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With one of the best 30 online Bachelor’s degrees in information technology, you can earn a high paying salary, while creating new information storage technology that will be used around the world, sometimes from the comfort of your own home!

If you’re curious about what information technology is and the difference between IT and computer science, you’re likely not alone! Information technologists spend their days organizing, maintaining, and building systems of data storage. Business relies on individuals specialized in information technology to ensure that the companies data is secure and free from viruses. In contrast, the computer scientist is focused on the programming and software development of computers. 


What Will You Learn With This Degree?

With an information technology degree, you can expect to take courses that span multiple fields, as IT personnel work intimately with business owners and within businesses, which requires a broad knowledge base. Information technology majors enjoy solving complex problems related to technology, so problem-solving skills will be emphasized during the pursuit of an IT degree. 

Examples of courses you may take while pursuing an information technology degree include: 

  • Fundamentals of Information Technology
  • Fundamentals to Networking
  • Front-end Web Design
  • Back-end Web Design
  • Database Management Systems
  • Systems Analysis and Design

What Kind of Salary Can I Make With This Degree? 

The information technology degree is a versatile degree, which can open up doors for a variety of careers including computer and information systems manager, computer network architects, computer systems analysts, and more. 

As a computer and information systems manager you will be responsible for ensuring that information systems run smoothly within a business and can expect to take home an incredible median income of $142,500 per year. Computer network architects are expected to build and manage computer networks for organizations and will bring home an average annual salary of just under $110,000. Computer system analysts’ jobs look at existing computer and information systems, locate areas of improvement, and recommend fixes to the existing systems. These individuals can expect to earn over $88,700 per year. 

What Are the Best Online Bachelors in Information Technology Degrees?

Online College Plan uses data from the National Center for Education Statistics to determine the best programs. We factor in how robust the school’s online education is, how well that school delivers on its promises, how affordable the program is, and how selective the school is as a whole. For more information, see our methodology page.

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  1. MERIT: 100

    Coming in at our number one spot for best online Bachelor’s in information technology is Western Governors University because of its affordability and quality education. This is a primarily online university whose corporate office is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. You may be skeptical of online education and its credibility, but don’t worry—WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). 

    The majority of students complete the Bachelor of Science in information technology offered by WGU within 30 months of enrollment, with students transferring an average of 36 credit hours into their degree. Tuition through WGU is charged per term instead of per credit hours. Tuition per six-month term is only $3,225, which means you’ll spend under $6,500 per year on your education!

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  2. MERIT: 99.34

    Pennsylvania State University is a school that has offered one of the highest quality educations for many decades, and they now offer the same high-quality education through their online World Campus. In 2020, US News & World Report ranked this school’s online Bachelor’s degrees in the top ten in the United States. The degrees earned through Penn State are well respected throughout the world and are a good investment for your future.  

    Penn State offers an online Bachelor of Science in information sciences and technology. To earn this degree, the school requires its students to complete 125 credit hours of coursework, 84 of which have to be in the information science and technology field. Students are even able to participate in job fairs online, which will aid you in landing you your first IT job!

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  3. MERIT: 92.47

    Florida International University is located in the Miami, Florida region and is known for producing high-quality research. The school has a large student body numbering over 56,000, of which over 48,000 are undergraduates. The school has 23 colleges within the university offering more than 280 majors, including one in information technology. 

    The Bachelor of Science in information technology consists of 120 credit hours. Florida residents wanting to pursue their education online may not find a better school than FIU, as in-state tuition is only $228 per credit hour. Out of state students can expect to pay around $345 per credit hour. Before enrolling in core courses in the BS in information technology students are required to pass these courses successfully: 

    • Programming in Java
    • Introduction to Psychology
    • Math Concepts for IT or Discrete Structures
    • Introduction to Computing
    • Computer Data Analysis or Introduction to Microcomputers or Introduction to Micro for Business
    • Pre-Calculus Trigonometry
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  4. MERIT: 92.44

    Despite being named American Public University, this school is not a public educational institute. The school is a publicly traded, private, primarily online school that offers degrees ranging from associate to doctorate. More than 80% of the 46,000 students that attend APU are pursuing their undergraduate degrees, which means you will have a lot of support from fellow students throughout the program. 

    The online Bachelor of Science in information technology professionals was created to provide students with the most cutting edge information and skills necessary to tackle day to day problems while working in the IT sector. All the information to complete this degree is provided through the school’s online platform, which means there is no need to purchase textbooks. You can also further specialize your degree by picking one of these concentrations: 

    • Ecommerce
    • General
    • Mobile Computing
    • Web Development using .NET
    • Programming
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  5. MERIT: 91.30

    Liberty University is dedicated to the growth and development of their students, which is why they have added various colleges—including an osteopathic medical school—within the last few years. Liberty University’s main campus is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, and the school colors are red, white, and blue. 

    Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology to its online students, which consists of 120 credit hours and takes students an average of 3.5 years to complete. Niche.com has ranked LU as the second-best school for providing online education in the US. While earning this degree, you can choose to specialize in one of four areas: 

    • application and database development
    • data networking and security
    • game design
    • web and mobile programming

    Admission requirements for this school are less strict than others, requiring incoming students to have at least a 2.0 GPA in previous classes and the completion of a form certifying that you completed high school (or its equivalent).

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  6. MERIT: 85.57

    Students that attend the University of Minnesota are called the Golden Gophers and take their academics pretty seriously. UM’s considered a “public ivy”, so if you didn’t get into Harvard or Yale and want a comparable education, then you may have a chance at the University of Minnesota. When graduating with your IT degree from UM, you’ll be joining a long list of alumni that have made significant innovations and discoveries—maybe you’ll join the list someday. 

    The Bachelors of Applied Science in information technology infrastructure focuses on the management of information and communication systems within a business. Before admission into this program, the school requires that you complete 45 credit hours of basic coursework to prove you can handle the academic rigor that this program provides.

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  7. MERIT: 85.51

    The University of Cincinnati is the oldest educational institution in the Cincinnati region and the second-largest university in the state of Ohio. The university has been educating students since the early 19th century. The school’s mascot is the bearcat, and their colors are red and black, which you can see fans wear while attending one of the school’s NCAA Division I sports games. 

    The Bachelor of Science in information technology offered by the University of Cincinnati is designed for those looking for a school that emphasizes problem-solving skills. These are the skills that really matter in a field that is constantly evolving. The school is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and by ABET Computing Accreditation Commission. While pursuing this degree, you can choose to specialize in one of four areas:

    • Networking/Systems
    • Software application development 
    • Cybersecurity 
    • Game development and simulation
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  8. MERIT: 83.06

    Most people have heard about Purdue University, a school located in West Lafayette, Indiana, and known for producing excellent engineers, but the school also offers a fantastic online education for students unable to take advantage of their on-ground education. The school has produced 25 astronauts and many Nobel Prize winners. 

    The Global Campus of Purdue University offers its students a Bachelor of Science in information technology that is 180 credit hours, which is more than many other Bachelor’s degrees ranked on this list. Courses run for ten weeks, which should give you plenty of time to learn the information thoroughly. The university recommends setting aside at least 15-18 hours per week to work on your classes. There are five-degree concentrations offered: 

    • Information security and assurance
    • IT management
    • Network administration
    • Programming and software development
    • Supply chain management and logistics
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  9. MERIT: 82.83

    Arizona State University is located in the sunny hot city of Tempe, Arizona. The student body is composed of almost 90,000 undergraduates, making this one of the largest universities in the United States. In 2019, US News & World Report ranked ASU as the best school in the nation for innovation among US universities!

    ASU offers its online students a Bachelor of Science in information technology that is composed of 120 credit hours and 40 total classes. Classes are offered every 7.5 weeks, which will give you around two months to learn the information in each class. The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the program. There are three available tracks—consisting of six courses each—that you can choose between when working toward this degree: 

    • Networking and Computer System Security
    • Information Systems
    • Enterprise Computing
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  10. MERIT: 82.52

    Tampa Bay, Florida, is home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, gulf coast beaches, and the University of South Florida’s main campus. USF is another institution known for innovation as the school ranks in the top ten of all universities in the US for patents granted. Interestingly, USF was the first state university planned and built in the 20th century, which attests to its long history of innovation and excellence in educating its students. 

    The Bachelor of Science in information technology offered by USF was created to provide its students a leg up on other IT graduates when looking for a job. The school provides its students with cutting edge information and problem-solving skills taught by a distinguished faculty who have experience in the private sector. This degree is regionally accredited and approved by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

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  11. MERIT: 82.32

    You may have a tough decision when deciding between this school and our number nine best online Bachelor’s in information technology school, Arizona State University. The University of Arizona’s main campus is located in Tucson, Arizona, and like ASU, is known for providing an excellent education to its students. U of A was the first university in the state of Arizona, so rest assured that the school knows how to educate its students, including the ones that earn their degree online. 

    U of A provides a Bachelor of Arts in information science and esociety, a unique degree that combines the necessary skills to work as an IT professional while gaining a deeper understanding of digital social life. If you’re looking to earn an IT degree while simultaneously learning the skills to become an effective social marketer, then this degree is the one you should select.

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  12. MERIT: 82.24

    Colorado may strike you as a laid back state, and while this may be true, the students that earn their degree from Colorado State University go through all the rigor of other major universities while incorporating the progressive ideology of the state, giving students a unique open-minded analytical approach to solving problems. 

    For those wanting to quickly transition into a new IT career after graduating with their undergraduate IT degree, the Bachelor’s from CSU is the answer. The majority of graduates of this program are still practicing in the field and they report a starting salary of over $77,000. 

    Many of the graduates of this program go on to become network engineers, help desk specialists, and system administrators. The degree will prepare you for IT certifications like CompTIA A+ and Microsoft Server 2016, among others.

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  13. MERIT: 81.32

    UF is located in Gainesville, Florida, and is known for its legendary football team, the Florida Gators, which have competed in 40 bowl games. The school’s official colors are orange and blue, which you can’t escape when visiting the main campus. 

    If you’re looking for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science that teaches information technology management, then you should consider the University of Florida’s online degree—their degrees are top-notch. This degree may open up more doors for you than a Bachelor’s in information technology as you’ll learn a broader set of knowledge and can apply for jobs that require a computer science degree as well as IT.

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  14. MERIT: 80.99

    You may be unfamiliar with East Carolina University unless you come from the eastern part of the state, but don’t discount this school as its the fourth-largest university in North Carolina. The school has produced high profile CEO’s, Pulitzer Prize winners, and actors, among others. The university has nine undergraduate colleges, including the Department of Technology Systems, which offers the university’s IT degrees. 

    ECU offers a Bachelor of Science degree in information and computer technology that provides a thorough education in IT, network security, and systems administration. This university collaborates with Microsoft and the Red Hat Academy to give its students the most comprehensive knowledge of operating systems and server maintenance. The program requires that students do an internship and complete a two-semester long capstone project, which will ensure that you graduate ready to work in your new IT career.

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  15. MERIT: 80.26

    Kennesaw State University is another school you may not be familiar with, but you shouldn’t discount. KSU is located in Kennesaw, Georgia and has a student body of more than 35,000. Students from this university are nicknamed the owls and the school’s athletic teams participate in NCAA Division I sports. You’ll soon be proud to wear the school’s black and gold colors, whether at your office or attending one of their sporting events. 

    The Bachelor of Applied Science in information technology offered by KSU was created for students who have already earned an Associate of Applied Science in computing, which will be incorporated into the credit requirement for the Bachelor’s degree. The students admitted to this program will be required to complete another 80 credit hours of work, which you can plan on earning over two to three years.

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  16. MERIT: 78.25

    George Mason University is a public research university located in Fairfax City, Virginia. The school produces high amounts of research and can count among its alumni notable intellectuals. The students from this university are frequently referred to as Patriots, and the school is named after George Mason, a prominent politician in the late 18th century. 

    The Bachelor of Science in information technology from GMU may be particularly suited for Virginia residents who will pay a little over $550 per credit hour. The $1,536 per credit hour for non-Virginia residents may be prohibitive for those living outside the state, but that being said, in 2016, HigherEducation.com ranked this university as the third best for an online Bachelors in information technology. The school is both regionally accredited and accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET.

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  17. MERIT: 76.16

    Oregon State University can trace its roots back to the 1850s and has a student population of almost 32,000. OSU is located in Corvallis, Oregon, and has produced significant public figures and intellectuals in a wide range of fields. A notable alumni in the tech field is Douglas Engelbart, the purported inventor of the computer mouse. 

    The Bachelor of Science in computer science degree from Oregon State University was created specifically for those that already have a Bachelor’s degree in another subject and are wanting to change their career to IT. This program is only 60 credit hours in duration, with each credit hour costing $499. This means you can earn your Bachelor’s in science in computer science for under $30,000! There are four start dates per year and all courses are taught entirely online.

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  18. MERIT: 75.26

    Washington State University is one of the oldest land-grant universities in the western part of the United States, tracing its roots back to the 1890s. The school’s main campus is located in Pullman, Washington, and is home to more than 20,000 students. The school’s mascot is Butch T. Cougar, and the school’s colors are crimson and gray. 

    When pursuing the management information systems major through Washington State University, you will be working with some of the top researchers and scholars in the field. The degree is offered through the business school, which has been ranked 12th in the world for producing research! WSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a major in information systems management. The business school is accredited by AACSB International, which is one of the two major business school accreditors.

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  19. MERIT: 75.18

    The University of North Texas was originally founded as a private teachers college in the late 19th century, but has turned into a school offering quality degrees in a wide range of subjects. The Mean Greens—what the students are sometimes referred to—attend class on their main campus located in Denton, Texas. You’ll soar to new heights you never dreamed possible, guided by Scrappy the Eagle, the school’s mascot. 

    UNT offers a Bachelor of Science in information science and applied technology to its online students. You’ll take 40 classes while earning this degree, which will add up to 120 credit hours. Whether you choose the on-ground, online, or blended option to earn your degree you will get the foundational knowledge and expertise for a successful career in the information technology field.

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  20. MERIT: 74.36

    Central Washington University is a relatively small school with only around 12,000 students, 11,500 of which are undergraduates. The school has been around in one form or another for more than a century. The school motto translated from Latin is “by teaching we learn,” which was pertinent to the school when founded because the school was originally a college that trained teachers. 

    Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology with two tracks of specialization: administrative management or retail management and technology. You can also choose to pursue a cybersecurity specialization, which will give you the tools to protect valuable company information from hackers and viruses. If the thought of earning an entire degree seems daunting, you may want to pursue one of their professional certificates that can be earned without enrollment into a degree program.

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  21. MERIT: 73.44

    The southern charm of Kentucky can be experienced by those that want to attend Western Kentucky University. WKU is located on 200 acres of luscious greenery in Bowling Green, Kentucky. This university can trace its history back to the 1870s, but it wasn’t until 1966 that the school adopted the name of Western Kentucky University. 

    The online Bachelor of Science in computer information technology can give you the tools and experience necessary to excel in IT jobs. The degree is 120 credit hours in duration, with 42 hours of upper-division coursework and 30 hours of core coursework in the computer information technology major. Admission criteria into this program is relatively straightforward, with students expected to submit a copy of their official transcripts, ACT or SAT (where applicable), and the submission of the application and application fee.

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  22. MERIT: 72.30

    Old Dominion University branched off of the College of William & Mary, the second oldest university in the United States. While the college was established in the 1930s, it wasn’t until 1962 that the college became its own educational institution. Today, more than 25,000 students attend this college, with almost 20,000 as undergraduate students. 

    Old Dominion University offers a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in information systems and technology. This degree provides a balanced education in information technology and business, which may give you the necessary competitive advantage to land that large salaried job. Subjects you will explore in-depth include: 

    • Software engineering
    • Systems analysis and design
    • Database management
    • Network engineering
    • E-business
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  23. MERIT: 70.03

    There is something special about becoming a Maverick—the school’s alumni remain well connected to the school. This is exactly what you want when you’re graduating with a University of Nebraska degree and looking for a job. While the school is part of the University of Nebraska’s educational system, this school is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and its mascot is not the Corn Husker, but the Durango. 

    The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies offered by the University of Nebraska Omaha is unlike any other degree on our list, in that it allows you to concentrate on your passions. There are over 35 areas of concentration to choose between, including a concentration in information technology. The information technology concentration requires students take 30 credit hours on information technology topics, 9 of which have to be upper-division classes. Examples of classes you may take include: 

    • Introduction to Computer Science I
    • Introduction to Computer Science II
    • Programming on the Internet
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  24. MERIT: 69.58

    New Mexico State University is the oldest university in the state of New Mexico and can trace its origin back to 1888. The university has a low student to faculty ratio of 1:16, which means that you will get the attention you need. The school offers degrees ranging from associates to doctorate degrees with over 95 Bachelor degree majors. 

    The Bachelor’s in information and computer technology from New Mexico State University is a completion program for those that have already earned an associates degree or have completed the school’s general education requirements. This completion program can be finished in as little as two years with dedicated study. Students are also expected to have taken the Viewing a Wider World course offered by the school, which aims to develop the abstract and logical thinking required to be successful in an IT job.

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  25. MERIT: 68.85

    Towson University started off as a college to educate teachers and continues that tradition by graduating the most teachers of any university in Maryland. The school is located in Towson, Maryland and is part of the large University of Maryland educational system. In 2020, US News & World Report ranked Towson University in the top 100 public universities in the nation. 

    If you’re a student looking for a school that provides small class sizes with individual attention from its professors, then take a look at Towson University. The information technology major offered by this university will prepare you with the hands-on skills that employers are looking for in their IT employees. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in research and internships if that is something that interests you—the school has partnerships with various organizations to make this happen.

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  26. MERIT: 68.78

    Georgia Southern University is home to around 27,000 students from all across the US. The university’s main campus is located in Statesboro, Georgia, but the school has additional campuses in Savannah and Hinesville. This is the largest university in the southern part of Georgia and has been around since the early part of the 20th century. 

    Georgia Southern University provides a student-centered environment in which you’re able to get the help you need when you need it. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in information technology which can be completed in four years if not transferring credits from another university. This program is regionally accredited, and also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The professors have real-world experience implementing the concepts you will be learning and as a result can help make sense of difficult material.

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  27. MERIT: 68.37

    Brigham Young University is a private school owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whose origin goes back to the 1860s. The school is located in Provo, Utah, and one of the schools unofficial mottos is “The world is our campus.” For information technology majors, there may not be a better principle to live by, given the fast-changing nature of the field. 

    Brigham Young University offers a Bachelor of Science in applied technology that prepares students for jobs in software, website development, and information technology. This degree is well rounded and provides a foundation in many areas of computers and technology. During the course of earning your Bachelor’s degree, you will earn a certificate in either system administration or back-end web development. Both of these certificates will enhance your ability to get a job after graduating.

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  28. MERIT: 68.17

    While called the University of North Carolina, this university is a standalone school that grants its own degrees separate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Students who attend this university are often referred to as Spartans, and the school’s official colors are gold, white, and navy. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate programs as well as master’s and doctorate programs. 

    The University of North Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science in information systems and supply chain management at Greensboro’s Bryan School of Business and Economics. While pursuing this degree, you can choose between one of four concentrations to further your expertise: 

    • Business analytics
    • Cyber security
    • Information systems
    • Supply chain management
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  29. MERIT: 68.14

    Fort Hays State University is located in Hays, Kansas, and has a student population of over 15,000 students, over 6,500 of which are pursuing an online degree. The university is one of six state universities located in Kansas. FHSU was founded at the turn of the 20th century as a branch of Emporia State University, another school in Kansas. FHSU sports teams compete in NCAA Division II sports wearing their signature black and gold colors. 

    FHSU offers its online students the ability to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in management information systems. The degree consists of 124 credit hours, 55 of which are general education requirements. The business core consists of 27 hours, and the management information systems core is composed of 30 credit hours. You will also be able to take 12 hours of free electives to explore areas of business or IT you’re interested in learning more about.

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  30. MERIT: 67.67

    Rounding out our list of the top 30 online Bachelor’s in information technology is the degree offered by the University of Massachusetts Lowell. UMass Lowell offers more than 120 undergraduate degree programs and was the first university to offer an undergraduate degree in music education. This is the second-largest university in Massachusetts with a student body consisting of more than 18,000 students.

    The Bachelor of Science in information technology offered by UMass Lowell consists of 120 credit hours of classes, 90 of which can be transferred into the program. The degree you receive upon graduation is the same degree that the on-campus students get because the same materials and tests are taught and given in both formats.

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Is an Information Technology Degree the Same as a Computer Science Degree? 

This is a good question, and we should take the time to explain this adequately before you jump into a degree you may or may not want. With an information technology degree, you will be primarily learning how to manage, analyze, create, and maintain information systems and the data contained in these systems. Often individuals with an information technology degree will work for a company with existing data management systems. This means that those with information technology education have a close relationship with businesses and will work to ensure the business stays operational and free from damaging viruses and hackers.  

A degree in computer science will train individuals to create software and programs that businesses may purchase to manage and store their valuable data. These are not the only programs that computer scientists develop, and some information technology degrees do have a heavy emphasis on programming languages. Individuals with a degree in computer science may work for businesses or may create computer programs and create their own business. In general, computer science degrees have a wider breadth of computer knowledge and specifically focus on programming. 

Should I Pursue a Bachelor’s in Information Technology Online or On-ground? 

Only you can answer the question of whether you should pursue your degree online or in-person. The question has multiple components that you should take into consideration before making your decision. One of the most important things to consider is whether or not you are someone who is self-driven and motivated to complete work without the oversight of others. 

Some individuals find that online coursework is more difficult because it requires them to be diligent about setting aside time to learn the material and work on the assignments. It is easy after a long day of work and other daily responsibilities to want to come home and relax, but those earning an online degree sometimes do not have that luxury. 

Another point to consider is how you learn information the most effectively. Some people learn information by hearing a lecture, while others learn information more easily by reading a book. If hearing the information is essential to your learning, and you want to earn your degree online, you should ensure that the school you decide to attend has video or audio lectures. 

One aspect of on-ground schools that many people don’t realize is that you end up hearing and studying the information multiple times throughout a class. This repetition of information is essential for long-term memory formation, and if you choose to pursue an online degree, you may want to set up a schedule in which you go back a review previously learned information. This will help you with long-term information storage. 

Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology the End of My Learning? 

While you can do a lot in the IT field with a Bachelor of information technology, this is not the end of your learning. In fact, it is just the beginning. Many entry-level IT jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree in IT, but some management jobs require applicants to have a master’s degree or higher. For example, students can pursue an online master’s of management in information systems or a master’s in IT. Of course,  Sometimes the master’s degree requirement can be overcome with a certain amount of work experience, but this is dependent on the employer. 

Additionally, the IT field is a constantly changing industry that requires continual learning. Many employers require that their employees obtain certifications in specific areas of system or platform management. These certifications that may be required by your employer will also make you more valuable and marketable if you end up searching for a new job. Take advantage of employee tuition reimbursement that employers may offer their employees!