What is a Career in IT?
A career in IT is a career in mastering the technology and information associated with a specific area such as software engineering, data science, or programming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information technology occupations are projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029–a figure much higher than the national average of job growth.
Beyond its impressive growth in the job market, the demand for specialized IT professionals has driven high levels of compensation in various career paths–such that the most commonly reported reason for leaving a job (74%) is to capitalize on an opportunity for higher pay. So with this in mind, a career in IT is a highly technical career filled with opportunity and reward.
Why Pursue a Bachelor’s in IT?
A career in IT provides opportunities for some of the most lucrative jobs in the economy. According to the BLS the median annual earnings of IT professionals was $88,240 as of May 2019, which more than doubles the national median annual wage of all occupations ($39,810). But when employers dish out such large salaries they want to higher the best.
For this reason, pursuing a career in IT will typically mean pursuing a specialized IT degree. While many other technical professions such as those in the medical field require advanced graduate degrees to unlock the most lucrative opportunities, many of the most lucrative IT jobs are offered to those holding only a bachelor’s degree (in the correct specialization).
RELATED: The 20 Best Masters in Cyber Security Online
For instance, computer network architects with a bachelor’s degree sport a median annual salary of a whopping $112,000. So with this in mind–whether you’re a recent high school graduate or a professional who is considering a career change, a bachelor’s degree is an excellent choice to efficiently jumpstart a career in information technology without sacrificing opportunity.
Ranking Methodology
Given the massive number of adult learners and working professionals who seek to earn bachelor’s degrees amidst demanding schedules, we have constructed this ranking to focus solely on programs that can be completed entirely online. These programs rank among the best programs available–both online and on-campus–however online programs represent the greatest accessibility and flexibility to the most number of students.
- Reputation
The overall clout of a University and the reputational value conferred to graduates of its IT degree programs.
- Number of Specializations
Being able to pursue your desired area of specialization in the field of IT is one of if not the most crucial element of evaluating the best program options.
- Graduation Rate
Given the time and investment involved in a Bachelor of IT degree, we have weighted programs where students see this investment more regularly come to fruition in graduating from the program.
Best Online Bachelor’s of IT
- Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) is among the largest institutions of higher education in the country. Having emerged out of a primarily hispanic community, it honors its origins by holding the title of one of the top providers of higher education to hispanic populations. With over 100 online degrees and 1,400 instructors who teach online courses, FIU Online is also one of the fastest growing online education programs.
Among its online degree offerings is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology consisting of 120 credits. Students of the program will cover all the foundational introductions to relevant areas of the industry, exploring topics of database development, operating systems, programming, software engineering, and more.
Beyond building this solid foundation students will be able to build specialization by choosing electives in their area of interest. Students can choose from electives in the following areas:
- System Administration
- Application Development
- Network Administration
- Database Administration
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- Arizona State University
When considering the most efficient and affordable inroad to a career in IT, choosing a career-focused program that prioritizes developing skills of most value to future employers. Arizona State University has built its reputation around filling such demands. By specifically building degree programs to meet industry demands graduates of ASU programs are uniquely suited to capitalize on job market opportunities.
ASU’s career-focused strategy is ideal for those looking to jumpstart an IT career. Specifically, ASU offers students a fully Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree consisting of 120 credit hours delivered through 40 classes. Students of the program can expect to cover the industry-relevant demands of technology-related operations and business. Coursework covers the following major areas:
- Programming language
- Cloud-based software
- Security
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- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota-Twin Cities has demonstrated a tremendous commitment to adult learners and students who wish to complete programs from a distance. UM Online offers fully online undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Throughout these programs UM Online displays a student-first philosophy where technical support, academic guidance, and various professional resources are readily available. This array of support ensures that students receive the same level of personalized attention while pursuing an online degree as they would on a traditional campus.
Among its online degree offerings is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management consisting of 120 credits. As implied in the name, this program distinguishes itself through a curriculum designed to prepare students to take on managerial roles upon entering the job market after graduation. The program accomplishes this by increasing the interdisciplinary focus of the program’s curriculum.
Students will build a strong foundation in core concepts, theories, and techniques within the context of considerations of business, finance, and marketing. This program is designed specifically so that students can take on positions such as these:
- Information network administrator
- Webmaster
- Systems engineer or analyst
- Applications developer
- Technology project manager
- Information systems manager
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- Monroe College
Monroe College is one of the smaller institutions on this list and offers only 20 online degree programs. Monroe leverages this smaller size however, in order to provide personalized care to each student. Online students have 24/7 access to academic support and learn under instructors who specialize in distance learning. Monroe also offers a jumpstart program where high school students can begin earning credits towards undergraduate programs by completing coursework on saturdays.
This student-first philosophy is on full display in Monroe’s Bachelor’s of Computer Networks and Cybersecurity that provides students with tremendous flexibility and can be completed online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format that combines the two. The program facilitates professional development through assisting in internship opportunities, and further prepares students to compete in the job market by offering the following professional certifications:
- A+
- Network+
- Security+
- CCNA
- Cloud+
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- New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a number of online degree programs through the College of Engineering. Specifically, students can earn a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology entirely online. Consisting of 120 credits, coursework will cover foundational concepts concerning the design, implementation, and management of technology and information.
As implied in the name of the program, students will cover these introductions to the subject with a focus on communications technology and conceptual issues related to it. This program is designed to prepare students for the next step in IT education or to enter the job market. Specifically, students will build proficiency in the following areas of study:
- Networking and Network Security
- Information Security
- Application and Operating Systems Software
- System Integration
- Database Design and Management
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- University of Wisconsin-Stout
The University of Wisconsin-Stout, or UW Stout, is a comprehensive polytechnic institution of higher education with an established reputation in providing career-focused degree programs in response to real-world demands in the job market. UW Stout provides a number of technical degrees where students will build both academic understanding and professional experience. Specifically students can build the latter through UW Stout’s impressive network of professional partnerships with big-name companies like Thomson Reuters, Sony, Target, and 3M.
This professional partnership provides a host of tremendous internship opportunities to IT students, specifically those enrolled in UW Stout’s fully online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information and Communication Technologies that is meant to facilitate the building of foundational knowledge and the cultivating of specialization. Students can tailor internship opportunities to match career goals and personal aspirations. Program curriculum covers the following areas:
- Business & Leadership Development
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Project Management
- Computer Networking
- Enterprise Systems
- Web Development
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- George Mason University
George Mason University (GMU) is a nationally recognized institution of academic excellence and innovation. GMU has grown tremendously over recent decades particularly in programs relating to technical science. This growth is largely due to its acclaimed research facilities and operations, a fact recognized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education who named GMU one of the country’s best and most productive research universities.
The GMU Volgenau School of Engineering offers a research and career focused Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely online in 120 credits of online coursework. Coursework covers a broad range of foundational concepts, theories, and technical skill-building. A wide-range of electives are available to provide the option for students to build expertise in specific areas.
Students of the program have access to digital academic advisors who help them navigate these decisions efficiently and effectively. Students can further build toward professional specialization by pursuing one of the following degree concentrations:
- Database Technology and Programming (DTP)
- Health Information Technology (HIT)
- Cyber Security (CYBR)
- Network and Telecommunications (NTEL)
- Web Development (WDEV)
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- Peirce College
Peirce College is a school with an established history of innovating in higher education to accommodate adult learners, which began as far back as 1865 when the school was founded to provide education to soldiers returning from the civil war. Today Peirce is the only college in Philadelphia dedicated exclusively to educating adults and providing opportunities for professional development. This makes it an excellent place for working professionals considering a career-jump into IT.
Peirce offers online IT degree programs at both the associate and bachelor’s level. Students will choose between two primary Bachelor’s degree tracks–a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management. Peirce has designed both programs to be flexible, so that students can pursue the coursework and projects that are most aligned with their goals and professional objectives.
The B.S. in IT offers two concentration paths: one in Networking, Administration and Network Security, and one in Programming and Application Development. Students in the technology management program will be able to personalize their coursework to match their desired industry or area of focus.
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- Old Dominion University
When considering the investment of an online IT degree it is important that students feel that the investment is well-placed. Old Dominion University alleviates any such concern by way of its 30 year history in providing distance education. Old Dominion University (ODU) Online leverages this experience and expertise in order to provide some of the most well-developed online degree programs on the market, a fact evidenced by the 98% satisfaction rate of alumni.
ODU Online offers a unique online IT program, specifically a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Information Systems and Technology. This degree is ideal for students who wish to break into the IT job market while maintaining a primary focus on business operations. Students of the program cover the foundational topics of IT in the context of finance, economics theory, and international business.
Students will build IT knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- software engineering
- systems analysis and design
- database management
- network engineering
- e-business
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- Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a non-profit, open access institution whose programs have produced more than 50,000 alumni around the world. Bellevue is a leader in providing career-focused education to distance students and adult learners. Of particular interest to prospective IT students is Bellevue’s proprietary education approach, Real Mastery, which ensures that programs are designed in such a way as to not only build understanding, but also build mastery and true comprehension.
In accordance with the Real Mastery program, Bellevue offers a fully online Bachelor of Science degree that focuses on building hands-on experience and mastering foundational concepts. Through this preparation students will be ready to complete the certifications for various certifications: Cisco, Microsoft, Linux, and CompTIA Security+.
Specifically, students of the program will build high-demand skills such as those in the following areas:
- Network management
- Configuring and troubleshooting
- Network security
- Cloud computing
- Server management
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- Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is one of the most well-known names in online education, having founded its distance education pursuits more than 125 years ago. Today Penn State World Campus offers more than 150 fully online degrees that are meant to jumpstart successful careers or prepare students for the next step in education. Penn State accomplishes this by providing students with degree the specialization options that will best prepare them to reach their unique career goals.
Penn State World Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely online. Students of the program will learn from faculty who have real world experience and design curriculum to prepare students to capitalize on industry needs and expectations of future employers. Students can build specialization in any of the follow degree concentrations:
- Information Systems: Design and Development
- Integration and Application
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- University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands is one of the largest and most affordable institutions of higher education in Kentucky. The University distinguishes itself through a clear commitment to servicing students of all backgrounds in obtaining efficient, flexible, and career-targeted education. In recent years the University of the Cumberlands has increased its online offerings.
Among these online degree offerings is a Bachelor of Information Technology with an underlying focus on cybersecurity elements. This program is recognized as a ‘National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense’ (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Graduates of the program will be prepared to seek employment in any of the following areas:
- Computer & Information Research
- Computer Network Architecture
- Computer Programming
- Support
- Systems Analysis
- Database Administration
- Software & Web Development
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- Georgia Southern University
Georgia Southern University (GSU) is quickly becoming one of the larger institutions of higher education in the southeast. What distinguishes them from other universities is GSU’s commitment to curriculums that employ the most up to date and career-relevant research. GSU’s egree programs are constantly changing and evolving as they respond to reflect the evolutions in industries and job markets.
The GSU College of Engineering and Computing offers a fully online Bachelor of Information Technology that is designed to meet the industry’s demand for technically skilled IT specialists in certain areas. Specifically, the program offers two degree concentrations to assists students in capitalizing on the opportunities available in the job market:
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
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- University of Denver
The University of Denver developed University College to accommodate busy students, adult learners, and working professionals who wish to pursue professional development amidst demanding work schedules. For this reason, University College emphasizes curriculum and teaching philosophies that prioritize career-relevant structures.
University College offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Information Technology that can be completed either online or in a hybrid format. Students of the program will cover core concepts and theories as well as practical skills such as programming, networking, and web development. Students are are able to build expertise in a desired area by choosing from the following ‘major courses’:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Systems Analysis and Design
- Programming and Data Structures
- Database Fundamentals
- Web Fundamentals
- Network and Internet Fundamentals
- Directed Research
- Civic Engagement
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- Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University provides a unique combination of a private liberal arts education with a large research infrastructure that’s most commonly associated with large public universities. Because of this structure, students can expect the care and personalized attention of a private university combined with the opportunities associated with public research universities–which is a win-win.
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology (CIT) that can be completed entirely online. One of the most notable features of this program is its flexibility. Students progress through coursework on their own schedules, moving as quickly or as slowly as needed. Though if students wish to move fast they can complete courses in as little as 7 weeks.
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- DePaul University
The Depaul University College of Computing and Digital Media consists of three separate schools: Cinematic Arts, Computing, and Design. In housing these schools in one college degree programs are able to incorporate an interdisciplinary flexibility, so that students can incorporate coursework from other programs in order to tailor their program to match personal interests and career goals.
The College of Computing and Digital Media offers a unique online IT degree that is designed specifically for transfer students who have completed 30 credit hours of an undergraduate education. Otherwise students can enroll in the standard online Bachelor of Information Technology program where students will master the foundational concepts, theories, and research needed to succeed in the field.
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- California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) is one of the largest Chrisitian institutions of higher learning in the southwest, and recently has brought its ethics-centered education to distance-learners around the country by means of online degree programs. CBU designs its online degree programs to foster a sense of leadership and standard of ethics conducive to the University’s religious mission, however students of all spiritual backgrounds–or lack thereof–are invited to apply.
CBU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology that is designed to position students to fill the most in-demand jobs in the market. As such students will complete coursework that builds skills such as building and managing internet applications, working with databases, as well as learning to navigate networking applications. Students will also learn how to program, specifically in the context of business administration and cybersecurity.
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- American Intercontinental University
American Intercontinental University (AIU) is nationally recognized for its innovative approach in accommodating adult learners and distance students. AIU designs its degree programs to be accessible by those with even the busiest of schedules. AIU’s online degree programs make use of mobile technology so that students can review course materials or participate in group projects anytime and anywhere–so long as they have their mobile device.
This is particularly helpful to busy professionals who wish to earn an IT degree amidst demanding work schedules. But of even more importance is the variety of degree paths on offer, specifically AIU offers five Bachelor of IT program options, which are designed to represent the five best entry points into the various job sectors of the industry that they represent, including a more generalized option for students who want to keep their options open. Specifically, students can earn any of the following degrees:
- Information Technology (BSIT): Concentration in Digital Investigations
- Information Technology (BSIT): Concentration in Information Assurance and Security
- Information Technology (BSIT): Concentration in Network Administration
- Information Technology (BSIT): Concentration in Software Analysis and Development
- Information Technology (BSIT): Generalist
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- American Public University
American Public University (APU) is quickly becoming one of the largest players in the online education market. Having grown its alumni network to over 100,000, APU looks to leverage this network as a professional resource for current and future students. 88% of APU’s students are working adults, so degree programs are designed to be highly efficient and highly relevant to current demands in the job market.
APU offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely online on a flex-schedule, so that students can complete coursework at a comfortable pace. Coursework covers the primary approaches to technical problem solving in the context of developing computer and web-based solutions, as well as covering relevant components of program management. Upon completing this program, students will be proficient in the following skills:
- Enterprise systems development
- Networking and computing
- Telecommunication
- Web development
- Internet frameworks
- Data security
- Information systems management
- Interactive media
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- Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago offered its first online degree program over 20 years ago, and has continued to expand its distance-learning programs ever since. These programs are meant to provide the professional and spiritual transformation characteristic of the Jesuit tradition. Many of its online programs offer an accelerated course format, which represents an excellent opportunity to make a career change quickly and affordably.
The Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology program offers courses in an 8-week accelerated format with coursework completed in the evenings and on the weekends, so that students can complete this program amidst full-time employment. The program also offers a Graduate Pathway, whereby students can begin to earn credits toward their M.A. in IT while completing their B.A.
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- University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) offers a host of online degree programs. These programs are designed with the most current research in mind, so that program graduates enter the job market prepared to address current challenges. Among these career-focused degrees is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT).
The program offers an accelerated Master’s path where students can simultaneously earn their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in less time than it would normally take. Students in the BSIT program will learn how to leverage computer technology to meet the needs of people, businesses, and society as a whole. If students wish to pursue a more specialized education there are a number of professional certificate programs as well as other Bachelor’s tracks:
- Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity (also online)
- Certificate of Database Management
- Web Development Certificate
- Software Development Certificate
- Foundations of Cybersecurity Certificate
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- University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell is one of the largest nonprofit universities in the northeast to offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies programs that can be completed on a flexible schedule. Specifically, UMass School of Graduate, Online, and Professional Studies offers an online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology that can be completed entirely online.
Students of the program will cover topics including: programming languages, information systems, database development, networking administration, and operating system management. Students can tailor the degree to match career goals by choosing from a robust selection of electives and concentrations.
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- Regent University
Regent University is one of the few institutions of higher education to offer online degree programs based on christian values and biblical principles. Regent’s degree programs offer students tremendous flexibility both in content and format–students are able to progress through coursework at a comfortable pace while choosing from an array of electives, research projects, and internships to build professional expertise.
Regent offers a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies in Information Technology, which uniquely positions students to take on managerial positions in the job market. Students of the program will learn the various elements of program management in the context of IT operations–specifically, learning how to lead multidisciplinary teams to solve problems relating to computer technology. Students can choose to personalize their degree in any of the following concentrations:
- Business
- Christian Ministry
- Criminal Justice
- Government & Public Policy
- Self-Designed
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- Colorado Technical University
Colorado Technical University (CTU) has committed to a vision of cultivating technical skills in professionals as the need for specialist professionals grows each year. This means it is an excellent place to earn an IT degree. Specifically students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, that employs a general approach to topics where students can personalize coursework to match career goals.
Adding even more flexibility is the asynchronous course format that allows students to complete coursework when and where best accommodates their daily lives. If students have completed work in a relevant field or have completed coursework in the past, a Fast Track option allows students to leverage experience as credits in the program.
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- Keiser University
Keiser University is a well-known name in higher education, particularly in industries of technology and business where its alumni have thrived. This is due to Keiser’s employment of industry-leading faculty who design program curriculum to match the evolving demands of the market. Keiser offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management that can be completed entirely online.
Students will cover coursework that cover the introductory principles of installing, managing, and troubleshooting computing technology. Faculty deliver this content in the context of real-world industry best practices, so that students know what the best in the business are doing. Keiser also emphasises career preparedness by facilitating research projects and internships, depending on the career goals of the student.
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Related Resources:
Which Degree Is Best for a Software Engineer?
What Is the Benefit of a Degree in Cybersecurity vs. Network Security?
What Degree Do I Need to Be an Information Technology Specialist?
For Further Reading:
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