Information technology continues to be a hot topic. After all, our lives now revolve around information, which we view on screens, store in databases, and is electronically delivered to us from far-flung points on the globe. The business world is intimately tied to IT, as is healthcare and many other industries. Thus, the job outlook for IT professionals is still growing with no end in sight. In fact, every day there are new specialties for IT gurus to pursue, and ever more technological advances to master and implement. Completing an online or traditional bachelor's in information technology degree program is one of the best ways to break into this field. Campus-based or online bachelor's degree programs will prepare students, even online learners, to succeed in a position such as a computer systems analyst, information security analyst, computer network architect, or computer support specialists. Students may take courses in any of the following subjects and end their bachelor's in information technology degree programs prepared to earn industry certifications or move into advanced courses in a master's degree.

  • Intro to Computer Science and Information Technology
  • Computer Systems
  • Operating Systems
  • Computer Networks Security
  • Information Security
  • Computer Programming Languages, such as Java Programming
  • Data Science
  • Database Development
  • Data Management
  • Project Management
  • Software Development
  • And More

PROS

An on-campus or online bachelor's in information technology degree program will prepare students for a long career as high-tech professionals. The positive aspects of these degree programs are nearly limitless, but one of the chief benefits of bachelor's degrees is that you could have an easy time finding your first job. You will rise above all other candidates who don't have a bachelor's degree in information technology and command a higher salary, too.

Bachelor's in information technology degree programs can also prepare you for most any certification offering technical knowledge and technical skills you might need for data management, web development, computer systems and computer networks security, project management, systems analysis, software development, computer programming, database management, or business and management. In fact, you can start your specialization while still in school, since the wide array of courses available in a four-year program will let you pick and choose the topics that appeal to you the most. A four-year degree program also provides the opportunity to take other useful courses such as business communications, project management, and accounting, which are also available through online programs.

CONS

A bachelor's program or bachelor of science degree certainly has lots of positive aspects attached to it, but there are also drawbacks. One drawback is that a four-year degree can be limiting. Most IT graduates emerge from school as generalists. That is, you will know a little bit about a wide range of subjects such as cyber security, networking, operating systems and computer systems, programming, or database management. This foundation is fantastic to build on, but you may still need more training to get into project management, software development, or administration positions.

Further, if you would like to rise into upper management, you will need to return to school for more IT training or an MBA, likely through online education. A graduate IT program will allow you to pursue the specialization that most appeals to you. You might also find that certain certifications require that you have a higher degree or coursework that your undergraduate information technology program didn't cover.

Featured Online Programs

Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in Information Technology Programs


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $63,141
    • Out-of-State:$63,141
  • Net Price: $35,827
  • Acceptance Rate: 7%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,013
  • Undergrad Students: 16,302
  • Graduate Students: 13,711
  • Grads Salary: $87,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Northeastern University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
2
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,570
    • Out-of-State:$35,396
  • Net Price: $17,240
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 17,153
  • Undergrad Students: 12,389
  • Graduate Students: 4,764
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Lowell
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,815
    • Out-of-State:$39,397
  • Net Price: $18,479
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 39,049
  • Undergrad Students: 27,014
  • Graduate Students: 12,035
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • George Mason University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State:$18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
5
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,748
    • Out-of-State:$20,408
  • Net Price: $9,189
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,487
  • Undergrad Students: 11,833
  • Graduate Students: 1,654
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • North Carolina A&T State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
6

Regis University

Score: 75.44

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,980
    • Out-of-State:$43,980
  • Net Price: $26,377
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,668
  • Undergrad Students: 2,398
  • Graduate Students: 2,270
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Regis University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,051
    • Out-of-State:$32,193
  • Net Price: $14,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 80,065
  • Undergrad Students: 65,492
  • Graduate Students: 14,573
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Arizona State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,130
    • Out-of-State:$34,338
  • Net Price: $19,889
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 31,304
  • Undergrad Students: 23,745
  • Graduate Students: 7,559
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Missouri-Columbia
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,896
    • Out-of-State:$33,751
  • Net Price: $16,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,403
  • Undergrad Students: 25,777
  • Graduate Students: 7,626
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,400
    • Out-of-State:$8,400
  • Net Price: $11,172
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,668
  • Undergrad Students: 39,206
  • Graduate Students: 9,462
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • American Public University System
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,570
    • Out-of-State:$30,582
  • Net Price: $20,149
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 41,155
  • Undergrad Students: 29,663
  • Graduate Students: 11,492
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Cincinnati
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
12

Drexel University

Score: 72.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $60,663
    • Out-of-State:$60,663
  • Net Price: $39,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,344
  • Undergrad Students: 14,021
  • Graduate Students: 8,323
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Drexel University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,240
    • Out-of-State:$41,240
  • Net Price: $12,281
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 876
  • Undergrad Students: 792
  • Graduate Students: 84
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Hallmark University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,687
    • Out-of-State:$35,592
  • Net Price: $17,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,911
  • Undergrad Students: 4,802
  • Graduate Students: 109
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
15

DePaul University

Score: 71.22

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,460
    • Out-of-State:$44,460
  • Net Price: $32,151
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 20,917
  • Undergrad Students: 14,134
  • Graduate Students: 6,783
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • DePaul University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
16
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,204
    • Out-of-State:$15,204
  • Net Price: $19,551
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,979
  • Undergrad Students: 8,210
  • Graduate Students: 5,769
  • Grads Salary: $94,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Penn State World Campus
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
17
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $31,168
    • Out-of-State:$31,168
  • Net Price: $21,755
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,603
  • Undergrad Students: 2,236
  • Graduate Students: 367
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,147
    • Out-of-State:$25,271
  • Net Price: $10,407
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,268
  • Undergrad Students: 11,591
  • Graduate Students: 2,677
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • New Mexico State University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
19

University of Minnesota-Crookston

Score: 70.66

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,120
    • Out-of-State:$13,120
  • Net Price: $12,894
  • Acceptance Rate: 57%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,303
  • Undergrad Students: 2,303
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • University of Minnesota-Crookston
20

Monroe College

Score: 70.5

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,922
    • Out-of-State:$17,922
  • Net Price: $9,157
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 7,011
  • Undergrad Students: 5,916
  • Graduate Students: 1,095
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • Monroe College
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,832
    • Out-of-State:$21,864
  • Net Price: $16,834
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,639
  • Undergrad Students: 13,032
  • Graduate Students: 8,607
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,627
    • Out-of-State:$16,419
  • Net Price: $5,465
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,198
  • Undergrad Students: 1,712
  • Graduate Students: 486
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Texas A&M University-Central Texas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,164
    • Out-of-State:$21,244
  • Net Price: $15,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 44,767
  • Undergrad Students: 33,023
  • Graduate Students: 11,744
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • University of North Texas
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,300
    • Out-of-State:$8,300
  • Net Price: $9,207
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 49%
  • Total Enrollment: 156,935
  • Undergrad Students: 112,807
  • Graduate Students: 44,128
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 42:1
  • Western Governors University
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $59,340
    • Out-of-State:$59,340
  • Net Price: $42,423
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%
  • Total Enrollment: 13,734
  • Undergrad Students: 6,151
  • Graduate Students: 7,583
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • University of Denver
View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Associates Vs. Bachelor’s


In the IT world, you can still build a strong career without a formal degree, whether an information technology degree or another related computer science field for in-person or online students. If you study hard and remain disciplined, you can attain certifications that employers value. For instance, many programmers and even software developers are self-taught journeymen who rely more on their portfolio than a degree.

However, an online bachelor's degree in information technology or a related IT degree will provide a well-rounded education that could help prospective students land management positions, and which will provide a foundation for graduate school or another degree completion program.

Certifications and associate information technology programs cannot help you enter graduate school and, later in your career, it may seem daunting to spend four years earning a bachelor's in information technology degree to then continue for a two-year graduate program. This is despite the fact that online programs make these options much more accessible; an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs can be found in schools all over the country, as well as other IT degree options in computing and information sciences.

What Information Technology Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?


  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology:
    Your Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology will likely include coursework that includes topics that aren't necessarily STEM related. That is, you might take courses that prepare you for your role in an organization such as business communications, management, or others.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology:
    A BS in IT is much like a BA, but it is likely to place more weight on STEM subjects. Where a BA might offer electives in communications or management, a BS might steer you towards accounting or statistics to round off an exclusively analytical approach.
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts in Information Technology:
    A BAA in IT is a great choice if you've been working in IT with a certification or other non-academic credentials. A BAA focuses on job prospects more than pure academics, but you can still pursue a graduate degree with a transcript that reflects a BAA.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology:
    A BAS is a four-year degree that will build on your non-academic IT experience and credentials to prepare you for career advancement. The focus of BAS degrees is workplace success more than academic achievement. Nevertheless, your BAS credits should qualify you to apply for graduate school later on.

Admission Requirements


If you want a bachelor's degree in IT, you will need a high school diploma or the equivalent, satisfactory SAT scores, and letters of recommendation. Your school may have additional requirements to enter their IT department for the major, such as certain coursework and a GPA of 2.5 or above. Admission requirements are the same for online and in-person programs.

Search Programs Offering Information Technology Majors

If your school's IT department is particularly competitive, you could pursue part-time jobs or internships that provide experience in the field. You could also take time during summer break to study for a certification in a related specialty area, such as programming or cybersecurity.

How long does it take to earn an online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?


A typical bachelor's degree in IT is designed to take four years. However, many, if not most, students are taking up to six years to complete their baccalaureate degrees. You can enroll in a fast-track IT bachelor's degree that might only take you 2-3 years to complete. If you are pursuing a degree, try to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure that you can graduate as quickly as possible. After all, your degree will serve you far better over the long-term than any short-term concerns.

To help you stay on track for a four-year graduation, you could limit your work to part-time and take a few online courses to help maintain a full-time course load. If taking full-time courses is too much, make sure you stay in school year-around and fill the summer with learning.

Additional Degree Coursework in Information Technology

Potential Careers in Information Technology with a Bachelor’s


  • Network Administrator:
    Every organization needs a network to facilitate file-sharing, distribute software, and otherwise connect the firm's systems. In this job, you will help build and maintain a network while also working with end users to create their network accounts. You may also be called to train others on how to best utilize the network.
    The average salary for this profession is $60,100.
  • Database Administrator:
    A business is only as good as its database. As an administrator, you will be in charge of maintaining that database, ensuring its safety, and providing permissions to various groups and individuals who need access.
    Since this position is so vital, employers pay an average salary of $74,000 per year.
  • Programmer:
    Computer programmers create and develop software packages to best ease the work of end users. They also work on fun things like video games and web applications.
    This highly technical field pays an average salary of $64,200 but, if your start-up goes public, your payday could be much larger.
  • Cyber Security Analyst:
    As we learn more and more about the threat posed by foreign and domestic hackers, this job gains value and importance. Cybersecurity professionals are experts in thwarting black-hat hackers with white-hat techniques.
    Since this role is so important these days, the average salary is high at $76,600.

Options to Advance


Once you have a bachelor's degree in information technology, you might discover that you need to bolster your credentials to take your career to the next level. One of the first steps you might take is to pursue specializations and career-focused certifications. For instance, you could achieve a certification in Cyber Security, Cisco Networks, or Linux, among other options.

There are many options for pursuing these certifications, most of which do not convey any academic credit. However, when you add verifiable, reputable credentials to your resume, your graduate school application will also be bolstered. You will also find that your pay and job opportunities increase.

Beyond training, you should also seek out workplace experiences that cater to your specific strengths and goals. While you are still in school, look for part-time jobs in tech support or IT, or pursue personal projects that implement your growing skill set. Even a small side business setting up websites can be a helpful addition to your resume.

sources:

Frequently Asked Questions


Is information technology a difficult major?

The answer to this question really depends on how skilled you are at technical thinking and whether or not computer logic is something you can easily understand. In other words, do you already have computer skills? When you hear someone explain how something in a computer works, does it make sense to you? Those who aren’t confused easily by computer science concepts will have the easiest time with this as a major. You are likely to also need to take several mathematics courses throughout an IT program, so if this is something that gives you trouble, then you might have a harder time than others in earning your major in information technology or computer science. Programming, logic, and mathematics are the subjects that tend to give students in this major the most trouble.

Can I complete an information technology major without higher level math?

While it’s true that every college or university creates their own curriculum for their programs, it is also true that mathematics is vital to the understanding of many information technology concepts. Thus, you are likely going to have to take at least a couple higher-level math courses in order to earn your degree in IT.

Search All Programs