Information technology also known as IT has one of the most sizzling career outlooks and offers some of the best paying salaries on the planet. The IT industry as a whole made over $763 billion in revenues worldwide in 2009, Gartner. Despite the difficult employment forecast of the Great Recession, businesses still need and are hiring skilled IT workers.
Information Age with IT
We live in the information age. Everyone, including businesses wants information quickly and conveniently. Information technology is the industry that provides us all with the ability to share the information we want through computers and computer networks. Most individuals employed in the information technology industry work in a few broad categories. These categories include:
Computer hardware: Building and repairing physical parts and components of a computer.
Computer software: Working with computer programs and data that tell that computer 'what' and 'how' to do things.
Computer networks: Building bridges of communication between a collection of computers.
Computer security: Protecting valuable information being shared across networks.
Businesses Want IT Workers...NOW
Businesses need information technology experts. In fact, many businesses have a hard time finding skills IT professionals to hire. According to Robert Half Technology, a leading IT Professional Provider,” Demand for IT employees is the highest it’s been in five years. Here are 3 Reasons Why:
There is an industry wide growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates nearly one million IT jobs will be created by 2014.
Retiring Professionals. Baby boomers in the field are starting to retire.
The Major is Losing Popularity. Fewer college students are choosing to major in computer science, engineering and math to refill the ranks.
The IT Personality
Information technology professionals need to be curious and innovative. They also need to be creative problem solvers. Many IT professionals work in teams on different parts of technology projects. So, they need to be self managers who can complete parts of projects on time but work with the rest of their team members. Excellent communication skills are also a must, as IT professionals communicate with co-workers and clients on a daily basis. They can’t hide behind their computer screens.
Pros and Cons on the IT Super Highway
One great thing about IT is there are always changes and new technologies being developed and new opportunities to try those technologies. For example in the next few years, hot jobs in IT according to a Wall Street Journal article include, ' … cyber security and cloud computing, and mobile- and Web-based games and apps are exploding.'
The constant changes in computer technology can also be a real difficulty, because IT professionals must be flexible and not only willing but able to learn new computer technologies quickly and constantly. Nothing stays the same very long in IT.
IT Skills are Sizzling with Career Potential
There are no clear cut educational paths to an IT job. But all IT jobs require a high school diploma and some post-secondary (college) training. ManyIT careers like a computer software engineer, one of the top career on the US News and World Reports 50 Best Jobs of 2011, require a bachelor’s degree (4 years of college).
IT is a Hot Commodity
Information technology is a career field with huge need and huge potential. IT professionals get to work on the edge of technology with computers every day. 'Business expansion and the increased reliance on technology within all sectors has resulted in a competitive environment for skilled IT professionals,' said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. 'Many companies are raising base compensation for new hires and offering additional perks, including signing bonuses and equity incentives, to recruit and retain top candidates.'
Information Technology Career Outlook
IT’s Stellar Career Outlook
Information technology has a stellar career outlook. Businesses are only utilizing more information technology, and the need to update computer information technology systems only continues to increase as time passes. The computer systems design and related services industry is among the economy's largest and fastest sources of employment growth. The projected 2004-14 employment increase of 453,000 translates into 1.6 million jobs by Jay M. Berman, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Take a look at some of the following IT careers and their projected employment growth through the year 2018:
The glass is more than half-empty and a need is definitely growing.
The most basic fundamental principle of technology management is the investigation and comprehension of how information technology will help any given business, large or small, expand and prosper. Technology management is a crucial component to companies looking to expand, because the information that is arranged and organized by information technology management can provide useful data for future company decisions.
There are several different degree paths you can take in Technology Management with varied salary forecasts:
Information Technology Management
This degree saturation covers the overall scope and management of all technology. Information technology management assists a business in organizing and ensuring that any and all information pertaining to a certain department or component of a company is accurate and readily available at all times.
Median annual wages for Information Technology Managers, based on recent data is between $60,000 and $80,000 depending on the type of position, experience, education and geographic location.
Information Technology Required Job Skills and Knowledge
Got IT Skills and Degree-You’ve got a Job
If you’re going to work in IT, you’ve got to have the right skills and education. All IT jobs require some post-secondary training (beyond high school diploma). The most common college degrees and certifications required IT jobs are:
College diploma/certification-Under 18 months
Associate’s Degree-24 months
Bachelor’s Degree-4 years of traditional college attendance
Master’s Degree-2 years of college beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Top IT Degrees
In 2011, 3 of the top 12 undergraduate college degrees for the United States were IT degrees, according to Payscale.com. These degrees were:
Electronics Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Common Classes in IT Computer Science Degree Program
One of the best IT undergraduate, bachelor’s degrees (4 years of college) to obtain is a computer science degree. Below is a list of common courses usually found in a computer science degree program:
Operating Systems
Numerical computation
Compilers
Software Engineering
Databases
Real-time computing
Distributed system
Computer Networking
Data Communication
Computer graphics
Artificial Intelligence
Multimedia
Internet computing
Software tools and systems programming
Human-computer interaction
Information theory
Algorithm design and analysis
Software testing
Visual computing
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Information Technology programs
The Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology focuses on project management, the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC), networking, Internet concepts, and design and programming fundamentals. This concentration builds upon the fundamentals of computer and networking design to provide students a foundation for understanding basic programming concepts. Students also will participate in real-world, scenario-based problems and develop functional software applications.
The Database Administration concentration focuses on the installation, development and administration of database applications in the business environment. The administration and development of database applications is examined from desktop databases to the enterprise level application of database technology.
The Information Technology/Web Design concentration focuses on the application of web authoring tools, HTML, programming language and web standards to design and implement websites for a variety of business applications.
The Associate of Arts with a concentration in Information Technology/Programming offers course work covering programming logic fundamentals and experience in several programming languages to develop basic skills for web and computer programming.
The principal objective of the Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program is to teach students state-of-the-art computer concepts. This will prepare them for programmer/analyst, database management, Web development, networking, internetworking and security positions.
This course of study focuses on the acquisition of computer information systems knowledge and skills. The program is designed for individuals seeking computer skills to increase their job opportunities in their current careers or to pursue new careers. The diploma program also is advantageous to students desiring early entry into the job market, preparing students for entry-level computer positions. Students enrolled in the diploma program are required to take twelve information systems courses.
As information systems evolve, continuing education remains a critical part of technology. It is essential for information technology professionals to enhance their efficiency and capability by gaining skills in areas such as programming, database technology, database administration, Web development, networking, security administration, and computer security. Strayer University's Undergraduate Certificate prepares today's information technology professionals for these challenges by imparting these and other relevant skills. Students enrolled in the certificate program are required to take six information systems courses.
Walden's B.S. in Information Technology program can help you gain the combined technical, managerial, and organizational skills that information technology employers seek. Study the information systems essential to virtually all organizations, participate in activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, and take the opportunity to learn to use resources to satisfy current and anticipated IT needs.
Concentrations
Application Development, Testing, and Quality Assurance
Database Administration and Data Center Operations
Take the opportunity to broaden your technology experience and study the skills required to make significant contributions to your organization. Study ways to create, maintain, and secure information systems and evaluate alternative information technology approaches to give your organization a competitive advantage. Choose from two specializations: Security or Software Engineering.
Walden's B.S. in Information Technology program can help you gain the combined technical, managerial, and organizational skills that information technology employers seek. Study the information systems essential to virtually all organizations, participate in activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, and take the opportunity to learn to use resources to satisfy current and anticipated IT needs.
Concentrations
Application Development, Testing, and Quality Assurance
Database Administration and Data Center Operations
Walden's B.S. in Information Technology program can help you gain the combined technical, managerial, and organizational skills that information technology employers seek. Study the information systems essential to virtually all organizations, participate in activities that encourage collaboration and problem-solving, and take the opportunity to learn to use resources to satisfy current and anticipated IT needs.
Concentrations
Application Development, Testing, and Quality Assurance
Database Administration and Data Center Operations
Earning a master's degree in Information Technology can prepare students to advance their career opportunities as they gain technical competencies, learn to evaluate principles and practices of information systems, analyze data to solve complex problems, and assess legal, ethical, and social issues that affect this industry. Courses will cover system analysis and data, management of information security, computer networks, and more. Prospective students should currently hold a bachelor's degree in a related field prior to enrollment.
This online associate in Computer Information Systems degree will enhance your skills and knowledge in information technology to give you the advantage you need to attain your career goals. The program prepares you with the general education, applied knowledge, and technical skills necessary to install and maintain computer and wireless networks, create Java applications, manage databases and develop Web pages. The graduate will be ready for entry-level employment in 2 years or less.
If you have a flair for computing and a desire to pursue a career in this field, consider enrolling in the South University Associate of Science in Information Technology (IT) online program. Students who participate in this program will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of IT and gain the knowledge and capabilities that corporations and organizations are searching for. Our skilled, experienced faculty will teach you the skills that will resonate within the real world.
Information technology is a rapidly growing field, and skilled IT workers are at a premium. Become a part of this expanding market by enrolling in the South University Bachelor of Science Information Technology online program. You will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills you need to understand the theoretical and applied uses of information technology in various business applications.
Information technology is a rapidly growing field, and skilled IT workers are at a premium. Become a part of this expanding market by enrolling in the South University Bachelor of Science Information Technology online program. You will have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills you need to understand the theoretical and applied uses of information technology in various business applications.
The Master of Public Administration program provides a combination of general and specialized information in a multi-disciplinary approach. The program is designed for those currently in or seeking to enter the public administration and/or non-profit management arenas. The Information Technology specialization helps to develop the skills to effectively manage, supervise and interact with IT organizations in the public sector and non-profit administration settings.
Individuals who earn an associate degree in Information Technology will receive thorough training in the essentials of business information technology needs such as network administration, software development, database design, and information systems security management. Candidates may also apply previous education or work experience and industry certifications towards college credits to expedite completion of this program. Graduates will be well-prepared for several computer industry certification exams and learn significant business skills to round out their educational program.
Individuals who earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology with Networking and Security emphasis will receive thorough training in the essentials of business information technology needs such as network administration, software development, database design, and information systems security management. Candidates may also apply previous education or work experience and industry certifications towards college credits to expedite completion of this program. Graduates will be well-prepared for several computer industry certification exams and learn significant business skills to round out their educational program.
Individuals who earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology with a Web Application Development emphasis will receive thorough training in the essentials of business information technology needs such as network administration, software development, database design, and information systems security management. Candidates may also apply previous education or work experience and industry certifications towards college credits to expedite completion of this program. Graduates will be well-prepared for several computer industry certification exams and learn significant business skills to round out their educational program.
A bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Information Technology program combines the business fundamentals of administrative management and financial training with IT essentials to oversee information systems operations as well. Along with the business discipline courses students will also take courses in networking systems, information security measures, and programming concepts. Included at no additional cost or coursework graduates can also earn 7 Academic Certificates such as Human Resource Development, Management Essentials, and Organizational Systems Improvement to enhance their credentials.
In this associate degree program Westwood's faculty of professionals will provide you with relevant knowledge, training and insight in courses that:
•prepare you for some of the industry-standard certificates available from Microsoft® and CompTIA®*
•feature key topics such as operating systems, database administration, web programming and desktop hardware
•address how to design and troubleshoot computer network and peripheral problems
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
*Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass any applicable tests/exams.
In classes taught by industry professionals, students earning this degree will have the opportunity to:
•prepare for some of the industry-standard certificates available from Microsoft® and CompTIA®*
•take courses in the design and evaluation of secure computer networks and security strategies
•be exposed to new technologies such as virtualization
Program names, course topics and outcomes may vary by location. Please speak with a Westwood College admissions representative for full program details.
The AIU Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree program offers a dynamic curriculum focused on current technology trends and applications designed to help students learn how to evaluate emerging technologies in the application of appropriate information systems to manage and achieve organizational goals and objectives. By studying key topics in Digital Investigations to complete the upper division's core specialization requirements, AIU gives you the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding in digital and network investigations as you pursue your interest in opportunities involving the detection and prevention of computer crime.
The AIU Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) degree program offers a dynamic curriculum focused on current technology trends and applications designed to help students learn how to evaluate emerging technologies in the application of appropriate information systems to manage and achieve organizational goals and objectives. By studying key topics in Network Administration to complete the upper division's core specialization requirements, AIU gives you the opportunity to acquire an industry-current knowledge of network configurations, networking hardware, network operating systems, segmentation through sub-netting and network management issues.
Students learn to lead improvement initiatives that result in measurable growth for return on investment, sales, customer satisfaction and retention, market share, speed-to-market, employee satisfaction and employee motivation. As the first 100% online program to implement the new PMBOK® Guide — Fourth Edition, Villanova's Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management, Master Certificate in Applied Project Management, Advanced Master Certificate in IS/IT Project Management or Advanced Master Certificate in Applied Project Management are ideal preparation for the CAPM® and PMP® certification exams.
