What You Need to Know About Entering an Information Technology Program

It’s fair to say that the information technology industry is one of the most important in existence. We’re living through an information revolution, and the demand for people who can manage, develop, and ensure the security of advanced computing systems continues to grow. Earning an IT degree is one of the best career moves you can make, and your options are many. Some of the most popular focus areas are network security, software development, and database administration.

Bachelor’s degrees are probably the most common ones earned in the IT field. Many of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in the sector require a bachelor’s-level education. Earning a master’s degree is a good idea if you want to work in a highly specialized field, such as medical or scientific research. Certification is often required when working with specific systems and branded applications. Being certified is especially important for computer support specialists.

Among the core skills needed to thrive in the IT field are communication, organization, and critical thinking. It’s also helpful to be a good decision maker and problem solver. General knowledge of computer software and hardware, programming languages, and web technologies are also nice to have before pursuing an IT-related degree. You can expect to take core courses in math, science, and English in any IT degree program, followed by major-specific classes.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth in the IT field from 2016-2026, with a few occupations standing out from the crowd. Information security analysts, who develop data security policies and upgrade related systems, are expected to see 37 percent growth. Computer systems analysts, who integrate business management with data analysis methods, are projected to see a 25 percent surge. On the whole, employment of IT professionals is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2016-2026, which is above the average growth rate for all jobs.

As of May 2018, the median annual salary for IT occupations was about $86,000. Computer support specialists earn a median salary of around $53,000. Software developers make a median salary of about $105,000. Wherever you choose to focus your IT studies, you can look forward to being in a healthy salary range upon graduation.

One of the best things about earning an IT degree is that the field is rapidly evolving. You can give yourself a broad base of knowledge through a bachelor’s degree program and then choose an area in which to specialize. Certifications and continuing education can allow you to continue progressing in your career as the IT sector expands.

A rosy job growth outlook, healthy salaries, and emerging tech of all kinds combine to make information technology a prime career option. There’s never been a better time to earn a degree in the field. If you’re highly organized and tech-savvy, getting an IT education can be your ticket to lasting success.