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 Information Technology (IT) is defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) as “the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.” [Source: En.Wikipedia.org] This term is now used to encompass all that is associated with computers and software. A degree in IT is one of the popular courses of study for first time enrollments to undergraduate programs or for people wishing to change their line of work. A bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate academic degree given to a course or major that lasts for three to four years.
Online Degree
Online degrees can be obtained on subjects varying from design of technological systems and computing systems, business and research solutions, communication solutions, computer hardware basics, computer software components, databases, telecommunications, application testing and human interface design.
The online learning format makes it easy for people to acquire their degree from home as they complete coursework through electronic forums, receive lectures, assignments and tests electronically and even collaborate online for projects. Some of the schools that offer online IT bachelor’s degrees are: University of Phoenix, Kaplan University Walden University, Liberty University Online, Capella University, Salem International University, University of Maryland University College, Jones International University, Northcentral University, Ashford University, Peirce College, Excelsior College, Everglades College, and American InterContinental University. [Source: Universities.com, Degrees.com].
A fairly comprehensive list of online degrees with varying majors, along with degree and school information, is given at: Elearners.com.
Vocational colleges and Diplomas in IT
Vocational schools, specialized trade and technical schools offer an opportunity to maximize earning potential, advance education, improve career skills and marketability or just to expand knowledge in a handy, comparatively inexpensive manner. A career school diploma in Information Technology helps students prepare for work in all areas of software development. Some of the subjects covered in these diplomas are: programming in different languages, object-oriented systems analysis and design, Web design and markup languages, application level programming.
Some of the vocational schools and technical colleges that offer IT diplomas/degrees are: Rochester Institute of Technology, DeVry Phoenix, Florida Technical College, Westwood College, American Center for Technical Arts and Sciences, Miami Dade College, College of Business and Technology, Miami, Pittsburgh Technical Institute, Western Dakota Technical Institute, and ECPI College of Technology.
[Source: Learn4Good.com]
Career Opportunities in IT
Information technology and computer science professionals have the chance to be part of a sector that is always evolving, presenting learning and adaptation challenges. From household PCs, home offices and enterprise wide computing, IT is greatly in demand and so are all the attendant services such as troubleshooting, programming, repairing, creating Web and enterprise applications, online real-time applications and programs. IT provides a vast area of job and career opportunities. The proliferation of IT in all fields and in the workplace is projected to lead to rapid growth in this field, which is higher than average. In spite of the downturn, employment increases and higher demand for technical workers is expected. Prospects for qualified candidates are expected to be excellent.
Projections data from the National Employment Matrix
|
Occupational title |
Employment, 2006 |
Projected
employment,
2016 |
Change in # of Jobs 2006-2016 |
Change in % of Jobs 2006-2016 |
|
Computer and information systems managers |
264,000 |
307,000 |
43,000 |
16 |
|
Computer programmers |
435,000 |
417,000 |
-18,000 |
-4 |
|
Computer software engineers
|
857,000
|
1,181,000
|
324,000
|
38
|
|
Computer software engineers, applications
|
507,000
|
733,000
|
226,000
|
45
|
|
Computer software engineers, systems software
|
350,000
|
449,000
|
99,000
|
28
|
|
Computer scientists and database administrators
|
542,000
|
742,000
|
200,000
|
37
|
|
Computer and information scientists, research
|
25,000
|
31,000
|
5,400
|
22
|
|
Database administrators
|
119,000
|
154,000
|
34,000
|
29
|
|
Network systems and data communications analysts
|
262,000
|
402,000
|
140,000
|
53
|
|
Computer specialists, all other
|
136,000
|
157,000
|
21,000
|
15 |
[Source: Bls.gov, (Bureau of Labor Statistics)]
Salary Information
Earning potential varies with designation, role, region, years of experience and job responsibilities. Nevertheless, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (Bls.gov) reports that software engineers and professionals can earn from $52,464 to $63,250 at an entry-level position. Experienced professionals could potentially earn up to $92,750 annually.
The Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide lists the following annual salary ranges for various computer and information systems positions:
|
IT Position |
Salary |
|
Chief Technology Officer (CTO) |
$101,000 - $157,750 |
|
Chief Security Officer |
$97,500 - $141,000 |
|
Vice President of Information Technology |
$107,500 - $157,750 |
|
Information Technology Manager, Technical Services Manager |
$62,500 - $88,250 |
|
Applications development programmers/analysts |
$55,250 - $90,250 |
|
Software developers |
$60,250 - $94,750 |
|
Desktop support analysts |
$46,500 - $65,250 |
|
Systems administrators |
$50,000 - $75,750 |
|
Database manager |
$84,750 - $116,000 |
|
Network architect |
$78,000 - $112,250 |
|
Database developer |
$73,500 - $103,000 |
|
Senior web developer |
$71,000 - $102,000 |
|
Database administrator |
$70,250 - $102,000 |
|
Network manager |
$68,750 - $93,000 |
|
Web developer |
$54,750 - $81,500 |
|
LAN/WAN administrator |
$51,000 - $71,500 |
|
Web administrator |
$49,750 - $74,750 |
|
Web designer |
$47,000 - $71,500 |
For a smoother transition to another field of work, such as Information Technology, read the follwing article, Making a Successful Career Change for further tips and information.
Additional Resources:
Bls.gov
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