Online Information Technology Degrees
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Information technology, or IT, is a field that offers many specializations and career paths for technically inclined professionals. Potential career paths include web developer, computer network administrator, and database administrator, to name a few. Anyone entering this field should enjoy the fast changing world of technology and computing. Job growth is expected to be excellent in many areas of IT including networking, programming, and database administrators. Even with the expected job growth rate, those with experience and formal education will be the ones that are likely to find the best jobs.
The Internet and computers have become an indispensable part of the way people live and work. Of course, networks do not just run on their own; they need network administrators and IT professionals that make sure the connection is secured. They need to be monitored to make sure that there is no hacking going on within the network. In addition, computer viruses are on the rise, and therefore, programmers and other IT professionals are even more essential to build anti-virus programs to keep systems running smoothly and information safe.
IT is a broad field with many specializations. There are specialists to take care of networking and others dedicated to preventing viruses, and businesses need IT professionals to cover all of these areas to function smoothly. Therefore, those interested in IT careers should decide which area is most appealing to them and enroll in the right program.
Featured Accredited Schools Offering Online Information Technology Degrees
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Learn more about Kaplan University - Information Technology Programs
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Webmaster: This specialization deals with designing web architectures as well as building web pages. These professionals also maintain the web pages to ensure they are running smoothly with the correct graphics and speed.
- Software Engineer: This concentration allows students with at least a bachelor's degree to work on projects that involve building, testing, and fixing code. The more experience the the software engineer receives, the higher positions they will be able to take on.
- Computer Support Specialist: Directly after completing a bachelor's degree in some area of technology, graduates can often find positions as computer support specialists. These positions consists mainly of troubleshooting end-user computer problems via phone, email, and live chat.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctorate Degree: 5 to 7 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
An information technology degree is available at all levels, which is quite useful for those that are just beginning college. Every level of degree will bring about new job opportunities depending on the specialization chosen; the higher the degree level along with experience brings about more career opportunities. An associate degree in networking can open doors for an entry-level position as an assistant to an network administrator. The bachelor's degree may open more doors, but often, landing the job comes down to actual work experience. Graduates with an associate's degree and job or internship experience under the belt may beat out a graduate with a bachelor's degree and little practical experience. Therefore, the level of experience is quite important in the world of information technology, but having a combination of both formal education along with experience is the best combination.
Graduate degrees prepare students for management positions. Of course, even with advanced degrees, experience is one of the key factors when it comes to IT; therefore, when in school, it is vital to gain as much as experience as possible before graduating. Internships and summer or part-time jobs are highly encouraged.
Certifications in IT vary greatly. They are not required in most positions, but having one or more makes the graduate more attractive to employers. For instance, Cisco IT Certifications are very popular among networking graduates; the more you know in networking, the further you can go in your career. Microsoft Certifications is another popular choice for those that are planning to work in programming or security. Overall, while certifications are not necessary for employment, they do help in the job hunt and with career advancement.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
- Networking Concepts: This class offers an introductory breakdown on the types and purposes of computer networks in major use today. You will learn the basics of troubleshooting a computer, handling network operating systems, and the OSI model.
- Visual Basic: This, along with JavaScript, is one of the first types of computer languages that you will encounter at this level of study. By the end of the class, you should be designing interface-based applications with relative ease.
- Technology Infrastructure: Learn the ins and outs of the infrastructure that allows technology to be what it is. You will be asked to frequently apply your knowledge of networks to conceptual development questions regarding IT.
- Discrete Mathematics: Logic, graph theory, matrices, and analyzing algorithms are the primary components of this crucial, foundation course. Strong IT programs will continually reinforce where this math intersects with computers today.
- Humans and Computers: This class reminds you that computers are designed for the average person to love. Task analysis and prototyping are some of the procedures you'll learn.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
Depending on your desired degree level, you may have to. Undergraduate programs do not regularly schedule such requirements for online students, but master's-level candidates may need to show up in person to meet with professors and present their research.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
- Network Security: Network security programs focus on protecting computer systems against unwanted threats. You may also see this discipline referred to as "information security."
- Web Development: This field marries HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other computer languages to produce stunning web pages. Some specialties include software architecture and database administration.
- Telecom and Wireless: Wireless and satellite communications are the two largest growing focuses in this field. You can concentrate on repair, sales, installation, or administration.
