It's difficult to name a single industry that hasn't been transformed by computing. The age of big data has delivered exciting innovations, but it's also made modern businesses heavily reliant on networked technologies. As a result, information technology (IT) has become one of computer science's most critical fields.
If you're looking for a reliable path to an IT career, an information technology degree is a great place to start. This degree guide profiles IT degrees and provides a ranked list of top online bachelor's programs.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's in IT Programs 2024
What Is an Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor's degree in information technology is a four-year program that prepares you for in-demand, high-paying tech careers, such as software developer and information security analyst.
During an IT bachelor's program, you'll learn how to protect sensitive data, manage networks, and develop applications and websites.
Coursework blends advanced math and science with fundamental information technology knowledge, including programming languages and network security. You also learn web design, project management, and technology ethics.
Some courses feature a lab component, and many programs require an internship or capstone course. Common courses include:
Information technology project management
Human-computer interaction
Networking essentials
Web design and development
Cybersecurity
Information Technology Degree Cost
The cost of a bachelor's degree varies depending on the school. In general, public institutions charge lower tuition rates than private schools. An online format can also cost less. Some online colleges offer tuition discounts for fully online learners.
At the very least, online students are often exempt from campus-based fees, like athletics fees or parking passes
In addition to tuition costs, consider fees, textbooks, and other expenses. And make sure to research your financial aid options to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
Admission Requirements for an IT Program
Admission requirements vary by school, but they typically include:
A high school diploma or GED certificate
Minimum high school GPA in the 2.75 range
AP or college credits in pre-calculus, calculus, or other advanced mathematics
SAT or ACT test scores may be required or optional
Some schools have open admissions policies, while others are competitive and more selective. Elevated admission standards can benefit you, though: Employers tend to hold such colleges in high regard.
Reasons to Get Your Information Technology Degree Online
Complete your bachelor's degree from any location.
Balance school and work while earning your IT degree online.
Compare online programs to find an option that matches your career interests.
Choose an IT program that fits your budget and offers financial aid to online learners.
Information Technology Degree Concentrations
Data Analytics: This concentration prepares students to work with large amounts of data, primarily analyzing and extracting meaning from data sets. Graduates can use data to inform project-related and operational decision-making.
Information Security: Students in this concentration gain expertise in identifying and preventing cybersecurity breaches. They also implement security best practices and ensure that their companies adhere to IT standards.
IT Management: Many graduates with this concentration seek employment as chief information officers who manage IT budgets, network security compliance, and IT strategies, ensuring that everything aligns with the organization's strategic plan.
Smart Technology: Smart technology refers to devices and systems that interact with and respond to human commands and behaviors. Smart technology professionals often design automated equipment that adapts through machine learning and carries out self-upgrades.
Web Design and Application: This specialization prepares graduates to design and build websites. Some web designers also monitor and find ways to increase traffic to websites.
What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor's in information technology degree can help you qualify for entry-level roles in multiple computer science subfields. Common examples include:
Network administration
Database administration
Cybersecurity and information security
Software development
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports strong job growth projections for many IT-related career paths over the next decade, with information security and software development among the fastest-growing.
With additional experience and/or a graduate degree, you can qualify for well-paid senior roles in these and other computer science specializations.
Information technology degrees also have high cross-industry relevance, giving IT professionals access to a diversity of career choices and employment settings, such as healthcare administration.
Below are some of the roles you can step into with an information technology degree. Some duties may overlap, but salary and job outlook vary.
IT Technician
Median salary (2023): $59,920 | Job outlook (2023-33): +6%
Job duties:
Testing and troubleshooting computing networks
Performing preventative network maintenance
Resolving networking, internet connectivity, and data management issues
Infosec Analyst
Median salary (2023): $120,360 | Job outlook (2023-33): +33%
Job duties:
Assisting the development of organizational IT security policies
Testing, maintaining, and upgrading security tools and technologies
Analyzing the performance of security solutions
Monitoring activity to ensure compliance with internal policies
Systems Analyst
Median salary (2023): $103,800 | Job outlook (2023-33): +11%
Job duties:
Researching technologies and solutions that meet organizational needs
Enhancing the capabilities of existing tools and systems
Configuring upgrades and new technologies
Training users in the use of computing technologies
Network Engineer
Median salary (2023): $95,360 | Job outlook (2023-33): -3%
Job duties:
Designing and implementing computer network infrastructure
Configuring networks and monitoring their performance
Troubleshooting network issues
Liaising with senior managers and executives to align network capabilities with broader business goals
Database Administrator
Median salary (2023): $101,510 | Job outlook (2023-33): +9%
Job duties:
Designing, building, updating, and maintaining digital databases
Managing the security of stored information
Creating data backups and data restoration strategies
Managing user permissions and monitoring database usage
Not Sure About IT? Check Out Related Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Information Technology Degrees
An information technology degree can be a great investment, as many IT careers that require a bachelor's degree have median salaries in the six figures.
Start by calculating the return on investment. Compare the cost of the degree with its earning potential. Research information technology salary data, including salaries in your area and for your desired career path.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed January 30, 2024.
