Information Technology (IT) Degrees

A cabinetmaker in business since 1986, Paul Downs expertly handles almost all the tools in his workshop. But in a 2010 New York Times blog post, he admitted that there are eight key tools that flummox him: his business computers. To keep his four Macs and four PCs operating smoothly while running up-to-date programs that meet his needs, Downs requires the help of an information technology (IT) professional.

An information technology degree indicates that a person is thoroughly knowledgeable about all aspects of computing and can effectively communicate and work with people who are using computer technology. IT pros are in high demand because, as the Joint Task Force for Computing Curricula (JTFCC) puts it, "organizations of every kind are dependent on information technology," and therefore, like Downs, they call upon "IT staff who understand computer systems and their software and are committed to solving whatever computer-related problems they might have."

IT degree programs in depth

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Information Network classifies information technology as a field best suited for people who like to spearhead projects, make decisions that are sometimes risky, are detail-oriented and skilled at working with data, and who can both think through problems and use tools and machines.

The College Board reports that most information technology programs lead to an associate's or bachelor's degree, and include courses such as:

Computer networking
C++ programming
Professional and technical communications
Web technologies

These and other classes can be categorized according to the "five pillars" of an undergraduate IT curriculum named in the Association for Computing Machinery and IEEE Computer Society's 2008 IT curriculum guidelines: programming, networking, human/computer interaction, databases and Web systems.

The variety of coursework needed to earn an IT degree is necessary because of the diverse tasks that an IT professional might be called on to do--everything from picking out the right printers for an organization to updating its website to making sure that its computers are secure from hackers. That said, some schools offer specialized programs that prepare students to work in specific industries or areas of IT, such as healthcare or database management.

IT degree levels and formats

It's possible to earn an IT degree at the associate's, bachelor's or even master's level through a traditional on-campus program, an online program or through mixed online and in-person classes. Online programs in IT are worth considering because they offer flexibility in terms of when and where students do their coursework, allowing them to raise a family or work full-time while acquiring new knowledge and skills.

Mid-career workers looking to enhance their chances of a promotion or boost job security might consider information technology training to prepare for what the New York Times calls the "modern economy that will be heavily influenced by technology." And those just entering the workforce might get information technology training to qualify for what former Labor Secretary Robert Reich labels "digital technician" jobs. Describing these careers to the New York Times, Reich said, "Most of them will not be pure technology jobs, designing computer software and hardware products, but they will involve applying computing and technology-related skills to every industry."

Careers for grads of IT degree programs

Graduates with IT degrees qualify for a variety of roles in the information technology departments of businesses and other organizations. After earning an IT associate's degree or certification, for example, an individual might be hired as a computer support specialist or help desk technician who resolves specific user issues.

Computer information systems managers, also commonly called IT managers or IT directors, usually hold at least a bachelor's degree in IT. Depending on the organization's needs and size, these professionals might specialize in a particular task, such as database management or Web development. IT managers supervise support specialists and other workers, develop and lead projects, and provide leadership in implementing an overall IT strategy.

The following are a few IT-related jobs for which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a strong 2008-2018 growth rate and mean annual wage:

Computer support specialist: 14%, $47,360
Computer systems manager: 17%, $120,640
Database administrator: 20%, $74,290
Network systems and data communications analysts: 53%, $76,560

Given the importance of computer technology in almost every area of contemporary life, it's not surprising that the BLS reports that demand for IT pros is high and that they are well-compensated.