Why This Matters
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DEMAND FOR INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYSTS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 35%
The job outlook for skilled information security analysts is significantly better than average as the need for innovative cybersecurity solutions continues to grow.
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INFORMATION SECURITY ANALYSTS MAKE $102,600 PER YEAR
The median salary for information security analysts is over $50,000 more than the median annual wage for all occupations.
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JOB OUTLOOK FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGERS HIGHER THAN U.S. AVERAGE
As more businesses go online and expand their digital footprint, 82,400 more computer and information systems managers will be needed.
Our Research
This list features some of the best information technology degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organization that assess IT programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of information technology degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The Top 50 Information Technology Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a career path in the field of technology, you should also consider pursuing a bachelor’s in computer science. Information technology degree programs focus on maintaining computer systems, networks, and databases. Computer science programs specialize in the design and development of computer programs and applications. IT graduates often use their skills in project management and secondary roles, working to support the goals of the businesses at which they are employed. On the other hand, computer science graduates write algorithms and other logic-based code to create new technological solutions. Determine if you are more interested in managing technology or building technology when choosing a degree program.
Certifications in information technology can help graduates gain new skills and demonstrate proficiency to potential employers. There are many valuable certifications for IT professionals, including Certified Data Professional (CDP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
The job outlook for information technology graduates is positive, and demand is expected to increase over the next decade. Many careers in the IT sector will experience job growth faster than the national average.
What’s Next?
Ask yourself these questions when researching information technology degree programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Undergraduate programs in information technology accept students from all educational backgrounds. Some programs may require coursework in statistics or computer programming as well as a minimum GPA and standardized test score.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Bachelor’s programs in information technology take four years of full-time study to complete. Our list of programs requires a minimum of 48 credits and a maximum of 181 credits to graduate.
Each online program has specific application requirements and deadlines. Visit the school’s website or contact the program directly to find out what information you must submit with your application and when it’s due.
Pursuing higher education requires a financial investment, and you should decide how you’ll cover the cost of your degree. You might be eligible for federal student aid, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Research funding opportunities, and turn in all applications on time.