Key takeaways
- An IT degree opens many career opportunities in fields such as network administration, cybersecurity, information systems management, and more.
- You can pursue a degree in information technology at different levels such as associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and even a doctorate.
- As per the Occupational Requirements Survey by BLS, more than 55% of all computer and IT occupations require a bachelor’s degree.
- Specializations in IT are digital forensics, software and application development, IT security, network administration, and so on.
- Renowned colleges for a bachelor’s degree in IT include the University of Tampa, Pace University, Graceland University, and more.
- Colleges for an information technology degree online are Strayer University, Minot State University, University of Massachusetts, and more.
- IT jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree include Information Security Analyst, IT consultant, Network Database Administrator, Web Developer, and more.
An IT degree can lead to many lucrative career opportunities in the growing IT industry. Whether you want to go into IT consulting, management, or the technical side, pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology. According to the United Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Requirements Survey, more than 55% of all Computer and IT occupations require a bachelor’s degree.
This guide will explain an IT degree, list colleges where you can pursue it, and describe the career opportunities it leads to.
What does an IT degree entail?
The term information technology refers to the use of computer systems and other telecommunication devices to send, receive, and store information. Thus, in an IT degree, you will learn the development, management, and usage of networks, software, and systems through which we transfer, store, and analyze information.
Through the program, you will develop multidisciplinary competencies through courses in computer science, business, and communications. You can either pursue an associate degree, a bachelor degree for IT, a master’s degree in information technology, or even a PhD. However, at the undergraduate level, a bachelor’s degree is the ideal program.
Types of information technology degrees
At the bachelor level, you will come across a few types of information technology degrees. These are:
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology
- BSc in Information Technology Management
- BS/BA in Cybersecurity
You can also pursue information technology as a major in a computer science program, or information technology management major in a business administration program. The choices are plenty and the decision is up to you. Whether you have a specific career direction in mind, or not is what will guide your choice of degree.
A Bachelor of Information Technology is ideal for those who want to go into IT consulting. However, those who want to explore jobs in IT security should consider pursuing a cybersecurity degree. One piece of degree advice we extend to all college applicants is to carefully view the program curriculum to ensure its learning takeaways align with your career aspirations.
Typical program curriculum
Generally, a bachelor of Information technology degree features a blend of computer science, business, and communication courses. You will have to take general education courses, core-specific courses, and some elective courses. The general education courses vary by degree type.
For example, if you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts, you will take courses in liberal arts and humanities but if you are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science, you need to take technical courses. These can include courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Information technology courses in a bachelor’s degree include:
- Database Fundamentals
- Web Database Development
- Introduction to Data Analysis
- Operating System Architecture
- Software Engineering – Analysis and Design
- Computer Security
- Data Communications and Networking
What IT degree specializations are available?
Information Technology is a vast field encompassing business, communications, and computer science. It is always better to be a master of one trade than a jack of all so consider pursuing a specialized track in IT should be a priority. Here are some specializations you can pursue in an IT degree.
Information Systems Management
Information Systems Management is the study of computer systems, including software and hardware included, used to store, receive, send, and analyze data. Through the specialization, you can get high-paying job roles such as Information Systems Analyst. Read on for career opportunities and job outlook.
Application Development
Through the specialization, you will learn the various stages of the application development process. Upon graduation, you will possess proficiency in planning, development and designing, testing, quality assurance, and deployment of software applications for different digital platforms. These include mobiles, desktops, TVs, home electronic devices, and more.
IT Security – Cybersecurity
An IT security degree or specialization can lead to many exciting career opportunities. Through the specialization, you will learn skills needed for protection against data and identity theft and other cybercriminal activities. Skills learned include encryption, ethical hacking, penetration testing, secure application development, and more. Skilled IT security professionals are high in demand as the intensity and frequency of cybercriminal activities are rising.
Network Administration
A network administration specialized track will teach you how to ensure networks and computer systems are operating smoothly. Through the specialization, you will learn how to keep networks secure by conducting regular security checks. Other skills learned include monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting networks and computer systems.
Data Analytics
In a digitally driven global economy, being able to collect and analyze vast data sets to find patterns and convert them into usable information for technical and non-technical audiences is a sought-after skill. You can become an IT data analyst by pursuing a concentration track. For general data analysis jobs in other industries, a data analytics degree is a good option.
Digital Forensics
In the digital forensic specialization, you will learn how to identify, retrieve, and analyze data stored on electronic devices. The goal is to retrieve evidence of criminal activities stored on digital devices. Digital forensic specialists need a variety of skills including decryption, data analysis, ethical hacking, and more.
Degree requirements
The exact graduation requirements vary by program and college or university. You will generally have to complete 120 to 135 credit hours through a combination of general education, major-specific courses, electives, and capstone projects. Additionally, students must complete an internship to meet the graduation requirements.
The exact credit hour distribution among the above-mentioned categories varies by program or degree type. No two stones are the same so it is highly unlikely that two colleges or universities will have the exact same requirements.
The differences can be in the minimum CGPA requirements, capstone or research project requirements, or credit hour distribution among course categories. This brings us back to our main degree advice to carefully examine the program curriculum and degree requirements before enrolling.
Admission requirements
To secure admission to a bachelor program, you must either have a high school diploma or an associate degree in IT or a related field. If you are applying right after high school graduation, then you will need the following:
- High school diploma
- Official high school transcripts – ensure you meet the minimum GPA requirements.
- SAT/ACT scores
- Letters of recommendation
- College essay – a well-written essay makes a world of difference to your college application. Read more about that a little further on.
Complete application form
For those of you who are applying after obtaining an associate degree, the admission requirements will vary. Firstly, you need to determine if you have any transferable credits, if yes then how many? Secondly, you need to check whether you need to take any foundational classes, or a bridge semester to meet a Bachelor of Information Technology degree requirements.
Lastly, prepare the following additional documents:
- Associate degree + official transcript
- Letters of recommendation
- College essay
How important is a college essay?
The essay is extremely important as through it you demonstrate what makes you a good fit for the program you are applying for. Through it, you set yourself apart from the many other applicants with a similar grade report, qualifications, and aspirations. Thus, your college essay must stand out.
If you are unsure of how to go about writing an impactful college essay, All Bachelor Degrees offers an essay generation tool that can guide you in the right direction. The platform also offers a college search tool that you can use to explore colleges offering the degree you want to attend. Just type in your search query such as ‘find the best online college for BS degree in information technology’ and let AI provide a list of recommendations.
7 colleges offering a bachelor IT degree
Regardless of which career track you want to pursue in the IT sector, a bachelor’s degree in information technology is the preferred qualification by employers. Here are some colleges in the US where you can obtain an IT degree from.
| Colleges | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Saint Martin’s University | 65% | 67.2% | $42,220 |
| University of Tampa | 26.3% | 60.4% | $32,218 |
| Pace University | 77% | 61% | $50,026 |
| Graceland University | 83% | 39% | $31,970 |
| Florida Institute of Technology | 63% | 60.2% | $43,670 |
| George Mason University | 89% | 70.1% | $13,401 in-state
$38,983 out-of-state |
| Mississippi State University | 75.2% | 63.7% | $9,398 in-state
$25,444 out-of-state |
Can I pursue an information technology degree online?
Getting an online degree is a lot easier now than it was before COVID. During the pandemic, the global shutdown forced educational institutes to find innovative ways to create a new normal and thrive even in a pandemic. Post-COVID, online education appears to be one of the few changes that people seem to have grown fond of.
Today, you can pursue any degree you like online including an IT degree. Before you enroll in one, make sure you consider the following factors.
Program types
Online programs are of two types, synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous programs are synced with on-campus programs, meaning you have to stick to the campus schedule for classes. Your attendance will be marked in real-time, and you will not have access to the classes in case you miss one.
Asynchronous programs offer more flexibility in that they are not synced with the campus schedule. You have access to the classes and can take them from anywhere and at any time. Students who are working full or part-time, or those who want more control over their timetable, can explore asynchronous programs.
Accreditations
If you are pursuing an online IT degree from a renowned college with a brick-and-mortar campus, you don’t have to worry about accreditation as much. However, you should still ensure that the online program you are attending is validated by the relevant accreditation institute.
Student support services
A major disadvantage of an online program is the lack of student support services. Make sure you select a college that offers plenty of support, be it technical assistance or guidance. Having a helping hand can really enhance the learning experience and provide better learning outcomes. Moreover, for a technical program such as an IT degree, having technical support and assistance is a key consideration when choosing an online program.
Colleges offering an online information technology degree
Several renowned colleges across the US offer distance learning programs or the option to pursue an IT degree in a hybrid format. You can opt for some online classes and some on-campus ones tailoring your timetable as per your requirements.
Here are 5 accredited colleges from where you can get an online IT degree.
| College | Program name | Tuition |
| University of Massachusetts | BS in Information Technology | $60,000 |
| Strayer University | BS in Information Technology | $61,000 |
| Minot State University | Management Information Systems | $8,508 |
| Lindenwood University | Information Technology BS | $59,400 |
| Berkeley College | Information Technology Management BS | $28,600 |
8 Information technology degree jobs you can get with a bachelor’s
An IT degree equips graduates with a varied technical skill set making them eligible to take on a variety of job roles. Here are 8 jobs you can apply for with an IT degree.
| Job title | Average salary |
| Information Security Analyst | $112,559 per year |
| IT Consultant | $92,465 per year |
| Database Administrator | $105,039 per year |
| Network Engineer | $96,127 per year |
| Information Systems Manager | $131,487 per year |
| Web Developer | $81,975 per year |
| Network Administrator | $79,481 per year |
| Data Analyst | $85,058 per year |
While an IT degree is an ideal educational qualification, there are alternative degrees you can pursue and still be eligible for some IT-related roles. For example, if you want to become a Data Analyst, a data analytics degree is a viable alternative.
For the role of an Information Security Analyst, you can also pursue an IT security degree such as a Cybersecurity bachelor. Additionally, a software engineering or a computer science degree with a concentration in IT can get you jobs in the information technology industry.
IT industry and job market trends
The IT industry is growing at an amazing rate. Revenue from the IT services industry alone will amount to USD 1,420.00 billion by the end of 2024, according to a report by Statista. The IT services revenue is expected to grow by a CAGR of 5.76%. By the end of 2029, revenue could reach USD 1,879.00 billion.
The United States, India, China, Germany, and Japan are regions showing the most growth and employment opportunities. Out of the 5 key regions, the United States will lead the market in terms of revenue earned. In 2024 alone, the US IT services industry revenue is set to reach USD 522.00 billion.
According to the United Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for computer and Information technology occupations is bright. Some job roles show a more positive job growth rate than others, but almost all have a higher-than-national average job growth rate.
| Job title | Job growth rate |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | 26% |
| Computer Network Architects | 13% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | 11% |
| Database Administrators and Architects | 9% |
| Information Security Analysts | 33% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | -3% |
| Web Developers and Digital Designers | 8% |
| Quality Assurance Analysts | 17% |
Employment trends to watch out for
Forbes reports employers are now focusing on finding refined talent. They are spending more on finding the right candidate that is qualified and skilled. Towards the end of 2023, major companies in the US laid off nearly half of their IT staff. However, the outlook for 2024 and onwards is bright.
The business magazine reports a major talent gap citing the Global Talent Shortage report by ManpowerGroup. As per the report, 76% of employers say they are facing trouble finding IT professionals with the qualifications and skills the job demands.
Among all IT degree jobs, engineering roles are higher in demand, particularly software, data, and cloud engineers. Generative AI is another field with a great number of job openings. Even though the hype for Generative AI is higher than the revenue it brings, there is significant growth and development in the AI sector.
People also ask – IT degree FAQs
Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about an IT degree.
Do I need an IT degree to get information technology jobs?
Yes, you need an IT degree, or a degree in a related field to get jobs in IT. Employers are increasingly focusing on finding the right individual for the job. They look for the ideal blend of educational qualifications and skills. Whether you want to become an IT consultant, an application developer, or an information systems analyst, an IT degree can help you develop the right skills for the job.
Is an information technology degree worth it?
The information technology industry is booming and there is currently a huge talent gap in the industry. Employers are seeking qualified and skilled individuals for job roles. Thus, the average spend per employee hiring has increased dramatically.
If you want to pursue a career in the industry and get IT degree jobs, the best way to build the right skills and get access to more job opportunities is through a bachelor’s degree in information technology. You can pursue a specialized track of your choice to develop niche-specific skills that enhance your career opportunities.
Overall, pursuing an IT degree is worth it. More than 55% of employees in the IT sector possess at least a bachelor’s degree. A formal education is an indication for employers that the job applicant has had comprehensive professional experience and training in a certain IT branch, evidenced by the type of degree and specialization pursued.
What can you do with a health information technology degree?
With an IT degree, you can pursue various career opportunities in different fields. These include job opportunities in network administrative roles, IT security roles, database administration, information technology management, and even web development.
You will build a diverse skill set that includes highly sought-after skills such as programming, coding, data analysis, encryption, web development, quality assurance testing, and more. Job roles you can get include:
- Information Systems Analyst
- Network Administrator
- Software Developer
- Application Developer
- Database Administrator
- Security Network Architect
These are just some job opportunities IT degree holders can potentially apply for. The exact role one is eligible for will vary by specialization the student pursues, and the skill set they develop.
Is information technology a good degree?
An IT degree is an excellent degree to pursue in this time and age. Information technology is one of the steadiest-growing industries in the current job market. In fact, the global economy is driven by digital innovation, and every few years we see a new technological innovation making waves around the world.
We are just growing accustomed to digitally controlled home appliances and are still trying to determine the scope of generative AI and yet innovation in the IT industry continues. If you want to be a part of the talent pool that is creating change and improving lives in so many ways, then an IT degree is the ideal choice for you.
What degree for IT consulting?
To become an IT consultant, you need vast technical knowledge and expertise that you can develop via an IT degree. The program features a blend of computer science, business, and communications courses which help students build a range of hard and soft skills.
As a consultant, you must possess technical expertise such as programming, data modeling, data analysis, and more. Financial and business acumen is also a must as that enables consultants in data analysis, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and more.
A BSc in Information Technology can be the ideal degree choice for those who want to go into consulting. General education courses in the program include science and mathematics courses that can help aspiring consultants develop job-relevant skills.
Become an expert professional with an IT degree today!
If you want to enter the IT industry and be considered for high-paying job roles, you must develop the right skills and professional competencies. In the past, landing an IT job without a degree was possible. Job applicants with certifications and a few listed skills could get the job roles they were seeking. However, such hiring trends are what resulted in the massive layoffs witnessed at the end of 2022 and in 2023.
The IT industry is evolving with employers giving precedence to finding the right candidate for the job rather than filling in a position quickly. If you want to access a wider range of job opportunities and qualify for some high-paying roles, get a bachelor’s IT degree.