Accelerated Information Technology Degrees: How to Get Your Information Technology Degree Fast

Information technology is a fast-growing industry, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13 percent job growth rate for information technology occupations from 2020 to 2030. The industry provides thousands of job opportunities annually and the increased demand for IT professionals inspires students to pursue accelerated information technology programs. 

This article gives an overview of the best accelerated information technology degrees for aspiring professionals. What is an accelerated information technology degree? We’ll break everything down in this article, from how to obtain an accelerated information technology degree fast, to where to look for the best information technology accelerated degrees, period.  

What Is an Accelerated Information Technology Degree?

An accelerated information technology degree is an undergraduate program that allows you to graduate in less than four years. Generally, an accelerated degree program takes a maximum of three years, allowing you to launch your IT profession sooner. Accelerated IT programs cost less than traditional four-year options but deliver the same level of education. This accelerated format will give you a strong foundation in the technical knowledge you need to apply for a wide range of IT jobs. 

Accelerated IT degree programs have become popular among students pursuing affordable education and professionals seeking to enhance their credentials. Accelerated IT degrees are often online programs that provide earlier start dates, promoting flexibility. If you wish to pursue online information technology courses that will lead to an accelerated master’s or associate degree, these can be completed in under two years. 

These programs allow you to pursue the same technology occupations as traditional, on-campus students, including information management, game development, web development, network administration, information security, or programming and software development.

How Fast Can You Get an Information Technology Degree?

With an accelerated program, you can complete your degree requirements for information technology in two or three years. This is significantly faster than obtaining a typical Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, which takes four to five years of study, depending on the institution and curriculum. Accelerated classes and programs can be a great option for non-traditional students, who often have a full-time job or a family. 

What Jobs Can You Get with an Accelerated Information Technology Degree?

• Software Developer. Software developers are essential in IT, and BLS projects a 22 percent job growth rate for the profession. Learning software development fundamentals through project-based learning will equip you with the essential tech skills required to take advantage of job opportunities in this field. 
• Computer and Information Research Scientist. These IT professionals are among the best-paid in the field, receiving a median salary of $126,830 per year. Their primary role involves creating and upgrading computer hardware and software. A master’s degree is preferred, but accelerated programs allow you to launch your career in under four years.
• Database Administrator. Database administrators are in charge of database management, including organizing and securing database systems. Employers are embracing database-as-a-service, and this requires trained, skilled professionals. 
• Computer Network Architect. Computer network architects require at least a bachelor’s degree. As companies install information technology networks, the demand for network architects rises. With the on-the-job training offered by an accelerated information technology degree, you can take advantage of the field’s five percent job growth rate. 
• Computer Programmer. Computer programmers are skilled in coding, debugging, and maintaining computer systems and applications. An accelerated degree allows you to learn programming fundamentals and start your career within three years. Alternatively, can also enroll in short-term coding bootcamp programs.

How We Ranked the Best Accelerated Information Technology Degrees

Some accelerated degree programs offer limited student-teacher interaction, leading to low-quality learning. Here, we prioritized degrees that provide adequate student-teacher interaction, student support, and extensive coursework material. We also analyzed program length, prioritized shorter programs, and explored affordability, flexibility, and transfer policies.

The Best Information Technology Accelerated Degrees in 2022

The Best Fast-Track Information Technology Degree in 2022, Explained

More colleges and universities are introducing fast-track information technology degree programs to cater to industry demands. To build a strong career in information technology, you should obtain your skills and knowledge at reliable institutions. Below is an overview of the best fast-track information technology degrees listed in the table above. 

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Bellevue University

• Location: Online only
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $430 per credit or $250 per credit (preferred military cost)
• Required Time: 16 months

Bellevue University allows students to transfer credit or use their military experience to accelerate their degrees. The program is online, and students only pay for relevant credits, but you must present accredited post-secondary graduation transcripts. You will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in networking systems, IT best practices, and cloud computing.

Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Information Technology | DeSales University

• Location: Center Valley, Pennsylvania, online
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $530 per credit
• Required Time: 15 months

DeSales University is among the top 1,400 educational institutions in America that offer College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing. CLEP exams assess your IT knowledge and award college credit to cut your program time by a year. This degree is open to working adults, veterans, active-duty members, and undergraduate students.

You can also transfer up to 75 credit hours or earn credit through work experience, military training, or non-traditional training. Applicants can contact an academic advisor who will walk them through personalized education plans.

Bachelor’s Degree in Cyber and Information Security Technology | ECPI University

• Location: Charlotte, Greensboro, Newport News, Northern Virginia, Raleigh, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $8,712 per semester
• Required Time: 12 months

ECPI University offers five-week terms in a four days per week, five hours per day format. This program explores cyber and network security within 12 months, with students enrolled full-time year-round, including the summer.

With this program, you will gain hands-on experience in cybercrime detection, design and development of network security tools, and cloud administration. The primary admission requirement is 60 total credit hours and a 2.50 GPA from an accredited institution.

Associate Degree in Computer Information Technology | Miami Dade College

• Location: North, Kendall, Wolfson, Homestead, Padron, Hialeah, and West Campuses
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $118 residents, $402 non-residents
• Required Time: 12 months

Miami Dade offers a two-year associate degree program for students seeking immediate entry into an IT career, as well as a fast-track option that allows students to gain the same knowledge and experience in just 12 months. The program explores troubleshooting software, hardware, and network problems. You will also gain creative skills to help you solve network problems.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Purdue Global University

• Location: Online only
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $2,500 flat rate
• Required Time: 36 months

Purdue Global’s ExcelTrack program is fully online and allows you to create a self-paced learning schedule. Intensive 10-week terms allow you to fast-track the degree in two years. Moreover, you can select any one-credit courses you need at an affordable flat rate of $2,500.

The program comprises 180 credit courses covering IT management, network administration, program and software development, and information security and assurance. Students gain essential communication skills, core IT knowledge, analytical thinking skills, and collaborative skills.

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology | Regis University

• Location: Online only
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $555
• Required Time: 24 months

Regis University offers eight-week terms for fast-track IT students. This program is among 11 online information technology programs accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The program’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 81 credits hours. This program offers rolling start dates, which allow you to apply more than once annually.

BA-BS /MS in Information Technology, Auditing, and Cybersecurity | Temple University

• Location: Fox Business School
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $587 in-state, $1,071 out-of-state (undergraduate), $1,142 (graduate)
• Required Time: 60 months (five years)

Temple University offers several accelerated options. Their degree program allows you to acquire a combined bachelor’s and master’s within five years. Students can select between two specialization tracks: IT Auditing and IT Cybersecurity. You must possess the general program admission requirements and pass a pre-admission skill assessment.

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology | Thomas Jefferson University

• Location: East Fall Campus, hybrid format
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $605
• Required Time: 24 months

This accelerated degree is offered under the continuing education program at Thomas Jefferson. As an information technology major, you will work with expert faculty to learn principles of networking, programming, project management, and needs assessment. Your undergraduate coursework will consist of working on collaborative, hands-on projects in eight-week terms. 

IT Accelerated Master of Science in Criminal Justice | The University of Cincinnati

• Location: Ohio, Cincinnati
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $746 residents, $761 non-residents
• Required Time: 60 months

Through the School of Information Technology, you will gain an accelerated master’s degree that allows you to combine your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. This program facilitates entry into IT careers in the justice system, such as information security analyst, information security officer, and database administrator.

Applications run from November to February annually, and students must present a statement of purpose, cover sheet, resume, proposed degree plan, transcripts, and a recommendation letter. You’ll get a quality education in this graduate program and completing these program requirements will aid you in your job search after graduation. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology | Western Governors University

• Location: Online only
• Online Option: Yes
• Tuition Per Credit: $3,920 flat rate per term
• Required Time: 24 months

Western Governors University is an NWCCU-accredited university, offering competency-based programs in an online format to help you speed up your degree. The accelerated program allows you to pace your studies and start a semester without waiting for your classmates. WGU provides online course materials and assessments that you will use to review your progress.

The core classes cover IT fundamentals, network and security, data management, and operating systems. You will work with program mentors to create a degree plan that ensures you complete 12 units every six-month term and a capstone project at the end of the program.

Should You Get an Accelerated Information Technology Degree?

Yes. Pursuing an accelerated information technology degree program allows you to save time and money. In addition, accelerated degree programs speed up your entry into the IT industry, where employers are desperate for skilled professionals. However, you must be self-motivated and committed to the program because accelerated programs include heavy workloads.

If you are doubtful of pursuing an accelerated IT degree, remember that you can enroll in an information technology bootcamp to improve your skills and see whether the field is right for you. IT bootcamps are short-term and flexible, allowing you to study and work simultaneously.

Accelerated Information Technology Degrees FAQ

Are accelerated IT degrees worth it?

Yes, an accelerated IT degree is worth it for aspiring IT professionals. The industry has an impressive career outlook and offers many career path options. Moreover, many technology occupations offer lucrative average salaries and opportunities for career growth.

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What does it mean when an information technology degree is accelerated?

An accelerated IT degree is a program that allows you to graduate faster than traditional degree students. For example, undergraduate students can graduate within three years instead of the stipulated four years, and associate degree students can graduate within 12 months.

How long does it take to complete an accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?

Typically, a bachelor’s degree takes four years, whereas an accelerated program will cut your program by a year or more, meaning you can complete the degree in under three years.

How can I accelerate my information technology degree?

Start by registering with the College Level Examination Program, and take exams in the courses of your choice. Passing these exams can earn you up to 30 college credits towards your degree. You can also shave off a whole semester by earning college credit for work or military experience under the Credit for Prior Learning program.

Alternatively, you can transfer existing college credits or stay enrolled year-round by taking the max course load of 18 credit hours, translating to 54 credits within 12 months. Lastly, you can pursue accelerated online classes from accredited universities.