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What is Information Technology?

Information technology refers to the area of employment and study that deals with the transfer of information across internal and external systems, the security of such information, and its storage. Individuals in this field are tasked with ensuring that networks remain functional, stress free, and are able to perform the functions required by the individual, business, corporation or organization. The technical prowess necessary to setup and maintain large networks can be extremely high, requiring an in depth understanding of the various facets of such systems to ensure continued proper usage, safety, security and more. As an industry, information technology is constantly changing, growing and expanding, with new technologies constantly being developed that require the need for implementation and explanation.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$79,700

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

54.10%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

382,600

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Information Technology Degree

Columbia University is an Ivy League institution located in the City of New York that enrolls more than 30,000 students every year. It was established as a royal institution 266 years ago and became a private research university in 1776.  Columbia University also provides an information technology management program wherein students who are interested to learn more about information technology and the related field can earn a master’s degree. It is a full-time program that helps students have the tactical skills necessary to enhance the performance of an organization through technology. In addition, students will also learn to develop communication and management skills while accelerating or implementing new technology.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Cornell University, in Ithaca, New York, has been providing high-quality education to enhance the quality of life in cities, nations, and around the world for over a century. In 1865, the university began as a private institution with a mission to serve the public community.  The College of Engineering offers a degree program in information science, systems, and technology. The program concentrates on allowing students to study the organization, representation, analysis, application, and creation of information in digital form. Students will take classes in statistics, economics, computer science, research modeling techniques, and other courses related to information technology and systems. The program also allows students to participate in scholarships, financial aid, and other student services. 

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Virginia, which is based in Charlottesville, has been serving local and international students since 1819. The university was established by Thomas Jefferson with the goal of educating leaders and furthering human knowledge.   Individuals who wish to continue their undergraduate and master’s degrees can enroll in the University of Virginia’s management of information technology program. Students will be guided and taught by experienced professionals who will provide courses and training in strategic business decision-making and technology development to help organizations increase productivity, competitiveness, and profitability. The program can be completed within a year and the scheduled classes are tailored for working professionals. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Carnegie Mellon University's interdisciplinary programs in economics, engineering, politics, the arts, humanities, industry, and science are among the best in the nation.  It has a 140-acre campus in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which can accommodate up to 15,000 students each year.

Carnegie Mellon University's Information Technology degree program provides students with data-driven management strategies, key communication methods, and technical expertise through its diverse courses. Students will address the challenges of information technology and how it affects organizations for digital transformation. The program also expands students' skills, ideas, and networks to help them increase career opportunities in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The United States Military Academy was established in 1802 and places a premium value on honor, duty, and patriotism. It is located on a 16,000-acre campus in West Point, New York, and annually serves over 4,000 students. 

Information technology is one of the programs developed by the college to meet the growing needs of individuals who can integrate and configure existing and new systems to meet the operational needs of the organization. Students will learn web development courses, security courses, programming, applications, and computer architecture. In addition, students will participate in a 9-month project to serve real clients in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Since 1831, New York University, or NYU, has been offering higher education services that help people develop their skills to help them become passionate and responsible leaders of the industry. The university also supports local identity and a global perspective.

NYU has developed a program focusing on the management of information echnology wherein college graduates can further their knowledge in the field of technology and business. The program also offers convenience for professional students by giving them the chance to take classes online or on-campus depending on their preferences. Global innovation, organizational behavior, financial analysis for technology managers, operations management, marketing, and management of information technology are some of the courses or topics that are tackled throughout the program. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Richmond is eager to help students achieve their goals while also having a significant impact on the world. It was founded in 1830 and currently serves over 3,000 students each year.  The aim of the university’s Information technology degree program is to provide a strong liberal arts education for students to empower their skills in the latest technologies that are needed for a successful career in the industry. Students of this program will learn a bachelor’s degree upon completing all the program requirements and will be prepared to continue their education in graduate or professional schools. The areas of study of the program emphasize the related topics in information technology management while also including courses in history, natural sciences, literature, cultural studies, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

28.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Lehigh University is a private university in the town of Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It provides students with resources and challenges their entrepreneurial mentality in order to assist them in adapting to the global industry.  With the help of the university’s college of business, it provides a business information system major program that provides students with learning opportunities about the application of information technology and business processes. Students will learn how to improve the performance of the business and to effectively support its strategic plans through the use of technology and data analysis. Upon completion, graduates of this program can be employed as information consultants and analysts of business, data, and systems. 

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The mission of the University of Maryland is to educate and advance the knowledge of its students through excellence in science, service, and teaching. It is part of the University of Maryland system and was established in 1856.  The university offers online degree and certificate programs in information technology and computer science. Students in this course will have various opportunities to work in network security, digital media, information technology, data analysis, software development, and network operations. Students will learn from industry experts who are committed to developing the problem-solving, operational, and technical skills required for professional development. 

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Stevens Institute of Technology was established in 1870 and serves more than 6,000 students on a 55-acre campus in Hoboken, New Jersey. It is a private research institution that offers outstanding academic programs in engineering and technology. 

The institution offers an information systems program wherein students will be introduced to the constantly improving technology in the information systems landscape. The program provides flexible schedules by offering online and on-campus classes for its students. With the guidance of professors who have years of experience in the field, students will learn about data management, digital innovation, financial decision making, information technology strategy, and more. 

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The mission of Bentley College is to change the world through its transformative business, arts, and science education that prepares students to become ethical leaders. Located in Massachusetts, the college was established in 1917, and today, it serves more than 5,000 students each year.   The graduate school of business offers a program that concentrates on computer information technology and computer systems.  Students will learn about information technologies and become knowledgeable in managerial skills, emerging competencies, and a strong business foundation. Graduates of this program will have an opportunity to become systems analysts, application developers, systems integrators, end-user support specialists, and business analysts.

Acceptance Rate

46.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Florida State University is known for providing outstanding education and research programs to more than 40,000 students worldwide. It was established in 1851 and is known for its student-centric environment.  The School of Communication and Information Technology provides information technology courses, focusing on information quality assurance, information system management, user experience design, data management, and information system structure. The program also enables students to gain the essential skills and knowledge that are needed in the field. Students will earn a master’s degree upon completing the program requirements and will be able to achieve a successful career in the field. 

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Santa Clara University, which is located in Silicon Valley, is dedicated to encouraging students' creativity, innovation, community involvement, and entrepreneurial mindset. It provides a wide range of services, from renewable energy engineering to market analysis.  Through the computer information systems and analytics department at SCU, it offers a Management Information Systems program that focuses on the exploration of analytical decision-making and the use of computer information systems. Students will also be taught about database management systems, programming, computer communication systems, software development, social media analytics, and web programming among others. The program also allows students to participate in internships and projects to help them develop skills in using software programs and business applications. 

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is located in Troy, New York that serves 8,000 students on its 265-acre campus yearly. It was established in 1824 with the aim to help students address the global challenges of today’s society.  The Department of Information Technology and Web Science offers graduate and undergraduate programs including a bachelor’s degree in information technology. It has a total of 130 academic hours, focusing on communication, management information systems, and other concentrated areas such as art, psychology, medicine, etc. After completing the course, students will be able to practice methods in network science development and information technology.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The aim of Worcester Polytechnic Institute is to provide education that is important to today's industry. It was founded in 1865 to assist the people of Worcester, Massachusetts, in learning about science, engineering, and many more.  Individuals who graduated from undergraduate studies can enroll in a master’s degree in information technology to learn about advanced education focusing on business analytics, comprehensive management principles, and information technology. The institution also provides excellent academic resources to help students prepare for leadership and successful careers. Through this program, students will also get the opportunity to create business opportunities, combining tools and applications in business and technology. 

Acceptance Rate

49.37

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Texas Christian University is a private institution for men and women in the community of Fort Worth and beyond. For more than 150 years, it aims to be the best place to develop a person's character to help enhance their professional and educational growth.  Students who want to be immersed in the rapidly changing world of information technology can enroll in the computer information technology program offered by the university. Students will be taught about network administration, interface fundamentals, computer network security, data structures, advanced system administration, and the current web technologies. Upon completing the program curriculum, internships, and projects, students will earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Since 1845, Baylor University has provided a vibrant campus environment that welcomes students from all over the state. It houses nearly 20,000 students each year who are enrolled in the university’s excellent academic programs and research.  The Information Technology and Business Analytics Department offered by Baylor University provides a blending learning in technology and business. Students can take an undergraduate course in Information Systems, which provides students with management and technical knowledge about business analysis, information technology, corporate innovation, application development, etc. After completing the program, students can obtain a master’s degree. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Marist College is an independent institution of liberal arts located in Poughkeepsie, New York. Its mission is to develop the character, skills, and intellect of students that are required for ethical, enlightened, and productive lives in the local and global community.  The Department of Information Technology at Marist College is committed to providing students with support for technical studies, scholarships, and other academic programs. It has a program in Information Systems wherein students will design, analyze, and develop cutting-edge information systems through the combination of managerial and technical courses and training. Students will have an understanding of business analysis, information systems, computer networks, management and security. 

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

With its talented students and expert professors, the University of Connecticut is a top-ranked institution designed to inspire the global community. Its staff, students, and faculty are dedicated to using research and technology to learn more about today's rapidly changing society.  Students who are interested to become information technology specialists can enroll in the University of Connecticut’s business analytics and project management program. It has 37 credit hours wherein students will obtain a master’s degree after passing all the courses in the curriculum. Throughout the program, students will experience transformative learning while having flexible classes scheduled. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of Washington in Seattle is unwavering in its belief that it will be able to educate over 50,000 students per year. The university first opened its doors in 1861, and it has stayed true to its goal of encouraging, disseminating, and preserving information ever since.   The University of Washington offers a degree in information technolgoy, where students will learn about emerging trends in information technology and the diversification of information systems. With the help of experienced professionals, students will also gain real-world experience by participating in internships, seminars, and training programs. The university also provides various financial aid and scholarships for eligible students. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The College of the Ozarks has a mission to provide excellent education to young people, as well as a goal to create citizens who are Christ-like. It gives students opportunities and prepares them for the future by allowing them to become well-educated, compassionate, and hardworking individuals.  The college provides a computer science program for students who are interested in earning a major in information technology. The courses of the program teach students to solve various types of problems, design new operational or business systems, analyze data communications, and study the impact of society on technology. Students are also allowed to take a minor in computer information science. 

Acceptance Rate

10.26

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

San Diego State University is the city's oldest higher educational institution, having been established in 1897. The university attracts 36,000 students each year as a result of its status as a pioneer in public science, providing them with opportunities to engage in educational courses and training.

San Diego State University has a graduate school that provides a master’s degree in management information technology. The program improves the skills of the students to help them understand and deepen their knowledge in the variety of roles and responsibilities of information technology in organizations. Students will also be taught about the development, deployment, and specifications of information-related capabilities. 

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

The University of South Florida, known as the country's fastest-growing institution, offers more than 200 certificates, majors, and specialization degree programs in technology, education, the arts, and economics. It was established in 1956 and now has over 16,000 faculty and staff employees.

Information technology is one of the graduate programs offered by the University of South Florida. Students are required to complete a total of 30-credit hour non-thesis curriculum before earning a master’s degree in the field. Throughout the program, students will gain problem-solving skills related to information technology that is essential to achieve organizational and business goals. Database systems, software engineering concepts, and programming fundamentals are some of the courses in the program. 

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The University of Tulsa provides opportunities for students to develop their critical, verbal, and written skills that are necessary for today’s workplace. It also aims to develop the students’ character to help them become committed to humanity and free inquiry.

Individuals who are interested to gain knowledge in various topics such as project management, information security, business development, telecommunication protocols, and database systems among others can enroll in the university’s Computer Information Technology. During the program, students will also learn teamwork skills and valuable collaboration. Graduates of this program will have an opportunity to work in various fields such as finance, technology, and health care. 

Acceptance Rate

35.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Clark University was founded in 1887 and serves more than 3,000 students on its campus in Worcester, Massachusetts. It offers more than 50 graduate and undergraduate degrees that aim to help students change the world.

The university offers an online and on-campus program that focuses on information technology with the aim to prepare students to become a leader in the industry. Students will also study various aspects of data management and cybersecurity as well as topics in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. The program will also teach students to understand to balance the financial, business, and ethical goals in relation to information technology.

Acceptance Rate

52.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Educational Requirements in IT

A degree in information technology prepares individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to establish and maintain network and information systems. Students will study various subjects relating to computers, learning how they connect with one another and the protocols used to secure such connections. As with most technology based degrees, a foundation of mathematics and science will be established through various courses. Degrees are available from the associate level onward, with most jobs requiring a bachelor's degree to be considered.

A curriculum in information technology may include:

  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Computer Programming
  • Calculus
  • Database Management
  • Systems Organization Theory

In addition, individuals pursuing education in this field should consider continuing education courses regularly to familiarize themselves with changes in the field and to better understand burgeoning technologies. Such education may also be available from software and hardware vendors who seek to illuminate information technology specialists to the advantages of their products.

Top Information Technology Degrees

The information technology degree programs are offered from both onsite and online accredited colleges and universities and range from associate degrees up through doctorate degree programs.   Each type of program has its nuances and emphasis in information technology along with time and resource commitments.  Below you will find an overview of each type of program.

Associate Degree in Information Technology

An associate’s degree in information technology (ADIT) are two-year programs or about 60 credit hours constructed to help students understand foundational elements of information technology and computer information systems.  The associate degree program will incorporate general education courses such as English composition, communications, and philosophy coupled with technology core curriculum to help students think differently about the world around them.  The core courses in information technology for associate degrees may include a combination of 100, 200, and 300 level courses in:

  • Management Principles
  • System Analysis and Design
  • Business Law
  • Application Programming
  • Web Architecture and Programming
  • Business Data Communication Systems
  • Information Sciences and Systems
  • Database Management
  • Macroeconomics
Bachelor Degree in Information Technology

A bachelor’s degree track in information technology will go deeper and broader than the certificate and associate degree programs by design.  Students will be in a bachelor’s degree program for around four years with about 120 credit hours required in many programs.  Bachelor degree tracks may include the option to specialize or generalize in information technology.  A general degree covers more topics in a broad sense while specializations go deeper into specific topics within that discipline.  Examples of degree specialization within information technology may include application development, database management, data networking, gaming design, network security, web programming, and mobile programming.   A sample of classes required for a Data Networking and Security degree in information technology include 200, 300, and 400 level classes like:

  • Computing Sciences
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Business Data Communication
  • Information Technology
  • Network Security
  • Information Security Planning
  • Integrated Programming and Technology
  • Enterprise Systems
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Security
  • System Administration
  • Database Management Systems
  • Web Programming & Architecture
  • Information Security Hardware and Software
Master Degree in Information Technology

A master’s degree in information technology offer the ability to allow students to specialize in any number of emerging IT fields like internet marketing, web architecture, e-commerce, system administration, cybersecurity, network design, and software design.  The above specialty areas of study will provide students with a number of 500 and 600 level core information technology classes like software development, computer security, data mining, database design, software engineering, and systems analysis.  In a master’s degree program, students will explore emerging technologies while developing deep, integrative problem solving skills to help meet the ever-evolving demands of today’s marketplace.  These graduate level college degree programs will take two to three years beyond a bachelor’s degree depending on the number of credits taken at any given time.

Doctorate Degree in Information Technology

The doctorate degree track in information technology is an additional three years of study from a master’s degree program and around 100 credit hours for most accredited colleges and universities.  Most students will pass through a year of foundational courses followed by in-depth knowledge in an area of specialty followed by a year of professional advancement including research and dissertation requirements.  Upper level courses in this information technology terminal degree program may include:

  • Business Intelligence
  • Innovation and Design
  • Strategy Management
  • Managing EIS
  • Enterprise Management
  • Governance and Ethics
  • Principles of Research Methods and Design
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • Enterprise Tools and Processes
What is the Difference Between Information Technology, Computer Science, and Computer Information Systems?

Information technology – As a subset of ICT, information technology is the proper application and utilization of computers to transmit, shape, store, and retrieve data  within the constructs of a business need or enterprise demand.  The parameters of information technology include software, hardware, operating systems, databases, storage devices, servers, applications, and devices.

Computer science is a discipline involving both information and computation.  A computer scientist will provide granular solutions to effectively solve issues through coding and have an intimate understanding of operating systems.   In other words, a computer science major asks how a problem or issue can be resolved programmatically.  On the other hand, computer information systems professionals ask what type of technology needs to be utilized to solve a business problem or how to best resolve a business impediment with technology.  Given the nature of CIS and emphasis on technology to solve business critical issues, as such these professionals are tasked with different responsibilities with varying expectations.  Computer information systems college degree holders are often involved in strategic planning and higher level management meetings whereas computer scientists are deep into data and programming.  While interrelated, computer science is different from computer information systems and vice versa.

Online Degrees in Information Technology

Distance learning, or more commonly called online learning, are college degree programs that are the quickest growing segment within the entire postsecondary education industry. Given this fact, colleges and universities around the country strive to match the ever-evolving demands of the workplace and while keeping up with a students academic proclivities and learning styles. Distance or online learning provides a platform for students to earn a college degree with a varying degree of independence, flexibility, and autonomy to fit into the busy schedule and learning styles of students everywhere. Earning a college degree online in information technology has never been easier to get started.

Below you will find myriad options to choose from and begin collecting information. Programs range from certificate programs in information technology through doctorate level degree programs. Degree programs of all stripes have both pros and cons associated with them in terms of time commitments, resources, and qualifications that need to be understood by students and working professionals before committing to a program. We strongly recommend you create a working priority list and spend time to read our Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process prior to making any final decisions for your career and academic future.

What Jobs Can You Get with an IT Degree?

The myriad jobs in differing sectors within the umbrella of information technology is truly astounding.  The list below is simply a primer to the vast number of job titles within information technology.  We have conveniently linked the associated job titles with other pages within MatchCollege to help you quickly navigate from each option and explore the various options at hand.  From software application companies to cloud computing titans, the job titles below are jobs worthy of consideration with a college degree in information technology.

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Employment Opportunities in Information Technology

A career in information technology typically involves working with firms or corporation to establish and maintain computer and network systems in locations such as offices. Individuals will be charged with identifying problems and providing solutions with such systems. Information technologists must be up to date and proficient in the use of various systems, providing updates and upgrades as needed. This may be augmented by obtaining various certifications offered by various hardware and software companies. Continuing education is also important as technology continues to develop.

Managerial position in information technology may require individuals to pursue a master degree, often in business administration. The role of managers is to identify system wide upgrades, conceive and administer programs, conduct cost/benefit analyses, and to report to superiors in regards to needs and changes.

Top States for Computer Information Systems Analysts Jobs

  • California 75,750
  • Texas 58,680
  • New York 38,220
  • Illinois 29,390
  • Ohio 27,200

Top Paying States for a Computer Software Developer

  1. Washington $129,440
  2. California $120,710
  3. Alaska $119,120
  4. New York $113,120
  5. District of Columbia $112,040

Top 10 Employers for Information Technology Professionals

  • Software and Technology Companies
  • Data Processing and Website Hosting Organizations
  • Business Management & Consulting Firms
  • Colleges and Universities
  • Information Services Companies
  • Insurance Carriers
  • Science & Technology Organizations
  • State Government Agencies
  • Securities and Commodity Exchanges
  • Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturers

Job Growth & Career Outlook in IT

Careers in information technology are expected to grow at a whopping 21% over the next decade as the need for knowledgeable professionals will increase and technology becomes more complex. The primary drivers of growth in information technology will come from software development, customer service, freelancing, mobile networks, cyber-security, and cloud computing. Job opportunities should be available to qualified individuals who can demonstrate skill, flexibility and growth within the field. As the field expands so will the need for individuals who are current in regards to systems operation and maintenance. The average salary in the United States for information technologists is approximately $82,860 per year, but can vary greatly based on location, education, experience and employer.

Individuals interested in information technology may also be interested computer science, robotics technology, computer forensics, or computer engineering. Likewise, students may find organizations such as the AITP and the CompTIA as valuable resources in IT outside academia.

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