2020 Best Online Information Technology (IT) Degrees

Online information technology degree programs are available at the associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and certificate levels. Degree accreditation should be an important consideration for prospective students choosing a program, as should cost and quality. Our best online bachelor's list for IT degrees highlights the 25 schools with low tuition costs and comparatively high alumni salaries, as reported by PayScale. Our master's rankings may also be helpful for prospective information technology students.

2020 Best Online Colleges Offering Bachelor's in Information Technology Degrees

Ranked based on affordability and earning potential, these 25 schools offer the best online bachelor's degrees in information technology. Ranked #1 is SUNY at Albany, with a low tuition of $10,590 and a high median salary of $184,700. At #2, the University of Virginia has one of the least expensive tuition rates on the list, charging only $13,260 per year for its Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Information Technology.

Alumni salaries were provided by PayScale. View our methodology for more details or learn more about OnlineU.

Salary data provided by

2020 Online Colleges Offering Information Technology Degrees - Ranking Details

Online Information Technology Degree Overview & Career Information

Associate degrees in areas such as mobile device applications, software development, or database management provide students with an introduction to IT concepts. These degrees are often designed to prepare students for further study at the bachelor's or master's level. Bachelor's degrees build upon introductory concepts and allow students to explore different electives to pinpoint the area of IT they would like to specialize in. After completing general education requirements, the course content will depend largely on the type of IT program you're attending.

Master's-level IT programs nearly always include a focus or specialization relevant to a certain career path and may also require students to conduct research. Examples of master's degrees in information technology include network administration, information security, modeling and simulation, or project management. Doctoral degrees in information technology disciplines are designed for professionals who wish to expand their skills into leadership or research areas; they often include advanced concepts in IT business management, consultation, or education.

Undergraduate and graduate IT certificates are available in a wide range of areas such as information science, web design, IT management, and software development. Certificates can help current professionals update their skills in order to advance in their career, or they can introduce less experienced students to new technical concepts and help prepare them for further education.

Online Associate Degrees in Information Technology

Information technology professionals are concerned with applying, testing, maintaining, and distributing data for various companies in a wide range of industries. Many aspiring IT professionals take the first step to entering their dream jobs by pursuing associate degrees in the field. These programs typically take two years to complete and require individuals to fulfill up to 64 credit hours. High school graduates and GED certificate holders with strong math and science skills should apply.

Students can choose between two kinds of associate degree programs in information technology: Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). Those who choose to pursue the former usually plan to transfer to a bachelor's degree program whereas students of the latter often enter the workforce immediately after graduation, since they receive specialized knowledge and applications in their area of study. All associate degree programs provide basic theories in information technology. Students explore networking systems, database management, software and hardware applications, and other foundational programming concepts. Core classes include Internet concepts, webpage design, global issues, information security, and information systems and technologies.

Associate degree holders in information technology can enter the workforce as systems administrators, computer specialists, and systems analysts. Those who wish to continue their education will eventually be eligible for careers as supervisors and managers of IT departments for corporations. Professionals should stay up to date with trends and resources in their industry by becoming affiliated with leading organizations, such as the World Information Technology and Services Alliance.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology

The bachelor’s degree in information technology trains students in a blend of computer science and practical technology management topics, which is useful for professional roles in IT. Students also gain critical thinking skills and cultural understanding, from the humanities and sciences requirements of the degree. These four-year programs require 40 to 50 courses. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

The major curriculum in the IT bachelor’s degree investigates a variety of topics related to business-level information systems. Core classes include information security, UNIX administration, telecommunications and networking, information systems architecture, and IT project management. Along with didactic courses, students are typically required to complete design and project-based labs. Along with the major core, many IT programs require that students specialize in a particular area within this wide field. Possible focuses include systems administration, information security, web development, and infrastructure management. Many programs also require the completion of a capstone course during the student’s senior year, in which students take on a large project within their IT interest area.

The information technology bachelor’s is a highly flexible program and can lead to a number of roles in private industry, non-profits, or the public sector, since nearly all organizations utilize IT. The bachelor’s degree is the entry-level requirement for computer programmer, database administrator, network administrator, web developer, and information security specialist positions. After gaining some professional experience, bachelor’s graduates may move into supervisory or advanced roles, such as IT project manager, systems analyst, or network architect.

Online Master's Degrees in Information Technology

The IT master’s degree provides students with professionally focused skills in information technology that incorporate perspectives from business and management. These programs require 12 to 15 courses and take about two years to complete. Applicants need an accredited bachelor’s degree, as well as basic skills in programming and networking. Learn more about the best online master's degrees in information technology, ranked according to their annual tuition rates and alumni salaries.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Information Technology

Online information technology degrees at the doctorate level allow students to develop and expand their knowledge in computer science and information systems. Much of the theoretical content of doctoral programs involves advanced studies of master’s-level core coursework. Programs place heavy emphasis on IT research and practice. Applicants should hold an accredited master’s degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or a related field. Prerequisites may include computer architecture, data communications, database systems, networks, programming languages, and systems analysis and design. Doctorate programs require completion of 45 to 60 credits, which takes approximately three years.

Doctoral programs aim to develop IT practitioners with high levels of analytical, research, and technical expertise. The curriculum covers areas such as computer architecture, cyber security, cyberspace laws, data communications, data mining and warehousing, database management, human computer interaction, IT policy implementation, leadership and strategic planning, managerial information systems, operating systems, programming, project fundamentals, software design and development, systems analysis and design, systems development, technology systems in business, and web development. Research courses focus on research methodology, quantitative research, and business research. Students are required to complete an independent research project and write a dissertation, which they submit and defend in public.

Doctoral graduates may take up senior positions in the field of IT in areas such as administration, development, management, research, and teaching. Job titles for IT professionals include cyber security specialist, database administrator, IT consultant, network administrator, project manager, software engineer, systems developer, and Web applications developer.

Online Certificates in Information Technology

Information technology certificates may be pursued at the undergraduate and graduate level. Undergraduate certificates provide a foundation in computer systems, networks, and programming to students with a limited background in IT. Graduate certificates provide experienced professionals with advanced training in specific IT areas. Students complete 5 to 12 courses over the span of one to two years. Applicants need a high school diploma, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, depending on the level of the certificate.

The curriculum for the undergraduate certificate in information technology provides a broad-based introduction to the many areas of IT. A course in IT principles includes an overview of the components of the information system, such as the operating system, server, network, and Internet technology. Other common courses look at IT customer service, systems analysis, computer programming, and web design.

The graduate certificate in information technology often provides an overview of IT from a business perspective. For example, core classes might look at business communication networks, IT management, information systems design, and database design. Students learn how to harness IT to help a business achieve its larger goals.

Graduates of the undergraduate certificate may be prepared for entry-level computer support specialist, help desk, systems administrator, or network administrator positions, depending on their previous experience. Many employers prefer to hire IT specialists with a bachelor’s degree, but in some cases college coursework and professional experience can also be sufficient. Current professionals can use the graduate certificate to better apply IT in their workplace or to move into IT management or systems analysis positions. Other possible career areas include network engineering, software development, and information security.

Job and Salary Information

What is the job outlook for the information technology field?

As the importance of technology increases rapidly, information technology (IT) professions continue to experience rapid growth. Unlike computer science, which is focused on programming and innovation, IT primarily concerns itself with building and maintaining networks, databases and computer systems, using existing technologies. With the focus on new system software, big data, cloud computing, and information security threats, more and more companies are hiring qualified candidates who understand how to implement and run new software solutions.In today's technology and information driven world, IT is an absolutely necessity for businesses and organizations of all sizes. Due to the rising demand, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects the IT field to grow at a rate of 13% to 19% through 2026. This means that over a half million new jobs are projected to open up in this industry in the next 8 years.

What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in IT?

The list of popular jobs that people can get with a bachelor's degree in IT is quite long and varied, depending on one's specific skill sets, interests, certifications and prior experience. Here are several common jobs for bachelor's in IT graduates:

• Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the daily operation of computer systems and networks in organizations of all types. Specifically, they are responsible for the installation and maintenance of intranets, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and other information systems. They also provide support for the professionals using these systems. The average annual salary for a network and computer systems administrator is $81,100
• Information security analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks. They protect these networks by analyzing data to detect and mitigate threats, typically posed by viruses and hackers, to commercial and government computer systems and networks. With cyber-attacks on the rise, this profession continues to evolve and become more sophisticated. Information security analysts average $92,600 per year.
• Computer systems analysts, also known as systems architects, serve as a link between business and information technology, studying existing computer networks, and designing more efficient ones. They earn an average salary of $87,220.
• Database administrators are responsible for storing and organizing data. Their duties include troubleshooting, designing, building, and maintaining databases, and insuring their security. The average salary for database administrators is $84,590 a year.
• Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the visual representation of the website as well as the technical aspects, such as it's performance and capacity. The average salary for a web developer is $67,990.

What kind of salary should I expect with a bachelor's in IT?

Information technology is a high-paying profession, with an average salary of $80,000. Recent graduates can expect to enter the industry at the lower end of the pay scale, with an average salary of $58,646. However, after 10-20 years in the field, information technology graduates can expect an average salary of $95,582.

The Importance of Accreditation

The US Department of Education recognizes several independent agencies that accredit IT degree programs or institutions that offer IT programs. Before they can become accredited, schools and degree programs go through a rigorous evaluation process to prove to the accrediting agency that they meet established academic standards. Attending a school or program that has earned accreditation can help students feel confident that they are receiving a high-quality education that implements current research and is taught by competent instructors. It will also enable students to transfer credits to other accredited schools and apply for scholarships and financial aid, as these financial benefits are typically only awarded to students who are enrolled at an accredited school or program.

ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, grants accreditation to information technology and information systems degree programs and is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation. Colleges and universities can also be accredited, and IT programs that are offered at these institutions are also considered to be accredited. Current lists of accrediting agencies, schools, and programs can be found via ABET, USDE, or CHEA.

Types of Online IT Certification

Microsoft Certifications

A popular kind of certification for IT professionals is offered by Microsoft. To maximize their chances of earning this credential, students are encouraged to enroll in preparatory classes at various distance learning colleges and universities. Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certifications are available in the following information technology categories: server, desktop, applications, database, and developer. The stages of certification that are currently available for these IT categories are Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Technology Associate (MTA), Solutions Associate (MCSA), Solutions Expert (MCSE), and Solutions Developer (MCSD).

Cisco Certifications

Cisco also offers private online classes that enable students to become certified IT professionals. Topics that are discussed include routing, network security, switching, and wireless. Individuals may opt to become certified on five different levels: entry, associate, expert, professional, and architect.