More Information About IT & Computer Science
- Professionals in information technology are experts in managing and communicating information efficiently.
- Professionals in computer science are experts in how computers work to process information.
- Salaries in these fields range from a meager $40,000 a year to over $400,000 a year.
What is a career in information technology?
Information technology, abbreviated IT, is a broad field that focuses on managing and processing information using technology. In particular, IT professionals work to store and protect information in computers and network systems. In a world that is more and more controlled by computers, professionals with specialized IT skills are needed in great demand. Businesses and companies hire IT professionals to both sustain information processing systems and to create new systems. Information technologists find jobs in government, business, and service industries and take on positions such as web masters, network administrators, database developers, and interface designers.
What is a career in computer science?Ever wonder how someone can make a computer work? That's exactly what a computer science professional does. Much like the way a medical doctor knows the science behind how a body works, a computer science professional knows the inner workings of computers and the software that makes them run. As you can imagine, there is a rising demand for skilled computer science workers to develop new software and hardware technology that will keep up with the pace of advanced technology. Some different types of computer science careers include database administrators, web masters, network managers and programming specialists. Some of these positions entail reactive and proactive problem solving, while others involve creative minds to create new technologies and programming. Most of these types of professionals have at least a two year degree in computer technology and most work in system design and service industries. More experienced computer science professionals can move up in a company or institution and many decide to freelance, as independent consultants. Whatever the specialty or industry, technology will only continue to grow and so will the job outlook in this field.
What education is needed to work in this field?Like any career field, employers like to see highly skilled, and educated employees working for them. In the IT and computer science field, there are a number of ways to get the education and training that appeals to headhunters. Most companies prefer to hire those with a bachelor's or master's degree, but in such a specialized field, a highly competent applicant with an associate's degree is also a strong runner for an IT and computer science job.
Even with a degree in computer science or information technology, many companies also require very specialized certificate training. Most professionals have to earn a certificate in their field on top of their associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree. No matter what level of job in this field, it always looks good to employers to see real, professional experiences on a resume. An internship offers a low-pressure way to gain this experience. Most colleges or universities have career counselors or online programs that will navigate aspiring technology professors to available internship opportunities.
What degrees are offered in IT and computer technology?Degrees in IT and computer technology vary from the certificate level to an associate's, bachelor's, master's, and PhD level. Most entry level jobs require at least an associate's degree. Certificate programs in this field, which can last a number of weeks to a number of months, are a very important aspect of specialization and many employers will require computer science professionals, no matter what degree they hold, to be certified in specific computer programs and/or languages. Associates degree programs, which usually last about two years, are offered through online universities or community colleges. Bachelor's, master's and PhD degrees are generally offered through 4-year colleges and universities. Some online universities also offer these degrees. While most bachelor's programs are more generalized, associate's and master's degree programs often offer more vocational training in specializations such as information systems, library science, or software engineering. PhD graduates generally head back to school to teach and train the next wave of students coming into the computer science field.
How much money can someone made in the field of IT and computer science?There are many different career routes in this field, each with its own, very wide, salary range. Approximate salaries for computer systems analysts range from $40,000 to $93,000. Computer and information scientists earn between $423,000 and $121,700 a year. Computer systems designers have an average salary of $78,730 a year. However, these categories don't even dust the top of the different types of jobs available in this field.
What are the leading schools offering programs in IT & Computer Science ?- Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
- Bryant and Stratton College Online Bryant & Stratton College Online offers Associate Degree training in less than two years in Accounting, Business, or Criminal Justice fields. Courses are provided via online distance learning to accommodate busy working adults and demanding schedules. ( More Info )
- University of Phoenix - IT and Computer Science University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), a Master of Information Systems (MIS), or a Master of Information Systems/Management (MIS/M). These programs include courses in networks and telecommunications, databases, programming and operating systems, the web, business systems development, and programming management. ( More Info )
- Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
- Regis University Online Founded in 1877, Regis University Online offers college education in the form of Bachelor and Master Degrees in Business, Information Technology, Education, and Management. Accelerated online learning allows students to progress at an individually comfortable pace and tailor-fit courses to match their career goals. ( More Info )
- Western Governors University Western Governors University emphasizes mastery of essential skills and knowledge in your field, basing progress toward your online degree on passing rigorous assessments (such as tests, projects, assignments, etc.) instead of accumulating credit hours. We call it competency-based learning. WGU offers Bachelors and Masters degree programs in Healthcare, Business, MBA, IT and Education. ( More Info )
- Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
- Florida Tech University Online Florida Tech University Online offers students a state-of-the-art learning system that allows students to work their studies into their busy work and family lives. Associate's, bachelor, and master's degrees can be earned online in a wide range of fields including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
- ECPI College of Technology Online ECPI College of Technology Online is a nationally ranked online program offering Associates and Bachelor degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Networking, and IT/Networking & Security Management. ( More Info )
- Iowa Central College Formed in 1966, Iowa Central College is a community college offering Associate Degree training in Business, Information Technology, and Criminal Justice fields via campus course study and online education. The main campus is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with flexible course schedules and additional programs via online learning resources. ( More Info )
- Capella University Capella University is an accredited online university designed to provide a quality education that fits the life of busy professionals like you. With a strong learner community built around motivated adult learners, real world faculty and a staff dedicated to your success, Capella helps you make an immediate impact on your life and career. ( More Info )
- Villanova University Online Villanova University Online offers professional certificate programs in Project Management, Six Sigma, Contract Management, Strategic Organizational Leadership, Human Resources & Finance. ( More Info )
- Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
- Everest University Online Everest University Online offers distance learning opportunities through online virtual classrooms and individual attention from instructors. Specialization and practical career methodologies are emphasized to ensure successful employment following graduation. Tailored curriculum enables students to pursue advanced positions with marketable skill sets and Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Healthcare, Computer Information Systems, and Homeland Security fields. ( More Info )
