An information technology bachelor's degree develops targeted skills in network design, network administration, and programming. Many programs also emphasize IT theory and its practical applications, along with cybersecurity and information security concepts.
Employers across industries have an ongoing need for professionals with advanced IT knowledge and insights. CompTIA documented almost 270,000 tech job vacancies across the U.S. in January 2023. A bachelor's in information technology can qualify degree-holders for numerous roles with advancement potential.
Learners considering an IT major should carefully research programs. Most schools design their degrees to develop the same skill sets, but course availability and concentration options can vary considerably. This guide explores key details of leading IT programs and includes a ranked list of the top bachelor's information technology degrees for 2023.
Why Get an Information Technology Bachelor's Degree?
Technology historians credit Harvard Business Review (HBR) with coining the term "information technology." A 1958 HBR article introduced the phrase to describe an emerging generation of programmable devices capable of multiple functions.
Since that time, and especially since the rise of the commercial internet in the 1990s, IT has evolved into a major industry. According to the Wall Street Journal, global businesses spent $4.38 trillion on their IT needs in 2022.
IT programs are designed to equip graduates with skills that have cross-industry demand. Technology continues to penetrate both global industry and society at ever-increasing rates, signaling continued demand for professionals with advanced technical skills.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows multiple tech careers are open to qualified professionals with a bachelor's in IT. Several such roles boasted 2021 median pay rates of more than $100,000 per year. This indicates considerable potential for students to earn outstanding returns on their educational investments.
In addition to higher-than-average salaries, studying information technology offers many other advantages:
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A Strong Knowledge Base: Computer technologies continue to become more specialized as they advance and evolve. The broad, versatile knowledge enrollees gain from IT programs positions them to adapt well to the industry's fast-changing landscape.
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Access to Certifications: Tech professionals often supplement their educational credentials with industry certifications. The skills students learn in IT degree programs can prepare them for certification exams.
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Job Security: Because many industries are increasingly reliant on computerized and networked technologies, the demand for IT professionals will likely remain strong in the coming decades. This can translate to job security for workers with these skills.
What To Expect From Bachelor's in Information Technology Programs
A bachelor's in information technology usually requires 120 credits. These programs typically take four years of full-time study.
Most four-year undergraduate IT degrees culminate in a bachelor of science (BS) designation. More rarely, programs may culminate in a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Both options focus mainly on technical skills. BA programs, however, may also build creative skills in adjacent areas, such as web design or game development.
Bachelor's IT degrees generally include core courses that cover essential topics. Often, students can also pursue electives that align with their career goals. Some schools include internships in their curricula. Programs often culminate in intensive senior capstone projects where learners demonstrate their mastery of IT skills and knowledge.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by institution. The process usually involves an online application, including academic transcripts. Successful candidates typically have a strong background in mathematics, basic programming skills, and a general familiarity with core computer science concepts.
Some IT programs feature preparatory course sequences that teach the foundational skills needed to succeed in four-year programs. Admission to the IT major may depend on enrollees' performance in these introductory courses.
For learners applying to more than one school, tools like the Common App streamline the application process by allowing students to submit applications to multiple institutions simultaneously.
Degree Options
Schools offer campus-based and online information technology degrees, as well as hybrid programs that blend in-person and online learning. Online courses may be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous courses involve live instruction at set days and times. Asynchronous courses feature prerecorded sessions that students can engage with on more flexible schedules.
Information technology bachelor's degrees may also allow students to declare a concentration. In these programs, learners take courses focused on a particular IT area. Popular concentrations include:
Degree-seekers in programs without formal concentrations may still use electives to build expertise in specific IT areas.
Popular Bachelor's in IT Courses
Introduction to Networking
This entry-level course teaches students the basics of computer networking. Learners explore computer networking applications in business and figure out how to troubleshoot common errors.
Introduction to Ethical Hacking
In an ethical hacking course, students learn about tactics criminals use to illegally access computers and network systems. This knowledge helps IT professionals prevent cybercrimes and keep data safe. The class also teaches best practices for handling hacking incidents and protecting 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. Enrollees may explore topics like antivirus software, encryption, and 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.
Information Technology Capstone
Many information technology bachelor's degrees culminate with a capstone project. Capstones may require learners to work alone or in groups. Projects often prompt senior students to design a custom IT solution for a theoretical or real-world enterprise client.
How Much Will a Bachelor's in Information Technology Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) tracks education costs at public and private institutions. 2022 NCES data reported the following cost-of-attendance averages for the 2019-20 school year:
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Public institutions: $14,200
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Private for-profit institutions: $23,200
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Private nonprofit institutions: $28,100
Students pursuing a bachelor's in IT can generally expect their costs to align with these averages. However, many factors influence institutional costs, including:
The following resources offer information on financial aid options:
Jobs for Bachelor's in Information Technology Graduates
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 their average salaries below.
A computer and information systems manager oversees computer-related activities within organizations, including maintaining cybersecurity infrastructures and helping coworkers resolve tech issues. These professionals typically manage a team of IT employees and delegate tasks to them. They usually work normal business hours, but may be on call during evenings and weekends to handle large-scale issues.
Median Annual Salary: $159,010
Projected Job Growth (2021-31): 16%
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 organizations' hardware, including routers and adapters. Additionally, these professionals must stay updated on networking technologies. They may work with network administrators and engineers.
Median Annual Salary: $120,520
Projected Job Growth (2021-31): 4%
Computer programmers write code for websites and apps. They also test their code to ensure a positive user experience. Corporations, agencies, and nonprofits rely on computer programmers to ensure 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 work with languages like C++ and Java.
Median Annual Salary: $93,000
Projected Job Growth (2021-31): -10%
These analytical thinkers evaluate and identify improvements for computer systems. They need strong interpersonal communication skills, as much of their job includes consulting with managers and offering advice about IT systems. Some computer systems analysts may own consulting businesses, while others work for consulting agencies.
Median Annual Salary: $99,270
Projected Job Growth (2021-31): 9%
Database administrators protect, organize, and store data for 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.
Median Annual Salary: $101,000
Projected Job Growth (2021-31): 9%
Choosing the Right Bachelor's in IT Program
Degree-seekers must consider many angles when evaluating schools and programs. Beyond the program's general reputation, learners should consider how well the curriculum reflects their personal and professional goals.
Other important factors include:
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Class Sizes: Smaller class sizes allow more opportunity for one-on-one student-teacher interactions. Learners who prefer guidance when working through challenging material may favor programs with fewer students.
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Course Delivery Options: Online courses usually provide learners with more convenience and flexibility, but demand more self-sufficiency. Some students prefer the interactivity of the traditional classroom experience. Think about your learning style and preferences when researching prospective schools.
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Career Support: Research each school's career resources, including resume workshops and job fairs. Consider IT programs that include internships, which can lead to job offers after graduation.
Candidates should also research the accreditation standing of both schools and programs. First, ensure that the school holds valid institutional accreditation from a recognized agency. Second, consider whether the program holds programmatic accreditation from organizations like ABET, which verify whether a department's courses adequately prepare enrollees for careers in the field. Though not all schools hold programmatic accreditation, every institution you consider should be institutionally accredited.
Should You Get Your IT Degree Online?
Schools increasingly offer information technology bachelor's degrees online. IT is well-suited to the online learning experience, as course content is often technology-based and does not often depend on interactions like student-led discussions.
Some of the advantages of online IT degrees include scheduling flexibility, especially with asynchronous courses. This flexibility makes it easier for learners to balance work and school — especially valuable for learners who work full- or part-time as they pursue their degree. Online programs can also save students money by letting them avoid commuting or relocation costs.
Online learning may not work for everyone: It demands more autonomy, as students have limited peer-faculty interactions and engage with coursework and assignments independently. Hybrid and fully online programs also impact the social aspects of the traditional campus experience.
For some students, the advantages outweigh the drawbacks. For others, the opposite is true. Consider your individual learning needs and preferences in weighing your program delivery options.
More Options to Learn Information Technology
Information Technology Certificate Programs
Associate Degrees in Information Technology
Master's Degrees in Information Technology
Doctoral Degrees in Information Technology
Top Five Information Technology Bachelor's Degrees
The following ranked list features our picks for the top five information technology bachelor's degrees of 2023. Our ranking methodology considers schools' academic indicators, affordability, program availability, and reputation.
#1 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2023
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Founded in 1851, FSU)has become one of the leading public research universities in the United States. The school's diverse community consists of more than 45,000 students from 130 countries.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
The bachelor of science in information technology program at Florida State University combines career-focused training with leadership development. Degree-seekers in the program engage with an innovation-oriented curriculum. Coursework emphasizes the ethical and optimized use of established and emerging information technologies.
Learners have their choice of two majors: information technology, and information, communication, and technology. The IT major has a stronger core focus on technical content. The information, communication, and technology option explores points of contact between IT, mass media, business, and culture. Both options dedicate 42 credits to the major area.
Applying to FSU
FSU takes a holistic approach to application evaluations. Officials consider academic performance, extracurricular activities, and individual character. Application materials include transcripts, a personal essay, and a resume.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $216/credit (in state), $721/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2023
Brigham Young University
Students from more than 100 countries attend schools in the Brigham Young University (BYU) network. The institution maintains formal links to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS).
Information Technology Major
The information technology program at Brigham Young University takes a solution-oriented approach to professional development. Students learn to analyze IT problems from multiple perspectives and apply interdisciplinary perspectives for addressing them.
Required courses cover topics including:
- Programming, data structures, and computing algorithms
- Calculus, statistics, and Newtonian mechanics
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Computer and database architecture
Learners can use their electives to craft an unofficial emphasis in one of four areas:
- User experience (UX) design
- Mobile and web development
- System and network administration
- Internet of Things (IoT) technologies
The program concludes with an intensive senior capstone project. During the two-semester capstone, students work in groups to provide a custom solution to an external client's technical challenges.
Applying to BYU
BYU considers each application individually from a holistic viewpoint. In general, the school looks for evidence of both academic ability and strong character. BYU has a 66.2% freshman acceptance rate.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private (nonprofit)
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Tuition: $3,152/semester (LDS members), $6,304/semester (LDS nonmembers)
- Required Credits: 77 credits for the IT major
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2023
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UCF features more than 220 degree programs and has built a reputation as a leading provider of online education. The Orlando-based school was founded in 1963 with a mandate to train talent for the U.S. space program.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
The University of Central Florida builds skills that drive enterprise, productivity, and efficiency. Coursework covers both IT hardware and software, including creation, management, secure storage, and creative use of data.
Students do not need any prerequisite course prior to starting the program. The curriculum covers computer and network architecture, IT integration management, and system administration, among other core concepts.
Degree-seekers can apply and develop their skills in practical settings through internship opportunities. Notably, UCF states that its alumni accounts for 27% of Lockheed Martin's Orlando-based workforce.
Applying to UCF
First-time undergraduates submit an institutional application, academic transcripts, and test scores. UCF accepts SAT or ACT scores. Candidates can also submit an optional and recommended personal essay.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Tuition: $212/credit (in state), $749/credit (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus, hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
9%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2023
Brigham Young University-Hawaii
BYU established its Hawaii campus in 1955 on O'ahu Island. BYU-Hawaii has a community of about 3,200 students representing more than 70 countries.
Information Technology Program
The bachelor of science information technology program at Brigham Young University-Hawaii has a practical and applied focus on technical skills development.
It supplements a core focus on systems administration, database management, networking, and cybersecurity skills with a strong emphasis on human-computer interaction. Students learn how to understand, communicate, and meet client-specific technical needs.
Prior to beginning the major, learners complete foundational courses in programming, IT fundamentals, computer hardware and software, and networking. The 45-credit core develops targeted skills in areas including:
- Object-oriented programming
- Systems engineering and administration
- Computer networking and architecture
- Cybersecurity and information security
BYU also emphasizes strong ethics, reflecting its formal affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS).
Applying to BYU-Hawaii
BYU-Hawaii features a holistic but competitive admissions process. Applicants require a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on the 4.0 scale) and a minimum SAT/ACT equivalent score of 21. The average ACT score of a successful applicant is 26.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private (nonprofit)
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $8,334/year (LDS members), $16,668/year (LDS nonmembers)
- Required Credits: 66 credit-hours for the IT major
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: On campus, hybrid
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Information Technology 2023
Point Loma Nazarene University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in San Diego, PLNU combines liberal arts education with Chrisitian principles. The Church of the Nazarene-affiliated school has an institution-wide student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1.
Computer Information Technology, Bachelor of Arts
Point Loma Nazarene University features an accelerated IT bachelor's degree offering a path to graduation in as little as 15 months. The transfer credit-friendly program combines campus-based and online learning. PLNU describes it as a degree completion program with strong appeal to learners with relevant college credits.
Coursework in the major area covers 49 credits. In these core courses, students build versatile technical skills in computer hardware, programming, database design and security, and networking. Classes also emphasize information security and cloud computing technologies.
Students attending the program through PLNU's partnership with MiraCosta College can pursue an optional concentration in cybersecurity. All graduates of PLNU's bachelor's IT program emerge with the skills required for multiple CompTIA certification exams.
Applying to PLNU
PLNU considers applicants holistically, balancing their academic records with considerations of their work experience, personal backgrounds, and future potential. Incoming students must have at least 40 semester-hours of completed college-level coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private nonprofit
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Tuition: $560/credit
- Required Credits: 120, of which at least 36 must be earned at PLNU
- Program Length: 15-18 months for degree completion students
- Delivery Format: Hybrid
Percent Online Enrollment
35%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Questions About Information Technology Degrees
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What is a bachelor's in information technology?
A bachelor's in information technology is a four-year degree that covers topics like ethical hacking, coding, and network design. This degree can help prepare you to work in computer and IT positions. Earning this credential can also serve as a stepping stone toward earning a master's or a doctorate in the technology field.
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What is the difference between a BA and BS in information technology?
BS programs generally place more emphasis on hard technical skills and concepts. BA degrees tend to cover more creative and interdisciplinary subjects. Both designations deliver a similar learning experience.
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How long does it take to earn a bachelor's in information technology?
Information technology bachelor's degrees usually consist of around 120 credits. It typically takes full-time students four years to complete their academic requirements. Learners with advanced standing from transfer credits or associate degrees often graduate more quickly.
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What can you do with a bachelor's in information technology?
A bachelor's in information technology is a versatile credential. Degree-holders can seek entry-level opportunities in fields including business IT services, software development, cybersecurity, programming, network administration, and systems analysis.
