Information Technology

Overview

Information technology programs prepare people to design computer systems that support business and research users.

Information technology programs include topics such as:

Computer hardware and software components
Algorithms
Databases
Telecommunications
Application testing
Human interface design

Schools

Many community colleges and two-year schools offer associate degree programs in information technology. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in information technology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Several universities offer graduate degrees in information technology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Many programs require you to apply for admission even after you've been admitted to the school. Typically you must complete introductory computer science, math, and engineering courses before you are admitted.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced Algebra courses
Calculus
Computing Systems
Physics
Probability and Statistics

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Applications Programming
Business Application Program Development
Client/Server Database Utilization
Computer Hardware Components
Computer Networks
Computer Systems Management
Data Communication and Networking
Database Management Systems
Information Systems Design and Implementation
Programming Languages
Software Development
Systems Analysis
Web Development

Things to Know

It is common for employers to require you to have a bachelor's degree to gain entry-level work in the field.

Information technology degrees are sometimes offered as part of an overall computer science program. In many cases, they are combined with engineering into a single program.

In some programs business courses such as management and organization are offered because much of your work will be project-based.