The information technology (IT) field offers many of the fastest growing and most lucrative careers, with assortment of satisfying employment opportunities for the tech–minded student. Earning your IT degree online is an important first step toward a rewarding career, and the widespread reliance on information technology in every industry ensures that well–trained professionals will always be in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs for software developers will grow by 24% from 2016–2026 — a rate more than three times the national average.
Earning your IT degree online prepares you for a variety of entry– and mid–level positions in the field, such as network administrator, information security analyst, programmer, and web developer. Many programs also offer professional concentration options enabling you to gain specialized knowledge and distinguish yourself to future employers. Because IT finds its way into nearly all professional fields, this training will enable you to pursue careers in industries as diverse as healthcare, education, business, and the nonprofit sector.
This ranking is a comprehensive introduction to online IT programs, providing an idea of what to expect in terms of curriculum, program requirements, and degree completion times. You will also find a general overview of career prospects, salary potential, and trade organizations for IT professionals.
Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Online Ranking Guidelines
We selected the following online information technology programs based on the quality of the program, types of online information technology classes offered, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation — including the school’s reputation for effectively providing quality online degree programs.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Indian River State College |
Fort Pierce, FL Apply Now | ||
2 |
Oglala Lakota College |
Kyle, SD Apply Now | ||
3 |
South Texas College |
McAllen, TX Apply Now | ||
4 |
Florida State College at Jacksonville |
Jacksonville, FL Apply Now | ||
6 |
Eastern Florida State College |
Cocoa, FL Apply Now | ||
7 |
Daytona State College |
Daytona Beach, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
Western Governors University |
Salt Lake City, UT Apply Now | ||
9 |
Miami Dade College |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
10 |
St Petersburg College |
Clearwater, FL Apply Now | ||
11 |
Brigham Young University-Idaho |
Rexburg, ID Apply Now | ||
12 |
University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee |
Sarasota, FL Apply Now | ||
13 |
Athens State University |
Athens, AL Apply Now | ||
14 |
Indiana University-Kokomo |
Kokomo, IN Apply Now | ||
15 |
Seminole State College of Florida |
Sanford, FL Apply Now | ||
16 |
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology |
Okmulgee, OK Apply Now | ||
17 |
Broward College |
Fort Lauderdale, FL Apply Now | ||
18 |
University of Houston-Downtown |
Houston, TX Apply Now | ||
19 |
Peirce College |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
20 |
CSU Global |
Greenwood Village, CO Apply Now | ||
21 |
Middle Georgia State University |
Macon, GA Apply Now | ||
22 |
New Mexico State University |
Las Cruces, NM Apply Now | ||
23 |
Eastern New Mexico University |
Portales, NM Apply Now | ||
24 |
Vincennes University |
Vincennes, IN Apply Now | ||
25 |
Excelsior College |
Albany, NY Apply Now | ||
26 |
Minot State University |
Minot, ND Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Information Technology Education
While an associate degree offers an introduction to key IT concepts and tools, a bachelor’s degree serves as the minimum requirement for most positions in the field. A typical bachelor’s curriculum provides you with a well–rounded understanding of core IT principles, preparing you for most entry– and mid–level positions. Many bachelor's degrees also offer specialization opportunities.
Advanced positions in the field — particularly management roles — may require a master's degree. An IT graduate program builds highly specialized knowledge along with the management skills necessary to succeed at the highest levels. Regardless of your career aspirations, earning a bachelor’s degree represents a key step on your journey. In the following section, you’ll find information about career and salary prospects for an assortment of IT career paths.
Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree Level | Average Salary |
---|---|
Associate Degree in Information Technology | $57,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology | $63,000 |
Source: PayScale
Information Technology Degree Salary Information
Earning your information technology degree online prepares you for positions in information security, technical support, software development, and database management. While precise roles and responsibilities vary widely, these careers generally require strong analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work in a fast–paced environment. Given the rapidly changing nature of the field, IT professionals should also stay up–to–date on technological advancements and engage in ongoing professional development activities.
- Database Administrator:
- These specialists assume responsibility for maintaining an organization’s data, such as financial information or other company records. Administrators arrange, evaluate, and safeguard complex digital databases for organizations that keep extensive records, such as insurance companies, educational institutions, and financial organizations.
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Database Administrator salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $53,000
- Mid–Career: $62,600
- Experienced: $78,000
- Late Career: $90,600
- Information Security Analyst:
- Digital security is among the most significant concerns for modern IT organizations, and information security analysts work to ensure the safety of confidential data. Many companies and organizations that use computer systems employ security analysts who determine potential threats and devise measures to safeguard computer networks.
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Information Security Analyst salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $59,000
- Mid–Career: $66,000
- Experienced: $81,000
- Late Career: $92,000
- Network Administrator:
- Large organizations use complex computer networks, and network administrators oversee and maintain these systems. These specialists supervise day–to–day operations and address network–related issues that may arise. They may also take responsibility for upgrading an organization’s computer networks and devising general networking practices.
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Network Administrator salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $49,000
- Mid–Career: $52,000
- Experienced: $59,000
- Late Career: $64,000
- Computer Systems Analyst:
- Also referred to as systems architects, these analysts evaluate an organization’s computing systems to maximize operational efficiency. Combining both business and IT principles, systems analysts focus on realistic solutions to meet business needs and maximize profits.
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Computer Systems Analyst salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $56,000
- Mid–Career: $60,000
- Experienced: $70,000
- Late Career: $77,000
- Software Developer:
- One of the more creative positions in the IT field, software developers design computer programs and applications, such as word processors or mobile applications. Developers typically work as part of a team, with different members responsible for designing separate aspects of a piece of software.
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Software Developer salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $61,000
- Mid–Career: $67,000
- Experienced: $80,000
- Late Career: $90,000
Sources: PayScale, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Choosing an Online Information Technology Degree Program
Several factors determine which online information technology degree is best for you, such as program format and tuition. Cost is a top concern for most students; as a general rule, public and in–state programs offer lower tuition rates than out–of–state or private schools. If you’re trying to narrow your list of schools, looking at tuition is an easy way to start. The following list outlines some of the factors to consider when researching online IT programs.
- Program Cost:
- Program costs can vary significantly, with private schools typically charging the highest tuition rates. While in–state schools typically offer lower rates, many online programs provide special tuition discounts for distance learners, sometimes allowing you to pay the in–state tuition rate — no matter where you live — if you only attend courses online.
- Transfer Policies:
- Some schools offer generous credit transfer policies, allowing you to transfer many previously earned college credits to complete your degree more quickly. Some online programs even allow you to earn credit for relevant professional experience and training.
- School Size and Type:
- Online programs generally offer similar experiences, but school size and type can make a difference. Public schools are typically much larger than their private counterparts, which can result in more course options but less individual attention from faculty. Private schools may offer fewer course options but more specialized degrees.
- Program Length:
- Many online technology degree programs feature variable enrollment options, offering the ability to complete your studies either full time or part time. A full–time program enables you to complete your degree more quickly, while a part–time program offers more freedom and flexibility.
- On–Campus Requirements:
- While many distance programs enable you to earn a degree without ever visiting campus, some do include varying amounts of classroom learning. Programs may require monthly or even weekly campus sessions to augment online work. Students may also need to complete intensive campus residency sessions, which typically take place once or twice a year.
Accreditation for Online Information Technology Degrees
A school’s accreditation status is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between online information technology degree programs. Accreditation indicates that a school meets national education standards and confers a professionally and academically appropriate degree. This becomes particularly important when selecting a distance education program — some schools may try to misrepresent themselves online.
Institutional accreditation comes in two types: national, which typically serves professional and vocational colleges, and regional, which serves more traditional academic institutions. When researching online technology degree programs, look for schools that hold regional accreditation from organizations like the Higher Learning Commission or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Administration work together to oversee accreditation standards, and both agencies keep a list of accredited schools and sanctioned accreditation agencies on their respective websites.
Some IT programs may also hold individual programmatic accreditation, which is typically awarded through the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or its subsidiary the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC). ABET or CAC accreditation shows that a program meets designated IT education standards, indicating professional reputability.
Information Technology Concentrations
While a bachelor’s offers a broad introduction to IT concepts, many programs also give you the option to specialize in one area, such as network security or software design. Choosing a specialization can help you stand out to employers and increase your career prospects. The table below describes a few common IT concentration areas.
- Information Security
- This concentration explores common practices for safeguarding digital information. Students receive an overview of threat assessment and detection strategies, security measures, and response procedures. Programs examine a variety of digital threats like hacking, viruses, and malware to build a varied skill set for defending against common intrusions.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For Security analyst, network security administrator
- Web and Applications Development
- This concentration functions similarly to software development, teaching students the tools to create applications and other programs. Courses typically cover common programming languages, such as Java and C++. Students can gain an understanding of all stages of the software development process, from initial concept to quality assurance testing.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For Software developer, web developer
- Database Administration
- Database administration students gain the skills needed to design and maintain databases for all types of information. Most programs explore performance management, disaster recovery, and data security, training learners to maximize information security and ensure organizational continuity.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For Database administrator, systems analyst
- Digital Forensics
- This specialization branches off from information security, training students to defend computer networks against cyberattacks and investigate unauthorized intrusions to improve network security. Most programs stress the collection, analysis, and preservation of digital evidence in the context of threat mitigation, fraud investigation, and law enforcement.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For Digital forensics analyst, cybercrime investigator
- Network Administration
- Network administration students explore standard practices for the design, implementation, management, and troubleshooting of complex computer networks. Courses commonly cover topics in data management, interconnecting network devices, leadership and management strategies, and security procedures. Many programs also explore specialized security topics, such as cloud security and specific operating systems.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For Network administrator, computer systems analyst, network support specialist
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Information Technology?
Degree completion time can have a major impact on your online program choice, particularly if you’re currently employed full time or trying to enter the workforce quickly. Several factors affect the time it takes to earn an information tech degree online, including enrollment options, course requirements, and program format. A typical bachelor’s degree requires about 120 credits and takes full–time learners around four years to complete.
Many information technology degree programs emphasize flexibility, allowing you to enroll either full time or part time, depending on your availability. Some programs even let you to switch your enrollment status between semesters, taking extra courses when you have more free time. Some programs cater specifically to students who work full time, enabling participants to take a lighter course load each term to maintain a productive balance between work and school. Part–time enrollment can be more expensive overall, but it’s a viable option if you want to remain in your current job while studying.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Program
- Cybersecurity/Information Assurance
- This course explores the fundamentals of information security and introduces students to major models, mechanics, and protocols for safeguarding data. The curriculum typically offers an overview of topics such as cryptography, threat assessment, vulnerability scanning, data recovery, and software applications for security.
- Cyberlaw and Ethics
- Developments in information technology have created an assortment of legal concerns and ethical issues for modern IT professionals. This course examines IT in historical, social, and legal contexts, briefing students on major concepts such as privacy, data collection, and ethical relations for IT management.
- Business Systems Analysis/Design
- IT holds many uses in business operations, and this course explores the major concepts and methodologies of business information systems. Coursework may emphasize the relationship between an organizational structure and its use of information technology, offering effective IT solutions to business problems.
- Computer Platform Technologies
- This introductory course covers major hardware and software components, briefing students on the relationship between these two key aspects of computing. Hardware topics commonly include CPU, memory, buses, and input/output devices. Software topics examine operating systems, file systems management, and process management.
- Website Design
- This course introduces students to key concepts for web design, covering topics such as network protocols and client–server communications. The curriculum also examines major tools and programming languages, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and the document object model.
Information Technology Membership Associations
IT professionals must stay up to date on rapidly developing tools, practices, and concepts. Professional organizations can further develop the skills and knowledge of IT workers, while also helping them make useful connections with other members of the industry. Below, you’all find a list of five of the top professional IT organizations, along with the benefits they offer members.
- Association for Computing Machinery
- ACM focuses on professional development, education, and public policy advocacy. The organization also hosts more than 170 professional IT conferences around the world.
- Association of Information Technology Professionals
- AITP hosts local chapters around the country to serve current and aspiring IT professionals, offering member services like professional certifications, career resources, mentorship opportunities, and on–demand training. AITP also hosts both live virtual events and conferences for IT professionals.
- Black Data Processing Associates
- A premier organization for Black IT professionals, BDPA has operated since 1975. Today, the group serves members through more than 30 chapters across the country. Member services include scholarships, a job board, and an annual conference.
- Network Professional Association
- Established in 1993, NPA serves IT professionals around the world, offering a variety of professional publications, events and conferences, career resources, and leadership training. Members also benefit from networking opportunities through local chapters and discounts on IT software.
- Women in Technology
- Based in Washington, D.C., WIT offers an assortment of support services to women employed in the IT field, including mentorship opportunities, leadership training, job fairs, and other professional events. The organization also hosts a job board and an annual awards ceremony that honors female leaders in technology.