Online degrees in computer and technology are popular, and for good reason. These offerings provide ultra-convenient paths to some of the most financially rewarding and intrinsically meaningful jobs in the field no matter what your current level of education. In this article, we'll discuss the many different types of computer/tech degree programs available to individuals interested in this captivating and ever-growing discipline.
Associate Degrees in Computers and Technology
Overview:The most basic type of postsecondary degree available in the field, associate degrees in computers and technology are two-year programs that require approximately 60 credit hours of coursework. Widely available, these programs are frequently offered in flexible formats, including part-time, evening, hybrid, and even fully online classes. As the field is a broad one, there are many different types of associate in computers/technology one can earn. Some of these variations are listed below.
Types of Computer and Technology Associate DegreesAssociate of Science (AS) in Information Technologies
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Information Technology
AS in Information Sciences and Technology
Associate of Arts (AA) in Information Technology
AA in Cybersecurity
AS in Computer Information Technology
Associate in Computer Science
The curriculum for associate degree programs in computers and technology will vary depending on the specific type of associate degree you choose as well as the school you attend. Still, most of these offerings are comprised of a general education component as well as courses in the computer and technology major. General education classes will cover topics in mathematics, language, communications, natural sciences, and behavioral sciences, for instance. Sample course titles in computers and technology are listed below for reference. Keep in mind that these are merely samples, and specific classes will vary.
Computer/Technology Associate Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesFundamentals of Information Technology
Computer Platform Technologies
Introduction to Web Design and Development
Organization of Data
Information, People, and Technology
Introduction to HTML
Introduction to Java Programming
Programming Logic and Design
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity
Network Theory and Design
Systems Analysis and Design
Fundamentals of Databases
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
Associate in computer and technology degrees have a fairly high return on investment. This means that they don't require a great deal of time or money to attain, but they still prepare graduates for well-paid careers in the field. According to Payscale.com, individuals with an associate degree in information technology make approximately $54,000 a year on average. Your specific pay will vary depending on a number of factors, including your job title. For reference, we've listed some of the positions in the field requiring an associate in computers and technology along with their average annual wages below:
Network Analyst: $52,281
Information Technology Specialist: $50,653
Information Systems Manager: $64,743
Network Engineer: $56,213
Systems Analyst: $51,628
Computer/Network Support Technician: $48,126
Network Technician: $49,190
Information Technology Project Manager: $75,569
Bachelor's Degrees in Computers and Technology
Overview:Bachelor's degrees in computers and technology are popular options for prospective students because of the variety of opportunities they provide for graduates, both in terms of potential careers and for future study in a graduate program. Considering the many types of bachelor's programs in computers and technology (some of which are listed below), it's a good idea to keep your future plans in mind when selecting your degree program.
Types of Bachelor of Computer and Technology Degree ProgramsBachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technologies
BS in Information Sciences and Technology
Bachelor of Computing and Security
BS in Computer Information Technology
BS in Information Technology Management
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Information Technology and Systems
Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Information Technology
Bachelor's in Computer Science
Like most degree programs at the bachelor's level, bachelor's in computers and technology usually require about 120 credit hours of coursework. Traditionally, these requirements take approximately four years to fulfill, but accelerated offerings do exist that could allow you to earn your degree in significantly less time. The specific courses you take will depend in large part to the specialization or concentration you choose, if any. Some of these options are listed below:
Technology/Computer Degrees: Specializations and ConcentrationsNetworking and Computer Systems Security
Enterprise Computing
Information Systems
Computing Technology
Computing Security
Health Information Technology
Information Security
Network and Telecommunications
Web Development and Multimedia
Enterprise Systems
Information Assurance and Security
Mobile and Web Development
Gaming Design
Application and Database Development
There are other factors aside from the chosen concentration that will affect your specific coursework, including any credits you transfer in as well as the specific type of degree program and the school you choose to attend. Some sample course titles are listed below, but these are merely for the sake of example:
Bachelor's Computer and Technology Curriculum: Sample Course TitlesMicrocomputer Systems Architecture
Analysis and Design of Information Systems
Object-Oriented Programming
Architecture of Hardware and System Software
Introduction to Local Area Network Technology
Enterprise Systems Architecture
Ethics for the Information Technology Profession
Introduction to Information Sciences and Systems
Business Data Communications Systems
Database Design and Processing
Foundations of Information Systems
Intermediate Networking
Introduction to Computer-Based Systems
Dynamic Programming Languages
Software Systems Analysis
Programming and Data Structures
Individuals with a bachelor's degree in computers and technology stand to earn a handsome salary for their work in the field. According to Payscale, professionals with this credential make about $70,000 a year on average. Of course, their specific wage will depend upon their job title, work experience, and employer. Here are some job titles associated with bachelor's in computer and technology holders and their average salaries, according to Payscale:
Systems Administrator: $58,705
Network Engineer: $71,183
Software Engineer: $74,042
Information Technology Manager: $77,345
Network Administrator: $58,533
Software Developer: $65,146
Web Developer: $53,473
Information Security Analyst: $69,291
Information Technology Business Analyst: $62,345
Information Technology Specialist: $52,384
Master's Degrees in Computers and Technology
Overview:Those students willing to devote two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree are rewarded with a master's degree in computers and technology. This credential will open up even more doors of opportunity in the field, including advanced leadership positions. More and more technology and computer master's degree programs are being offered online, making it more convenient for professionals in the field to earn this graduate credential, often while keeping their day jobs.
Technology and Computer Master's Degrees: CurriculumMost master's degree programs in computers and technology are designed to enable students to specialize in a certain area of the field. They do so by offering specialization and concentration options like the ones below:
Technology/Computer Degree Programs: Specializations and ConcentrationsInformation Security and Assurance
Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
Networking
Health Information Technology
Business Information Systems
Large-Scale Data Management
User-Centered Design
Web Design
Leadership and Management
Network Design and Security
Software Design and Management
Technology Strategy and Enterprise Architecture
Managing Technology Development and Innovation
Computer Systems Security Foundations
Networking and Telecommunications
Applied Networking Security
Secure Software Engineering
Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
Systems Analysis, Modeling, and Design
Human-Computer Interaction
Advanced Database Topics
Applied Artificial Intelligence
Secure Network Design
Cyberlaw, Regulations, and Compliance
Data Mining and Analytics
Data Science Tools and Techniques
Financial Management for Information Technology Professionals
Managing Technology Operations and Innovation
Information Technology Sourcing and Development in a Global Economy
The salary associated with a master's in computers and technology will vary significantly depending on the specific type of degree you hold. To give you a rough idea, though, consider this: Payscale.com reports that individuals with a master of science degree in information technology make around $85,000 a year on average. Your annual wage will also depend on your particular job title, though. Below, you will find some of the occupations commonly associated with master's in technology and computer science along with their respective average salaries, according to Payscale:
MS in Information Technology: 85KInformation Technology Project Manager: $90,873
Systems Administrator: $62,004
Software Engineer: $84,444
Information Technology Manager: $92,901
Information Technology Business Analyst: $74,641
Information Technology Director: $118,837
Software Developer: $75,560
Information Technology Consultant: $79,232
Network Engineer: $79,611
Data Analyst: 69,016
Network Administrator: $61,695
Doctor of Computers and Technology
Overview:To achieve one's maximum potential in the computer/technology discipline, it is helpful (if not necessary) to pursue a technology and computer doctoral degree. These programs of study are highly rigorous and require high-level research and critical thinking skills. Not all doctoral degrees in the field are alike, however. There are, in fact, many different types of doctorates in computers and technology to choose from. Some of these options are listed below for your reference:
Types of Doctorates in Computers and TechnologyDoctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Information Technology
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Information Systems
Doctor of Science in Computer Science
PhD in Technology Management
Doctor of Information Technology
PhD in Technology
PhD in Computer Science
DBA in Computer Science
PhD in Computer Information Systems
Doctorate in Cybersecurity
Students who choose to enroll in a doctoral program in computers and technology can expect their courses to be grounded in research. They will be asked to analyze current research in the field and conduct their own original research using qualitative and quantitative research methods. This is where the similarities end, though. The exact coursework comprising the curriculum for a doctor of computer and technology program will vary depending on the specific type of degree one chooses. Even so, we've listed some sample course titles below to illustrate the types of classes one might expect to see on their course schedules.
Technology/Computers Doctorates: Sample CoursesOrganizational and Social Dimensions of Information Systems
Advanced Software Development
Quality and Productivity in Industry and Technology
User Design and Evaluation
Discrete Mathematics for Computer Scientists
Techniques and Interpretation for Advanced Statistical Research
Applied Research in Information Assurance
Information Assurance Requirements for Compliance
Strategy and Management of Information Technology
Software Systems Design and Implementation
Economics for Information Sectors
Management of New and Emerging Technologies
Leading Information Technology as Internal and External Partners in Organizations
Process Optimization and Decision-Making in Information Technology
Current Topics in Technology Management
Salaries for computer and technology doctoral degree recipients will vary depending on the type of degree they receive. For the sake of example, though, Payscale.com reports that individuals with a PhD in information technology make approximately $101,000 a year on average. Different occupations will garner different wages, though. Below, you will find some of the job titles held by those with a doctor of computer and technology degree alongside their average salaries.
Senior Information Technology Manager: $108,959
Business Systems Analyst: $70,052
Information Technology Security Architect: $119,761
Project Management Director: $153,190
Senior Business Analyst: $94,621
Information Technology Director: $145,811
Chief Information Security Officer: $126,930
Software Engineer: $98,991
Cyber Security Analyst: $88,245
Information Technology Enterprise Architect: $171,456
Dozens upon dozens of options exist for prospective students with a desire to break into the field of computers and technology by earning a degree. No matter what your current level of education, career goals, or budget, there's likely a program of study that can propel you to success in this cutting-edge field. As you consider your options, keep in mind that advancements in distance learning have transformed online degree programs, making them as effective and respected as they are convenient. In addition to fully online programs, many hybrid offerings exist in the discipline as well. These blended learning models provide the best of both worlds for students who desire the flexibility of online learning along with a level of engagement that can only be attained in a face-to-face environment.
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