What is Information Technology (IT)?
A computer information technology professional is a technology expert who helps a company build, maintain, and grow its tech presence. CIT professionals may work on their databases, networks, or cyber security protocols. CIT experts tend to specialize their degrees and their careers around one of these tech areas. However, each degreed CIT professional will have a general knowledge of the tech outside of their immediate work. After all, most technology interacts in some way.
Most computer information technology professionals work in office buildings where they maintain regular hours. However, these days more and more CIT workers are operating from home since their work can be mostly done via a high-speed connection. Some may even work from locations such as coffeeshops or over other public networks, albeit while using a secured Virtual Private Network. There are even many IT professionals who work from very remote locations, such as Thailand or Mexico, where their dollars are more powerful.
Mississippi is a small, but important state that also happens to be very fun to spell. It’s also home to the nation's lowest cost of living and an economy that is largely based on agriculture. While most of its sectors rank in the high thirties nationwide, Mississippi is still home to many high tech, financial, and service-oriented businesses. In fact, Mississippi's top industrial sector is manufacturing. While this may be supported in large part by food manufacturing, many automakers and other industrial firms flock to Mississippi to enjoy their lenient tax structures and low labor costs. The sector, which ranks 33rd nationwide, generates $19 billion annually for the Mississippi economy.
The state's second strongest economic sector is real estate, which ranks 39th nationwide and generates $12 billion annually. Other top industries in Mississippi include educational services, healthcare, retail trade, professional services, and wholesale trade. Each of these economic forces ranks in the mid to high 30's nationwide, reflecting Mississippi's small size.
Online Information Technology (IT) Education in Mississippi
Though Mississippi's information technology sector doesn't rank in its top ten strongest industries, there’s still a strong demand for IT workers. For instance, the third strongest industrial sector - the super sector that includes educational services, healthcare, and social assistance - relies heavily on IT workers to conduct daily business. The state's finance and insurance businesses likewise need IT workers to maintain databases, secure networks, and build websites.
To help ensure that Mississippi's economy remains strong and growing, its legislators work hard to budget ample funds for the state's computer science programs. Thus, each of Mississippi's community colleges, state-funded four-year colleges, and esteemed universities offers students degrees in computer science or IT. In turn, each of Mississippi's CIT faculties take their budgeted allocation and work hard to bolster their CIT programs.
The best Information technology schools look for instructors and professors in the nation's top academic programs. They seek out PhD candidates to take their department's tenured positions. These professors are mainstays in any department, academic experts who can guide the program's curriculum and long-term trajectory. They are also looking for IT experts from the local economy. Mississippi IT experts who have a master’s computer information technology degree can teach undergraduates while offering practical insights into the state's economy.
Students looking for schools in Mississippi where they can complete a computer science program will have plenty of options. These options include Mississippi State University, Strayer University, the University of Southern Mississippi, etc. These schools in Mississippi, and others, offer computer science students a variety of educational environments, from a fairly large public school to small, private institutions. The best school for some information technology students might not be the best for another, so take your time researching your options.
Online Associates (AS)
Computer information technology is a field that doesn't have any hard and fast requirements for a degree. Many people have forged very successful careers with little or no formal academic training in the field. However, a two-year degree from a Mississippi community college is recommended.
Even those who have a deep understanding of information technology can benefit from an associate computer information technology degree. The curriculum will highlight the principles of IT and will provide a strong formal foundation that may fill in the gaps left behind from a do-it-yourself education. Furthermore, an associate degree program requires that students complete the core college curriculum in the form of general education courses that are required for nearly all bachelor’s degrees in the country. This will instill soft skills, such as communication, while providing a well-rounded foundation that will be very helpful in the corporate world. Not only do students graduate with half of their bachelor’s degree complete but they do so at a dramatic discount when compared to those who studied at a four-year institution.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A four-year bachelor’s computer information technology degree is probably the best foundation for long-term success in the IT field. This is because employers will recognize the hard work it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree. They will know that students with these credentials have taken deep dives into IT subjects and that they have also completed group projects where they have learned to work with others. Further, students will be able to fine tune their academic training to help them focus on their favorite part of the IT picture.
Bachelor’s degree students can focus their academic work with courses that complement their major. Some take courses in higher mathematics which helps to hone their analytical minds. They may also be able to satisfy their degree requirements with courses in technologies such as database technology, networking, hardware issues, or cyber security. Many IT programs will also support an internship where students can gain exposure to how their IT knowledge is applied in real-world scenarios.
Online Masters (MS)
A master’s computer information technology degree is often the key to big-time success. Employers often give workers a raise or promotion even before they complete their MS in computer information technology degree. When workers hone their skills and have academic credentials, their value increases tremendously.
Another popular option for IT experts is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Since every business relies on its information technology, this is a natural fit. MBA students start the degree with an immersion into general business concepts, at a master’s level. Then, their second year can concentrate on information technology. This way, IT experts can gain the business knowledge they need to rise through the ranks of management.
Students who have the ability to take three years off work may want to consider a dual MBA degree. These programs combine an MBA with a MS in information technology into an intensive course that takes around three years. This frees up the concentration portion of the MBA for subjects such as management, leadership, or more IT work.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in information technology can be a very valuable thing. While much of the business world doesn't place a high value on a doctorate, information technology can be an exception. This is because information technology is still evolving and becoming more and more complex all the time. The degree may lead to a raise or promotion in one's company, but it can also lead to a great new career path.
One option that many PhDs in information technology choose is consulting. This is a great choice because students can take their doctoral research and convert it into a career path. That is, if they wrote a thesis dealing with a hot topic, such as E-commerce or artificial intelligence, they can turn around and help firms that need consultations in these fields. Further, firms like to hire consultants with top credentials both from academia as well as from the business world.