Best Information Technology Degree Programs

Information technology is the practical application of computing technology to solve business problems and support organizational operations. Unlike computer science (which focuses on theoretical foundations and software development), IT emphasizes implementing, configuring, and maintaining technology systems that keep businesses running.

IT professionals work with networks, servers, databases, security systems, help desk support, cloud infrastructure, and emerging technologies. They bridge the gap between technical systems and business needs, ensuring technology serves organizational goals effectively.

An IT degree covers networking fundamentals, operating systems administration, database management, cybersecurity basics, project management, and vendor-specific technologies. Students gain hands-on experience with enterprise systems, earn industry certifications, and develop problem-solving skills for real-world technology challenges.

Information technology is ideal for students who enjoy hands-on work with technology, prefer practical problem-solving over theoretical concepts, and want to work directly with systems that support business operations. You don't need extensive programming background—IT focuses more on configuration, administration, and troubleshooting than software development.

• Hands-on learners who prefer configuring systems over writing code from scratch
• Problem solvers who enjoy troubleshooting and fixing technology issues
• Organized thinkers who can manage complex infrastructure and documentation
• People-focused technologists who want to support users and business operations
• Career-focused students seeking stable, well-paying jobs with clear advancement paths

IT is perfect for students who want technology careers without heavy mathematics requirements. While some programming is taught, the emphasis is on using and managing existing systems rather than building new software from scratch.

IT degrees are available at multiple levels, each designed for different career goals and experience levels. Many programs integrate industry certifications into coursework.

An associate's degree in IT covers computer hardware, networking basics, operating systems, and technical support. Combined with CompTIA A+ certification, graduates qualify for help desk and IT support roles with starting salaries of $40,000-$55,000.

Programs typically include hands-on labs with industry-standard equipment, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

A bachelor's in information technology prepares students for IT management, systems administration, and network engineering roles. BLS reports network and computer systems administrators earn a median of $103,875 annually. Programs cover networking, security, database management, and IT project management.

IT degrees focus more on managing and implementing technology solutions rather than creating them from scratch (as in CS). Strong career path for those interested in infrastructure, operations, and technology management.

A master's in IT or IT management prepares professionals for CIO, IT director, or senior architect roles. Programs cover IT governance, enterprise architecture, digital transformation strategy, and leadership.

Particularly valuable for IT professionals seeking executive positions or consultants advising organizations on technology strategy. Many programs offer evening or online formats for working professionals.

Our analysis of 648 accredited information technology bachelor's programs identifies the top undergraduate options based on graduation rates, program size, tuition costs, and career outcomes. Top programs include University of Maryland Global Campus, Cornell University, University of Washington.

A bachelor's degree in information technology typically takes 4 years and prepares graduates for entry-level positions. The median tuition across programs is $11,820/yr for in-state students at public universities.

View The Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in The U.S. →

For advanced study, we ranked 324 graduate programs in information technology. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25% and opens doors to senior roles and specializations. Leading programs include Georgia Institute of Technology, University of California, Irvine, University of Texas at Austin.

Master's programs typically take 1-2 years to complete and offer deeper expertise in specialized areas like machine learning, data engineering, or analytics leadership.

View The Best Master's Information Technology Programs in The U.S. →

Online information technology programs offer flexibility for working professionals. We evaluated 230 online programs based on accreditation, outcomes, and employer recognition. Top online programs include Arizona State University, Penn State World Campus, Southern New Hampshire University.

The best online programs maintain the same academic rigor as on-campus counterparts while offering asynchronous coursework, virtual labs, and flexible scheduling.

View The Best Online Information Technology Programs in The U.S. →

Quality information technology education doesn't require massive debt. Our affordability rankings highlight 100+ programs with the best tuition rates. The most affordable options include University of Maryland Global Campus, Cornell University, University of Washington, with tuition starting at $7,632/year.

Public universities with in-state tuition benefits offer the best value, particularly SUNY, California State, and Texas state systems.

View The Most Affordable Information Technology Programs in The U.S. →

IT graduates enter a diverse field with strong job security and growth prospects. The BLS projects 15% overall growth for computer and information technology occupations through 2032—much faster than average. IT careers span from hands-on technical roles to management positions overseeing technology strategy.

IT programs emphasize practical, hands-on learning with real-world technology systems. Coursework balances technical skills with business understanding and communication abilities essential for supporting organizational technology needs.

• Networking Fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, network design and troubleshooting
• Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux administration, virtualization technologies
• Database Systems: SQL, database design, backup and recovery, data management
• Cybersecurity: Security principles, risk assessment, incident response, compliance
• Cloud Computing: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud platform administration and migration
• Project Management: IT project lifecycle, budgeting, vendor management, team leadership
• Help Desk & Support: Troubleshooting methodology, customer service, ticketing systems

Most programs integrate industry certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and vendor-specific credentials from Microsoft, Cisco, or Amazon. Many require capstone projects, internships, or practicum experiences. For detailed curriculum breakdown, see our IT curriculum guide.

Explore our comprehensive rankings to find the best information technology program for your goals, budget, and learning preferences

IT focuses on managing and maintaining technology infrastructure rather than creating new software. IT professionals ensure systems run reliably, users can work productively, and organizations can leverage technology effectively.

The skill set emphasizes breadth over depth—IT professionals need working knowledge of networking, security, databases, operating systems, cloud services, and end-user support. This generalist approach suits people who enjoy variety and problem-solving across different technical domains.

IT career paths often lead to management earlier than development roles. IT managers, directors, and CIOs need to understand technology broadly, communicate with non-technical stakeholders, and align technology with business goals—skills IT programs emphasize.

For most students interested in technology careers, yes. IT offers excellent job security, competitive salaries, and clear career progression paths. Unlike some tech fields, IT has consistent demand across all industries since every organization needs technology infrastructure and support.

When it's worth it: You enjoy hands-on technology work, prefer practical problem-solving, and want stable career prospects with advancement opportunities. IT degrees provide structured learning, industry connections, and credential recognition that self-taught paths often lack.

Consider alternatives if: You're primarily interested in software development (consider computer science or coding bootcamps), you have extensive IT experience and just need certifications, or you're certain about a specific specialization like cybersecurity.

The combination of steady 15% job growth, $101,510 median salary, and 377,500 annual job openings makes IT degrees one of the most reliable paths to middle-class technology careers.

While an IT degree provides comprehensive preparation, alternative paths exist for those with different goals, timelines, or experience levels

• Industry Certifications — CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, and vendor-specific credentials
• CompTIA A+ Certification Guide — Entry-level hardware and software fundamentals
• CompTIA Network+ Guide — Networking skills for infrastructure roles
• CompTIA Security+ Guide — Security fundamentals for all IT roles
• AWS Certifications Roadmap — Cloud skills for modern infrastructure
• CISSP Certification Guide — Advanced security for senior roles

Many IT professionals combine formal education with certifications throughout their careers. Starting with certifications while pursuing a degree can accelerate career entry and provide practical experience employers value.