The technology industry is growing at an incredible rate. Today, competition for high-paying information technology jobs is significant, but with a technology degree, you can stand out from other job seekers and secure a long-term position. Many people who earn an online technology degree work with some of the largest tech companies in the world or very promising startups.
While it’s true that not all tech jobs require you to have a degree, several high-paying ones demand you have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Below is our guide to the best online technology degrees for high-paying careers. This guide explores some of the more lucrative career options for people interested in tech and what colleges and universities provide the best degree and experience for those who want to break into the industry.
What is Information Technology
Information technology is the use of computer systems for recording, organizing, accessing, and collecting data. When it comes to technology, this is a very broad field and earning a degree within it opens several career paths to you.
As a professional in information technology, you choose how you utilize technology in your career. Some develop computer databases and networks; these people are known as architects. Other professionals work solely in administration. Some additional job titles commonly associated with IT degree holders include computer programming, systems analyst, web developer, and computer support specialist.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the median annual wage for information technology occupations is around $88,000. Information technology positions are also in high demand. It’s reported that the projected growth rate of positions in this field is 12 percent over the next 10 years. This growth rate is significantly higher than all other occupations.
Technology Degree Careers
With its incredible growth rate, high-paying career options, and longevity, it’s possible to find a fulfilling career in information technology. IT positions range from web design to work as a database administrator. Below is our guide to some of the highest-paying jobs you can have with a technology degree.
Web Developer
Web developers create and design websites. There are three types of web developers. A front end web developer is tasked with creating and designing the visual aspects of the website. From the layout to the images and even interactable buttons, front end web developers take care of it all.
On the other hand, backend web developers deal with the aspects of a website that aren’t seen. From managing and safely collecting data to dealing with servers, backend developers help make sure that a website runs smoothly.
Finally, there are full stack developers. Full stack developers handle both front end and backend web development duties. The median salary for a web developer is $73,760. It’s possible to work as one with an associate degree in information technology.
Software Developer
A software developer creates applications and systems. These creations run on computer systems or other devices. From the programs that you use every day to the mobile applications that you download on your phone, many of them are created, tested, and designed by software developers. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to become a software developer and the median salary is around $107,510 per year.
Information Security Analyst
An information security analyst has the important task of planning and executing security measures. These security measures are designed to protect the computer systems and networks of organizations.
The work of an information security analyst protects countless people’s data, information, and sometimes can save a company from being destroyed virtually. This position requires a bachelor’s degree. The median salary is $99,730 a year.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
A computer and information research scientist designs and invents new ways people can utilize existing and new technology. This is an advanced field that requires a master’s degree. It has a median salary of $122,840.
Computer Programmer
A computer programmer writes and tests to code to make computer programs and applications run properly. This is an intense position that requires a strong understanding of at least one programming language.
Every form of software you use on a computer or mobile device requires some form of programming to function. You can be a part of this growing field with a bachelor’s degree. The median salary is $86,550 per year.
Computer Network Architect
A computer network architect designs and builds communication networks. This includes wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and Intranets. This position requires a bachelor’s degree. The median salary is $112,690 per year.
These are only some of the positions available to you with a degree in information technology. With a bachelor’s degree, you have the potential to earn a lot as a developer or programmer. Those who hold a master’s degree have the opportunity to earn well over $100,000 if they specialize in a particular field.
Best Schools for an Online Technology Degree
Having the right degree is important when looking for a career in information technology. What’s equally important is where you get it from. The right university puts you in a position to take advantage of your degree and find new career opportunities.
Colleges have reputations, and finding a good college that is known for having students go on to find success in their field is a good first step toward earning your degree. With several dozen colleges offering online technology degree programs, it can be difficult to find which one is right for you.
Below is our guide to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States that offer online technology degree programs so you can find success in the tech industry.
Washington State University
Washington State University has a variety of online programs, including an online bachelor’s degree program in business administration with a concentration in information systems management. The program is 120-credit hours.
Students take courses in systems analysis and design, intermediate business programming, data management, and enterprise business development. During the program, students must also take a six-credit international experience course to prepare for their careers on a global level. The international experience requirement can be met through studying abroad, international internships, or other coursework that meets the requirement.
The university gives students access to a wide array of services, such as academic advising, career services support, disability accommodations, and online library services.
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers an online BA in Information Technology. This 120-credit hour program consists of courses that cover topics like human-computer interfacing, principles of systems programming, introduction to computer security, and enterprise systems architecture, analysis, and design.
Students in the program must earn a 2.5 GPA or higher to graduate. The degree program has several concentrations for student’s interests. These concentrations include technical communications and management, security networking, and information systems.
Students online have access to financial aid through work-study programs, grants, and scholarships. Residents in Oklahoma and Texas receive a discount on their tuition.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
University of South Florida
The University of South Florida has over 50,000 students in its on-campus and online programs. Among its online programs is a Bachelor of Science in Informational Technology. This program explores various topics, such as network architecture, human-computer interactions, programming, and cybersecurity.
The program is 120-credit hours long, and it is hybrid, which means that it’s partially online and on-campus. The program requires students to take general education courses and electives along with meeting their major requirements.
Some of the courses related to the major include advanced program design for IT, data structures and algorithms for information technology, system administration and maintenance, and foundations of cybersecurity. Students are also encouraged to take part in internships during their third summer.
The program culminates in a senior project that combines degree knowledge with practical skills. Graduates are capable of pursuing careers in government, healthcare, education, and business.
University of Denver
The University of Denver offers a fully online and hybrid program where students earn their Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology. This bachelor’s degree program includes general education courses, major courses, and electives. Some of the courses related to the program include ethical decision-making, leadership, and organizational behavior.
Throughout the program, students learn about computer programming, network and internet fundamentals, systems analysis and design, and data structures. The degree program culminates in an integrative design project.
The program lasts 10 weeks and it follows an asynchronous format, which allows students to meet their professional obligations while pursuing higher education. Graduates have the potential to work in human resources administration, as entrepreneurs, and project managers.
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University offers an online BS in Computer Information Systems. This 120-credit hour program consists of eight-week courses. In class, students go over topics like discrete methods and models, analytics and visualizations, systems analysis and design, and data-driven decision making. In addition to traditional coursework, students finish their program with a capstone project.
Acceptance into Saint Louis University’s computer information systems program is no easy task. You must have three years of work experience, be 22-years-old, and have a 2.5 GPA at minimum. Applicants must also take part in an interview with the university’s academic coach. Veterans and active-duty military individuals receive a discount on their tuition.
George Mason University
George Mason University is a public research institution with over 35,000 students each year. The university offers an online bachelor of information technology degree program. This program is 120-credit hours long and takes four years of full-time studying to complete.
The university offers five concentrations for students in the program. These concentrations allow learners to specialize their learning experience and connect them to their interests and career goals. The concentrations are health information technology, cybersecurity, network and telecommunications, web development, and database technology, and programming.
No matter the chosen concentration, students take the same 33 credit core courses in topics related to information technology. Courses students participate in include operating systems fundamentals, multimedia and web design, data communications and networking principles, and IT in the global economy.
In addition to coursework, students must also complete a capstone project over the course of two semesters. These projects represent what a student has learned and the skills they’ve acquired throughout the program.
Virginia residents receive a discount on tuition.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati has one of the most highly-received online BS in Information Technology programs in the country. The program uses an asynchronous format, which allows students to meet their personal and professional obligations while taking part in it.
This program is 120-credit hours long. Core topics include database management, fundamentals of web development, implications of information technology, and computer programming. Students specialize their degree towards their interest by choosing from the various concentrations in the program. These concentrations are networking, game development and simulation, cybersecurity, and software application development.
All students learn how to implement and manage organizational databases, communicate effectively with peers and stakeholders, and how to apply modern coding standards and industry best practices.
Conclusion
Information technology is a growing field and the demand for it continues to rise. With several career opportunities in software development, web design, and more all possible, earning your online technology degree is a significant investment. The skills you gain in multiple fields can be applied to any number of careers. You can even work as an entrepreneur.
Some of the largest technology companies in the world are looking for people with a technology degree. By taking part in an online program, you’re allowed to complete your degree program while still meeting your professional obligations. You also avoid the costly fees associated with living on a college campus or commuting.
If you have a passion for technology and want to transition into a new career field, take the first step towards success and earn your technology degree online today.
Want to learn more about technology careers and how to get a better job? We can help. Download the Career Karma app today to get started.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
