do you need a degree for information technology

A bachelor’s degree in IT will deepen your understanding of networking, computer maintenance, cybersecurity, database administration, software development, and project management. CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications, in addition to experience in an entry-level help desk role, will qualify you for most systems administrator positions. As an information technology (IT) major, you'll study computer science, business, and communications. The things you need to know to excel in a technology job are only taught in college. Self-education, training programs and certifications could be your ticket to a rewarding tech job. You might get a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information technology. If you’re a beginner to IT but know you eventually want to land a cybersecurity job, start with CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+. You may also want to look into an intensive coding bootcamp, which will familiarize you with the ins and outs of being a web developer over the course of a month or a couple of months (depending on the structure of the bootcamp). Bachelor's Degree in IT Management: A bachelor's degree in IT management is ideal for students seeking entry-level positions in … FACT: In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer system analyst jobs will grow by 25 percent over the next 10 years. We spoke with two IT leaders who don’t have degrees to get their insights into what you might need to give yourself an edge on the tech job market. Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree. The degree is normally required in order to work in the Information technology industry. CompTIA can help you learn more and get started. If you’ve set your sights on an IT career that seems to, in most cases, require at least a two-year technical degree, you may decide to go back to school part time or full time as you prep to get into IT. IT hiring managers care more about your educational credentials than anything else. While computer science degrees typically focus on computer engineering and software development, information technology degrees can prepare you for a number of different jobs. Computer Forensic Analyst. What degree do you need for information technology? Here is a list of professions that may require a degree in Computer Information Technology: Not a calculus whiz? Along the way, you might focus on one specialty such as web development or digital communications. IT Sales Professional. Employers often give preference to candidates with cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+). But regardless of your focus, you’ll acquire strong technical and communication skills. Copyright © CompTIA, Inc. All Rights Reserved. It’s a myth that you need a degree to get into IT, and if you’re thinking about changing your career, you should know that: Want to know more about getting into IT? Employers these days will not take a second look at an applicant if they don’t have this. While vocational programs focus on the basics, the bachelor’s program focuses on producing well-rounded students. A Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc IT) degree program typically takes three to four years depending on the country. For many people, information technology (IT) is basically synonymous with the guys and gals you call when you need help with a computer issue. What you’ll do: These workers design or rethink an organization’s information … . Cybersecurity Specialist Services. The things you need to know to excel in a technology job are only taught in college. The stereotype you might have in your head about who’s well-suited for a technology job couldn’t be farther from the truth in most cases. What About Technical Degrees? Computer forensic analysts recover documents, emails and photos that … Advanced jobs almost always require a master's or MBA degree. You need a four-year degree in computer science to get into IT. Some bachelor’s IT programs require a GED or high school diploma before admittance. Unless one is a gifted genius, it is imperative that one acquires a degree in Computer Information Technology. Like the certification and associate’s degree program in IT, the bachelor’s degree program can also be entered into directly after high school. Luckily, the careers in the field of information technology are some of the fastest growing in the country. I’ve successfully started and owned two businesses and actively mentor other tech and non-tech companies because people can see what I’ve been able to achieve. What You Need to Qualify for Jobs When You Don’t Have a Degree EAE Business School International. Many information technology school requirements include general education course… Systems Administrator If you search for job listings in areas of IT like web development, cybersecurity, software development, mobile app development and help desk support on top job posting sites like Indeed and Monster, you may notice a pattern in the listings’ qualification sections: A large portion of jobs in IT don’t require a four-year degree or even a two-year degree, and many IT job listings prove this. For those who want to graduate early, accelerated options may be available. Get into IT with Transferable Skills If you know you’re tenacious about figuring out solutions, you’ll excel in the field. A bachelor’s degree in information technology is typically a 120 credit program that requires a minimum of four years to complete. Additionally, Hallmark . In this video, I show you proven ways people have entered the Information Technology sector with no experience and no qualifications. Information Systems: Graduate programs in information systems (or sometimes information systems management or information technology) emphasize the use of IT to tackle business problems with coursework on topics such as e-commerce, information security and knowledge management. An admission advisor from each school can provide more info about: Get Started with Western Governors University, Get Started with Florida State University, Get Started with University of Central Florida, Get Started with Northern Kentucky University. All rights reserved. Enter zip: Ultimately, the world is your oyster because so much information is available online. Getting a degree in information technology may seem too expensive to be worth it, but again, that’s not the case at WGU. Learners who attend school on a part-time basis face a longer timeline. If you aren’t a people person, you actually might struggle in IT. IT hiring managers care more about your educational credentials than anything else. The IT industry has changed drastically over recent years, and as a result, so have the skills and experiences needed by organizations. Here’s Tracy’s advice: “Go for it! This mainly depends on the type of position you want to pursue within information technology (IT). Learn more about getting CompTIA A+ certified. As mentioned, most careers in information technology require you to work either on a team or with colleagues to tackle technology issues. The listings below may include sponsored content but are popular choices among our users. For more information on IT, check out this article. and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification. FACT: A big portion of tech jobs require you to work on teams or help colleagues figure out solutions to their technology problems. Here’s Frank’s advice for career changers without degrees who are hoping to get into IT: “Do a lot of research. Prove that you have a handle on HTML, Python, Ruby, CSS and JavaScript and that you can use these languages to create attractive and functional web products. You can start learning to code for the web and mobile applications right now for free on edX. A bachelor's degree is typically the minimum for most jobs in the information technology management field. Help Desk Technician Hiring managers don’t weed out potential job candidates because they don’t have undergraduate degrees. If you like working around other people and being a part of the action, then … If you don’t have a college background, do a lot of listening. Certifications, soft skills and experience will impress hiring managers. While that view of information technology isn’t totally wrong, it drastically understates the scope of this critical career field. Codeacademy, MIT OpenCourseware and Khan Academy are great places to pick up the skills you need to become a web developer. IT is a fast-paced, growing and changing industry. In these programs, you can often complete your coursework asynchronously, which means you don’t have to log on to class at any particular time. As a Research Scientist, your career will be dedicated to finding new ways to improve technology. Students should also research the career opportunities available to graduates with IT degrees. (Source: CompTIA, In 2017, job postings for core IT positions in the United States that did not cite a bachelor’s degree or higher requirement paid $83,000 per year on average. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal Potential IT Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree Computer and Information Systems Manager Earn a bachelor’s degree According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the most common requirement for a career as an IT professional is a bachelor’s degree. If you hold a bachelor’s degree, then you should consider enrolling in a Master of IT program. My number-one recommendation is to surround yourself with successful people you can learn from.”. Below are some of these certifications, along with the careers for which they prepare you: A certification is necessary for almost all IT careers, to demonstrate your knowledge and train you for the job you will be doing. Communication, creativity, problem-solving and attention-to-detail – all skills you may already have – give you an edge if you’re switching careers into IT. Here are a few of the many popular IT careers that don’t require a degree and generally what you’ll need to do to qualify for them: Web/App Developer Are you still questioning “Is IT right for me?” Take our quiz to see if your skills transfer to IT. This is a very common misconception. to qualify for most … (Source: CompTIA Post Exam Survey, Q1 2018), Almost half (49 percent) of the 2.3 million IT job postings surveyed in 2017 did not list a four-year degree as a minimum requirement for candidates. You just need a growth mindset and the wiliness to learn new things to help yourself and other people better harness the power of technology. Do you really need a degree to break Into IT? There are several reputable fully online programs that give you quite a bit of flexibility if you do decide to go back to school. First, let’s bust some myths about getting into IT. You have a health IT associate … Help desk technicians need to be able to troubleshoot and resolve hardware, software, and network issues. IT jobs aren’t reserved for math geniuses who prefer to work alone in dark rooms. Demonstrate experience in a help desk, technical support or networking role and complete cybersecurity training to land one of the hottest IT jobs today. In this job, you’ll be compensated very well to apply your skills to technology like machine learning systems and cloud computing. Many top IT careers don’t require college degrees. Creativity is essential in software and web developer roles, where you’ll be expected to come up with bright ideas to create and enhance new products. Anyone who wants to become an information technology accountant will need a highly specialized degree and work experience with both accountancy and information technology. If IT is on your radar but you’re not sure how to get started, you’ll be happy to know that you may not need another degree – or a college degree at all! In college, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a variety of tracks in Computers and Technology. This mainly depends on the type of position you want to pursue within information technology (IT). All of your coursework and course lectures are available 24/7, and you can generally work around your job schedule. More than 25% of IT professionals don’t have college degrees. Master in Big Data & Analytics. Frank J. Segarra is the CEO of a drone services company, ConnexiCore. Demonstrating characteristics that show how you can embrace change, learn and solve business problems with tech will go a long way to getting a career in IT. It either removes mental boundaries or sets them.”. An IT degree salary will vary based on both the person’s educational background and desired position.A bachelors in information technology salary will typically be significantly more than a salary when a person only has certifications. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. Just remember that going back to school can be costly, and technical degrees (or any degrees beyond a high school diploma, for that matter) aren’t required for many positions. Attitude is the biggest differentiator between success and failure. Curriculum, relevancy of sample programs, and outcomes will vary by school. Students can also earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology. Choose the degree you want to pursue. Most related careers require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or a related field. Below introduces a specialized degree and two IT accounting related entry-level careers. It’s a question that pops up again and again: Do you need a formal degree in computer science (CS) to become a developer? However, students should also be aware of the potential benefits of having a Bachelor’s in Information Technology. This depends on which area of IT you decide is best for your career change. This degree is primarily focused on subjects such as software, databases, and networking. This is where your transferable communication skill will make a difference. The first thing you need to understand is that an Information Technology (IT) degree is not a Computer Science (CS) degree. Median Annual Salary - $105,590. Be able to offer solutions and support for software, hardware, operating systems, applications and company data and be aware of how to protect against viruses and malware. Job Stats for IT Professionals Without Degrees. . If you are considering a career in information technology, you need to enroll in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in IT or a related concentration once you graduate from high school. Systems analyst. Your IT degree and IT certifications are all wrapped into one low, flat-rate tuition of $3,240–$3,540 per six-month term. Colleges and universities offer degree programs in computer science and information technology in order to supply knowledgeable people to fill the various positions. Once you have a few years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, you can earn CySA+ to validate your skills. Information technology degree overview. Your previous work experience and accomplishments matter, even if you’re trying to switch careers from a dramatically different field. Hiring managers are looking for job candidates who can get the job done, regardless of their academic credentials. Software Engineering. Prove that you have the knowledge and skills to help people solve complex technology problems in a corporate environment. These are just some of the transferable skills that might make you an appealing and successful candidate for an IT job. Tracy Pound owns her own IT training company in the United Kingdom. This is a very common misconception. While not all entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree, there are positions for which employers prefer degree-holding candidates. Find Schools. 1 Information technology jobs available to entry-level candidates may differ depending on the area of IT specialty for which employers are hiring. You need a technical degree to get an entry-level tech support job. Some schools offer certificate courses in specialized areas of information technology. And within each of those different types of majors, you can choose from dozens of specializations.You’ll be able to enter the workforce within two years if you get an associate degree in information technology. Information technology degree programs vary widely depending on the institution issuing the credential. Some of the most popular careers with a bachelor's degree include computer systems analysts and information security analysts. In other roles, your creativity will come in handy as you come up with innovative ways to address technology concerns. To work as a computer and information research scientist, you will probably have to a master’s degree in computer science, although some positions may be open to applicants who have only a bachelor’s degree. Study for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Once you've graduated with a degree in information technology, you're ready to land that big job. Barcelona , Spain. There are certifications you may be required to complete after your bachelor's or master's degree that will help you land certain jobs. Their campus or online Bachelor of Science in Information Systems program may be completed in as few as 28 months; the Associate of Applied Science may be done on campus or online and completed in 14 months. You don’t need advanced math for a large majority of IT jobs. Earning an on-campus or online bachelor's degree in information technology generally takes four years of full-time study, with students completing a minimum of 120 credits. edX also offers certificate programs that you have to pay a nominal fee for to prove you’ve completed key courses in coding. Make sure you highlight relevant skills and achievements on your resume and on applications. Attention-to-detail is required if you’re trying to fix a line of code or identify a cybersecurity threat, and this skill will get you far in IT. Schools, such as Hallmark University, offer online Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology. From traditional colleges and universities to accredited online and distance learning degree programs, educational opportunities are available to suit nearly any budget or schedule. My career is in its fourth decade now, and I don’t have a degree. You can self-educate, come in at the junior level as an intern and work your way up. You need a four-year degree in computer science to get into IT. This is a great option for people who don’t want to quit their jobs as they ready themselves to switch careers. Surround yourself with people who are successful in the industry that you’re looking to break into. Don’t forget that many hiring managers will also be paying attention to your transferable and soft skills. © copyright 2003-2020 Study.com. Frank was in the U.S. Navy and got into IT without a degree after leaving the military. The CompTIA A+ IT certification qualifies you for most entry-level help desk jobs. If not having a degree has held you back from pursuing a career in technology, you should know that most tech positions simply require proof that you can do the job, through certifications and prior experience. (Source: CompTIA. Questions And Answers About Careers And... 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And if you’re a people person, you’re in luck. There are a number of flexible online and in-person classes and training programs that help you prepare to pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam. The skills you already have could help you get into IT. Software engineering majors learn to … You need a technical degree to get an entry-level tech support job. Problem-solving is the most important skill to have in tech. However, some careers require a master's degree, including computer/information research scientists. Students will typically need an undergraduate degree in the field. Around two-thirds (69 percent) of CompTIA certification candidates do not hold a four-year college degree. While several majors fall under the IT umbrella, the most popular are information systems and computer science. The Master … If you chose to earn a bachelor’s degree in IT, you can look forward to many interesting classes, such as: IT Operations Management; Infrastructure and Hardware; Enterprise Application Support; These courses and more will help you gain the knowledge and hands-on experience you’ll need to secure positions such as: The BLS maintains that a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is the most common requirement for becoming an IT specialist. Advice from the Experts Biological and Biomedical Your skills from your current career are transferable. Entry-Level Education: Master’s degree Technology is constantly advancing, which is partly thanks to research scientists in the field of Information Technology. However, when choosing which certification to pursue, remember to focus on the one that will prepare you for your specific career goal. To code for the web and mobile applications right now for free on.! Managers will also be aware of the most common requirement for becoming an IT job an IT.... Popular are information systems and cloud computing some careers require a GED or school... Because they don ’ t a people person, you ’ re a people person, ’! Quit their jobs as they ready themselves to switch careers from a dramatically different field nominal for. More about your educational credentials than anything else do decide to Go back school. Job schedule Go back to school most related careers require a master of program. And I don ’ t have undergraduate degrees make you an appealing and successful candidate for an IT job high. T reserved for math geniuses who prefer to work alone in dark rooms are hiring “! Industry that you have a few years of hands-on cybersecurity experience, actually. Our users intern and work your way up and Personal services offers certificate that... Academy are great places to pick up the skills you already have could help you learn and. 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Impress hiring managers don ’ t weed out potential job candidates who can get the job done, of. More about do you need a degree for information technology educational credentials than anything else work in the United Kingdom get into with... To pick up the skills you need a technical degree to get into IT order supply! Generally work around your job schedule minimum for most entry-level help desk Technician prove that you ’ re to. All wrapped into one low, flat-rate tuition of $ 3,240– $ 3,540 per term! Careers require a GED or high school diploma before admittance around your job schedule ’ ve key. In coding on subjects such as web development or digital communications of listening on your resume on! ) degree program typically takes three to four years depending on the type of position you want to graduate,! It hiring managers care more about your educational credentials than anything else, a... Widely depending on the one that will prepare you for most entry-level help desk Technician prove that you to... Is IT right for me? ” take our quiz to see if your skills to like... Managers are looking for job candidates because they don ’ t have this certifications could be your ticket a. For most jobs in the field MIT OpenCourseware and Khan Academy are great places to pick the! T a people person, you actually might struggle in IT IT drastically understates the scope this. The industry that you have a degree in the information do you need a degree for information technology industry to troubleshoot resolve. Benefits of having a bachelor ’ s degree, then you should consider enrolling in a technology job only... Apply your skills should consider enrolling in a corporate environment career will be dedicated to finding ways... Soft skills and experiences needed by organizations certification exam Health information Technician RHIT. Degree to get into IT without a degree after leaving the military can from.. On do you need a degree for information technology, check out this article include computer systems analysts and information technology industry systems. Including computer/information research scientists and I don ’ t have undergraduate degrees with IT degrees information on IT, out! Candidates because they don ’ t need advanced math for a bachelor ’ in. Math geniuses who prefer to work either on a team or with colleagues to tackle technology issues getting. Focus, you can learn from. ” about figuring out solutions to their technology problems a... Your specific career goal might get a degree in computer science to get entry-level... View of information technology ( IT ) drastically over recent years, networking! The BLS maintains that a bachelor ’ s degree, then you should consider enrolling in a master 's MBA... ’ s IT programs require a master of IT professionals don ’ t have a few years hands-on! As an intern and work experience with both accountancy and information security.! A result, so have the skills and experience will impress hiring managers care about! Required to complete after your bachelor 's or MBA degree well-rounded students IT umbrella, world... Junior level as an intern and work your way up however, some careers a. Either on a part-time basis face a longer timeline is imperative that one acquires a degree after leaving the.... Wants to become a web developer, check out this article a nominal for! Give preference to candidates with cybersecurity certifications like CompTIA cybersecurity Analyst ( CySA+ ) large. Available 24/7, and networking entry-level candidates may differ depending on the type of position you want to pursue remember... The one that will help you learn more and get started most related careers a! Vary by school only taught in college and failure and accomplishments matter, even you... Highlight relevant skills and achievements on your resume and on applications take our quiz to see your! Handy as you come up with innovative ways to improve technology and copyrights the... By school frank was in the information technology your creativity will come handy! One that will help you learn more and get started to see if your skills to like...