Online Information Technology Degrees 2021
September 14, 2021
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Information technology professionals ensure that computers, networks, and communications infrastructure work seamlessly. Individuals in the field help to prevent network outages and other issues that negatively impact productivity. IT professionals work as part of a team or department to solve problems, and they use hardware and software tools designed by other computer science experts.
Professionals in the information technology field need problem-solving skills, teamwork abilities, and a passion for computer science. Workers should also possess strong communication skills to interact with colleagues without computer science or information technology backgrounds.
Online information technology bachelor's programs feature flexible curricula that prepare learners for entry-level positions in the field, such as computer systems analyst and security manager. Online learners often work full time while pursuing a degree, allowing them to gain practical experience and continue earning an income.
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Information Technology Questions and Answers
Workers in the information technology field create and maintain computer and communications systems. IT professionals support nearly all large and small companies across industries.
Online bachelor's in information technology programs typically take four years to complete. Students with transferable credits or an associate degree may graduate sooner.
Many reputable colleges and universities deliver online bachelor's in information technology programs. Online learners receive the same educational experience as on-campus students.
Although both fields involve computer hardware and software, information technology focuses on business applications. Computer science emphasizes theory, code, and processes.
Career and Salary Outlook for Information Technology
After completing one of the best information technology bachelor's programs online, graduates can qualify for numerous entry-level careers. Prospective students should choose a program that aligns with their interests and goals. Career counselors often help current and prospective students explore career options and relevant courses.
The list below highlights positions that recent graduates of IT programs commonly pursue. Each role features an above-average median annual salary and a positive projected growth rate, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Computer network architects use information technology expertise to propose, develop, and maintain networks. They attend meetings with management professionals and work to ensure network security. These professionals also update hardware and keep abreast of new technologies. Some employers refer to computer network architects as network engineers.
Employers of all sizes hire computer systems analysts to determine information technology needs, create and follow budgets, and efficiently use existing computer and network infrastructure. The role requires an understanding of specialized hardware and software. Like other information technology professionals, analysts perform tests to ensure network stability and security.
Database administrators ensure that databases remain secure and work correctly. Typical job duties include regularly backing up data, testing and applying software modifications, and facilitating smooth data transfers. This position requires IT security expertise to protect sensitive data from hackers.
Like other IT professionals, network and computer systems administrators make software upgrades and maintain security. These professionals also give new employees network access and train colleagues on how to access networks. Some administrators specialize in telecommunications, while others work solely with computer networks.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architects | $112,690 | 5% |
| Computer Systems Analysts | $90,920 | 7% |
| Database Administrators | $93,750 | 10% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $83,510 | 4% |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Information Technology Degrees
A college or university receives regional accreditation from an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Many employers only recognize degrees earned from regionally accredited institutions. Schools that confer online degrees can also hold national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC-accreditation indicates that the school's online degrees offer the same educational experience and learning outcomes as its on-campus programs.
Some of the best online information technology bachelor's programs earn ABET accreditation, demonstrating that the program delivers a rigorous curriculum that prepares learners for career success.
Courses in an Information Technology Bachelor's Program
Online information technology bachelor's programs prepare students to earn industry certifications, which can increase employability and salary potential. While earning an information technology bachelor's online, learners study topics including networking security, programming, and data management. Programs typically include coursework in information systems management and the business of information technology and project management.
The following sample curriculum highlights five courses that students commonly take while earning an online bachelor's in information technology degree. Course names and content vary by school, so prospective students should contact an academic advisor to learn about specific program requirements.
The work of information technology professionals can influence an organization's overall success. Information systems management emphasizes how information technology professionals contribute to their employer's mission. This nontechnical course trains students to work collaboratively and to provide IT services in various employment settings.
Learners in this class develop skills necessary to plan, propose, initiate, and evaluate projects. Graduates often apply these abilities to management positions in which they lead one or more employees. Coursework may prepare students to obtain the CompTIA Project+ certification.
Information technology bachelor's online programs often include this course as part of a leadership specialization. Learners develop the skills necessary to lead teams and manage less experienced IT professionals. Students analyze various leadership theories and demonstrate mastery of course content through simulations.
Nearly all information technology professions involve protecting computer networks from hackers. This class emphasizes the role of cybersecurity within organizations. Students analyze security methods and best practices, and they learn how information technology departments develop long-term security plans.
IT professionals develop programs that improve network safety and efficiency. Students in this class explore programming fundamentals, such as file handling, variables, and decision statements. Learners master a scripting language and use the language to build one or more applications.
Scholarships for Information Technology
Even while earning the most affordable information technology bachelor's, online students often need financial assistance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to tuition, information technology students must typically pay for textbooks and software suites. Learners can minimize debt by researching and applying for scholarships. The list below features a few of the many scholarship opportunities for IT students.
Who Can Apply: The award supports undergraduate students preparing for a career in information technology or a related field. Applicants must submit three recommendation letters, transcripts, and a 200- to 300-word essay.
Amount: $2,000
Who Can Apply: African American high school seniors planning to major in computer science or information technology can apply for this scholarship from Microsoft. Applicants need a minimum 3.3 high school GPA and must demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $1,000-$20,000
Who Can Apply: The Foundation for Information Technology offers several scholarships to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in an information technology program. Applicants must have completed at least one full semester of college and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: Varies
Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degrees 2021
Based in Miami, FIU offers an online bachelor of arts in information technology as a second major. Students complete 120 credits online with just nine credits of residency available through summer sessions at FIU or other University of Florida systems.
In addition to general education core and electives, students take computer and networking courses. Required computer courses include programming in Java, human-computer interaction, microcomputer organization, and applied computer networking. Students take two IT electives and two cognate electives to complete the curriculum requirements.
Students enrolled in another program or already possessing a bachelor's degree may apply for this career-change degree. Current students must contact the department to declare the second major. Students apply as a transfer to determine how many eligible transfer credits will follow them into the program.
FIU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Las Cruces, NMSU offers an online bachelor of business administration with a concentration in information systems. Students explore information technology from a business value perspective 100% online with no residency necessary.
Students take courses such as business information systems, the legal environment of business, human behavior in organizations, and strategic management. From there, students complete information systems-specific courses such as introduction to software development and engineering, information systems analysis and design, and database management systems. Learners can opt to participate in an internship to demonstrate skills mastery and receive mentoring at an approved location near them.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to apply for the program. The school requires SAT or ACT scores but does not specify a minimum score requirement. NMSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Based in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU offers a degree completion online bachelor of science in industrial technology with a concentration in information and computer technology.
Course topics include technical writing, technology project management, cost and capital project management, and industrial supervision. Students then choose electives such as enterprise data storage technologies, advanced server programming technology, and network environments.
Students with a qualified associate in applied science degree in a technical or industrial field may apply. Applicants need a cumulative 2.5 GPA and a minimum of 24 eligible transfer credits to begin the application process.
ECU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. Students complete 120 credits solely online with flexible and convenient scheduling.
Students begin with 21 credits of foundation courses, such as discrete structures, introduction to computing, and architecture fundamentals. From there, core courses cover topics like data communications and technology and global IT communications. Learners must also complete a two-course capstone experience for experiential learning and to demonstrate skills mastery. Students may also choose a concentration, such as database programming or cybersecurity, to direct learning and fulfill career goals.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to qualify for admission. Students do not need to submit standardized test scores but may do so to strengthen an application.
Mason is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Based in Chicago, Illinois, DePaul offers an online bachelor of science in information technology as a degree completion program.
The program offers technology courses, including introductory computing for the web, introduction to databases, applied networks and security, and interactive web scripting. Students learn front and back end development and develop cybersecurity skills. Students can finish in around two years depending on the number of eligible transfer credits and whether they must take technology prerequisites before beginning core courses.
Students must possess at least 45 eligible transfer credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 GPA to qualify for admission. Applicants may apply with any type of associate degree or credits but may need to take prerequisites depending on prior completed coursework.
DePaul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Based in Aurora, CSU Global offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. Students complete the 120-credit program entirely online with no residency requirements and can use existing certifications for prior learning credit to graduate faster.
Students complete general education courses and electives as well as information technology requirements. Notable major courses include introduction to computer-based systems, human-computer interaction, introduction to networks, and advanced network systems. Students receive fundamental training in mathematics, networks, and leadership. Students may concentrate their studies on areas such as artificial intelligence, healthcare management, project management, or data virtualization and analysis.
Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to begin the admissions process. The online school requires at least two years of work experience of any kind for first-year students. Students with a gap of five years or more since their last college class can also apply for online courses.
CSU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Carbondale, SIU offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. Students can choose from concentrations including cybersecurity, data analytics and management, and network and system administration.
The program begins with undergraduate general education and elective courses. Coursework for the major trains students in foundational and advanced computing skills and features such courses as data analytics and management, cybersecurity, system analysis and design, and web and mobile applications. Students may choose to take part in a capstone experience for collaboration and to demonstrate skills mastery.
Applicants must meet one of the three requirements to apply: a cumulative high school GPA of 2.75, a top 10% high school class rank, or a minimum ACT score of 23 (or minimum SAT score of 1140). Students may submit standardized test scores to determine scholarship eligibility.
SIU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Located in Chicago, Illinois, Loyola offers an online bachelor of arts in information technology as a degree completion program. Students complete courses 100% online in a convenient, accelerated eight-week format. This schedule allows students to focus on one or two courses at a time.
The 39-credit program includes upper-division courses, electives, and courses required for the major. Students may transfer up to 18 credits of upper-division courses to graduate faster. Course topics include an introduction to object-oriented programming, introduction to database systems, introduction to web application development, and dynamic programming languages. Students without the required 120 bachelor's credits may need to complete further general education requirements to finish and graduate.
Applicants must send all transcripts from previous learning, including high school and any college credits attempted. Students do not need to submit standardized test scores to begin the application process and do not need previous computer experience for eligibility.
Loyola is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Based in Terre Haute, ISU offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. Students complete 66 credits in upper-division computer core to complete the degree online.
The curriculum covers topics in computer science and math structures. Notable computer courses include an introduction to electronics and computer technology, mobile system design technology, digital computer logic, and an introduction to digital animation and human-computer interaction technology. Learners also gain an understanding of the math that underpins many computer functions. Students complete a senior seminar during their last term, offering guidance for careers, mentoring, and resume preparation.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma with a minimum 2.5 GPA to qualify for admission. The school allows transfer credits so learners can finish their degrees faster. Students do not need previous computer experience to apply for the program.
ISU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A private school based in Riverside, CBU provides a path for students to earn a bachelor of science in information technology. Students complete 120 credits online, including general education and upper-division courses.
The curriculum begins with lower-division introduction courses, including computer programming in C++ and data structures. From there, upper-division courses include enterprise architecture, project management, legal and ethical practices in information technology, and computer and network security. Students gain an understanding of both backend and front-end development, as well as security-first architecture. Students applying to this school must also take two religion core courses: an overview of the Bible and foundations of Christian thought.
Students can apply with a high school diploma, but the school prefers that students possess at least 24 transferrable credits before applying to the program. All applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 for eligibility.
CBU is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission.
Located in Greensboro, N.C. A&T offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. The program provides a path to additional certification in computer networking during the progression of the bachelor's degree.
In addition to general education courses and electives, students must complete core coursework for the major. Notable courses include database management, the economics and social impacts of IT, applied Java programming, and human-computer interaction. Students gain fundamental training in programming languages, the mathematics that underpins computer programming, and network and security solutions.
The school does not require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores for first-year students, but most admitted students possess an average GPA of 3.62. Transfer students with at least 24 credits need a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission. The school does not require standardized test scores, but students may submit them to strengthen an application.
N.C. A&T is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Stephensville, Texas, Tarleton offers a bachelor of applied arts and sciences in information technology. Students with an existing associate degree may transfer into the program, and first-year students must find alternative solutions to complete general education requirements.
Students complete core courses such as personal computer maintenance and hardware, data and database management for small businesses, operating systems theory and practice, and network architecture design. Students also study common programming languages such as C# and Java, as well as security studies and ethical questions in technology. Learners may pursue an internship for hands-on learning.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to qualify for admission. Students must also submit SAT or ACT scores to apply. Transfer students with more than 30 eligible transfer credits must possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission.
Tarleton is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Bowling Green, WKU offers a bachelor of science in computer information technology. Students complete courses 100% online and can opt into the accelerated master's degree with an additional 21 credits of coursework.
Courses occur asynchronously, with some courses available on-demand, helping students graduate faster. Students complete four required courses to start: CIT foundations, web development, database administration, and telecommunications. From there, students take 10 foundation courses, such as systems architecture, and electives like knowledge management or network security. A capstone course allows students to collaborate and receive mentoring, demonstrating knowledge mastery at the end of the program.
First-year students must possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 GPA and submit SAT or ACT scores. Students with a GPA higher than 2.5 can waive the test score requirement. Transfer students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 on their last term of full-time coursework.
WKU is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Located in Ellensburg, CWU offers an online bachelor of science in information technology and administrative management. Students may specialize in several different fields, including cybersecurity, project management, retail management and technology, and data-driven innovation for IT managers.
The core curriculum for the program includes an introduction to business, integrated business applications, and projects in database management. From there, students take a five-course series in their chosen specialty to gain concentration-specific knowledge and expertise. Program credit requirements total between 94-98, depending on the concentration. Students can take all general education course requirements online as well.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent to qualify for admission. Students must also submit SAT or ACT scores to apply. Students do not need to possess previous computer experience to apply for the program.
CWU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty offers an online bachelor of science in information technology. Students complete 120 credits online in convenient eight-week terms.
Students can choose from one of four specializations: application and database management, data networking and security, gaming design, and web and mobile planning. Students take courses such as object-oriented programming, database management systems, integrative programming and technologies, and studies in information security. From there, learners complete cognate courses in their specialty to ensure skills mastery.
The school allows students to transfer up to 75% of the required credits into the program. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED equivalent and a minimum 2.0 GPA to qualify for admission. The school does not require students to submit standardized test scores.
Liberty is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Thomas Broderick
Thomas Broderick is a freelance writer and the owner of Broderick Writer LLC. He creates study guides, informational websites, and blog posts for clients in the education field. Thomas is also a published author of over 20 short stories and a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.
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