Online Information Technology Degrees

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Online Information Technology Degree

Online schools that offer information technology (IT) degrees enable you to boost your value and skill. An IT degree often gives you many tech and business skills. Since these apply to many fast growing sectors, it may be the perfect time to start.

An IT degree takes a deep look at the computer systems that are used to collect, record, store and access data. Most programs focus on using this knowledge to help a business make decisions. There are IT degrees at all levels. From bachelor’s to master’s and PhDs. At each of these levels, one may tailor their courses around a certain area in IT. One is a network or database admin.

At the bachelor’s level, you may study hardware, software and networks. Masters in IT usually hone skills related to how to manage a team or project. Terminal degrees like the PhD in IT highlight how to research and innovate. They also tend to focus on problem solving. As such, they may address the needs of busy top level execs.

What is difference between information technology and computer science?

If you’re looking to put your tech skills to use, there are two paths you can take. One is to earn a degree in IT. The other is to pursue a computer science (CS) degree. Here are a few things that set them apart.

IT looks at hardware, software, networks and databases. In short, computer systems. But IT pros usually focus on how to install, organize, and maintain these systems. They also study ways to design and operate networks and databases to meet goals. One of those goals is to keep data safe.

CS focuses on the machine itself. It seeks to understand computer processes from the inside out. To do this, CS pros need to study math, and learn how to code and program. These are the languages of the computer. They also need to know about software design, operating systems and their uses.

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology

A bachelor’s in IT is the entry point to many careers in this field. Most programs need 120 credits and about four years of full time study. But some online schools omit summer breaks to help students complete the program faster. The courses in an online BSIT degree go broad and deep. You will often study web site design and cyber security. While learning other basics, you may be able to fine tune your IT major through an area of focus. Data analytics, and cyber security are a few.

How much does an IT degree cost? The median in state tuition for a degree in IT is $5,472. It is $28,049 if you choose an out of state school. What this means is that you’ll be able to find programs that are both easier to afford and more expensive. 

Master’s Degree in Information Technology

A masters in IT is often the entry point to manager like roles within the IT sector. Most programs entail about 36 credits. If you study full time, you might complete your degree in two years or less. The study plan in an MSIT program puts focus on manager like skills and knowledge. You will often study ways to lead teams or a business by being able to manage their IT systems. To dive deeper, you might choose a focal area like Info Sec or analytics.

PhD vs Doctor of Information Technology

Both the PhD IT and Doctor of IT (DIT) are terminal degrees. While each touch on research, practice and scholarly input, they do so in distinct ways. You’ll want to know the difference between each of these to choose the perfect one to fit your goals.

A PhD in IT is a research doctorate. PhD IT students seek to add to their field through thought leadership. Most PhD in IT programs run on the practitioner scholar model. As such, while learning about research methods and a range of IT topics, you will choose one area to cover in depth. This serves as an anchor for your inquiry. You will usually research to come up with a new idea of improved practice.

A DIT degree is a practical degree. DIT students use the theories of their peers and apply them to real work force problems. Most DIT programs run on the scholar practitioner model. As many students have experience, PhD courses will focus on problem solving skills. Ones that may help in being able to manage a global business and it’s IT problems.

Each program is different. And, you may need to complete around 55 to 64 credits. Many students need from three to five years to earn their degree. But the time it takes can also depend on the online school you choose and your study load.

How much does a PhD or masters in IT cost? The average cost of earning a grad degree from a public school is $11,617 per year. This means you could find programs that are bother easier to afford and more expensive than that.

What can I do with an Online Information Technology Degree?

An IT degree may give you the skills for many other types of work places. Some of these jobs are to manage, while others are in design or research. If you’re just starting out, a bachelor’s degree is usually the lowest degree you’ll need to break into a career in IT. Some of today’s employers are getting picky though. To step into management or computer research, you will often need a master’s or MBA.

Chief technology officers (CTOs), teachers and policy setting roles may need a PhD or DIT. In general, larger companies favor those with at least fifteen years of IT experience too. Here are 12 potential jobs for someone with an IT degree. Depending on your experience and skill, there may be entry level and senior roles.

1. IT Manager

IT managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer related activities in a business.

2. Chief Information Officers (CIOs)

CIOs figure out the information goals of a business. Then oversee the putting in place of technology to meet those goals.

3. Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)

CTOs report to CIOs. They use their tech skills to test new tech and see how it can help their business.

4. IT Directors

IT Directors are in charge of an IT department. They supervise and hire people, set budgets and put policy into action.

5. IT Security Managers

These pros oversee network and data security. They keep employees aware of security threats, manage investigations and stay up to date with trends.

6. Network Administrators

Network admins manage the day to day operations of servers, desktop and mobile systems.

7. Database Administrators (DBAs)

DBAs use specific software to store and organize data for a business. They make sure data is both safe from threats and accessible to users.

8. Information Security Analysts

Info Sec analysts are on the front lines to protect data and systems from breaches. They monitor networks, install and use software and conduct penetration testing.

9. Information Research Scientists

Research often means design and innovation. Also, using technology to solve problems in many fields.

10. Nursing Information Systems Manager

These pros know both nursing and IT. They use their skills to design or apply computerized health care systems.

11. IT Project Manager

IT PMs put into place the systems that manage documents for an enterprise. These systems capture, store, retrieve, share, and get rid of e records.

12. IT Support Specialist

Support specialists use their IT skills to help people figure out and solve problems

Is a Degree in Information Technology worth it?

Earning an IT degree online may help you enter or advance your career in some high growth areas. Many of these are computer and IT roles with above average salaries. Each field within the larger picture of IT has its own job outlook. But the BLS predicts all computer and IT careers will grow by an average of 12% to 2028.

There are three main reasons for this high demand. Cloud computing, being able to collect and store big data, and information security. All of these which are here to stay. In fact, the need for cyber security experts is growing by 32% to 2028. The amount of times cyber attacks and data breaches happen is very high. At last check, the average yearly salary for careers in IT and computer tech jobs was $88,240 in May 2019. Because this is an average, there are careers where salaries may be higher (or lower).

Let’s take a look at IT Managers. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to enter this field and experience too. With more years on the job and a grad degree like a master’s or MBA, there may be room to climb the ladder. The field itself is growing at a 11% clip which is faster than average for all occupations. Plus, average yearly salaries range from $87,480 to $208,000 plus.

Information Technology Degree Jobs & Salary

Occupation	Average Salary	Jobs
IT Manager	$156,390	433,960
Network Architect	$112,690	159,300
Information Security Analyst	$99,730	112,300
Network Administrator	$88,410	354,450

Top States for Jobs as a Network and Computer Systems Administrators

State	Jobs	Annual Mean Wage
TX	35,890	$88,840
CA	33,630	$99,480
NY	25,910	$97,820
VA	18,510	$92,720
FL	17,930	$81,570

What classes will I take with an Online Information Technology Degree?

The classes you can take when going for your online IT degree vary by level. Certain programs also give you the option to focus on a certain area within the field. Cyber security, IT Management and Info Sec are a few.

Bachelor’s Degree Courses

Bachelors in IT courses usually provide a broad overview of computer systems. You may also need to fulfill gen ed credits along the way. Some examples of IT courses at this level are:

Below are a few samples of classes at the bachelor’s level:

Graduate Degree Courses

Masters in IT courses are less broad. The focus is on melding business expertise with knowledge of information management systems. Apart from systems and database design, you may study project management tools.

PhD and DIT programs ask for a fair bit of research. As a result, you may find a few courses that relate to how to collect data. Plus, how to analyze, write and present findings in a clear concise way. Some topics might be in areas such as:

Below are a few common online IT graduate classes and what you might study in them.

How long does it take to get an Information Technology Degree online?

Students going for a bachelor’s degree in IT online may need four years. An online masters in IT may take two years of full time study. For those with a master’s degree, a PhD in IT may take three to five years full time. One thing many online schools offer is a way to speed up this process. You may be able to transfer in credits to reduce your course load, for example. Sometimes, you can also study all year. Without a summer break, you may also be able to complete it faster. But if you prefer a slower pace, there are part time programs too.

15 Online Information Technology Degrees

Many online schools offer more than one level of IT degree. We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. Southern New Hampshire University
2. University of Phoenix
3. De Paul University
4. American Public University
5. University of Massachusetts – Lowell
6. Montclair State University
7. Purdue University Global
8. University of Maryland
9. American Intercontinental University
10. George Mason University
11. Capella University
12. Walden University
13. University of the Cumberlands
14. Northcentral University
15. Colorado State University

FIND AN ONLINE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEGREE

Let’s take a closer look at the online IT degrees that these 15 schools have to offer.