University campus in Nebraska
Updated June 28, 2026

Best Information Technology Degree Programs in Nebraska, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top information technology colleges in Nebraska. 14 accredited information technology schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Metropolitan Community College Area to Bellevue University.

#1 ProgramBellevue
Avg Salary$91,560
Tuition From$3,060/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

5

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$91,560

Nebraska median information technology salary

BLS OEWS 2024

72.1/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

13%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best information technology degree programs: Bellevue, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $2,568 to $39,336/year

Metropolitan Community Co... offers the most affordable option at $3,060/yr

IPEDS 2024

Information Technology degree programs available: 7 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Nebraska

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

1 online information technology degree programs in Nebraska

Flexible scheduling for working professionals

IPEDS 2024

Nebraska community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

7 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees

Education Commission of the States

Major employers: Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade, Gallup

Tech hubs in Omaha and Lincoln

Hakia Research 2026

Information Technology degree programs near 20+ cities across Nebraska

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Nebraska Information Technology programs

We rank 17 accredited information technology programs in Nebraska using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are Information Technology Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?

Answer
$91,560
Yes. The best information technology degree programs in Nebraska deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $91,560 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $8,702/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Information Technology Degree Rankings in Nebraska

Compare the top-ranked Information Technology programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's Information Technology Programs in Nebraska

1
Programs ranked
$27,984
Avg tuition/yr
52%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in information technology, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Metropolitan Community Co..., Southeast Community Colle..., Central Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.

Costs & Value

Community colleges in Nebraska offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,311/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,358 in Nebraska.

Career Pathways

Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Nebraska's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.

Curriculum & Specializations

Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among information technology schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their information technology degrees in Nebraska.

Best Bachelor's Information Technology Programs in Nebraska

2
Programs ranked
$25,962
Avg tuition/yr
49%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for information technology education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 4 public and 3 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Bellevue, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Nebraska information technology programs earn a median salary of $77,826, 21% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.

Costs & Value

Tuition ranges from $5,760 to $39,336 annually, with an average of $14,093/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 73%, with the highest reaching 100%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.

Curriculum & Specializations

Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Nebraska's leading technology employers. For students seeking information technology degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked information technology schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

Best Master's Information Technology Programs in Nebraska

1
Programs ranked
$12,123
Avg tuition/yr
33%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska offers 2 master's degree programs in information technology, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Bellevue, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.

Career Outcomes

Master's graduates in Nebraska earn a median salary of $91,560, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade actively recruiting from these programs.

Costs & Value

Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,336/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.

Curriculum & Specializations

Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Nebraska's information technology schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.

Best Doctoral Information Technology Programs in Nebraska

1
Programs ranked
$6,758
Avg tuition/yr
47%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in information technology, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Nebraska at Omaha are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.

Career Outcomes

Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Nebraska PhD holders earning a median of $114,450, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.

Costs & Value

PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.

Curriculum & Specializations

Research strengths across Nebraska programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing information technology degrees in Nebraska, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.

Information Technology Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$8,702/year
Average out-of-state tuition$21,755/year
Community college tuition$2,176/year
4-year savings for residents$52,212
2+2 transfer pathway savings$13,052

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for Information Technology Students in Nebraska

State Aid Programs

Nebraska residents pursuing Information Technology degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways at the state and federal levels. The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is a need-based grant program administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that provides direct financial assistance to eligible Nebraska residents attending approved institutions. This grant program supplements federal aid and is a critical resource for students at both public universities and community colleges throughout the state. Additionally, all students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Detailed guidance on completing the FAFSA and understanding federal student aid is available through Federal Student Aid.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state grants and federal aid, Nebraska's Information Technology programs offer institutional scholarships and merit-based opportunities. Prospective students should contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to inquire about IT-specific scholarships, departmental awards, and employer-sponsored tuition assistance. Many of Nebraska's top IT employers, including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway, offer educational benefits to employees and their families. Students at University of Nebraska at Omaha and Bellevue University should explore both institutional and regional scholarship databases. The College Scorecard provides transparency on average aid packages and net price calculators for specific institutions, allowing students to estimate their actual cost of attendance before enrolling.

Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree in Nebraska. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

Information Technology Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a information technology degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+692%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,279,487

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

6 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$114,286

Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.

Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.

Detailed Breakdown

How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,314,895

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$120,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return4.1%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com

Information Technology Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Nebraska metro areas

Omaha$101K
Lincoln$96K
Bellevue$92K
View data table
CategoryValue
Omaha$101K
Lincoln$96K
Bellevue$92K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring Information Technology Graduates in Nebraska

Find information technology jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring information technology degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

Information Technology Jobs in Omaha

NE
Mutual of Omaha
insurance
Kiewit
construction
PayPal/Venmo
fintech
Buildertrend
tech
Union Pacific
railroad

Information Technology Jobs in Lincoln

NE
Hudl
tech
Nelnet
fintech
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
education

Transfer Pathways for Information Technology Degrees in Nebraska

State Transfer System

Nebraska's community college system provides excellent pathways to four-year IT degrees through the Nebraska Transfer Initiative, which facilitates credit transfer among public institutions. The state operates 16 two-year institutions offering 8 associate's degree programs in Information Technology. Top community colleges like Metropolitan Community College Area (127 completions annually), Southeast Community College Area (64 completions), and Central Community College provide strong foundational coursework in networking, databases, and systems administration that transfers seamlessly to bachelor's programs.

How Transfers Work

Students completing associate's degrees can transfer to institutions like University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska at Kearney, and Wayne State College with guaranteed credit acceptance under statewide articulation agreements. This pathway reduces both time-to-degree and cost, making it especially attractive given community college tuitions range from $2,568–$3,240 annually. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative maintains detailed transfer guides and course equivalency information. For financial support, Nebraska residents may qualify for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based program available at eligible community colleges and universities. Explore related transfer-friendly programs like Cloud Computing in Nebraska and Cybersecurity in Nebraska.

Why Pursue an Information Technology Degree in Nebraska?

Industry & Workforce

Nebraska offers a strong pathway into Information Technology careers with 18 institutions offering IT programs across all degree levels, according to IPEDS data. Students can choose from 8 associate's programs, 7 bachelor's programs, 2 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program, with 623 total completions annually. The state's strong commitment to IT education is evident in its flagship universities and community colleges, which collectively produce skilled graduates ready for the tech industry.

Salary Outlook

Nebraska's tech hubs, centered in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue, host major employers including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway, creating abundant internship and career opportunities. Public four-year institutions offer exceptional affordability with an average in-state tuition of just $6,668, compared to the national average. Top-ranked programs like University of Nebraska at Omaha (ranked #1 for bachelor's) and University of Nebraska at Kearney combine quality education with accessibility. For more information on national comparisons, explore the best information technology bachelor's programs nationwide and best affordable IT programs.

Information Technology Program Availability in Nebraska

14 Programs
Nebraska offers 14 accredited information technology programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.

Source: IPEDS 2024

Information Technology Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska

Employment Outlook

Nebraska's information technology job market is strong and growing, with significant opportunities across the state's major metropolitan areas. The Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln metro areas represent the primary employment hubs for IT professionals, offering competitive salaries and diverse career pathways. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska continues to see steady demand for skilled IT workers across multiple sectors. The state's economy benefits from a mix of healthcare, finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing industries, all of which require strong information technology infrastructure and expertise.

Salaries by Metro

Educational pathways in Nebraska are well-aligned with market demands. The state's institutions award 236 associate's degrees, 223 bachelor's degrees, and 118 master's degrees annually in information technology, according to IPEDS data. Top completion leaders include Bellevue University with 181 completions, Metropolitan Community College Area with 127 completions, and University of Nebraska at Omaha with 93 completions. For prospective students, Nebraska's public four-year institutions average just $6,668 in in-state tuition, making it an affordable option compared to national standards. Those considering advanced degrees can explore programs at University of Nebraska at Omaha's master's program or investigate related specializations like cybersecurity in Nebraska for targeted career advancement.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Nebraska$59,514$132,762
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus Information Technology Programs in Nebraska

Online Programs

1 available in Nebraska

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$7,832/yr$8,702/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare Information Technology Programs in Other States

Information Technology Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ

What are the best information technology degree programs in Nebraska?
The best information technology degree programs in Nebraska based on our methodology are: 1) Bellevue University (12% graduation rate), 2) University of Nebraska at Omaha, and 3) Wayne State College. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Nebraska offers 14 total accredited programs across 11 public and 3 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 7 bachelor's programs.
How much do information technology degree programs cost in Nebraska?
Information Technology degree program costs in Nebraska vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $8,702/year, while private institutions average $19,144/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $2,176/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $34,808 at public schools to $76,578 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can information technology degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Information Technology professionals in Nebraska earn a median salary of $91,560, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $59,514, while senior roles exceed $132,762. Salaries vary by metro area: Omaha ($100,716), Lincoln ($96,138) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online information technology degree programs in Nebraska?
Yes, Nebraska offers 1 accredited online Information Technology programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Mid-Plains Community College. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire information technology degree graduates in Nebraska?
Major Information Technology employers in Nebraska include Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade, Gallup, Buildertrend. The Omaha and Lincoln metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Nebraska universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Nebraska's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an information technology degree program worth it in Nebraska?
An information technology degree program in Nebraska offers strong ROI with a $91,560 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $8,702/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($103,463), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do information technology degree programs take in Nebraska?
Standard completion times for information technology degree programs in Nebraska are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Nebraska community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Nebraska university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for information technology degree students in Nebraska?
Nebraska information technology degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Nebraska state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Nebraska's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Nebraska salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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Taylor Rupe

Taylor Rupe

Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)

Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth Information Technology program profiles in Nebraska

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Bachelor's Information Technology programs

#2Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE

Why it stands out. Bellevue specializes in flexible, practitioner-focused IT education designed for working adults and career-changers seeking rapid job readiness.

Hakia insight. Bellevue's proximity to Offutt Air Force Base creates an unusual pipeline for students seeking security clearances—a credential that can add $15K–$25K annually to entry-level IT salaries and opens doors to federal contracting roles most bachelor's programs never access.

At the bachelor's level, bellevue University has built its information technology and cybersecurity programs around the accelerating demand for security professionals and IT leaders, with curriculum explicitly designed for working adults and career-switchers who need flexibility alongside rigor. The program's standout feature is its online and hybrid delivery options, allowing students to complete degrees while maintaining full-time employment—a model that has proven especially successful for military personnel transitioning to civilian IT careers (Bellevue's Omaha location near Offutt Air Force Base creates natural pipeline advantages). The cybersecurity concentration has gained particular prominence, with courses covering threat analysis, compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS), incident response, and security architecture, taught by faculty with backgrounds in government and enterprise security roles. Bellevue emphasizes certifications alongside degree completion, with curriculum aligned to CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), and other industry-recognized credentials, meaning graduates often enter the job market already cert-ready. The university's partnership ecosystem includes regional healthcare organizations and financial institutions that actively recruit Bellevue graduates, and the program maintains strong connections to the Omaha tech community, which has seen significant growth in fintech, health IT, and business services. This is a program where working professionals and non-traditional students thrive, and where practical cybersecurity and IT operations knowledge takes priority over academic publishing.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology · 4 years · online

Research labs & institutes

  • Natural Science Center of Excellence — Student-faculty research projects in sciences
  • Science Lab — Hands-on research with DNA sequencing and photometry
  • MathX Interactive Lab — Mathematical problem-solving with collaborative technology
  • Sustainability Lab — Sustainability management practices and research
  • Courtnage Intelligence Systems Lab

Industry partners

Keurig Green MountainCiscoMicrosoftCompTIALinux Professional InstituteCertiport

Career outcomes

$171,200 median salary

Notable faculty

  • Professor John Kyndt (Science education and laboratory research)
  • Dr. Scott Pinkerton (Science education)
  • David Petty (Information systems and technology)

Accreditation & certifications

Security+ alignedCEH-aligned coursework

Location advantage: Proximity to Offutt Air Force Base and military IT recruitment Access to Omaha fintech and healthcare IT sector Regional headquarters for multiple financial services companies

Best Master's Information Technology programs

#1Bellevue UniversityBellevue, NE

Why it stands out. Coursework-only track with extensive e-portfolio development. Cohort model - take one course at a time with single registration

Hakia insight. Bellevue's cohort-based, one-course-at-a-time master's model in Instructional Design and Technology was designed for military and corporate IT training professionals, so your peers are practicing instructional technologists, not theoretical students—your network becomes your postgrad advantage.

The Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology is a 36-credit online program designed for working professionals, featuring a cohort model where students take one course at a time and register once for the entire program. This coursework-only program includes extensive e-portfolio development throughout multiple courses (IDT 616, 631, 646, 661, 676) where students create professional artifacts in audio, graphics, video, print, and interactive media. The program integrates Project Management Institute (PMI) knowledge areas through IDT 655, providing embedded project management skills valuable for career advancement. As a fully online program, it offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in educational technology, corporate training, higher education, and K-12 settings. The program emphasizes practical application with hands-on experience in learning management systems like Blackboard, Moodle, and Canvas, plus emerging technologies evaluation and integration.

Programs offered

  • Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology · 1-2 years · on-campus

Research labs & institutes

  • Natural Science Center of Excellence — Student-faculty research projects in sciences
  • Science Lab — Hands-on research with DNA sequencing and photometry
  • MathX Interactive Lab — Mathematical problem-solving with collaborative technology
  • Sustainability Lab — Sustainability management practices and research
  • Courtnage Intelligence Systems Lab

Industry partners

Keurig Green MountainCiscoMicrosoftCompTIALinux Professional InstituteCertiport

Notable faculty

  • Professor John Kyndt (Science education and laboratory research)
  • Dr. Scott Pinkerton (Science education)
  • David Petty (Information systems and technology)

Accreditation & certifications

Security+ alignedCEH-aligned coursework

Location advantage: Proximity to Offutt Air Force Base and military IT recruitment Access to Omaha fintech and healthcare IT sector Regional headquarters for multiple financial services companies

Best Doctoral Information Technology programs

#1University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NE

Why it stands out. UNO combines cybersecurity research infrastructure, a thriving Omaha tech ecosystem, and both undergraduate and graduate IT pathways.

Hakia insight. UNO's doctoral programs in IT sit inside an active National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, making your dissertation work immediately relevant to First Data and Mutual of Omaha's real infrastructure challenges, shortening the gap between PhD completion and industry-leading research roles.

At the doctoral level, UNO's information technology and computer science programs leverage Omaha's emergence as a serious tech corridor, with particular strength in cybersecurity, data science, and enterprise systems. The university has invested heavily in research infrastructure and industry partnerships, creating opportunities for students to engage with real-world problems through capstone projects, internships, and collaborative labs. The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (operating across the NU system) brings research visibility and recruitment pipelines into UNO's IT student pipeline. Faculty blend academic rigor with hands-on industry experience, and the program benefits from proximity to major employers including First Data, Mutual of Omaha, and growing software development firms. Students pursuing advanced technical careers will find robust options in systems engineering, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity roles. UNO's size and resources enable it to offer both bachelor's and master's-level pathways, making it an ideal choice for students planning to pursue both career advancement and graduate study without changing institutions.

Programs offered

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology · 4-6 years · on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Information Technology · 4-6 years · online

Research labs & institutes

  • National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence — Cybersecurity research and workforce development

Industry partners

First DataMutual of Omaha

Career outcomes

Top employers: First Data, Mutual of Omaha

Location advantage: Omaha's growing tech sector with major employers nearby Access to National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence research