Degree Overview: Business and Information Technology
Majors Overview January 27, 2014Receive information about various degree programs in business and information technology and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage information, and continuing education choices.
A.A. Programs in Business and Information Technology
Students enrolled in an associate’s degree program in business and information technology are taught about computer programs and fundamental business skills. Schools offer these degrees under different titles including an Associate of Applied Science in Business Information Technology. Skills important in management, information technology (IT) and customer service are developed by students enrolled in the program.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. Some colleges also expect students to demonstrate competence in math and computer skills.
Coursework
Coursework in these programs may include subject areas such as computer systems, networks and business and may commonly include:
•Business math
•Web design
•Accounting
•IT
•Database management
•Spreadsheets
•Desktop publishing
Career Choices
Those who complete the program can seek entry-level occupations in business or IT and choose from career options such as:
•Business information professional
•Records management technician
•Administrative assistant
•Information processing specialist
•Customer service coordinator
B.S. Programs in Business and Information Technology
It typically takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, such as a Bachelor of Science degree in IT and business. Students enrolled in these programs are provided in-depth knowledge about running business operations, managing resources and understanding how companies employ databases and networks. Students can leverage liberal arts courses such as composition and psychology to hone strong communication skills that would prove vitally beneficial in IT or business.
Coursework
Coursework varies according to the program but usually includes general education classes to augment core courses. Coursework usually covers topic areas such as:
•Networks
•Operating systems
•Web administration
•Finance
•Management
•Marketing
Career Choices
Those who graduate from these programs may seek entry-level occupations in IT as consultants, managers or developers. Coursework covering the basics of business will help them understand financial strategies, user needs and budgeting and seek professions such as:
•Chief technology officers
•Information systems manager
•Computer manager
•IT project manager
M.S. Programs in Business and Information Technology
Students enrolled in these programs are given more managerial and theoretical coursework pertinent to IT and business. These programs offer credentials such as Master of Science (M.S.) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees; the degree is structured dually, in some schools, as MBA/M.S. Students enrolled in these graduate programs may also be required students to opt for a concentration area of study from a wide range of choices that include such diverse subjects as accounting and marketing.
Coursework
Advanced topics in business are taken by enrolled students who may also be expected to participate in a master’s project. Various electives are also provided in these programs including ethics and programming among other issues. Coursework usually includes topic areas such as:
•Marketing management
•Systems project management
•Disaster recovery
•Software management
•Managerial accounting
•Managerial economics
Job and Wage Info
A job growth projection of 15% has been made for computer and information systems managers during the period from 2008 to 2018 (source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)). In May 2010, these professionals earned an average annual wage of $115,780.
Continuing Education Choices
Candidates interested in pursuing careers in research or academia can earn a Ph.D. degree in IT and business. A dissertation is required to be completed by students alongside courses in advanced topic areas such as optimization or operations management or production.
