Why Earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology?
Majors Overview February 23, 2015Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree programs in Information Technology (IT) will prepare students for entry-level jobs in areas that include computer security, application development, database administration, and network design and management. Those interested in learning about how to integrate technological tools throughout the company may find this program useful.
Bachelor of Science Degree Programs in Information Technology
Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology program can expect to become adept in numerous IT areas, such as security management, Web development, operating systems, database structures, and networks.
They are likely to learn about creating programs, troubleshooting networks, designing and implementing databases, developing websites, securing systems, and managing technologies within the company. Students enrolled in some programs are allowed further specialization in an area of interest, such as network administration or infrastructure security, Web design and multimedia, and application development.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Some schools may also require a particular number of completed college credits or an associate’s degree.
Coursework
In addition to projects, coursework may often include hands-on training with networking equipment and computer systems. Core coursework may include these subject areas:
•System analysis and design
•Project management
•Computer hardware and software
•Database analysis
•Human–computer interaction
•Information systems management
•Programming languages
•Computer and network security
•Desktop and server operating systems
•Data communications
Career Choices
Graduates from the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Information Technology program may choose from numerous high-tech careers with government agencies, universities, or companies, or they may opt to perform independent contractor roles. They may choose from job titles such as the following:
•Database manager
•Network administrator
•Computer user support specialist
•Software engineer
•Information security analyst
•Web developer
Job and Wage Outlook
Many occupations in the IT field were predicted to have an average or above-average job growth rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). A growth rate of 30% has been predicted for positions in software development over the 2010 – 2020 decade. Computer support specialists, network administrators, database administrators, and Web developers and security analysts have been predicted to witness growths of 18%, 28%, 31%, and 18% respectively compared to an average growth rate of 14% predicted for all jobs in the United States during the same decade (BLS).
In November 2013, software engineers banked an average annual salary of $77,970, while in May 2012 the following professionals took home average annual salary packets as detailed by the BLS:
•Information security analyst – $86,170
•Database administrator – $77,080
•Network administrator – $72,560
•Web developer – $62,500
•Computer user support specialist – $48,900
Continuing Education and Certification Information
Students aspiring for jobs in research or specialization in an area of information technology can earn a master’s or doctoral degree in the field. Schools offer specializations such as technology management, security, and software engineering.
Vendors such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, and CompTIA offer industry certifications that individuals can pursue. Database development, server administration, security, networking, and computer maintenance are the center focus of some general certifications.
