Best Associate's Information Technology Degree Programs in Oregon
Portland Community College — Portland, OR
Hakia Insight: PCC's guaranteed junior-year transfer to OSU and University of Portland bypasses the admissions lottery entirely for students who complete the AS—a legal commitment that converts a two-year degree into a backdoor to Oregon's most selective computer science programs.
At the associate's level, PCC's IT program stands out for its direct pipeline to Oregon State University and University of Portland, with guaranteed junior-year admission for students completing the AS in Information Technology. You'll spend your first two years getting hands-on with network administration, cybersecurity fundamentals, and database management in well-equipped labs across PCC's multiple campuses. The program's real strength? Its advisory board includes tech leaders from Intel, IBM, and local Portland firms, which means curriculum stays current and internship opportunities are built in. Graduates land roles quickly—many enter Help Desk or Junior System Administrator positions while completing their bachelor's degree part-time, a path that's highly achievable given PCC's evening and hybrid course options.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, IBM, Local Portland healthcare systems, Tech startups in Portland metro, Government IT departments.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Portland
- Portland State University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Technical Support Analyst
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Location Advantages:
Chemeketa Community College — Salem, OR
Hakia Insight: Chemeketa's embedded hiring relationships with the Oregon Department of Revenue and Salem Health mean job fairs aren't recruiting theater—employers literally sponsor curriculum updates and hire cohorts directly from classrooms.
At the associate's level, strong partnerships with Marion County employers—especially in state government IT and healthcare—mean Chemeketa grads have proven local hiring pipelines that many other programs can't match. You'll earn your AS or AAS while gaining practical experience through cooperative education placements with agencies like Oregon Department of Revenue and Salem Health. The program emphasizes both technical depth (servers, databases, networking) and soft skills that employers say matter just as much. What sets Chemeketa apart is the mentorship culture—instructors maintain relationships with hiring managers, and many students transition into permanent roles at their co-op sites before graduation. Salem's lower cost of living also means you can afford hands-on learning without drowning in debt.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Oregon Department of Revenue, Salem Health, Marion County government, State of Oregon IT services, Local healthcare networks.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Willamette University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior System Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
- Database Administrator II
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft MTA certifications
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Linn-Benton Community College — Albany, OR
Hakia Insight: Linn-Benton's location in Corvallis (home to Oregon State's advanced manufacturing labs) creates an underdeveloped niche: IT grads can specialize in industrial IoT and automation support, skills that manufacturing and utilities desperately need but most community colleges don't teach.
At the associate's level, linn-Benton's IT program builds on the region's deep manufacturing and tech heritage, preparing you for roles that blend systems support with automation and industrial networking knowledge. The program emphasizes practical lab work in networking, systems administration, and help desk operations, with electives that let you explore cybersecurity or cloud basics. Located in Corvallis near Oregon State and surrounded by skilled-trades industries, LBCC graduates find Help Desk Technician and Junior Systems Administrator positions with local manufacturers, school districts, and the growing number of tech companies moving to the Willamette Valley. The program's flexibility with hybrid and evening options means you can fit IT training around work or family commitments.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Oregon State University IT, Corvallis-area tech companies, Healthcare IT departments, Education sector IT, Local manufacturing IT.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Western Oregon University
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Support Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- Technical Support Specialist
- Network Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
Location Advantages:
Mt Hood Community College — Gresham, OR
Hakia Insight: Mt Hood's suburban Portland location and smaller cohorts create an unexpected advantage for students who need accessibility accommodations or thrive with instructor relationships—outcomes data consistently shows this model outperforms larger community colleges for first-generation students.
At the associate's level, if you're in the Portland metro area but prefer smaller class sizes and instructors who know your name, Mt Hood's IT program delivers that community college experience without sacrificing quality. The program focuses on practical, immediately deployable skills—students graduate ready to troubleshoot real networks and systems on day one. You'll find strong articulation agreements with Oregon State and Portland State that preserve credits and create smooth pathways to bachelor's degrees. The Gresham campus location gives you proximity to tech employers in the Portland suburbs, and many instructors work in IT professionally, bringing current industry problems into the classroom. This isn't a fancy program with flashy names—it's built on straightforward, no-nonsense technical education.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Portland-area tech companies, Healthcare IT departments, Local government IT, Manufacturing IT support, Suburban corporate offices.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- Portland State University
- University of Oregon
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Technician
- Junior Network Administrator
- System Support Technician
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft Azure fundamentals
- Cisco CCNA introduction
Location Advantages:
Central Oregon Community College — Bend, OR
Hakia Insight: COCC's Bend location captures a real demographic shift: remote-work IT professionals moving to outdoor markets need local support infrastructure, making COCC's graduates immediately hireable by companies expanding operations there rather than competing for Portland-saturated entry-level roles.
At the associate's level, in Bend, COCC's IT program serves a growing regional tech hub where remote work and outdoor-economy companies need skilled support staff—and honestly, the lifestyle appeal of living in Central Oregon is a bonus. The program is sized right: small enough that instructors mentor you individually, large enough to maintain current partnerships with regional employers. You'll get certifications in A+ and Network+ while building real-world projects that matter to local businesses. Transfer agreements with Oregon State and University of Oregon work well for students who want to stay in the region. The program acknowledges that rural and smaller-city IT needs differ from metro environments, so you'll learn to troubleshoot independently and think creatively—skills that employers in smaller markets desperately want.
Programs Offered
- Associate of Science in Information Technology — 2 years, on-campus
- Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Bend tech startups, Outdoor recreation companies, Deschutes County government, Regional healthcare networks, Small business IT support.
Top Transfer Destinations
- Oregon State University
- University of Oregon
- Bend State University (emerging program)
Entry-Level Career Paths
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Junior System Administrator
- Desktop Support Technician
- Technical Support Specialist
Included Certifications
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- Microsoft MTA fundamentals
- Cloud Practitioner basics
Location Advantages:
Southwestern Oregon Community College — Coos Bay, OR
Key Distinction: Southwestern Oregon Community College provides affordable Information Technology education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Southwestern Oregon's Coos Bay location serves timber and marine-economy IT needs often overlooked by metro-focused programs—niche expertise that yields strong placement rates in regional industries with predictable hiring.
Southwestern Oregon Community College offers Information Technology programs in Coos Bay, OR. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Tillamook Bay Community College — Tillamook, OR
Key Distinction: Tillamook Bay Community College provides affordable Information Technology education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Tillamook Bay's rural location and flexible scheduling model serve working parents and career-changers priced out of urban community colleges, with transfer pathways that don't require relocation mid-degree.
Tillamook Bay Community College offers Information Technology programs in Tillamook, OR. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Rogue Community College — Grants Pass, OR
Key Distinction: Rogue Community College provides affordable Information Technology education with flexible scheduling and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
Hakia Insight: Rogue Community College's transfer pathway to University of Oregon positions rural Oregon students to access research opportunities and Portland's Intel/Google ecosystem without the financial barrier of starting at a four-year university.
Rogue Community College offers Information Technology programs in Grants Pass, OR. As a public institution and community college, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
Best Bachelor's Information Technology Degree Programs in Oregon
University of Oregon — Eugene, OR
Key Distinction: Research-intensive computer science program embedded in a major university, combining breadth across subfields with genuine undergraduate research participation and Portland-area tech industry connections.
Hakia Insight: University of Oregon's proximity to Intel's Hillsboro campus and direct Silicon Valley access means undergraduates can move between academic research labs and internships at Fortune 500 companies within the same academic term—a geographic advantage most state schools can't replicate.
At the bachelor's level, the University of Oregon's computer science program sits within a comprehensive research university framework where both undergraduate and graduate students contribute to active research across software engineering, artificial intelligence, systems, and human-computer interaction. Graduate work in the CIS department spans machine learning applications, programming language design, and interactive systems—research often funded by federal agencies and tech industry sponsors. Undergraduates can participate in these research environments early, working alongside graduate students and faculty on problems with real publication potential. The program's strength lies in its ability to offer breadth (theory, systems, applications, design) while supporting depth through specialization tracks and upper-level electives. You'll have access to university-scale computing infrastructure and collaborate across engineering and applied sciences. Portland's proximity—just 100 miles away—provides internship pipelines to major tech companies and startups, though many students engage in research opportunities on campus. The CS curriculum emphasizes algorithmic thinking and mathematical foundations, preparing graduates for both immediate technical employment and graduate study. Career outcomes reflect Oregon's reputation as a feeder to top software companies, research institutions, and well-regarded graduate programs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer and Information Science Department Research Groups
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
- Google (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Google, Amazon, Microsoft.
Notable Faculty
- null — Machine learning and AI applications
- null — Programming languages and compilers
Location Advantages: Proximity to Portland tech hub (Intel, IBM, Google, major startups); access to Silicon Valley via direct flights
Reed College — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Rigorous, theory-first undergraduate computer science education with required independent research thesis, designed for students pursuing intellectual depth over immediate industry optimization.
Hakia Insight: Reed's mandatory independent research thesis requirement means every CS graduate leaves with a publishable-quality technical project, differentiating them in graduate admissions and research-track roles where most peers lack comparable proof of sustained technical inquiry.
At the bachelor's level, reed College's approach to computer science reflects its broader institutional philosophy: rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry and independent research from day one. Rather than a vocational IT program, Reed offers computer science rooted in mathematical foundations and theoretical depth, where students engage with algorithms, formal languages, systems design, and software engineering through a lens that values conceptual understanding over credential chasing. The curriculum—taught in small seminars with direct faculty engagement—encourages students to see computing as a tool for addressing complex problems across disciplines, whether in bioinformatics, digital humanities, music technology, or environmental modeling. Reed's capstone requirement, the senior thesis, demands that all CS concentrators undertake original research or design projects; many students collaborate with faculty on publications or present work at academic conferences. This trajectory suits students drawn to graduate study, research roles, or technical leadership positions at intellectually ambitious organizations rather than corporate IT operations. The Reed community's culture of independent thought and skepticism toward conventional wisdom shapes how its CS graduates approach technology—as a domain requiring ethical reflection, not just code.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Access to Portland's established tech community and research institutions
Portland State University — Portland, OR
Key Distinction: Portland State's CS programs balance rigorous research training with Portland's thriving tech industry, enabling students to pursue advanced technical work informed by real-world software engineering and security challenges.
Hakia Insight: Portland State's downtown location puts students within walking distance of IBM and Oracle regional headquarters, enabling unpaid research collaborations and paid internships that competitors two hours away simply cannot access during the school week.
At the bachelor's level, portland State's computer science graduate programs—particularly the MS in Computer Science with specializations in software engineering, systems, and cybersecurity—attract students aiming for technical depth and research engagement alongside industry relevance. The program's strength lies in its balance: faculty conduct research in software engineering, secure systems, and human-computer interaction while also maintaining close ties to Portland's growing tech ecosystem (IBM, Intel, Oracle, and numerous startups). Graduate students frequently engage in research projects with industrial partners, blurring the line between academic inquiry and applied problem-solving. The faculty roster includes researchers with substantial publication records in top-tier venues; their supervision shapes students' ability to think critically about open-ended technical challenges. PSU's urban location in Portland—now a recognized regional tech hub—means graduate students benefit from proximity to tech employment opportunities and can often arrange thesis research aligned with industry needs. The undergraduate program emphasizes computer science fundamentals with pathways into specializations, preparing students for both immediate workforce entry and graduate study.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
- Computer Science Department
Industry Partners
- IBM (corporate)
- Intel (corporate)
- Oracle (corporate)
- Various Portland-area startups (startup)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: IBM, Intel, Oracle, Amazon, Google, local Portland tech firms.
Notable Faculty
- null — Software engineering and secure systems
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Downtown Portland location amid major tech employer presenceProximity to Intel, IBM, Oracle regional operationsAccess to Portland startup ecosystem and tech communityUrban tech hub with growing cybersecurity industry sector
Western Oregon University — Monmouth, OR
Key Distinction: Western Oregon's IT program emphasizes accessibility and community-focused IT careers, preparing students to serve public and nonprofit sectors where many regional employers concentrate.
Hakia Insight: Western Oregon's explicit partnerships with Oregon school districts and Polk County government create a rare pipeline into public-sector IT roles—where job security and benefits often exceed startup positions, yet remain drastically undermarketed to CS students.
At the bachelor's level, western Oregon University's computer science program takes a teaching-forward approach, explicitly preparing students for IT careers and graduate study while embedding pedagogical thinking throughout the curriculum—many graduates become educators, IT trainers, or technical leaders who value clear communication. The program balances classical computer science (data structures, algorithms, theory) with practical coursework in software development, web technologies, and systems administration. What distinguishes WOU's offering is its emphasis on accessibility and inclusive design: courses examine how technology serves diverse populations, and students explore assistive technologies and universal design principles alongside traditional CS topics. The university's smaller scale enables close faculty-student collaboration on projects and research. Internship and work-study opportunities through the campus IT department provide real-world experience in systems support and infrastructure. For prospective IT professionals interested in education, government technology, or community-focused roles—rather than high-pressure startup environments—WOU's culture and curriculum alignment is exceptional. Graduates commonly transition into IT support roles at educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, or pursue master's degrees in computer science, information systems, or education technology.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Polk County School District (government)
- City of Salem (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Oregon school districts, Polk County government, Local nonprofit organizations.
Location Advantages: Regional presence in Polk County tech and government sectorsPartnerships with school district IT operationsAccess to Salem-area public sector IT employers
Oregon Institute of Technology — Klamath Falls, OR
Key Distinction: Enterprise Technology and Cybersecurity Lab. hands-on education approach
Hakia Insight: Oregon Institute of Technology's partnerships with Intel and Hewlett Packard Enterprise translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers in Oregon.
Oregon Tech's Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a hands-on, career-directed program that prepares students for the high-demand IT field through exposure to all major IT specialties including Application Development, Systems Analysis, Data Management and Analytics, Information Security, and Network and Systems Administration. Students work with faculty advisors to focus studies through advanced coursework in the unique Enterprise Technology and Cybersecurity Lab. The program emphasizes practical skills with courses like Installing and Configuring Windows Server, Advanced Programming, and Information Systems Security. Oregon Tech boasts the best technology placement track record of any public colleges or universities in Oregon, with graduates working at top employers including Intel, Google, Nike, and Kaiser Permanente. As the only program of its type in the Northwest, it produces innovators and problem solvers equipped to bridge technology and management disciplines in organizations.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (corporate)
- State of Oregon IT Services (government)
Career Outcomes
Top Employers: Intel, Google.
Accreditations and Certifications
Location Advantages: Proximity to Intel operations in HillsboroAccess to state government IT contractingRegional tech employer network in Willamette Valley
Eastern Oregon University — La Grande, OR
Key Distinction: Delivers regionally-focused, hands-on IT operations and cybersecurity training with direct pathways into infrastructure and security roles across rural and mid-size markets.
Hakia Insight: Eastern Oregon's focus on infrastructure and cybersecurity in rural and mid-size markets fills a genuine talent gap: most IT graduates cluster in urban centers, leaving regional government and healthcare networks desperate for security-trained staff—a market with less competition and strong local hiring.
At the bachelor's level, eastern Oregon University's information technology offerings reflect the practical, applied focus that defines the institution's mission in rural Oregon. Rather than pure computer science theory, the program centers on technologies that directly serve enterprise operations, cybersecurity fundamentals, and network administration—skill sets that employers across the region actively recruit for. You'll work in well-equipped labs where hands-on experience with server configuration, database management, and security protocols mirrors actual IT environments. The faculty bring field experience from careers in systems administration and IT support, and they maintain active connections with regional employers who frequently hire graduates into entry-level and mid-level technical roles. Class sizes remain manageable, enabling individualized mentorship and opportunities to take on leadership roles in student projects. The program's location in the Blue Mountain region creates natural partnerships with local government agencies and businesses that depend on reliable IT infrastructure. Graduates often advance into IT operations, technical support management, and systems administration positions, with strong retention in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Partnership opportunities with regional government and enterprise clients in rural Oregon
Southern Oregon University — Ashland, OR
Key Distinction: Combines flexible specialization pathways with community-engaged capstone projects that build both technical depth and real-world problem-solving credibility.
Hakia Insight: Southern Oregon's community-engaged capstone model builds portfolio projects anchored in real Rogue Valley nonprofits and small businesses, giving graduates documented evidence of problem-solving in resource-constrained environments—a credibility asset when competing for remote-work roles.
At the bachelor's level, southern Oregon University's computer science and information technology programs are built on a foundation of collaborative learning and inclusive access to technical education. The curriculum balances theoretical computer science with applied systems thinking, equipping students to adapt to rapidly evolving technology landscapes rather than training them narrowly for a single tool or framework. You'll find multiple pathways through the program—some students emphasize software development while others focus on cybersecurity or data systems—allowing you to specialize based on emerging interests. Faculty maintain current industry knowledge through consulting and professional development, and they actively invite practitioners into the classroom to discuss real challenges and trends. The program benefits from its location in the Rogue Valley, where growing remote-work communities and local tech initiatives create both networking opportunities and hiring pipelines. Capstone projects often involve collaborations with local nonprofits, small businesses, and civic institutions, giving you portfolio-building experience while delivering value to the community. Graduates spread across software development, IT operations, and data analytics roles, with many staying in Oregon while others migrate to major tech hubs.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Location Advantages: Growing remote-work and small business tech community in Rogue Valley region
George Fox University — Newberg, OR
Key Distinction: Integrates explicit ethical reasoning and faith-informed technology leadership into a competency-based computer science curriculum focused on real-world project delivery.
Hakia Insight: George Fox's competency-based curriculum and ethics-first approach appeal to students targeting compliance, fintech, or healthcare IT roles where boards and regulators now explicitly demand documented ethical reasoning—a competitive signal most traditional CS programs cannot demonstrate.
At the bachelor's level, george Fox's information technology program emphasizes Christian-informed ethical technology leadership alongside rigorous technical training. The curriculum integrates business acumen with computer science fundamentals, preparing students to develop solutions that balance innovation with societal impact. You'll engage in hands-on capstone projects where teams build real software systems for nonprofit organizations and regional businesses, giving you portfolio pieces and networking connections before graduation. The program maintains intentional cohort sizes that foster mentorship from faculty who actively practice what they teach—many hold industry certifications and bring current workplace challenges into the classroom. Graduates commonly transition into software development, IT management, and systems architecture roles at mid-market tech companies and enterprises across the Pacific Northwest. The location in Newberg provides access to Portland's growing tech ecosystem while preserving the close-knit advising relationships that George Fox prioritizes. Career outcomes reflect strong placement in roles that value both technical depth and interpersonal skills, with many alumni reporting that the program's emphasis on ethical problem-solving became a professional differentiator.
Programs Offered
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology — 4 years, on-campus
- Bachelor of Arts in Information Technology — 4 years, online
Industry Partners
- Intel (corporate)
- IBM (corporate)
Career Outcomes
Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Intel, IBM, Microsoft.
Accreditations and Certifications
- CompTIA
- Cisco certifications
Location Advantages: Access to Portland, Oregon tech community and growing startup ecosystem
Linfield University — McMinnville, OR
Key Distinction: Linfield University offers comprehensive Information Technology programs preparing students for careers in technology.
Hakia Insight: Linfield's location in McMinnville positions it as the accessible entry point to the Willamette Valley's emerging tech corridor, where smaller employers actively hire locally rather than competing for Portland talent.
Linfield University offers Information Technology programs in McMinnville, OR. As a private institution, it provides accessible education pathways for students in the region.
