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 |
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.
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:
Data Scientists
Median Salary: $122,840 | Projected Job Growth: 15% |
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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.
Computer Systems Analyst
Median Salary: $90,920 | Projected Job Growth: 7% |
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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.
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CompTIA
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.
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Association for Computing Machinery
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.
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Association for Information Technology & Science
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.
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Information Technology Alliance
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.
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Information Technology Industry Council
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's in Information Technology Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
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1 |
Florida International University |
Miami, FL Apply Now | ||
2 |
Columbus State University |
Columbus, GA Apply Now | ||
3 |
North Carolina A & T State University |
Greensboro, NC Apply Now | ||
4 |
CSU Global |
Aurora, CO Apply Now | ||
5 |
New Mexico State University |
Las Cruces, NM Apply Now | ||
6 |
California Baptist University |
Riverside, CA Apply Now | ||
7 |
Santa Fe College |
Gainesville, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
Kennesaw State University |
Kennesaw, GA Apply Now | ||
9 |
Misericordia University |
Dallas, PA Apply Now | ||
10 |
Tarleton State University |
Stephenville, TX Apply Now | ||
11 |
Central Washington University |
Ellensburg, WA Apply Now | ||
12 |
Liberty University |
Lynchburg, VA Apply Now | ||
13 |
King University |
Bristol, TN Apply Now | ||
14 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha |
Omaha, NE Apply Now | ||
15 |
Keiser University – Ft Lauderdale |
Fort Lauderdale, FL Apply Now | ||
16 |
Regis University |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
17 |
George Mason University |
Fairfax, VA Apply Now | ||
18 |
Western Kentucky University |
Bowling Green, KY Apply Now | ||
19 |
Indiana State University |
Terre Haute, IN Apply Now | ||
20 |
Loyola University Chicago |
Chicago, IL Apply Now | ||
21 |
Daytona State College |
Daytona Beach, FL Apply Now | ||
22 |
DePaul University |
Chicago, IL Apply Now | ||
23 |
Granite State College |
Concord, NH Apply Now | ||
24 |
Campbell University |
Buies Creek, NC Apply Now | ||
25 |
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale |
Carbondale, IL Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
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.