Career Specializations

• Business: Some information technology experts specialize in working with businesses or corporations and may be responsible for developing technologies or tailoring existing technologies to a company's specific needs. 
• Computer Science: Computer scientists who work in information technology must have at least a bachelor's degree, often in computer science with a specialization or minor in information technology. These experts help develop new programs and design new platforms, usually for major software companies. 
• Telecommunications: Telecommunications is becoming less popular than Internet-based communications, and in some cases they are starting to overlap. A telecommunications expert may work for cellular phone or TV broadcast companies helping develop new technologies, train others in technologies, or repair malfunctioning equipment. 
• Network Security: Nearly every company and individual these days stores some sensitive information online, and to minimize the risks posed by hackers or identity thieves, employers are always searching for qualified network security experts. They are responsible for protecting information and detecting intrusions quickly. 
• Broadcast Technology: This field can overlap with telecommunications, but it is more narrowly defined. Broadcast technology specialists work in television and, more rarely, in radio, helping create and edit recorded or live content.

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Degree Levels

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: 4-5 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The education requirements for potential information technology professionals vary significantly based on that candidate's current skills, education background, and ambitions. Entry-level IT jobs, which usually consist of systems support responsibilities, may require only an associate degree; some positions may even require only a certificate or training program. However, careers involving software development and program writing require a minimum of a bachelor's degree. This degree may be in information technology, computer science, computer manufacturing, or a related area. 

Students enrolled in information technology programs will be required to take a wide range of courses in order to gain an education that covers all potential specializations. Some classes a student may be required to take at the undergraduate level include foundations of web programming, geospatial technology, multimedia, interactive programming, Internet databases, database security, basic programming, Java programming, and data modeling. 

Information technicians do not need to be certified legally. However, there are a number of professional certification options available for graduates who are interested in adding to their resume and increasing their employment chances. Virtually every major technology company offers some certification program, and some IT professionals can choose to become certified in a certain operating system or software platform. 

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Salary Information

Because information technologists perform such a wide array of jobs, they earn a wide range of salaries. Those with at least bachelor's degrees, and some experience in the field, command an average of approximately $112K per year. Prospective IT professionals should keep in mind that entry-level positions will likely pay lower salaries. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Job prospects for IT graduates are expected to be excellent over the next several years due to our increasing reliance on technology. Overall, about 17 percent growth in the employment of information technicians is expected by 2018. (BLS)

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Related Careers

An individual with an IT degree and relevant experience can find a position working in network security. Network security experts keep virtual and online information safe from outside influence, by developing new security programs, installing them, training others to use them, and maintaining their software. An IT professional in network security has a difficult but important job, and these days is usually required to have a bachelor's degree, whether in information technology or computer science. Network administrators are similar to network security experts, as they are charged with the task of designing software that can be used by businesses and individuals for a variety of purposes. They also provide support to people who utilize their software, and they travel around selling, installing, and consulting on the software they create. 

Computer programmers use computer code to create various programs and applications for computers, smart phones, MP3 players, tablets, e-readers, and virtually any other technology one could imagine. They represent some of the most innovative individuals in the technology industry, having made some of the most popular technologies of today. Computer programmers are generally expected to have at least a bachelor's degree, though master's degrees are becoming more popular. A web developer is similar to a computer programmer, but they create programs specifically to be used on the Internet. Because the Internet is becoming more and more indispensable these days, creative and talented web developers are in high demand. Many businesses hire web developers to create and manage their websites. 

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