"Mini-Guide" to an Information Technology Degree Online

• "As an information technology (IT) major, you'll study the ways in which information and computing systems support business, research, and communication needs. IT is where technologies and concepts from both ends are integrated to build and administer an information infrastructure—systems, networks, applications, hardware, and software. As a result, IT majors develop a breadth of knowledge through introductory courses in a range of subjects. They then acquire in-depth understanding by concentrating elective courses on a particular area."

- College Board Book of Majors, 2nd edition

• "Information technology (IT) includes all matters concerned with the furtherance of computer science and technology and with the design, development, installation, and implementation of information systems and applications."

- Interoperability Clearinghouse

• "In an information technology program, you'll learn all the basics of computer science, including hardware and software components, programming, algorithms, databases, operating systems, and network administration. Computer design and editing existing systems and software will also be part of your program. Once you understand how computers work and the technology behind them, you'll learn how to apply this knowledge in a business setting. You'll study how to solve a wide range of problems, including how to customize and integrate systems to meet business and individual user needs, how to maintain day to day operations, how to design networking systems, and how to handle security problems."

- Princeton Review

• "The IT industry includes such products and services as software, telecommunications, wireless, Internet, hardware, peripherals, and computer and data services."

- U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

Think about an online IT degree if:

• You like exploring the Web and being online.
• You have to have the latest, greatest tech gadgets.
• You enjoy finding and comparing the latest programs and software applications.
• You are an avid gamer.
• You have strong feelings about Mr. Bill Gates and Microsoft.
• You read Slashdot and TechCrunch.
• You are accustomed to working in the evenings or on weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems that arise.
• You enjoyed building your own computer, network, sound system, etc.
• Your friends and family often look to you to solve their computer crashes or networking problems.
• You know who Linus Torvalds is.
• You fear neither math nor algorithms.
• You rarely read directions that accompany computer, tech, or other electronic products because you'd rather figure it out on your own.
• You always choose "Custom" instead of "Typical or Full Install" when adding new software to your PC.
• You have some knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, and chips or general computer hardware and software.
• You excelled in classes like math, programming, or physics.
• You've taken a computer apart (and put it back together!)
• You are interested in working on a temporary or contract basis or working independently as a consultant.

If an online information technology degree isn't for you, consider these fields instead:

• Computer Science:
  Focus on the scientific and conceptual aspects of computing, through the study of programming languages, algorithms, compilers, and operating systems.
  Online Computer Science Degrees | Online Computer Science Certificates
• Computer Engineering:
  Pair the fields of electrical & electronics engineering and computer science, focusing on the integration of hardware and software, and the design and implementation of computer systems for use in other systems.
  Online Computer Engineering Degrees | Online Computer Engineering Certificates
• Educational Technology:
  Educational Technology seeks to improve the teaching and learning process by the creation, user, and management of appropriate technological processes and resources.
  Online Educational Technology Degrees | Online Educational Technology Certificate Programs
• Graphics and Multimedia:
  Interested in the digital arts, Web design, or online multimedia? Sharpen skills in in digital image manipulation; multimedia system design; sound, video, and animation; and more.
  Online Graphics and Multimedia Degrees | Online Graphics and Multimedia Certificates
• Health Information Technology:
  Train for high-growth, good-paying careers as health information record technicians, clinical coders, medical billers, data analysts, and patient information coordinators.
  Online Health Information Technology Degrees
• Information Systems:
  Focus on how human beings solve problems, and then apply technology to that process. Create, produce and execute information technology that will meet the organizational or business expectations and requirements.
  Online Information Systems Degrees | Online Information Systems Certificates
• Mathematics:
  Develop quantitative, computational and reasoning skills; apply mathematical knowledge and skills in business, government and nonprofit environments.
  Online Mathematics Degrees

Most schools allow you to choose a specialization – a focused area of study within the information technology curriculum.

• Computer & Information Security
  Heighten awareness of the current threats to information security and how to implement protective solutions and disaster recovery plans.
• Computer Programming
  Learn a variety of programming languages and how they are structured for software development and maintenance such as debugging to meet the needs of the end user or client.
• Databases
  Focus on the control of data and be able to plan and implement solutions for data storage, backing up data, and operations for data recovery.
• Network Architecture and Design
  Understand how to design and implement secure networks tailored to meet the needs of businesses and organizations; know how to plan and manage local/wide-are networks as well as intranet, extranet and Internet connections.
• Multimedia and Animation
  Blend modern technology and artistic creativity using industry-relevant tools; learn the techniques and skills necessary to utilize digital media equipment and software.
• Software Engineering
  Apply principles of programming architecture and solid design techniques to speed the development and increase the reliability of modern software systems.
• Telecommunications
  Learn latest technologies and industry regulations of modern telecommunication systems technology and help shape the future of wireless networks, optical communications, and 21st century computer and systems engineering.
• Web Development
  Utilize e-business marketing strategies in creative web design; learn how to integrate elements such as animation, audio and video using the latest software and applications.

While the exact curriculum will vary from school to school, here are some of the courses you might choose to take as a IT major:

• Business Systems Programming
• Client Server Technologies and Applications
• Computer and Network Forensics
• Computer Architecture
• Data Modeling and Applications
• Database Management Systems
• Discrete Mathematics
• e-Business, e-Commerce, and Technology
• Electronic Circuits and Devices
• Ethics and Socials Issues in Information Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Internet Technologies & Web Design
• Introduction to Information Security
• Networking Architectures and Protocols
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Project Management for IT Management
• System Development Process
• Systems Analysis and Design
• Telecommunication Networks and Applications

When you have completed your online information technology degree, you will likely have gained many of the following skills and competencies:

• Ability to install, configure, and manage a network.
• Ability to keep up-to-date technically and continually locate and apply new knowledge.
• Ability to use logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of various methods and approaches.
• Have knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Analyze and identify problems and apply technologies to develop efficient and scalable solutions.
• Apply knowledge to effectively use computers and information systems to achieve various objectives.
• Assess, design, employ, and manage database and information systems to meet the needs of various businesses and organizations.
• Build a solid foundation of knowledge and research techniques to later pursue an advanced degree in information technology, if desired.
• Effectively communicate between computer-literate individuals and those who are unfamiliar with information technology and technical terms.
• Have a foundation of knowledge about the history of technology and the future of technological advancement.
• Have an understanding and awareness of persistent concepts in computing and their realization in current platforms and tools.
• Have basic working knowledge of computer hardware, software, and major operating systems.
• Recognition of common network media and topologies, network protocols and standards.
• Understand the role of information technology both domestically and internationally.

As a career-oriented major focusing upon the inter-relationship of organizations and technology, individuals using technology, and global computer information technologies, information technology majors are needed in a variety of industries, such as:

• Banks, financial institutions, and investment firms
• Colleges and universities
• Computer companies
• Computer vendors
• Contract and temporary employers
• Data processing services firms
• Hardware and software manufacturers
• Hospitals and health organizations
• I.T. consulting firms
• Insurance companies
• Internet and online service providers
• K-12 public and private schools
• Local, state, and federal government agencies
• Management consulting firms
• Manufacturers
• Research institutions and laboratories
• Retail stores
• Software vendors
• Telecommunications companies

"Information technology jobs lie within one of four main career paths. The broad Computer Science Application grouping includes systems analysts, computer programmers, computer scientists, software engineers, and database/network administrators. The remaining positions fall under either the Management/Supervisory group (e.g., project or technical managers), in Customer Service and Support (computer support specialists), or in Sales/Relationship Management (sales engineers)." (NJnextstop.org)

Possible Job Titles for Associate's or Bachelor's IT Degree Holders/Entry Level Job Titles

Here is a sampling of jobs you for which you may be qualified with a degree in Information Technology. Use this for inspiration, remembering that this may represents some, but certainly not all, of the careers you can consider.

• Application Developer
• Business Analyst
• Computer Service Technician
• Database Analyst
• Database Developer
• Help Desk Analyst
• IT Business Analyst
• IT Specialist
• SQL Server DBA
• Junior .ASP Developer
• Junior .NET Developer
• Network Systems Analyst
• Project Manager
• Technical Analyst
• Software Tester
• Industrial Designer
• User Interface Designer
• Web Metrics Analyst
• Web-Internet Developer
• Wireless Support Analyst

Possible Job Titles for Advanced IT Degree Holders

• Chief Information Officer
• Computer Engineer
• C++/UNIX Software Engineer
• Data Processing Manager
• Database Administrator
• Hardware Engineer
• Industrial Designer
• Information Architect
• Instructional Technology Manager
• .NET C# Developer
• Network Administrator
• Oracle Developer
• QA Engineer
• Robotics Engineer
• Senior Information Technology Engineer
• JAVA/J2EE Developer
• Software Developer
• Systems Consultant
• Systems Manager
• Telecommunications Engineer