Types of Degrees Online IT

If you’re interested in the world of Information Technology, understanding the differences in degree types and what those degrees might lead to is important.

Basic Certification

Basic IT certification programs offered online require ten to eighteen months of time. While the cheapest possible option in terms of online education, they also offer the least level of flexibility in the world of IT jobs. With most basic certification programs, you’ll focus on only one knowledge area. In some cases, students choose to focus on a particular programming language like C++. In other cases, students choose to focus on basic computer repair. While there are lots of jobs for students who chose the route of basic IT certification, better paying jobs often require a higher degree level.

Associate’s Degree

Obtaining an associate’s degree is a great choice. It offers more job flexibility than a basic certification program might, but only requires about eighteen months of your time with an accelerated online course schedule. Throughout an online IT degree program like this one, you’ll focus on a variety of programming languages, database management, and network design. With the ability to specialize in areas like information systems, software engineering, and health information technology, the skills you’ll learn will lead to a strong salary and a number of job options.

Bachelor’s Degree

One of the most popular IT degree choices online, a bachelor’s degree offers almost limitless job possibilities. As with an associate’s degree, you have the option of specializing in a number of areas, and whether your eventual goal is to design software for major companies like Adobe or start your own repair company, a bachelor’s degree will give you the knowledge necessary to do so. Expect to spend three to four years earning your bachelor’s degree online. With starting salaries at $45,000 a year on average, though, those years spent earning your degree will be well worth your time.

Master’s Degree

Once you’ve obtained your bachelor’s degree, you can look ahead to a master’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that IT professionals with a master’s degree can expect, on average, salaries of nearly $80,000 per year, so the extra education will not only improve your skill set, but your income too. Most master’s level programs integrate information about systems analysis, software design, networks, database, and programming languages. As with both associate’s and bachelor’s programs, the ability to specialize your degree is a great option that may help you earn the job of your choice. Expect to spend eighteen months to two years earning your IT master’s degree online.

To find out more information about the world of IT degrees and the choices available to you, visit careerdegreesource.com.