Analytical thinkers who enjoy working with technology may consider earning a bachelor's in IT. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects computer and IT jobs will grow 13% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the 8% average for all jobs. Read on to learn about what you can do with this degree.
What is an Information Technology Bachelor's?
It typically takes learners four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor's in IT. However, this timeline varies based on a program's requirements and how many credits you can complete each semester. For example, most programs only require 120 credits, but some may include as many as 140 credits. Additionally, students with personal and professional responsibilities may pursue part-time, rather than full-time, study, which lengthens the time to completion.
Graduates can work in roles such as computer systems analysts and computer and information systems managers. According to the BLS, computer systems analysts earned a median annual salary of $99,270 in 2021, while computer and information systems managers earned $159,010.
Information Technology Bachelor's Rankings
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology Courses
- Introduction to Networking: This foundational course teaches students the basics of computer networking. Learners discover computer networking applications in business telecommunications and figure out how to troubleshoot common errors. This entry-level course does not require any previous classes in computer networking, providing a foundation of knowledge that students build upon in later courses.
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking: In an ethical hacking course, students learn to prevent hacking crimes. By discovering the tactics criminals use to illegally access computers and network systems, information technology professionals can keep technology and data safe. The class teaches best practices for handling hacking incidents and how to protect system vulnerabilities.
- Fundamentals of Cybersecurity: This course introduces students to the basics of computer security. Learners think critically about how to improve computer systems and enhance their safety for individuals and corporations. They also learn about various antivirus software. This introductory class does not require a background in computer programming.
- Introduction to Networking: This course explores the history and evolution of computer networks. Students learn about wireless and mobile networks. They also examine computer firewalls and how they enhance network security.
- Database Management Systems Concepts: This course focuses on how companies can use databases to keep track of important information. Learners design and optimize databases, studying their architecture and common models.
Common Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by school, however strong applicants normally possess at least a 2.5 high school GPA and rank in the 75th percentile for the SAT or ACT. Applicants typically must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Most bachelor's in information technology degrees don't require specific prerequisite courses.
Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology Career Outlook
Graduates with a bachelor's in IT can pursue various careers. If you love leading teams, you may enjoy a career as a computer and information systems manager; these professionals delegate tasks to other information technology professionals. If you find network system design fascinating, you may prefer working as a computer network architect. Overall, the BLS projects computer and information technology occupations to grow by 13% from 2020 to 2030.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Information Technology Bachelor's Degree?
Graduates with a bachelor's in information technology can pursue a variety of roles, such as computer and information systems manager, computer network architect, or computer programmer. We outline several common careers and potential salaries for graduates below.
A computer and information systems manager oversees computer-related activities within an organization. They delegate tasks to information technology employees and make sure each computer stays updated and protected with antivirus software. They also help employees overcome technical issues. They typically work normal business hours, but if a large issue occurs during an evening or weekend, they must remain on call until the issue resolves.
Median Annual Salary: $159,010
Projected Growth Rate (2020-30): 11%
These professionals design computer networks. Computer network architects need extensive knowledge of local area networks, wide area networks, and intranets so they can create efficient and secure systems. They must also update an organization's hardware such as routers and adaptors. Additionally, these professionals must stay updated on networking technologies. They may work with network administrators and engineers.
Median Annual Salary: $120,520
Projected Growth Rate (2020-30): 5%
Computer programmers write code for websites and apps. They also test different code lines to ensure a positive user experience. Corporations, agencies, and large nonprofits rely on computer programmers to make sure their online platforms run smoothly and are easy to use. Computer programmers also simplify lines of code using a programming library, and they often contribute code to this library. These professionals must know how to read and write C++ and Java.
Median Annual Salary: $93,000
Projected Growth Rate (2020-30): -10%
These analytical thinkers evaluate existing computer systems and identify ways to improve them. They must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, as much of their job includes consulting with managers and offering advice pertaining to IT systems. Some computer systems analysts may own consulting businesses, while others work for consulting agencies.
Median Annual Salary: $99,270
Projected Growth Rate (2020-30): 7%
Database administrators protect, organize, and store data on behalf of organizations. They need in-depth knowledge of data software and the ability to delegate tasks to data entry specialists. These professionals also conduct research about the latest database software and transport data to new platforms when necessary. They need an eye for detail to catch and prevent discrepancies.
Median Annual Salary: $98,860
Projected Growth Rate (2020-30): 8%
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Educational Paths
Furthering your education beyond a bachelor's in IT can open opportunities for advanced roles and increased earning potential.
Earning a master's in IT typically takes two years for full-time students and four years for part-time students to complete. Graduates with a master's degree often work in leadership roles and sometimes oversee an entire IT department. These individuals must think well under pressure and quickly resolve incidents. Pursuing a doctorate takes four to six years, and positions individuals to work in research-based roles.
Explore Computer Science Career Paths by Degree Level
Frequently Asked Questions About IT Bachelor Degrees
What Kind of Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology?
Graduates with a bachelor's in information technology degree can work in nearly every industry, taking on roles such as database administrator, web computer systems analyst, and computer programmer.
If I Get a Bachelor's in Information Technology, What Master's Degree Can I Get?
A bachelor's in information technology prepares graduates to earn a master's in information technology, computer programming, or a related field. Most master's programs take 2-4 years to complete.
How Many Years Does It Take to Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology?
Most full-time students complete their bachelor's degree in information technology within four years. However, this timeline varies by factors like credit requirements, transfer credits, and course load. Additionally, some programs offer accelerated timelines that allow students to graduate faster.
Where Can I Work after Getting a Bachelor's in Information Technology?
Many professionals with a bachelor's in IT work in an office setting, while others work from home. Organizations with complex computer networks or large online platforms hire information technology employees, including large nonprofits, corporations, higher education institutions, and agencies. During your studies, consider interning at different workplaces so you can determine your ideal work environment.
What Is a Bachelor's in Information Technology?
A bachelor's in information technology is a four-year degree that covers topics in ethical hacking, coding, and network design. This degree can help prepare you to work in computer and IT positions. Earning this degree can also serve as a stepping-stone toward earning a master's or a doctorate in the technology field.
Top Online Programs
Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
Top Three Information Technology Programs
Learn about the overall best places to earn a bachelor's degree in information technology. Discover our methodology for ranking programs at the link below.
#1 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2022
College of the Ozarks
- Point Lookout, MO
- 4 years
- Campus
The bachelor's degree in computer information science from College of the Ozarks' computer sciences department encourages students to complete paid summer internships across the United States. Learners receive real-world experience working in the school's computer center and computer science labs.
The curriculum includes classes like e-commerce systems, fundamentals of web design, and database systems. Each enrollee must complete a senior capstone to graduate. The school's student chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery allows learners to network and socialize with peers and alumni.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $0 — tuition assurance work program
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 0%
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2022
Juniata College
- Huntingdon, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Juniata College offers an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in information technology that teaches students how to solve real-world problems with tech solutions. The four-year program offers opportunities for internships, independent study, research, and study abroad programs. Learners can choose a secondary emphasis in:
- Computer science
- Computer programming
- Data science
Notable classes include the metaverse, innovations for industry, social media, and algorithms and analysis. The program also features a capstone course in which students partner with local organizations to develop and implement IT projects.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $50,100/year
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%
Percent Online Enrollment
2%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2022
Brigham Young University-Provo
Brigham Young University's School of Technology offers a bachelor's degree in information technology that teaches students to apply digital communications and advanced web technologies in real-world IT contexts. Learners develop legal judgment, teamwork, and management skills.
The 120-credit curriculum includes classes like exploration in innovation design techniques, data structures and algorithms, and embedded computer systems. The program requires each enrollee to complete 200 hours of IT-related employment to graduate.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $3,060/semester (Latter-day Saint), $6,120 /semester (non-Latter-day Saint)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 14%
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Best Online Rankings
Research your potential options with our ranked list of the best schools for earning an online bachelor's degree in information technology.
Florida International University's (FIU) Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences offers an online bachelor's degree in information technology. Core courses include applied computer networking, intermediate Java, information storage and retrieval, and human-computer interaction. Electives explore topics like database administration, application development, and IT security.
The four-year, 120-credit program features interactive technologies that allow learners to collaborate on group projects and watch lectures anytime and anywhere. FIU received recognition from the Florida Board of Governors for its approach to educating computer specialists.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $229/credit (in state), $346/credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 29%
Location:
Miami, FL
Santa Fe College's bachelor's degree in information systems technology includes a network track, which explores database management, intermediate programming, and network management and design. Students must join the Association of Computer Machinery professional organization.
Required classes include mobile security, the future of computing, predictive data analysis, and advanced concepts in visualization. Each enrollee completes a networking and security capstone project to graduate.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $126/credit (in state), $429/credit (out of state)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: Hybrid
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 15%
Location:
Gainesville, FL
The online bachelor's degree in information technology from Purdue University Global offers credit for prior IT certifications. Students learn foundational IT knowledge, technology and business analysis, and client and systems specifications. Within 18 months of graduating, 91% of its information technology graduates found jobs or continued their education.
The four-year, 180-credit degree offers six concentrations:
- Game development
- Information security and assurance
- IT management
- Network administration
- Programming and software development
- Supply chain management and logistics
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Computing Accreditation
- Commission (CAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Tuition: $371/credit
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 48%
Location:
West Lafayette, IN
Most Affordable Rankings
Below, find the most affordable universities for earning a bachelor's degree in information technology in 2022.
The University of West Florida's Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering offers an affordable bachelor's degree in information technology. The program's relationships with major hardware and software companies foster experiential learning opportunities. Students can get real-world experience by completing internships, a research capstone, and co-op work.
Featured courses include server administration, introduction to networks, and Linux system administration. The school also offers three credits for learners who pass a professional certification exam like the CompTIA Security+ certification.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $6,360/year (in state), $9,506/year (Alabama resident), $19,238/year (out of state)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%
Location:
Pensacola, FL
The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in information technology jointly through the Department of Computer Science and the Congdon School of Supply Chain, Analytics, and Information Systems. The program explores emerging technologies, IT problem-solving, and user-friendly design.
Students can complete internships and work with faculty members. Notable classes include discrete mathematical structures, fluency in information technology, and business application development. Concentrations include:
- Business applications development
- Business data management
- Computer science
- Cybersecurity
- General IT practitioner
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $4,443/year (in state), $19,063/year (out of state)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 44%
The University of Central Florida's College of Engineering and Computer Science offers an affordable four-year bachelor's degree in information technology. The curriculum includes classes like managing IT integration, web-based information technology, and advanced ethics in science and technology.
Students develop communication, leadership, and analytical skills that prepare them for positions like computer network operator, web designer, and information security analyst. Hack@UCF, the school's Collegiate Cybersecurity Competition team, won three championships in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $212/credit (in state), $749/credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 35%
Location:
Orlando, FL
Best for Military Rankings
Explore our rankings of the best bachelor's degrees in information technology for military service members and veterans.
The bachelor's degree in computer information science from College of the Ozarks explores topics like programming, data structures, software engineering, and IT project management. Each enrollee must complete a senior capstone programming project encompassing all parts of the software development life cycle. The school accepts GI Bill® benefits and welcomes veterans and veterans' dependents.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $0 -- tuition assurance work program
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 0%
Location:
Point Lookout, MO
Juniata College's four-year bachelor's degree in information technology includes classes like discrete structures, security engineering, and innovations for industry. Learners can develop real-world experience through an internship program, study abroad opportunities, and campus technology jobs.
The school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which makes college more affordable and accessible for military service members and veterans.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $50,100/year
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%
Location:
Huntingdon, PA
Brigham Young University's bachelor's degree in information technology explores topics like information assurance and security, computer programming, and data structures and algorithms. Each enrollee can complete two senior capstone projects. The school accepts veteran's education benefits, and its Veterans and Military Services Office delivers support to students and their families.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $3,060/semester (Latter-day Saint), $6,120 /semester (Non-Latter-day Saint)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 14%
Location:
Provo, UT
Best Public School Rankings
Find the best public schools for a bachelor's degree in information technology in 2022 below.
The University of Central Florida's bachelor's degree in information technology from the College of Engineering and Computer Science covers security in computing, human-computer interaction, and system administration. Students learn to manage, create, and organize information for organizations. The program offers internship opportunities for enrollees to receive real-world experience at major tech companies.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $212/credit (in state), $749/credit (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 35%
Location:
Orlando, FL
The Information School at the University of South Florida offers a bachelor's degree in information technology that emphasizes innovation and leadership. Learners choose from majors in information technology or information, communication, and technology.
Notable courses include data mining and analytics, writing for the information professions, and advanced health informatics. The program requires two capstone courses: information technology and perspectives on information technology. Students learn to ethically manage information systems, communicate collaboratively, and help organizations succeed.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- In-State Tuition: $211/credit (Tampa campus, in state), $575/credit (Tampa campus, out of state), $120/credit (St. Pete or Sarasota campuses, in state), $574/credit (St. Pete or Sarasota campuses, out of state)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 35%
Location:
Tampa, FL
California State University, Chico's BS in computer information systems degree includes a foundation in computing sciences and a minor in business administration. The College of Engineering, Computer Science & Construction Management offers this ABET-accredited program.
Students learn to design computing-based solutions and analyze computing problems in business environments. The program develops communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills. Courses include algorithms and data structures, assembly language programming, and human interface design.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); Computer Accreditation Commission (CAC) of Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
- Tuition: $7,972/year (in state), $7,972/ year + $9,504 non-resident fee (out of state)
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 44%
Location:
Chico, CA
Best Private School Rankings
Explore our ranking of the best private schools of 2022 for earning a bachelor's degree in information technology.
College of the Ozarks offers a bachelor's degree in information technology that allows anyone to graduate without student debt. Enrollees gain real-world experience and credit toward their tuition by working in the Department of Computer Sciences and the school's computer center. The program also encourages learners to complete paid internships in the summer.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Tuition: $0 because of tuition assurance work program
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 0%
Location:
Point Lookout, MO
The interdisciplinary bachelor's degree in information technology from Juniata College includes classes like behavioral analysis of organizations, discrete structures, and database management systems. The program partners with local organizations to offer students experiential learning experiences for developing and implementing IT projects. IT majors can spend up to a year studying abroad.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Tuition: $50,100/year
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 64%
Location:
Huntingdon, PA
The 120-credit bachelor's degree in information technology from Brigham Young University provides theoretical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills. The program requires classes like special problems in IT and cybersecurity, digital forensics, and advanced human-computer interaction. Graduates can pursue work in computer system development, embedded intelligence, and digital communications.
Program at a Glance
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $3,060/semester (Latter-day Saint), $6,120 /semester (Non-Latter-day Saint)
- Credits Required: 120
- Delivery Format: On-campus
- Percentage Awarded Loans: 14%
Location:
Provo, UT
