Information technology is a professional field on the rise. In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that more than 557,000 new IT jobs will be created between now and the year 2026; this represents a projected growth rate of 13 percent, faster than the average growth expected across all other careers. In 2019, American IT workers are earning median annual salaries ranging from $54,000 to $118,000, the highest range for entry-level positions, and their expertise is needed across many industries and economic sectors. As long as society continues to be shaped by digital transformation, IT professionals should expect to be in high demand.
Individuals who wish to work in IT should keep in mind that this is a broad and dynamic field with dozens of specialties and positions. Some of the most traditional IT occupations include:
- Technical support specialist
- Web developer
- Application developer
- Systems administrator
- Information security analyst
- Networking specialist
- Database administrator
There are various ways you can enter the IT field; computer science degrees used to be the most common method, but you can choose more focused options these days. The difference between IT and computer science degrees is that the former is more technical, operational and hands-on. Computer science majors are more likely to work in programming and development; IT professionals are typically hired to design and manage systems, but they can also work in development. The entry-level salaries of computer science graduates tend to be higher, but IT workers have more opportunities to earn higher pay as they advance. While you can get into IT with an associate degree, employers tend to pay more attention to job applicants with a bachelor of science degrees.
Florida National University offers three IT degree programs that you can choose to complete online:
- Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology
- Associate of Science in Networking System Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
As previously mentioned, getting a bachelor’s degree is a better way to get started with your IT career because it covers many more aspects of modern computing. This FNU program requires a minimum of 120 credits for graduation, and some of the courses include:
- Database Management Systems
- Web Programming
- A+ Computer Maintenance and Repair
- Networking Essentials
- Advanced .NET Framework Programming
- SQL Server
- Visual Basic Programming (elective)
- Linux Operating System
- Computer Forensics
- Disaster Recovery
- Server Installation and Configuration
Getting Your IT Degree Online
IT degrees have become very popular among professionals looking for a second career. There is more to IT than handsome salaries and job demand; many people discover an affinity for this field through their daily use of computers and networks, but they are also drawn to the convenience of online education. When you think about higher education degrees that are suitable to complete online, IT certainly comes to mind.
What makes sense about online IT degree programs is that students get a feel for what some of their future job opportunities may be like. Coding, development, support, and administration are tasks that can be remotely managed through internet connectivity, virtualization, and cloud computing; to a certain extent, completing an online degree program is comparable to working from home or from a remote office.
An online IT degree can be ideal for students whose work and family obligations make traditional classroom education difficult. Getting your online IT degree from FNU means being able to work at your own pace without having to worry about being late to evening classes because of traffic jams and limited parking. If you already have a college degree, you may be able to transfer some of your general education credits.
To learn more about the online IT degree programs offered by FNU, contact an admissions counselor today. If you need financial aid, FNU can assist with the application process; you can also inquire about our scholarship options. FNU is a private university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges; moreover, FNU also holds a Military Friendly® Schools designation for the benefit of veterans, reservists and active duty personnel.
Take the First Step Towards Your IT Future
Once you have clearly determined your IT career goals and interests, your next step should be to choose between the three programs offered by FNU. Keep in mind that our two associate of science IT degree programs are narrowly focused on entry-level career paths; the Networking System Administration program, for example, provides a foundation of installation, configuration, and management, which means that graduates will be able to work at the technician level.
Our admissions counselors are ready to answer any questions you may have about FNU and online education. Your passion for computers and network systems can translate to more than just a good job; you can also gain satisfaction from choosing a career that is transforming and improving society.
