Technology has ingrained itself in every facet of our lives. The best bachelor’s in information technology are more important than ever.
Large organizations are relying heavily on computer systems and networks to store data and enhance a customer’s experience. By learning the skills to understand, manage, and protect information systems, students with a bachelor’s in information technology will play an important role in successfully running business operations.
What Is A Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor’s degree in information technology is a four-year program that studies the fundamentals of technology to prepare students for a career in the IT profession.
Students will study the installation, configuration, and upgrading of computers and operating systems, as well as security standards and policies for cloud and local server environments. After obtaining this degree, it’s common for students to further their knowledge in graduate studies or start a career in one of the following IT positions: information technology manager, hardware and software support technicians, system and network administrators, or network and software engineers.
Related degrees include Computer Science, Information Science, and Information Systems Security.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree?
Students who earn an online bachelor’s degree in information technology can acquire several different positions and roles within the field. Depending on your program track, you may choose a specialty area within IT that can prepare you for a specific career within the field.
With that in mind, PayScale estimates that individuals holding a BS in information technology make a median pay of $72,000.
Here are some potential roles that are currently filled by information technology majors and their median salary, according to PayScale:
- Information Technology Manager: $79,000
- Systems Administrator: $60,000
- Network/Software Engineer: $72,000-$76,000
- Information Technology Director: $105,000
What is Required for a Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree?
In order to enroll within an IT bachelor’s program, applicants are required to provide official documentation of high school completion or equivalent. Some institutions will require standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT.
Once enrolled, students will be required to complete core major credits that include introduction to network technology, hardware and operating systems, and information systems fundamentals. Students may be required to complete a capstone course, senior project, or written/oral examination in order to graduate.
Prior to starting an IT career, graduates can enroll within different IT certifications to separate themselves from other students. Here are the top seeking certifications:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Network+
- Apple Certified Associate (ACA)
- CompTIA A+ Technician
- Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
What Are The Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.