What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

• Networks: Network engineers and administrators design, build, and maintain different types of computer networks, including LANs, WANs, intranets, and other systems of computer communications.
• Databases: Database administrators design ways to store, secure, and retrieve vast amounts of information in computer databases.
• Security: As more and more sensitive information is stored in computer systems and databases, security specialists are needed to protect that information from breaches and cyber attacks.
• Web Development: These IT specialists use programming skills to build functional websites.
• Programming: Computer programmers use software languages to construct the software applications that allow computers to function.

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What degree levels are available?

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 1.5-3 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 4-5 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

Many associate degrees are available in areas of IT support and computer science; some present a general introduction to several areas of the field, while others let students specialize in a particular area, such as networks or databases. An associate degree can prepare graduates for careers as computer support specialists. With certification and professional experience, students may be able to move up to careers as systems administrators or other advanced positions. A bachelor's degree in computer science, management information systems, or information science is the usual educational requirement for entry-level information technology and computer science positions. These four-year degrees can train students for jobs as software programmers, computer and information systems managers, and network, systems, and database administrators. Master's degrees in these fields will help students hone their skills in a more specialized computer science area, and can help graduates advance in their career. Students hoping to work as computer scientists involved in the development and research of new technologies will likely need a doctoral degree in computer science. Doctoral degrees in computer science can prepare students for research careers in academia or industry.

There are no mandatory certification requirements for positions in information technology and computer science. There are many voluntary industry certifications, however, offered by trade organizations and private companies that produce computer products. Some employers require or prefer applicants with industry certification, as it acts as an objective measure of an individual's competence. Certification generally requires passing two or more exams covering a variety of information technology topics. CompTIA is an IT trade group that offers over 10 vendor-neutral certifications in various areas of information technology, including its general A+ certification for entry-level computer support specialists. Cisco and Microsoft are two producers of computer products that offer certifications for many different experience levels and IT specializations. Software producer Adobe also certifies individuals in each of its popular software suites.

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

Most IT and computer science degrees are designed to give graduates a breadth of knowledge in the most important IT areas today. Coursework usually includes one to two courses on the basic IT fundamentals, along with courses in software programming, networks, databases, and Web design. The foundational IT course in the certificate program, usually titled Introduction to Information Systems, provides a broad overview of how hardware and software systems are used. The control, implementation, and life cycle of information systems are discussed.

Courses like C++ and Java Programming introduce students to programming fundamentals in some of the most widely used programming languages. Students learn about object-oriented programming, and the operators and functions used to construct programs out of these languages. Other courses, like LAN/WAN Technologies, cover the basics of setting up networks. Issues of data communication and network administration are discussed. Classes in databases, like Relational Database Concepts, explore the programming structures used to store large amounts of data, as well as the design, architecture, and administration of databases. A class in Multimedia or Web Design teaches students the skills necessary to make attractive webpages and interactive online media.

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If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?

Usually not. Unsurprisingly, most IT and computer science courses discuss techniques involving the use of the computer; consequently, course projects and instruction are easily adapted to online learning.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

There are several degrees which contain aspects of information technology. The degree in business administration, for example, may incorporate courses that discuss utilizing particular software suites or setting up networks. Likewise, a degree in office administration covers some aspects of maintaining computer systems and troubleshooting advanced IT systems. Like the degree in IT and computer science, a degree in health information management discusses interacting with computers and dealing with information, but in a healthcare setting. Courses for this degree have titles like medical software for billing and coding, electronic health records, and health information management concepts.

Focusing less on software and more on hardware, the degree in electrical engineering technology teaches students the electrical concepts necessary to build microprocessors and the other components of computers. For those interested in a shorter educational route, there are many certificates available from traditional colleges, vocational schools, and community colleges in different IT topics. These certificates generally take around a year to complete, and specialize in one area like security, network administration, or database administration.

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