Why This Matters

  • JOBS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISING 13%

    Computer and information technology is one of the fastest growing fields in the U.S. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 557,100 new jobs will be added in this field by 2026, thanks to cloud computing and data protection.

  • 28,500 NEW SECURITY ANALYST JOBS PREDICTED

    One of the most in-demand jobs in computer and information technology is information security analyst. These individuals monitor networks for security breaches, and protect data and networks from cyberattacks.

  • EARN OVER $100K PER YEAR WITH A MASTER’S

    The most lucrative jobs in this field are often management positions, like computer and information systems managers, who earn an annual median wage of $142,530. An advanced degree is often needed for these jobs.

Our Research

Our list includes certificate programs, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in information technology. Your current level of education and career goals will determine which degree you are seeking. As a STEM field, IT degrees are typically a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science, and include in-depth technical training and research components.

The programs on our list are all offered fully online, guaranteeing the flexibility to learn when and how is convenient for you. All of the programs are offered by regionally accredited schools. Some programs are also accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, a non-profit agency that accredits computing, science, and engineering programs. This accreditation offers additional quality assurance.

We evaluated the programs on their course strength, reputation in the field, cost, and flexibility, and calculated the Intelligent Score for each on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online information technology programs are respected, affordable, and customizable.(For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 65 hours to write this article
  • 174 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 435 education programs we compared

The Top 57 Online Information Technology Degrees

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Being successful in the information technology field means more than being good with computers. Jobs in information technology require critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, attention to detail, creativity, and mathematical aptitudes. If you are thinking about entering this field, it’s important to assess your abilities, and make sure you have the necessary qualities.

Beyond a degree in information technology, many different types of certifications exist for specific skills or types of technological infrastructure. Depending on the job, employers will seek candidates who have these certifications. Earning certifications is an additional commitment of time and money, although some programs include certification as a built-in component of the degree.

As nearly every industry employs information technology specialists, combining your information technology degree with another area of study, such as business, healthcare, or finance, can be beneficial. This can mean taking on a second major, minor or concentration. If you are interested in going into management, you may want to consider an MBA with a concentration in information technology, rather than a master’s in information technology, to better equip you with leadership and business skills.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Information Technology programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Most information technology master’s degrees require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, and/or professional experience in information technology. This is to ensure you have the foundational knowledge needed for this highly specialized field.
  • Does this program offer the specialization I want? There are a number of areas of specialization within information technology, such as systems administration, homeland security management, telecommunications management, and more. If you are considering a specialization, make sure to review what concentrations are offered by each program you explore.

As part of your research process, you should also find out what the programs’ admissions requirements and deadlines are, to help you plan and prepare for the application process, This information is usually provided on the school’s website, or you can contact the school’s admissions department for more information.

You should also explore your options for financing your education, including scholarships, assistantships, and financial aid, and be mindful of these application deadlines as well. If you are currently employed, find out if your employer offers any kind of tuition assistance benefits.