The Best Online Information Technology Degrees
| TBS Staff
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An online IT degree prepares students for information technology jobs as computer network analysts, computer programmers, database administrators, and software developers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IT professionals with a bachelor's degree make a median salary of $83,510-$122,840 annually. Furthermore, the BLS projects that certain positions in the field — including computer and information systems managers — will grow by as much as 10% between 2019 and 2029.
Most entry-level information technology jobs require an IT degree. A bachelor's degree provides essential skills in programming, analysis, web design, and database administration. Furthermore, many colleges and universities offer IT programs online. Distance learners can earn their information technology degrees while keeping their full-time jobs, thanks to flexible class schedules, self-paced study, and online resources.
| #1 | Florida International University Miami, FL |
| #2 | Columbus State University Columbus, GA |
| #3 | North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC |
| #4 | CSU Global Aurora, CO |
| #5 | New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM |
| #6 | California Baptist University Riverside, CA |
| #7 | Santa Fe College Gainesville, FL |
| #8 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA |
| #9 | Misericordia University Dallas, PA |
| #10 | Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX |
Featured Online Schools
What Is Information Technology?
IT careers often combine aspects of computer engineering and business. Information technology professionals handle computer-related tasks — such as programming, systems analysis, security, or development — within a business setting. Some information technology jobs, like IT manager, require additional business skills, including communication, personnel oversight, and emotional intelligence.
IT careers require employees to sit at desks and use computers for the majority of the day.
Most IT professionals work in an office, though some may work remotely from home. IT careers require employees to sit at desks and use computers for the majority of the day. These workers must understand how to both collaborate with others and accomplish projects on their own.
Graduates with an online bachelor of information technology use several types of technology in their work, including routers, adapters, network drivers, and computer programming languages. In general, IT professionals create and repair computer systems, maintain networks, run security analyses, and develop software. Job expectations, work settings, and salaries vary with each information technology position.
What Is an Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree?
An online IT degree typically requires 120 credits and teaches the fundamentals of programming, computer systems, and cybersecurity. At the bachelor's level, courses cover topics like cross-platform technology, computing as a service, IT operations, and scripting. Coursework usually includes general requirements as well, especially in math, English, science, and history.
Online information technology degrees often offer concentrations in the following areas:
- Business management
- Cybersecurity
- Data analytics
- Project management
- Software development
- IT management
These specialized tracks allow students to better prepare for their future careers. Nevertheless, some graduates may not enter the workforce right away, as a bachelor's degree in IT online also prepares students for further education. Graduate degrees open additional doors in the field and allow students to pursue research or teaching positions at postsecondary institutions.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Information Technology?
Most students complete an online bachelor's degree in information technology in four years, but colleges usually offer several additional options.
- Part-time study: Working students often reduce their per-semester online information technology course loads, meaning they take the same courses, but spread out over time. This can add months or years to graduation time, but is easier to balance with a busy work or personal schedule.
- Accelerated study: Some online IT programs offer an accelerated course of study in which students take more courses per semester and finish their degrees more quickly.
- Synchronous/asynchronous study: Some online programs deliver coursework synchronously, requiring attendance in online classrooms at specific times. Other programs deliver coursework asynchronously, meaning that students can complete assignments at their convenience, so long as they still meet project deadlines.
You can learn more about information technology degrees here.
Information Technology Jobs
Online information technology degrees prepare graduates for careers in technology, business, and education, including the following positions:
| Median Salary: $122,840 | Projected Job Growth: 15% |
|---|
Data scientist handle the flow of information for a business or organization. Also known as data analysts or data engineers, these professionals collect and organize information into a format that non-data specialists within the company can use. Data scientists play a critical role in decision-making by providing the information that managers need to determine the future direction of the organization.
These professionals also solve complex computer problems, improve software systems, invent new computer languages or tools, and synthesize data and information. Data scientists should become comfortable presenting their findings to peers and superiors alike.
| Median Salary: $90,920 | Projected Job Growth: 7% |
|---|
Computer systems analysts work to maximize efficiency within an organization's computer systems. These systems architects must find a balance between information technology solutions and business concerns. They work with IT professionals and non-technical personnel, incorporating the needs and abilities of a variety of employees into the network's functionality.
Professionals in this field research new technologies, prepare cost-benefit analyses, implement new systems, configure hardware and software, and train users on company computer systems. Some computer systems analysts also write instruction manuals for their systems, which requires excellent communication and critical thinking skills.
What Is an IT Manager?
IT managers oversee information technology departments for businesses, organizations, and schools. They act as a go-between for IT personnel and non-technical professionals. IT managers split their time between overseeing computer-related tasks and managing people. They need strong communication, organization, and critical thinking skills.
IT managers set computer-related goals for their organizations and work to meet them. They oversee the implementation of new computer systems and software; safeguard company computers and documents; direct other IT professionals; and deliver presentations, progress reports, and suggestions to top executives.
Information Technology Manager Certifications
There are a variety of certifications available to information technology professionals, allowing them to specialize their skills and advance their careers. They are usually offered through professional organizations or by software companies. The following are among the most common certifications for IT professionals:
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified IT Architect Professional (CITA-P)
- Cisco Certified Internet Expert (CCIE)
- CompTIA Project+ Certification
- ITIL Expert Certification
- Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
- Oracle Certified DBA Professional (OCP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt Certification
Information Technology Professional Associations
Professional organizations provide helpful resources for IT workers, including job boards, career development, peer networking, and conferences. Readers can find links to IT associations below.
Formerly the Association of Information Technology Professionals, CompTIA supports international certification programs, original research, and career development programs. Members gain access to all of the organization's online resources. CompTIA also sponsors advocacy and philanthropy related to information technology around the world.
This organization offers certifications in areas like cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, networking, and Linux. The website provides online training tools for professionals and students alike, including resources about continuing education and certification renewals. The organization hosts webinars, podcasts, and summits for all IT professionals.
ACM is the world's largest organization for IT professionals, educators, and researchers. It promotes high standards in all fields of information technology through career development training, peer networking, and continuing education resources. ACM has councils in the U.S., Europe, India, and China.
ACM members may also join one of its special interest groups, which focus on niche IT disciplines. ACM also offers conferences and workshops, allowing professionals to share ideas, present research, and discover new IT solutions. The organization's website provides online resources for information technology students, including research publications and opportunities for continuing education.
This organization focuses on information technology science and research, with thousands of members working in research, development, and education. ASIS&T caters to information technology practitioners in 50 different countries, and its members continually hunt for new theories and technologies to improve IT practices.
ASIS&T encourages the development and proliferation of new ideas and research in IT. It offers job boards, special interest groups, awards, and webinars. Members have access to online research publications, blogs, and newsletters.
ITA serves accounting and consulting information technology professionals. It values collaboration and peer networking, believing that "knowledge increases in value when shared." Through this mentality, ITA helps business owners, leaders in IT fields, and IT practitioners share ideas and skills.
A selective, vendor-independent organization, ITA promotes good business ethics, sets best practices, and encourages data sharing. Members come from five different constituencies: consulting and reselling firms, internal technology leaders, alliance partners, affinity partners and vendors to the profession, and consultants to the profession.
ITI drives innovation policy in information technology fields by promoting equitable, sustainable growth in IT, grounded in ethical practice. ITI works with the United States Information Technology Office, which is an independent, nonprofit trade association representing U.S. information technology interests in China.
ITI urges countries to develop IT policies that promote growth and innovation without sacrificing best business practices and ethical standards. ITI members include leading information technology companies like Amazon, Google, Facebook, Intel, and Adobe. This group also partners with companies to address environmental and sustainability issues within IT.
The Best Online Bachelor of Information Technology Degree Programs
Established in 1965, FIU offers a bachelor of science in information technology online. The 120-credit undergraduate program offers customizable courses and curriculum for students in areas such as programming, software development, and information systems.
This online IT degree prepares graduates for careers in database development, computer networking, and operating systems. Prerequisite courses required include programming in Java and math concepts for IT or discrete structures. Interactive and flexible technologies allow students to watch lectures and get feedback from instructors or classmates in real time.
Columbus State University, founded in 1958, boasts a small campus of around 8,000 students. CSU offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. This degree in IT provides students with hands-on experience and theory applications to prepare them for careers in information technology.
The curriculum focuses on quantitative research and communication skills while also providing knowledge of business processes and best practices in the areas of network and database administration and security. Graduates pursue careers with software engineering firms, application development companies, and web programming companies.
About 13,000 graduate and undergraduate students attend N.C. A&T, which was established in 1891.
N.C. A&T offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. The program emphasizes a unique niche in the areas of mainframe administration and computer networking.
Students enrolled in this flexible IT degree online benefit from studying hardware support, network security, and information management. The program prepares students to receive certification in computer networking, a highly sought-after skill, and works in partnership with major technology companies.
Founded in 1870, about 33,000 students attend CSU. CSU Global offers a 100% online IT degree program with courses in advanced computer, business, and mathematics skills.
Designed to prepare students to effectively integrate IT solutions with complex business and industry challenges, the program situates students for success in an evolving field. Students become positioned to succeed at industry certification tests including CompTIA certifications, ECCouncil Certified Ethical Hacking, and Microsoft Server 2016.
Graduates complete 120 credits and can choose from several areas of concentration. Up to 90 credits can be transferred from another institution.
A public university established in 1888 and now boasting an annual enrollment of 25,000 students, NMSU Online offers a bachelor of information and communication technology. Students who pursue online IT degrees study computer hardware, application and operating systems software, and enterprise system management.
Undergraduates explore a variety of IT topics including system security, cyber defense, systems integration, and database design. After graduation, students find careers as information technologists, project managers, computer support specialists, and database administrators.
International and transfer applicants may apply to the program and continue their studies with a qualifying GPA.
Founded in 1950, the private, Christian CBU offers a variety of undergraduate programs including a bachelor of science in computer information technology.
A benefit of taking degrees online includes the flexibility and breadth of course offerings. CBU's curriculum includes enterprise architecture, e-commerce systems development, and foundational courses in Christian spirituality and ethics.
Graduates pursue careers in the areas of computer and information research science, network architecture, and computer programming and analytics. The online degree program supports students on a journey to embrace personal and professional growth.
Established in 1965, Santa Fe College enrolls 14,000 students annually. SF offers an online information systems technology bachelor of applied science degree for prospective students interested in the growing information technology industry.
The program provides three concentrations: networking, programming, and security. Graduates may find career opportunities in the areas of database administration, network administration, software development, or computer programming and analysis. The applied learning emphasizes current trends in the field, including data analytics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, virtual reality, and mobile security.
Founded in 1963, Kennesaw State now enrolls nearly more than 40,000 students annually.
KSU offers a bachelor of science in information technology. The program focuses curriculum on integration and performance of IT planning, development, implementation, and operations.
Professors aim to build robust knowledge about the development of infrastructure for organizational objectives and IT processes. Core requirements focus on fundamental knowledge for the field, while electives provide students room for focusing on areas of concentration.
Established in 1924, the faith-based, liberal arts, private Misericordia boasts a small campus of under 3,000 students annually and an 11-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Among its highlighted areas of study is its bachelor of science in information technology program.
Misericordia's IT degrees provide students an opportunity to focus on an IT security specialization while remaining flexible with course electives in topics such as programming, systems, and applications. The current curriculum includes game programming and internet programming. Once accepted, students work with an assigned, personalized advisor to design their academic path.
Founded in 1899, Tarleton enrolls more than 13,000 students annually.
The university offers a 120-credit bachelor of applied arts and sciences in information technology program. The two-year accelerated program, designed for students already familiar with IT programming, provides 100% or partial online enrollment and flexible scheduling.
This cost-effective degree prepares students for opportunities in IT consulting, education, and training. Graduates of the program boast professional titles such as information security analyst, network administrator, IT specialist, computer programmer, control analyst database administrator, and web/software developer.
Established in 1891, CWU provides 300-plus majors, minors, and specializations for its 12,000 annual students, including a bachelor of science in information technology and administrative management.
The online IT degree prepares students with real-world knowledge about the growing IT industry. Core courses involve 61 credits, homing in on pertinent knowledge areas such as networking, information management, and cybersecurity. Online learners specialize their degrees in one of several key areas including retail management and technology, data-driven innovation for IT managers, or project management.
Founded in 1971, 110,000 students attend Liberty for one of its 700 programs and state-of-the-art technology.
One IT degree at Liberty, the online bachelor of science in information technology, prepares students for success in a growing profession. The 100% online curriculum offers eight-week courses to retain flexibility for traditional or nontraditional students and allows for areas of specialization in programming, database development, game design, and security.
The degree allows students to pursue careers in computer programming, computer forensics, information security, software development, and more.
Established in 1867, the private King University offers many flexible programs for the 2,000 students that attend annually.
King offers an online bachelor of science in information technology to prepare students for the IT profession. The comprehensive curriculum allows exploration of a variety of facets and key courses include programming, systems analysis, and cloud computing. Students also study professional writing for IT and take courses focused on current issues in the field.
Undergraduates choose from three tracks: cloud computing and systems administration, cybersecurity management, or digital business and game development.
Founded in 1908, UNO gives its 15,000-plus students the opportunity to study many IT degrees online.
UNO's IT programs include a bachelor of science in information technology, an information technology and communication concentration, and a secondary education information technology endorsement. The bachelor of multidisciplinary studies with an emphasis in IT provides students an area of study designed to learn across a variety of programs and majors while concentrating on information technology.
Thirty credits for the multidisciplinary studies degree focus on IT, with core coursework in computer science, programming, and data structures.
More than 19,000 students attend Keiser annually. The private university, established in 1977, offers a bachelor of science in information technology management as part of a continuation of associate programs in information technology.
The program prepares students for careers as information technology professionals, supervisors, or managers. Guiding principles of the IT degree online include business principles, IT management, customer-centered problem analysis, and business communication.
Microeconomics, English composition, college algebra, psychology, and statistics are prerequisites to gain acceptance into the IT degree track.
Founded in 1877, the private Regis provides its 7,000 students numerous online programs including a bachelor of science in information technology.
The program provides 100% online, eight-week courses and requires 120 credits for graduation. Coursework involves statistics, ethics, Java programming, and cybersecurity. The program paves a way for students to pursue careers as systems administrators, IT managers, systems developers, and business analysts. Three to 15 elective credits allow students to concentrate on their specific interests within the field.
Established in 1949, the public George Mason University enrolls nearly 38,000 students each year.
Mason's bachelor of science in information technology program builds skills in the global influences of IT in society and a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the ethical and social responsibilities of IT professionals.
The 120-credit program offers 54 foundation and core courses and 15 credits for concentration areas such as health information technology, cybersecurity, network and telecommunications, and web development.
Founded in 1906, the public WKU enrolls nearly 20,000 students annually.
WKU offers many online programs including a bachelor of science in computer information technology degree. The program helps students develop the knowledge required for work in the computer information industry. The school accepts transfer students and students with associate degrees in information technology.
The non-track design allows students to complete core coursework and emphasize studies on their niche areas of interest while also focusing on technical and soft skills.
Established in 1865, ISU's 10,000 students learn a variety of disciplines through different majors including information technology. The ISU bachelor of science in information technology allows students to develop knowledge about multimedia design, programming, database design, and security.
The core curriculum involves 66 credits of classes including technical data management, IT policy, statistics, circuits, and design. The program outlines a basic path for students to follow each year of the program in order to graduate on time. The degree in IT concludes with a culminating experience in an information technology course.
More than 16,000 students attend Loyola, founded in 1870. Loyola offers an online bachelor of arts in information technology.
This program allows students to receive training in high-tech skills such as Java, software development, telecommunications, and database management. Students require minimal prior knowledge of computer science as the program courses focus on the development and mastery of computer technology skills. Ideal for students looking to make a career change, Loyola offers flexibility and expediency with its online IT degree.
Students may attend class during eight-week accelerated online formats either at night or on the weekends for flexibility.
Established in 1957, nearly 28,000 students attend Daytona State. The bachelor of science in information technology at DSC emphasizes job preparation for technical positions in the information technology fields. Graduates pursue careers in information systems, network security, digital forensics, and computer programming.
Coursework focuses on the broad application of information technology knowledge in the development, delivery, management, and security of IT systems. Program educational objectives involve career pathway exploration, skill development, and communication, professionalism and ethics, as well as life-long learning.
Founded in 1898, DePaul offers a private, Catholic undergraduate experience to its students through a variety of programs including an online bachelor of science in information technology degree completion program for transfer students.
Eligible students must meet prerequisites for the program to participate: a minimum of 30 transferrable credits, 2.0 cumulative GPA, and good academic standing. The semester-by-semester program provides an academic plan for transfer students to complete within three years.
Courses cover topics such as web development, business communication, content management systems, and data analysis. The degree culminates in the capstone: software projects for community clients.
Established in 1972, GSC boasts an intimate learning environment with just over 2,000 students annually. The bachelor of science in information technology program offers students a chance to build a foundation in a growing field with courses in programming, network systems, and software tools.
Students delve into the ways businesses use information and explore how to help organizations apply technology to improve overall business operations. Graduates possess an overall proficiency in the language used in information technology with programming, software, network systems, and databases.
Founded in 1887, Campbell boasts a bachelor of applied science in information technology and security degree that offers students a chance for virtual learning in a rapidly evolving profession.
Students receive education and training about information security and privacy, internet safety, and corporate computing. Additionally, students pursue coursework in intelligence creation, storage, and distribution throughout the IT industry. Graduates possess the analytical and critical thinking skills to prepare them for opportunities in internet security, computer crime investigations, web programming, and corporate security.
Established in 1869, SIU offers a bachelor of information technology program that boasts in-person and online course options.
Students choose to focus on one of five areas of concentration within the field: cybersecurity, network and system administration, web and mobile app development, data management, or applied data analytics.
The four-year degree program prepares students for the rapidly changing needs of computer systems technologies in organizations with an emphasis on end-user information systems. Graduates possess the knowledge to supervise or plan information system implementations in the U.S. and abroad.
Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected these online IT degrees based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, faculty statistics, previous rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs specifically.
The motto of TheBestSchools.org is Finding the best school for you. Here is how we do it:
The value of any ranking list of schools and/or degree programs depends on having a methodologically sound assessment of each school’s/program’s characteristics, especially insofar as these can be objectively measured. A college or university is a complex entity, with numerous factors to consider, and distilling these down to the place where meaningful comparisons can be made to form a defensible ranking list becomes part science and part art.
To meet this challenge—and thereby provide you with the most useful and insightful educational rankings on the Internet — TheBestSchools.org formulates our rankings based on five informational categories (six, when considering online schools). The major metrics and qualities for which we rank are these (with expanded, detailed considerations and weights listed):
1. Academic excellence based on a school’s curriculum generally or within the selected discipline [weight = 25%]
- Weighs school against known leading schools in that discipline
- Weighs number of core curricula listed as advanced courses within that discipline and compares against introductory courses
- Weighs school’s curriculum against known knowledge needs of major employers in that discipline
- Considers number and types of specializations offered within that discipline
- Considers faculty expertise in that discipline
- Considers range of electives within that discipline
- Considers quality of online environment offered to students (if applicable), particularly within that discipline
2. Strength of faculty scholarship [weight = 25%]
- Considers education background of the faculty
- Considers years of faculty experience both inside and outside of academia.
- Considers faculty membership and leadership within relevant, prominent associations
- Considers academic papers published by faculty in relevant, prominent periodicals
- Considers awards and recognitions given to faculty members from prominent organizations and from other sources
3. Reputation [weight = 20%]
- Considers a school’s reputation among academic peers and employers regarding the following:
- Faculty
- Curriculum
- “Freshness” of academic knowledge
- Adaptability to changes in employment sectors
- Suitability of graduates for the workplace
4. Financial aid [weight = 10%]
- Mandatory: Requires full accreditation from an agency endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and listed on the federal register to accept student federal financial aid
- Considers range of school-sponsored financial aid such as scholarships and grants
5. Range of degree programs [weight = 20%]
- Considers range of degree levels: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral and professional
- Considers range of degree subjects offered, such as art & design, computers & technology, education & teaching, criminal justice, and business
6. Strength of online instruction methodology (if applicable) [weight = 25%; subtract 5% from each of the above for online schools/programs]
-
Considers the following of the online classes:
- Types of online technology used to deliver content
- Pedagogy style: asynchronous, synchronous, or both (depending on the degree)
- Extent and quality of the online, community learning environment, including options for communication, interactivity, and collaboration between students and also between students and instructors
- Variety, breadth, and depth of coursework, and its support, including project options and online tutoring
-
Considers the following of instructors:
- Extent of training for teaching within an online learning environment
- Amount of timely, consistent feedback to students
- Extent of collaboration with prospective employers to ensure suitability of instructional materials for achieving desired skills
- Ratio to number of students in a class
- Number and quality of internships in a student’s geographical area for applicable degrees
Because students tend to review a variety of information when choosing a school, the weight a student gives any one criterion will vary. For instance, it’s not enough to offer a carefully constructed ranking of great schools if many are too expensive or too difficult to get into.
To better serve the needs of prospective students, we are therefore increasingly offering filters that help you better use our rankings to find the schools that match your specific needs. These supplement our ranking criteria and include:
- Accreditation
- Public or private status
- Acceptance rate
- Retention rate
- Graduation rate
- ACT/SAT requirements
- Cost in-state / out of state
- Undergrad, grad, or both offered
- Region
- State
- City
Get the best rankings here AND get them to suit your personal needs. That’s TheBestSchools.org advantage!
If you have any questions about our ranking methodology, please contact us.
Citations: For a broader account of our ranking methodology, especially as it relates to TheBestSchools.org's underlying educational philosophy and, in other ranking articles, looks beyond academic excellence (as here) to such factors as return on investment or incidental benefit, see our article "Ranking Methodology: How We Rank Schools at TBS." Reputation of schools and degree programs can at least in part be gauged through the school or department's publishing activity, citations, and desirability. At TheBestSchools.org, we keep track of such social and peer validation: "Making Sense of College Rankings." For nuts-and-bolts information about colleges and universities, we look to the National Center for Education Statistics and especially its College Navigator. Insofar as salary and inflation data are relevant to a ranking, we look to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Finally, nothing beats contacting schools and degree programs directly, which our researchers often do, with the result that all the entries in this article should be considered as belonging to this citation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Information technology is the creation, maintenance, security, and administration of computer systems. Software engineers, developers, and security analysts all fall under the umbrella of IT professionals.
An IT degree teaches programming, networking, computer hardware and software, and database management. These skills prepare students for information technology jobs.
A bachelor of information technology typically takes four years to complete. Students in an online, accelerated program may finish in 2-3 years.
An online information technology degree opens the door to many careers, including computer network architect, computer systems analyst, computer programmer, and IT security analyst.
The answer is different for each student. You should consider several factors when choosing an IT school, like program length, concentration options, and tuition cost. You can find more information in the IT program ranking below.
IT managers oversee all computer-related tasks within a company, setting IT goals, implementing new technology, and overseeing IT-related personnel decisions.
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