Information Technology in California
California, the largest economy in the U.S. and the 20th largest in the world, leads in entertainment, technology, and agriculture. Hollywood dominates film and television, Silicon Valley drives high tech, and the Central Valley supplies food nationwide.
Computer information technology (CIT) professionals address a variety of computing needs, from programming and network management to hardware troubleshooting. While distinctions exist between computer science (CS) and IT, CIT programs often overlap with CS, offering skills in programming, networks, and hardware. CIT professionals typically troubleshoot issues, monitor networks, or manage databases. Some work in offices, others remotely or as consultants, either on-site or from afar.
Real estate is California’s top industry, driven by its valuable oceanfront properties, followed by business and professional services. Other leading sectors include manufacturing, information technology, and social services like education and healthcare. All these industries rely heavily on technology, especially Silicon Valley firms needing CIT professionals to manage networks, databases, and security, freeing engineers to focus on innovation. Even agriculture in the Central Valley increasingly depends on computerized equipment.
California ensures its companies and government agencies have skilled IT professionals by funding colleges and universities to attract top CIT faculty.
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Online Information Technology Education in California
California's colleges and universities are known for strong IT departments—fitting, as the internet was virtually born at UCLA. These departments continuously self-evaluate alongside regular accreditation reviews to ensure improvement. Faculty actively recruit top IT academics nationwide, focusing on specialties that strengthen their programs. For example, a school strong in networking and database management might seek to expand its programming courses.
To meet these goals, faculties seek not only top academics but also seasoned IT professionals with credentials to teach at the college level. Students value instructors who can connect textbook material to real-world applications, and with California's abundance of IT experts, colleges can readily find experienced professionals to enrich their programs.
Online Associates (AS)
An associate degree in computer information technology is an excellent starting point for a tech career, offering fundamental skills in networking, programming, databases, and server technologies. These two-year programs also include core college curriculum requirements, providing a well-rounded education.
California's community colleges are highly affordable, charging far less per credit hour than four-year institutions. This makes an associate degree a smart choice, even for those planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, as it significantly reduces overall costs.
For many, an associate degree paired with professional certifications is sufficient for a successful career. Graduates can secure entry-level positions and later specialize in areas like networking, programming, or databases through targeted certifications.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor’s degree in computer information technology is an excellent foundation for long-term success in IT and business, offering greater career opportunities and higher starting salaries than an associate degree.
Bachelor’s programs allow students to delve deeper into their studies, with upper-level courses that may involve designing entire networks or databases and exploring advanced technologies beyond the scope of associate programs. Additionally, many California bachelor’s programs include practicums or internships, providing valuable hands-on experience with top firms. This practical exposure enhances a graduate’s resume, making them stand out to hiring managers.
Online Masters (MS)
A master’s degree in computer information technology can elevate an IT career to the next level by allowing students to specialize deeply and collaborate on advanced projects with peers. Many of California's master’s IT degree programs offer flexible online options, making it easier for working professionals to earn their degree. Some programs are fully online, while others combine online and on-campus courses for added convenience. Another pathway is an MBA with an IT concentration, ideal for those aiming for management or executive roles. Intensive dual-MBA programs, combining a master’s in IT and an MBA, are also available for those seeking a fast-tracked, comprehensive education.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A doctorate degree is not a huge requirement for most IT degrees. However, given that master’s degrees are increasingly prevalent, a doctorate IT degree may give the holder a great edge in the employment marketplace. Students at this level will find a need to specialize with a hyper-focus on granular topics. This hyper specialization may be too much for many employers, but it can also open doors. After all, computer technology is always evolving, and those who have conducted deep and specific research can be of great use to an employer or client.
One specific area of IT that firms are hiring for is cyber security. Students who dive deep into cryptography or another InfoSec topic are sure to be in high demand. They can capitalize on their PhD by entering into a consultancy where they can help public and private concerns ward off black-hat hackers and maintain their systems.
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Become an Information Technologist in California
California students, especially those in tech hubs like the Bay Area or Los Angeles, often have a solid understanding of tech experts from an early age. There's a high demand for IT professionals across the state, but even in Silicon Valley, aspiring computer information technology professionals should explore all their options.
The journey to becoming an IT expert in California often begins with a love of computing, which can start in grade school. Students may use affordable online resources to dive into programming and game design. As they grow, they can experiment with IT topics through free resources or by creating in-home networks. High schools focused on STEM subjects, including computer science and IT, can also foster their interest.
When choosing a college, tech enthusiasts should find IT programs that match their interests. Those with a passion for networking, for example, should look for schools with a strong focus in that area. It's also crucial to choose a fully accredited institution. At a minimum, regional accreditation from a CHEA-approved agency is necessary, and most public universities in California meet this standard. However, programs accredited by ABET, a specialized STEM accreditation agency, are particularly valuable. Graduating from an ABET-accredited program ensures that a degree is recognized nationally and often globally. Additionally, some employers may offer better tuition reimbursement for ABET-approved degrees than for regionally accredited programs.
Potential Careers for IT Graduates
- Data Entry Keyers:
This is an entry-level position that is vital to the success of any firm. Data entry keyers must have excellent facility with the 10-key pad as well as a standard QWERTY keyboard. Most often, these workers spend their shifts entering large volumes of numerical and other data into a database. Employers are sure to test applicants for their speed and accuracy. - Graphic Designers:
Artistic careers have been overtaken with technology in the past few decades. Graphic designers need to have a great eye for design and have the technical acumen to bring their vision to life. While in the past they would design primarily for print production, now graphic designers need to ensure that their creations translate to both print and electronic media. - Special Effects Artists and Animators:
Nearly every movie these days is reliant on computer technology to deliver the stories we all love. Even dramas, which never used special effects in the past, now are able to have their aging actors perform even flashback scenes. CGI technology is able to approximate what they looked like in their youth so there’s no need for a second actor who may not really resemble the principal star. - Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary:
This field is surely in high demand. To succeed as a postsecondary computer science teacher, candidates need at least a master’s degree in CS. Some programs may want these instructors to also have some practical experience to help further inspire students. While a master’s degree is a minimum requirement to teach in colleges, a PhD is more likely to help a candidate land a full-time, tenure-track professorship in California's colleges and universities. - Data Scientists:
Experts in data science are in high demand within a number of industries. Public health, for instance, needs these top-level data crunchers to aggregate and model disease and other health-related information in order to project where and how an illness is spreading. Economists and financiers also need data science to model their data. - Web and Digital Interface Designers:
We may live in the information age, but people still want their information delivered in tasteful, stylish packages. Web and other digital designers focus on creating websites and software packages that are well laid out so that users can find the items they need with a minimum of fuss. It's vital to understand how and where data is being used because, these days, people are increasingly using software while they drive, jog, and shop in the market. - Information Security Analysts:
InfoSec analysts are in high demand. Black-hat hackers work around the clock to compromise all sorts of databases including those in hospitals, banks, and government agencies. Recently, a social media website was hacked and hundreds of thousands of users had their data compromise. InfoSec analysts work to thwart these criminals. They constantly evaluate and seek to upgrade their firm's systems so that security remains as strong as possible.
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