The world of tech can seem daunting. What jobs are there? And what’s the right job for me? Consider a degree in information technology (IT).
Information technology (IT) is much more than just fixing computers. At the very basic level, it’s using computers and technology to solve problems and offer solutions for businesses and organizations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in information technology jobs is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.1 That growth is also projected to add about 531,200 new jobs, with a median age wage of $88,240 in May 2019.
Graduates with a degree in information technology are qualified to work in a wide range of computer and network infrastructures in small to large-sized enterprises in such positions as web or software developer; hardware, network, cloud, virtualization technician or engineer; IT support specialist or consultant; help desk, network, or IT project manager; security or forensic analyst; and systems, network or database administrator in all sectors of business, education, manufacturing, healthcare, non-profit, and government.2
Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Kent State University
The Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Kent State University is right for you if:3
- You enjoy learning about new and upcoming technologies.
- You like to help people and have excellent communication skills.
- You like a balance of working with your hands and in an office setting.
The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree provides students with an applied approach that focuses on supporting end-users in a variety of workplace settings by utilizing a range of computing technologies.
The degree program gives students the tools to support computing and network infrastructures and the needs of individuals and organizations, write programs necessary to help them render their tasks more efficiently on their desktop or mobile devices, utilize databases and write the web-based interfaces to pull the data, and code and deploy applications across the cloud.
What Areas of Study can I Focus on with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?
The Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at Kent State University comprises the following concentrations:
- The Application Development concentration provides students with the ability to program in languages typically utilized in contemporary business environments. Students will code in applications such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, C#, and other industry-standard applications to develop programs employing event-driven and object-oriented techniques.
- The Cybersecurity and Forensics concentration places an emphasis on the security of computer and network systems, including forensic work to prevent and/or determine and correct security issues utilizing cybersecurity devices, procedures, tools, and solutions.
- The Database Design and Administration concentration focuses on skills needed to become a database manager. Topics include relational database design; working with database servers, users, and permissions; SQL statements used for queries and reports; and incorporating databases into programming used in web-based and desktop forms.
- The Health Information Technology concentration provides students with the tools to install, manage, troubleshoot and secure hardware and software systems in healthcare environments. The course of study includes health IT privacy, security, EHR Implementation and support, mobile device management, technology and application life-cycle management, organizational behavior, medical business operations, and regulatory requirements.
- The Integrated Information Technology concentration is ideal for students who want a flexible course of study for positions that require IT staff to perform a wide range of technical duties.
- The Internet/Multimedia concentration focuses on scripting, server-side form handling, web database integration, and interactive and dynamic multimedia Internet development.
- The Networking concentration focuses on configuring and maintaining network information systems and components in various network operating systems and cloud computing environments that are prevalent in today’s businesses. The emphasis is on network administration (i.e., managing Active Directory and network services), servers, workstations, virtualization, security, troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance.
What Career Opportunities exist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?
Graduates are qualified to work primarily in small to mid-size installations with local area networks and are employed in all types of organizations using computing systems, working in such positions as network technicians, technical support specialist, help desk manager, LAN manager, project manager, and database administrator.
You’ll be able to:
- Identify and evaluate current technologies and assess their applicability to address individual and organizational needs
- Develop a product or process by applying knowledge of programming, web, digital media, database, human-computer interaction, networking, and security tools
- Perform end-user support including identifying and implementing solutions to user requests
- Explain implementation, integration, and maintenance for IT applications to a wide range of audiences
- Work in diverse project teams to develop and/or implement IT-based solutions
- Apply professional ethics in IT solutions
- Engage in continuous learning, as well as research and assess new ideas and information to provide the capabilities for lifelong learning
Keep in mind that the career possibilities listed below are just a handful of fulfilling degrees you may find yourself in with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
Here are just a few of the job opportunities that IT graduates can pursue.
Computer Support Specialists
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations.4
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization.5
Computer Network Architects
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets.6
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.7
Information Security Analysts
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.8
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer systems analysts study an organization’s current computer systems and find a solution that is more efficient and effective.9
Database Administrators
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data.10
Software Developers
Software developers create applications or systems that run on a computer or another device.11
Computer Programmers
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.12
For more information on Kent State’s Online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-information-technology.
Interested in an Associate Degree instead? Kent State University offers that too.
For more information on Kent State’s Online Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology, visit https://onlinedegrees.kent.edu/degrees/associate-of-applied-business-in-information-technology.
1 Retrieved on March 9, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
2 Retrieved on March 9, 2021, from https://www.kent.edu/geauga/information-technology-bsit
3 Retrieved on March 9, 2021, from https://www.kent.edu/geauga/information-technology-bsit
4 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm
5 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
6 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm
7 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm
8 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
9 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm
10 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm
11 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
12 Retrieved on March 10, 2021, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm
