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Pursuing a degree in information technology (IT) has become more accessible in recent years, thanks to the growth of online learning. In 2023, of college students were enrolled in online programs in 5,677 institutions. That’s an increase from about in 2020. Online programs are certainly an option for working adults, those taking care of children or loved ones. Let's look at what to expect and how to get started researching an IT degree online.

Differences between an IT degree online and in a classroom

Completing an IT degree online is a great way to gain the skills and knowledge  needed for an information technology career in the field. Online programs offer courses that can be completed from home. It will offer flexible scheduling options that make studying and completing coursework around other commitments easy.

Earning a bachelor’s IT degree online and in a traditional classroom can both take four years, though some programs may offer accelerated options that allow students to finish in less time. Students will generally take computer programming, networking and database management courses during these degree programs.

Classroom studies involve interaction among students. While each IT degree online program is different, most require students to interact by participating in discussion boards or other forms of asynchronous communication and completing coursework on a weekly schedule. Some programs also include a practicum or an internship, allowing students to gain real-world experience in the field.

Requirements for a bachelor's degree in information technology

Students must complete relevant coursework over a number of credit hours to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology. This may include classes in computer science, programming and mathematics. Additionally, students must take exams to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. 

The credit hours it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree in IT vary depending on the institution, but students pursuing an IT degree online often have to maintain a rigorous schedule, as the coursework can be demanding. However, those who are dedicated and put in the effort can find great fulfillment in the field of information technology.

Students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to be admitted into a bachelor’s degree program in information technology. Some programs also require students to take entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT. In addition, most programs set a minimum GPA requirement for admission. 

To help pay for school, students can apply for scholarships and financial aid within the institution or from independent sources to help pay for their degrees. Many scholarships and financial aid options are available, so students should research carefully to find the best fit for them.

Popular IT degree online programs

IT degrees online are available in several areas. Here are four popular ones.

Information Technology

Information technology programs typically focuses on the study of computer science and mathematics. An information technology degree’s curriculum often includes programming, networking, cloud computing, data structures and algorithms, operating systems, project management and database management.

Computer Science

A bachelor’s degree in computer science covers principles of computer science, inlcuding logic programming, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.  Skills taught might include things like analyzing complex computing problems, designing products, and software development techniques.

Cybersecurity

With a cybersecurity degree, students learn how to apply mathematics and science in the cyber domain. They will also determine computing requirements needed for solving common technical problems across various industries. Of the information technology programs, this type has an emphasis on cybersecurity careers as well.

Data Science

A data science degree covers programming, statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, machine learning and probability theory. The analytics-oriented coursework is designed to teach how to analyze large datasets and develop an understanding of how businesses can use this information.

Levels of an IT degree online

Students can pursue a few different information technology degrees, each with its own benefits and career paths.

Associate of Arts

An associate degree program can help build foundational skills within a specific discipline. Though they do not go into the same detail as a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program, associate degree programs can generally be completed faster and at a lower cost. This makes them an attractive option for those looking to get essential information technology skills quickly before joining the workforce.

Bachelor of Science

One of the most common types of information technology degrees is the BSIT degree, which provides students with a broad overview of the field. This degree can lead to a career in various IT-related fields, such as systems administration, network engineering or software development.

Master of Science

A Master of Information Systems (MIS) program, is one of the more advanced information technology programs. It can help build the skills necessary for a career in management or directorship, such as project management. A master’s IT degree online can teach how to use programming languages and software applications to design, develop and manage information systems.

Certificate programs

Another option is a certificate program. These programs give a more focused education in a specific area of IT and can often be completed in less time than a degree.

Benefits of online learning

There are a few benefits that students enjoy when they decide on an online course of study.

First of all, there’s flexibility. Many students have to balance their family and work lives while pursuing their degree. Students in traditional, in-person classroom settings can find it difficult to fit their education into an already busy schedule. Class times are generally set and mandatory, which can cause conflict with other parts of a student’s life.

Online learning, on the other hand, offers a more flexible education. Students can often choose when and how they study, allowing them to build their education into their lives with minimal disruption. In addition, the time saved by eliminating the commute to a physical campus leaves more time for other activities, such as taking care of the family or pursuing a career.

On top of this flexibility, there is the accessibility of online learning. Instead of expensive physical textbooks, students can access their course materials online with only an internet connection. Students can reach out to their instructors online with questions and find mutually convenient times to dive deeper into class questions or crack a difficult problem.

There are a few ways students can better prepare to succeed in online learning and develop important skills to carry into their career.s

1.     Eliminate distractions

One of the greatest strengths of online learning is that it can be done at home. That fact makes it also one of online learning’s potential weaknesses. It’s important for online learners to create space in their home or office without the noise, video games and socializing that can make it difficult to focus on the task at hand.

2.     Stay organized

When learning at home, there are not as many forces to keep a student accountable to study hard and consistently. There are no teachers watching  to make sure students are focusing on work. It will be up to them to stay on task. Two ways to do that are keeping a calendar or using a project management tool.

3.     Communicate

Students are not alone in their online education. Though they may be halfway across the country, instructors, tutors and counselors are there for the students' benefit. If a student is feeling confused or overwhelmed in class it can be prudent to reach out to a support network for help. It may be just the thing to push past a challenging subject and toward successfully completing a degree.

4.     Stay motivated

Without the in-person interactions of a traditional degree program, it’s easy for students to feel on their own. When setbacks happen, it can be difficult to stay motivated and push through until the end.

Sharing the experience with family and friends can be a great way to stay motivated and get people cheering a student on as they complete a degree. Another great way to stay motivated is to keep a journal. Listing out what they've learned in their degree program can provide a day-by-day progress report for a sense of accomplishment.

Learn more about pursuing an IT degree online

If you’re interested in learning more about earning your IT degree online, ���۴�ý offers online information technology programs and online certificates, including a BS in cybersecurity, a computer science degree online, a bachelor’s degree in data science, and an online bachelor’s in information technology. The University also offers online associate degrees and master’s degrees.  

Contact ���۴�ý for more information.