Guide to Information Technology Degrees

Information Technology is a degree in one of the most rapidly expanding and rewarding fields of study around today. The curriculum generally takes two years to complete, and prepares you for full immersion into the world of information technology. This program is designed for working professionals who may be interested in enhancing their organization and management skills with technical competence in information systems, particularly through building and managing computer networks and mastering computer security, business safety and intelligence techniques. Information Technology Degrees are widely available for online study.

Why an Information Technology Degree

Many of the benefits of gaining an advanced IT degree are obvious, but include:

• The opportunity to advance your knowledge of information technology, and expand your career potential to management and supervisory positions.
• Educational credentials you’ll need to enter the IT department at a new or current job with expanded responsibilities.
• Be up-to-date and ahead of the curve of the rapidly expanding world of Computer Information Systems.
• Talented and qualified IT professionals are in demand. A Master’s degree can help you create job security and advance into other areas of IT.

Information Technology Degree Areas of Study

The coursework of the Computer Information Systems programs available may vary slightly. However, there is always a certain level of synergy within the core curriculum. This generally consists of the integration of courses that deal primarily with business management and with information technology and computing. Here is a sampling of a few of the common areas of study.

• Business Management Systems and Analysis
• IT Project Management and Security
• Advanced Database Management
• Network Systems Analysis
• Software Development
• Data Mining and Business Intelligence

Information Technology Career Opportunities

The following list cannot be viewed as an exhaustive sampling of the career pathways that are open with Information Technology Degree. Nevertheless, it presents an idea of just a few of the career opportunities available in this lucrative market today.

• Software Product Manager
• Business Consultant
• Senior Software Consultant
• Network Systems (LAN) Manager
• Database Administrator
• Programmer / Analyst
• IT Managing Director
• Systems Engineer
• Systems Administrator
• IT Training Manager

Information Technology Degrees Online

Information Technology Degree Programs are available for online instruction at a variety of popular institutions nationwide. This makes it a highly feasible area of study for working professionals who wish to advance their career potential. This particular course of study has been around for a number of years, making it well-equipped to accommodate a variety of professional needs. You should expect to pay a small application fee, and you may be asked to complete the entire application process online. Expect the coursework to take an average of two years to complete.

Computer Information Systems
Project Management
Information Security
Business Intelligence
Database Management

Educational Requirements for Information Technology Degrees

In order to enter the Master of Science in Computer Information Systems Program you must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. You must be able to submit the official transcripts from your BS degree. You should expect to be required to pay a small fee to process your application, and you may be asked to supply up to three letters of recommendation. In addition, many Master’s Degree Programs have minimum undergraduate GPA and or standardized test score requirements.

Accreditation and Information Technology Degrees

The Computer Sciences Accreditation Board (CSAB) is one of the leading institution for accreditation in the computer science field.
www.csab.org

The Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE) also provides an interactive forum for educators to discuss topics of interest to the development, evaluation, and implementation of computer programs. It should be considered as a feasible place for guidance and direction on topics of accreditation specifications and standards
www.sigcse.org

Professional Organizations for Information Technology Degrees

The Association for Information Systems (AIS) is one of the leading international bodies for academic specializing in Information Systems Technology. You are encouraged to do individual research for association in your particular area.
www.aisnet.org