The evolving field of technology continues to change our lives and the constant growth has resulted in an abundance of information technology and computer jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information technology occupations is expected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 531,200 jobs during that decade.
Although some entry-level IT positions require a certificate or associate’s degree, most roles require a bachelor’s degree or higher. And at Purdue Global, a bachelor’s degree may be closer than you think. For example, bachelor’s degree students may be able to receive credit for work experience or transfer college credits.*
If you’re considering a career in IT or are already working in the field and looking for greater opportunity, keep reading to learn about IT degrees and the positions you can pursue.†
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology offers a foundation of technical knowledge along with the tools and techniques that are required to design information systems. It can also serve as an effective stepping stone to an advanced academic degree, including a Master of Science in Information Technology.
Our ExcelTrack® bachelor’s degree program is a flexible option that could help you earn a degree faster. This program helps you move quickly past topics that you already understand so that you can focus on learning new subjects.
A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology may qualify you for the following positions:
Computer and Information Systems Manager
These professionals direct IT activities for an organization. They are responsible for establishing technology goals and implementing networks to meet those goals.
According to the BLS, these managerial positions are expected to increase 10% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than average.‡ The typical entry-level education required for these types of jobs is a bachelor’s degree along with 5 years of experience.
Computer Systems Analyst
This role integrates new technology into an organization’s current business practices and computer systems to improve benchmarks, such as productivity and efficiency. Analysts conduct research, understand technology’s impact on business practices, and oversee projects.
The BLS projects a 7% increase in computer systems analyst jobs between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average. A bachelor’s degree in information technology is considered the typical entry-level education for this position.
Information Security Analysts
Cybercrime continues to be a global concern. Cybersecurity Ventures, a leading researcher and publisher of cybersecurity issues, predicts that damage from cybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion a year by 2021. The prevalence of cybercrime is driving the demand for information security analysts. The BLS predicts employment of information security analysts will grow 31% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than other jobs.
These experts are responsible for planning, building, and maintaining an organization’s security of computer networks and systems. Tasks include the installation and maintenance of firewalls and other security systems to protect their company’s information.
Software Developers–Applications and Systems Software
Employment of this role is expected to grow 22% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than average, according to the BLS. Software developers must be able to analyze users’ needs to create computer applications or systems.
Computer Network Architects
If computer networks and data communication interests you, then you may want to use your bachelor’s degree to pursue a career as a computer network architect. These specialists build a variety of computer networks and may require specialized knowledge involving communication structures, including cloud servers. The BLS predicts employment of this role will grow 5% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average.
Master of Science in Information Technology
This degree program prepares leaders to manage technology teams and IT activities. The areas that students can study include information technology, systems analysis and design, information security, and project management.
An online master's in information technology could qualify you for the following roles (descriptions and BLS data found above):
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer systems analyst
- Computer network architect
In addition, a master’s degree in information technology may qualify you to work as a:
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
In this role, you’re responsible for the day-to-day operation of your organization’s computer networks. A bachelor’s degree is considered the typical entry-level education for this role.
The BLS predicts that employment of network and computer systems administrators to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as average.
Computer Information Research Scientists
If studying an organization’s complex computing issues and then inventing new technology to solve such problems appeals to you, then you may be interested in becoming a computer and information research scientist. These professionals invent new computer programs and test their outcomes to ensure they achieve business goals.
The BLS predicts that employment of computer information research scientists will increase 15% between 2019 and 2029, much faster than other jobs.
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
This degree program focuses on the basics of cybersecurity. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will possess the fundamental knowledge to evaluate security trends, understand risks to system security, and recognize best practices. Even if you currently work in cybersecurity, a bachelor’s degree may help you grow in your career.
A Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity can help you prepare for the following roles (descriptions and BLS data found above):
- Information security analyst
- Database administrator
- Computer network architect
- Network and computer systems administrator
In addition, a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity can prepare you to pursue such roles as:
Computer Network Support Specialist
These professionals provide help and advice to computer users who are experiencing technical difficulties. In some cases, you need a bachelor’s degree to work in this role, but in others, an associate’s degree or postsecondary classes may be enough, the BLS reports.
Employment of computer network support specialists is expected to grow 8% during 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than average.
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management
If you’re interested in directing data security measures for an organization, including creating key infrastructures to keep fraudsters out, then a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management can help prepare you for this role. This degree is designed to prepare cybersecurity leaders to implement and maintain effective security standards.
A master’s degree in in cybersecurity management can prepare you to work in the following roles (descriptions and BLS data found above):
- Computer and information systems manager
- Information security analysts
- Database administrators
- Network and computer systems administrators
- Computer network architects
- Computer network support specialists
Download Our Free Ebook to Learn More
Are you ready to learn more about how an online IT degree can help you achieve your goals? Download our free ebook, “Advance Your IT Career With an Online IT Degree.” You'll learn about several growing IT careers and the typical education required to work in those roles. If you want to develop your career, an online IT degree may help you get there.
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