen understanding of how complex systems work together. IT experts often work in teams and should demonstrate good interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. Prospective students should consider these distinctions to best align their skills and interests with those required in the field.
Benefits of Pursuing a Career in IT
An IT career offers great flexibility because students can begin their education with certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees before transfering into advanced programs. The IT domain offers multiple specialization pathways. The rewards of an IT career include job growth and pay that outpaces many other professions.
Multiple Career Pathways
The IT field offers multiple career pathways and specializations that require as little as a diploma or associate degree. These professionals can work as computer support specialists and web developers. Individuals with a master's in computer science or a related field can work as computer and information research specialists.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects jobs for IT professionals to grow by 11% from 2019-2029. Some occupations within this field should grow even more quickly. For instance, the BLS projects jobs for information security analysts to grow by 31% during this time frame. These professionals need bachelor's degrees and less than five years of experience.
High Salaries
Not only do IT professionals enjoy faster-than-average projected job growth, but they also earn more because of the premium employers put on technical expertise.
Purveyors of Information
IT professionals stand at the forefront of creating and maintaining the new technologies commonplace in both the business world and in consumers' lives.
Job Satisfaction
In a recent study by Global Knowledge, a worldwide leader in IT and professional training, about 74% of IT professionals in North America reported being either somewhat or extremely satisfied with their jobs. Furthermore, 83% of IT professionals in North America reported confidence in their job security.
Careers for IT Program Graduates
Graduates with IT degrees can explore an array of career options, since the field offers so many job opportunities and unique specializations. IT professionals can transfer their technical skills from one occupation to another, giving them both upward mobility and lateral flexibility. Those who need new skills can pursue certificates or advanced training. See below for four potential careers for IT graduates.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer scientists help solve complex computing problems and invent new computing languages, tools, and software systems. These professionals typically need master's degrees in computer science or related fields. They possess advanced math, programming, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Their earnings rank among the highest in IT, and their 15% projected job growth between 2019 and 2029 far outpaces the 4% average growth projection for all occupations.
These builders design and develop complex data communication networks, such as local area networks and intranets. They factor in organizations' goals as they plan data networks and upgrade hardware and software to keep systems current and secure. They possess strong network security and database design skills. These professionals typically hold bachelor's degrees in computer science, information systems, or related fields, plus at least five years of experience.
Essential problem-solvers, these specialists develop solutions to make computer systems more efficient and effective. They work as employees or contractors when they consult with managers to determine an organization's IT needs. They research and install new technologies, configuring hardware and software, and train employees to use these systems. They use advanced technical skills such as data modeling in the design of computer systems. These analysts typically possess bachelor's degrees in IT or related fields.
With the ever-present threat of cybersecurity breaches, companies need information security analysts skilled in identifying threats and securing networks and systems. They monitor networks, craft disaster recovery plans, develop security standards, install software such as firewalls and data encryption programs, and keep current on the field's latest security enhancements. Most of these professionals hold bachelor's degrees in IT or computer science, with specializations in information assurance or cybersecurity.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | $122,840 | 15% |
| Computer Network Architect | $112,690 | 5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $90,920 | 7% |
| Information Security Analyst | $99,730 | 31% |
Source: BLS
Finding an IT Program
Online learning makes it relatively easy for students to find programs that fit their budget, career goals, and learning preference. Learners may begin their training with a certificate, diploma, or associate degree at a community or technical college. Many two-year colleges offer IT programs that typically lead to an associate of applied arts (AAS) or associate of science (AS).
Those planning on pursuing a job immediately after they graduate IT school prefer the AAS because it serves as a terminal degree and emphasizes technical competencies. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college choose the AS because it provides an academic foundation in conjunction with a technical curriculum. The IT field offers many specializations, so aspiring IT professionals should determine their interest area. A school may offer an AS or AAS in IT in a major or concentration such as network management, information assurance, database administration, or computer programming and development.
Some IT bachelor's degrees stand alone while others are degree-completion programs for learners to transfer an associate degree. Bachelor's IT programs often cover information systems, cybersecurity, and information assurance. Learners should ensure faculty possess the expertise necessary to provide proper training. They should also explore whether the program requires synchronous (real-time) or asynchronous sessions.
Some programs offer hybrid curricula blending online and on-campus learning. Others may require on-campus visits for practica or other in-person sessions. Programs that offer the option for industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ or Cisco Certified Network Associate give learners the edge when they enter the job market.
Learners should consider tuition costs as they explore IT degrees online. Online learning saves money on housing, transportation, and childcare. If learners plan to attend an online college located out-of-state, in-state tuition or the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency can reduce their expenses. Prospective students should also look for hidden fees that may increase tuition. A careful examination of each school's financial aid portfolio could save students tuition through scholarships, grants, and other aid.
Accreditation for an Online IT Program
Prospective learners should ensure they choose an accredited program. The U.S. Department of Education only awards federal aid to students attending accredited schools. Learners who want to transfer their credits may run into problems if they attend an unaccredited institution. Accredited schools only accept credits from like institutions.
To secure accreditation, schools go through a rigorous peer review process that ensures programs meet established standards. Regional accreditation remains the gold standard in accreditation. As the name implies, regional accreditation by one of the six agencies, including the Higher Learning Commission and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, serve specific geographic jurisdictions. Alternatively, national accreditation agencies such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges typically accredit technical and vocational programs.
Online programs are often accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission . The Council for Higher Education Accreditation provides a list of agencies recognized for regional, national, and distance learning accreditation. Students should also look for program accreditation. While most IT programs are regionally or nationally accredited, some laud additional accreditation from an organization such as ABET, which accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.
Courses in an IT Program
Online IT programs offer coursework that vary depending on the school, degree level, and specialization. Students usually take general education in subjects such as math, English, and history in a two- or four-year program. Even degrees that focus on the technical application of skills, such as an associate of applied science or bachelor of applied science, require at least some general education credits.
Most associate degrees require 60-64 credits while bachelor's programs require 120-126 credits. The technical curriculum gives enrollees extensive training in practical skills, including the use of specific hardware, software, and applications. Some students learn how to code using programming languages such as JAVA, Python, and C++. Many programs require learners to demonstrate their command of IT proficiencies when they complete projects or participate in an internship.
Employers value skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving — all skills inherently embedded in IT programs. Faculty allow students to specialize through an IT concentration such as cybersecurity, network applications, or database administration. The following lists some general IT courses that students may take in the IT major.
Database Management Systems Almost everything online uses some form of database. Students learn how database systems collect and store data accessible electronically from a computer system. Learners explore how to design and implement database management systems, and learn about data models, information storage and indexing, query languages, transaction processing, and recovery and logging. Faculty may use case studies to highlight various techniques and their benefits.
Website Development Students learn how to use web development tools to design, code, and publish websites. Enrollees study page layout, graphic design and placement, how to stream audio and video, and conduct basic website administration and site maintenance. They learn to use popular software such as Adobe Dreamweaver to design webpages.
Network Security Computer systems face a persistent threat of breach from hackers and others looking to compromise them. Students learn how to identify and thwart these intrusions using contemporary tools and techniques. They receive an overview of different countermeasures, including cryptographic tools, firewalls and intrusion detection systems, and security protocols such as SSL/TLS, SSH, and IPSec.
JAVA Programming IT professionals use programming languages to give computers instructions to process large amounts of information. Students should possess working knowledge of at least one programming language such as JAVA. In this course students learn how JAVA — used to write internet applications — differs from other languages such as Python and C++. They also receive an overview of object-oriented design as it pertains to this language and often complete a project that demonstrates their intermediate proficiency in JAVA.
The Internet of Things (IoT) Learners should acquaint themselves with the IoT as more everyday devices, from smartphones to wearables, connect to one another on the internet. Students learn the fundamentals of how IoT brings networks, devices, and data together. They learn about IoT architectures and applications, and the use of artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to make smart homes, cars, and cities. Faculty may require students to build an IoT application using a programming language such as Apple's Swift and successfully deploy it.
Certifications and Licensure for IT Graduates
As students embark on IT training, they should consider pursuing certifications that endorse their proficiency in the use of specialized software or ability to perform certain tasks. Since employers value these certifications, they give jobseekers an edge in the job market. Some schools embed certifications such as CompTIA in the curriculum, and others offer them as add-on or standalone options. IT professionals do not typically need licensure. See below for three popular certifications.
CompTIA A+
This certification is the industry standard to launch an IT career. CompTIA tests knowledge standards for IT workers such as technical support specialists and associate network engineers. Students pass two exams — Core 1 and Core 2 — that cover nine topics, such as how to install and support operations systems, troubleshoot issues with PC and mobile devices, and protect systems against security vulnerabilities.
Cisco Certified Network Associate
Considered another key step to launch an IT career, CCNA endorses the holder's knowledge in several fundamental areas. Professionals complete one associate-level exam that covers topics such as networking, IP connectivity and services, and security fundamentals.
Systems Security Certified Practitioner
Administered by ISC², this specialized certification endorses the skills of those pursuing careers such as systems administrator, database administrator, or network security engineer. Passing the exam signifies the holder knows how to deploy ISC²s security policies and best practices to secure an organization's critical information assets. It also confers globally recognized ISC² membership.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long is an IT program? | Students typically spend 18-24 months in associate programs and 2-4 years in bachelor's programs in IT, depending on how many credits they transfer. |
| What can you do with an IT certificate? | An IT certificate alone does not give learners the skills to launch their IT careers in a competitive job market. However, a certificate is a valuable add-on to a two- or four-year degree. |
| What type of IT degree is best? | Learners interested in entering the workforce right out of college should choose an AAS or BAS, because these degrees focus on applied technical skills. Those seeking to transfer should pursue an AS or BS in IT. |
| What does an entry-level IT job pay? | An entry-level position, web developers must hold associate degrees or diplomas, and they earn a median annual wage of $73,760, according to the BLS. Exact salaries vary based on location and job experience. |
| What is a program in information technology? | Learners attending IT school online acquire technical proficiency in the use of the latest technological tools on the market. They gain skills such as programming and database management, along with problem-solving and critical thinking skills. |
| Is information technology a good career? | IT careers offer some of the best projections in terms of job growth , and among the highest salaries. IT degree-holders should continue to update their skills to qualify for job and career advancement opportunities. |
Best Colleges For Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees
Top Colleges for Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees
One of the largest junior college systems in the nation, Ivy Tech Community College operates campuses and satellites at 40 locations throughout Indiana. The IT support program immerses students in the training necessary to build and maintain computing systems. Students complete the 60-credit AAS in information technology in just four semesters. The online program requires a limited number of general education credits that cover topics such as English, public speaking, and quantitative reasoning.
Faculty dedicate the rest of the degree to technical proficiencies as students learn about networking fundamentals, database design and management, Linux and virtualization technologies, and enterprise computing. Students may pursue a limited number of electives in this online IT program, developing competencies in domains such as cloud fundamentals and/or the Internet of Things.
The AAS blends coursework with hands-on labs in a virtual classroom. Through a partnership with Indiana University, ITCC's learners may earn a bachelor's in IT in two more years. Admission to the AAS requires SAT or ACT scores.
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To determine the best online Information Technology (IT) programs, we looked at the most important factors prospective students, mainly common predictors of future success and a school's commitment to online programs. This boils down to admissions rate, student loan default rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and the percent of students enrolled in online classes. All data points are taken from information provided by colleges and universities to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Each factor is weighted evenly in order to give an objective view and determine the 9 best online Information Technology (IT) programs. To calculate our rankings, we looked at a school's ranking when organized by a single factor, and then averaged each category's ranking to find an overall score: Admissions Rate (20%) + Default Rate (20%) + Retention Rate (20%) + Graduation Rate (20%) + Percent of Students Enrolled in Online Classes (20%) = Final score.