Online Information Technology Degrees: Computers, Courses, Programs, Associates And Bachelors

Information Technology degrees have become increasingly popular amongst those who work in the information technology industry. In 2002 study, the U.S. Department of Labor estimated that the industry would increase 68% between 2002 and 2012. That is a lot of open jobs, but the question is if the U.S. can keep them. Outsourcing to other countries has become an issue as many Americans are loosing jobs. The answer is in education and having the drive to acquire new skills.

Information Technology degrees mix computers with management and information theory, focusing less on the scientific aspects of computers and their science, and more on the business aspects. Information Technology degrees are becoming more sought after each year. As the industry grows, the importance of  Information Technology degrees will increase, as employers will look for the most marketable, experienced and educated candidates to fill positions.

Nearly every college and university offers Information Technology degrees. Programs and courses for Information Technology degrees are available online and on campuses.  The differences between online and in-class Information Technology degrees varies depending on the college or university selected. The same basic classes are offered in both instances, with a few more elective classes available through the traditional in-class methods. The best way to understand the ranking and quality of an institution's  program for Information Technology degrees is to research. U.S. News and World Report's Rankings on colleges and universities.

Online universities use webcasts, email, forums, and chatrooms to conduct classes for Information Technolgy degrees, so a computer is required for any online class. The online route for Information Technology degrees is ideal for working professionals, parents, or anyone who doesn't have the time to commit to being in a classroom for a few hours a week or more.

Information Technology degrees are available in associate degrees and bachelor degrees. There are three main specialties for Information Technology degrees: Computer Systems, Programming, and Network Administration. Computer systems degree programs and careers focus the installing, maintaining, and updating business systems. Programming focuses on writing code for different softwares. Network Administration deals with both computer systems and programming and making sure they function seamlessly.

Courses for Information Technology degrees can vary based on the focus of the degree. Associate Information Technolgy degrees generally require two years of classes that focus networking, computer science, database design and management, and system integration. Along with these courses will be required basic education coursework in writing, mathematics, and science. These core courses help students get a broad perspective of information technology, while the advanced courses are where students begin to specialize and find their niche.

Advanced coursework  for Information Technology degrees begins after the second year, or after receiving an associate degree. Students  begin to take specialization courses, usually in management and information theory. Information Management in Business, Project Planning and Implementation, and Technology Transfer in the Global Economy are some of the advanced courses for Information Technology degrees. After completion of four years worth of credits, students receive a bachelors degree.

The information technology industry will continue to grow exponentially. With this growth, educated workers with a dedication to continually expand their knowledge will succeed. Those who assume that receiving Information Technology degrees will be the final education needed will not be able to expand their skill set and climb the career ladder.  According to the Department of Labor, the U.S. is experiencing “a shortage of qualified IT workers with flexible and portable skills.” In short, be educated, skilled, and adaptable and the rungs of the sought-after career ladder will be easier to climb.


Sources:
"Bachelor of Information Technology." Wikipedia. 6 Feb. 2007. 6 Feb. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bachelor_of_Informati on_Technology
Online Information Technology Degree Programs. WorldWideLearn. 1999-2007.  6 Feb. 2007. http://www.worldwidelearn.com/technology-degree/in formation-technology-degree.htm
Statistics on American IT Workforce. Computer Research Association. 6 Feb. 2007. http://www.cra.org/govaffairs/itworkforce.php
MS in Information Technology. Rensselaer. 6 Feb. 2007. http://www.rpi.edu/ewp/distance/course_masters/ms_ info_tech.html
BSIT Core Classes. New Jersey's Science and Technology University. 1987-2007. 6 Feb. 2007. http://it.njit.edu/academics/core.php
High Growth Industry Profile: Information Technology. U.S. Department of Labor. 2 Oct. 2006. 6 Feb. 2007. http://www.doleta.gov/brg/Indprof/IT_profile.cfm Rankings. U.S. News and World Report. 2007. 27 Feb. 2007. http://www.usnews.com/sections/rankings/index.html