Degree Overview: Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree in Information Technology
Majors Overview February 14, 2015Students in bachelor’s degree programs in information technology will be qualified for entry-level jobs in the growing field of computer-based security, information storage, and communication. Those in the B.A.S. degree program in Information Technology will be provided with the industry knowledge and skills needed to study at the graduate level or to start a career.
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree Programs in Information Technology
Schools offer Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Information Technology degree programs in hybrid formats, including both online and on campus courses, as well as in purely online formats. Students enrolled in some programs are allowed to choose topics of specialization, such as ecommerce, networking, gaming, computer programming, and data administration.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. A B.A.S. in Information Technology program is devised for use as a transfer option by students that already hold an associate’s degree in a related area. Such students can earn the bachelor’s degree within two years.
Coursework
Coursework focuses on data security and management and typically takes a look at data structures, management of information systems, and software and Web programming. Coursework may commonly include:
•System administration
•Web development
•Computer and information security
•Information system theories
•Data management
•Computer forensics
•IT management and entrepreneurship
•Software development
Career Choices
Students enrolled in a B.A.S. program in Information Technology can seek various professional positions depending on their concentration choices during the undergraduate program and pertinent work experience. They can seek numerous job positions, such as:
•Computer programmer
•IT project manager
•Software engineer
•Computer systems analyst
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 22% has been predicted for software developers including software engineers over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics); over the same period, a growth rate of 8% has been predicted for computer programmers, 25% for computer systems analysts, and 15% for computer and information systems managers (including IT project managers).
In May 2012, systems software developers banked an average annual wage of $93,350, computer programmers took home $74,280, computer systems analysts earned $79,680, and computer and information systems managers made $120,950.
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates of B.A.S. in Information Technology programs that seek continuing education can earn a master’s degree in information technology, which schools offer either as a Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology or Master of Science (M.S.) in Information Technology Management.
Coursework in these programs may include classes in business intelligence, IT strategy, database design, and electronic commerce. Concentration options in IT consulting, information security, and enterprise systems are included in some schools.
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