Information technology professionals design, implement, and manage information systems for businesses and organizations in all industries. With professionals earning a median salary of $104,420 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 10% growth between 2022 and 2032, careers in information technology offer numerous lucrative and rewarding opportunities.
An information technology degree program develops technical and analytical skills. It encompasses cybersecurity, programming, network administration, and many other concentrations to prepare graduates for careers as data analysts, network administrators, information security engineers, and more. Most undergraduate students graduate in about four years, averaging $14,688 yearly for tuition and fees. Graduate programs span about two years with an average yearly tuition of $20,513.
How to Choose an Information Technology Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Choosing the right area of study for your career objectives is crucial for educational and professional success. Define your career goals as they align with your interests and strengths to inform your decisions about programs and schools.
A Bachelor of Science in information technology program covers various topics that intersect with computer science, cybersecurity, and business fundamentals. Students work with evolving technology to design, build, and operate information systems on which businesses and other organizations rely. Graduates can pursue careers in information technology and related fields, such as systems administration, information security analysis, and web development.
A Master of Science in information technology program offers opportunities for more advanced and specialized study. Students may also develop leadership and business skills that prepare them for management careers in information technology and related fields, such as project management, business design architecture, and IT management.
These programs typically provide several concentration options, such as:
- Computer network administration
- Mobile and web application development
- Data analytics
- Cybersecurity
Research schools and programs
During your research, verify each school’s accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). Regional accreditation guarantees the quality of education per the Department of Education standards and generally is required for federal student aid.
Attending an accredited institution can offer time and cost savings should you decide to transfer to another school or pursue a graduate degree, as accredited schools typically only accept credits from other accredited institutions. Many employers also prefer candidates with accredited credentials.
Visit school websites and contact admissions counselors for more information about accredited programs. These resources can provide deeper insight into the student experience and direct you to in-person or virtual information sessions, campus tours, and other events.
Prepare for tests and applications
The admissions process may vary between programs and schools, but most conform to standard form, fee, and material requirements. These include:
- Application form and fees
- Transcripts
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Personal essay or statement
- Resume or CV
- SAT or ACT scores for undergraduates
- GRE or GMAT scores for graduates
- TOEFL (for students educated in a non-English language)
Undergraduate information technology programs typically don’t have information technology or computer science background requirements, but they may require students to complete prerequisite courses before they can declare their major.
Graduate information technology programs typically require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field, but they may also consider professional experience. An admissions counselor can confirm specific requirements and deadlines and provide insight on strengthening your application.
Select your program
Programs are more than the concentrations and credentials they offer, and many other details can influence the quality and success of your education. Consider factors such as:
- Curriculum
- Work-study opportunities
- Faculty
- Campus amenities
- Course delivery and logistics options
- Location
- Tuition
Some factors may have more influence than others when it comes to decisions regarding individual circumstances. For instance, students with other professional or family obligations may benefit from programs that offer flexible course delivery options, such as remote or self-paced education. Other students may prefer those that offer high in-person engagement and exposure with work co-op or work-study opportunities.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access need-based federal loans, grants, scholarships, and other funding assistance. Financial aid counselors at your chosen school can also provide information on expected tuition, fees, and other expenses to help inform your budget and funding needs.
Businesses, non-profit foundations, and even your school may offer additional need or merit-based assistance, and some employers offer tuition assistance benefits to their employees registered in school. Funding opportunities may be available as part of your education — students may supplement with income from work-study, internship, or co-op positions, and graduate students may access salary, stipend, or tuition benefits with assistantships or fellowships.
Best 50 Accredited Information Technology Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
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 postsecondary education. The programs on our list are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), a reputable organization that assesses IT programs for educational excellence.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the 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 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.
What Can You Expect From an Information Technology Degree Program?
An undergraduate information technology program focuses on operating and managing computers, software, systems, databases, networks, and other areas. Students develop abilities with programming languages, data administration, and network configuration, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills that allow them to integrate technology with workplaces.
Students usually complete a blend of lecture and lab credits, practical projects, and advanced capstone projects, along with opportunities to gain exposure to the professional field. Most four-year undergraduate programs require about 120 credits for graduation.
Graduate information technology programs delve more deeply into design, programming, architecture, and other topics covered in undergraduate degree coursework to develop innovation and leadership skills.
These programs may intersect more heavily with business topics, such as business analysis and project planning, to help graduates address industry needs in cybersecurity engineering, business intelligence, user experience design, and other areas. In addition to seminars, students may complete independent research and participate in experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and co-ops. Most graduate programs require between 30 and 45 credits and culminate with a capstone project or thesis.
Potential courses you’ll take in an information technology degree program
- Networking Fundamentals: Often aligning with the CompTIA Network+ certification requirements, this course focuses on the design, administration, and troubleshooting of computer networks. Topics typically include media and topologies, management, security, network technologies, OSI network models, and ethernet hardware and cabling.
- Computer Programming: This course covers programming fundamentals, including functions, arrays, control statements, and data types. Students often complete exercises in developing, debugging, and testing programs using the Python programming language.
- Information Security: By introducing security concepts, this course covers the tools and procedures for preventing and responding to security incidents and helps students build skills in risk management and network and physical security. Content may include compliance and operational security, vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, and cryptography.
- Computer Organization and Architecture: In this course, students learn the organization and architecture concepts for modern hardware, software, and operating systems. Topics may include computer instruction, memory hierarchy, pipelining, and performance enhancement.
Information Technology Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an information technology degree program?
Most institutions offer a web-based application portal that guides students through the application process and helps them submit the appropriate information, transcripts, test scores, and fees. Admissions counselors can also provide application guidance and assist with a physical application if needed.
How much does an information technology degree cost?
The average undergraduate fees cost $14,688 annually, not including housing. With housing, the average amount increases to $27,673, but this offsets potential off-campus living costs for accommodation, food, and other expenses. Graduate tuition and fees average $20,513 per year.
Local cost of living, out-of-state student status, and private institutions can increase expenses. Speak to an admissions counselor to determine an appropriate budget, and factor in your personal education funds, grants, scholarships, loans, and other assistance to calculate your upfront costs.
How long does it take to earn an information technology degree?
Most undergraduate programs require about 120 credits, which most students complete over four years of full-time study. Graduate programs require between 30 and 45 credits and span about two years. Programs may offer part-time, self-paced, or accelerated options that can affect the total program duration.