Online IT & Computer Science Degree

People might have called you a nerd or a geek at some point, but if you’re smart you know that what you are: a tech-savvy person with tons of potential for success. IT is one of the fastest growing professions worldwide and in a world that is run by computers, individuals who speak their language are almost indispensable. If you like technology and know your way around computers and software, …

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People might have called you a nerd or a geek at some point, but if you’re smart you know that what you are: a tech-savvy person with tons of potential for success. IT is one of the fastest growing professions worldwide and in a world that is run by computers, individuals who speak their language are almost indispensable.

If you like technology and know your way around computers and software, then look no further. Online Degrees in IT and Computer Science are extremely popular options as they can be done entirely online and provide a platform for further skill development.

In a broad field of study such as computer science many levels, departments, and specialties, ranging from programming to network security come under its purview. If you are just starting out, you could see what suits you more by undertaking an associate’s degree, or if you are a mid-career professional you can update your skills by enrolling in a master’s program.

Available Specializations

  • Computer Programming
  • Database Administration
  • Computer Networking
  • Information Assurance
  • Network Security
  • Technical Support
  • Web Development
  • Network Administration

Within this field, an additional component is that of IT certificates such as Cisco, CompTIA, Microsoft and Oracle certifications which are necessary for specific industry positions and for improving the portfolio of candidates.

Course Overview

The exact mix of courses will depend on the college you opt for but some disciplines will be taught to students across the board such as:

  • Object-oriented software design
  • Software testing
  • Network security
  • Algorithms and data structures
  • Machine learning application

A background in mathematics, stats and IT would definitely help in acing these programs.

Salary and Job Growth

As a career, the field of IT and computer science has remarkable potential. According to CNN Money, software development jobs were the best jobs in America when it came to fastest growth in 2011 with the median income of $82,400. The software engineering industry is expected to grow by the fastest rate till 2016, and judging by the direction the world is heading in, these industries will always be relevant.

Database administrator and systems administrator professions ranked eighth and fourteenth respectively in the same category. The average growth for the entire profession is nineteen percent, with the median income of $100,660. The growth prospects depend on the level of education, industry, location and work experience.

What Jobs Can You Do?

With a Degree in IT and Computer Science you can aspire to the following jobs:

  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Computer Systems Administrator
  • Network Administrator
  • Software Designer or Engineer
  • Programmer
  • System Architect
  • Researcher

It is important to note though that most of these and other senior level tech jobs require at least a graduate degree from an accredited college.

In addition to technical skills, these degrees teach students how to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. In this challenging and constantly evolving and innovating tech world, issues arise constantly. Anyone who can solve them will be on the fast track to prosperity.

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