Best Online Information Technology Programs of 2023
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- Many high-paying information technology careers require a bachelor's degree for entry-level roles.
- A bachelor's degree in information technology blends technical and business skills.
- The degree can lead to roles like software developer, information security analyst, or database administrator.
- An online information technology degree can save you time and money.
Tech is one of the hottest fields. And many tech jobs pay high salaries. Do you want to break into tech? An online information technology degree can be a great first step.
What is information technology? It's the field that uses computers and networks to access information.
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Ready to Start Your Journey?
Most information technology jobs require a bachelor's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that jobs in the field earned a median annual salary of over $97,000 in May 2021.
If this sounds like the kind of career you want, an online bachelor's in information technology might be the best fit. Here's how to get started:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in information technology programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's in Information Technology?
A bachelor's in information technology can lead to many different careers, but a popular option is a software developer. These professionals create the latest cutting-edge games, business applications, and other programs.
You can also become an information security analyst, database administrator, or computer network architect with an information technology degree. With experience or a graduate degree, you'll qualify for roles like information technology manager.
You'll work in an office setting for many information technology careers. A growing number of companies offer remote opportunities. In addition to jobs in the tech sector, you can also work in business, healthcare, education, and other major industries that rely on tech.
Master's in Featured Programs in Information Technology Programs You Should Consider
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Should You Get an Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree?
An information technology degree can launch your career in a lucrative, in-demand field. Consider this: Many information technology jobs require a bachelor's degree. And an online format can make it easier to finish your degree.
4 Benefits of a Bachelor's in Information Technology
- Gain a blend of technical and business skills during your information technology courses.
- Benefit from experienced faculty, academic advisors, and tutors as you strengthen your IT skills.
- Qualify for high-paying roles like software developer, information security analyst, and database administrator.
- Prepare for industry certifications or to pursue a graduate degree in information technology.
4 Reasons to Get Your Information Technology Degree Online
- You can do a bachelor's in information technology at home thanks to the flexibility of online programs.
- An online format makes it easier to work while pursuing a bachelor's degree.
- Compare programs to find an option that matches your career interests and offers concentrations.
- Choose a program that fits your budget and offers financial aid to online learners.
Is a Bachelor's in Information Technology Worth It?
Earning a bachelor's degree is a big investment. So is college worth it, and does a bachelor's in information technology pay off? Fortunately, many IT careers that require a bachelor's degree feature median salaries in the six figures. That means an IT degree can be a good investment.
Start by calculating the return on investment. Compare the cost of the degree with the degree's earning potential. Research information technology salary data, including salaries in your area and for your desired career path.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree?
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021
Salary depends on a variety of factors, including the specialization area, the company, and geographic location. However, many information technology occupations pay wages upwards of $100,000 per year, as per BLS data.
Consider other information technology jobs that require a bachelor's degree. The BLS reports that computer network architects earned a median annual pay of $120,520 in May 2021, while information security analysts made a median pay of over $102,000 per year.
The BLS also reports that database administrators earned a median yearly salary of $101,000 in May 2021. In the same year, computer systems analysts made about $99,000, and systems administrators earned a median yearly wage of $80,600.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor's in Information Technology Programs of 2023?
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Franklin University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $398
Out of State | $398
Credits to Graduate
124
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University offers an information technology degree that prepares you for work in analytics, database administration, and cybersecurity. You can take six- and 12-week courses on your schedule to earn your BS in information technology.
You must submit your official transcripts when applying to this top-ranked program. The admissions process includes evaluating your credits to determine which placement exams you need to take to enroll in the program.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you dream of working in web and mobile programming, consider a degree in information technology from Liberty University. The program offers a BS in information technology that the average student completes in less than four years.
This program provides you with free electronic textbooks. To apply, you must have at least a 2.0 GPA. You will also need to submit an application fee, transcripts, and proof of high school graduation.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
As an IT student at NMSU, you can learn about operating systems, server software, and programming languages. Full-time enrollees can earn their bachelor of information and communication technology in about two years.
The school offers active military students a reduced tuition rate of $250 per credit hour. First-year applicants must meet one of these criteria: have a minimum 2.5 GPA, have a minimum ACT composite score of 21 or SAT of 1060, or rank in the top 20% of their graduating class.
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Carbondale, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $321.50
Out of State | $321.50
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
The IT degree at SIU aims to enable you to take your theoretical knowledge into real-world settings. Earning a BS in information technology at this institution will allow you to learn from experienced faculty and enjoy small class sizes.
This hybrid program requires no ACT or SAT for admission, but you can be automatically admitted if your high school GPA is at least 2.75, if you rank in the top 10% of your graduating class, or if you have test scores equivalent to 23 on the ACT or 1130 on the SAT.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $722
Out of State | $722
Credits to Graduate
192
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission.
If you are a transfer student, you can complete your online information technology degree at DePaul University. Their BS program offers general studies, media engineering, and web development concentrations.
Transfer students must fulfill the following admission criteria: at least 30 semester credit hours of previous coursework, a minimum cumulative 2.50 GPA, and good standing at your previous school. You might need to take some liberal arts courses on campus unless you can transfer the prerequisite credits from another school.
Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $184-$200
Out of State | $592
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Enrolling at Tarleton State University allows you to earn work experience and engage in undergraduate research while you earn your degree. In addition to a bachelor of applied arts and sciences (BAAS) in information technology, the program also offers a certificate in cybersecurity.
If you are a working professional, a degree in information technology from Tarleton State University could meet your academic needs. The application process involves a nonrefundable fee, ACT or SAT scores, and official transcripts.
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $229
Out of State | $346
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
A degree in information technology from Florida International University helps professionals learn to acquire programming and computer networking skills. The BA in information technology program is a degree completion and second bachelor's program that prepares students to work in mobile app development, Unix or Linux, and network security.
To apply, submit an online application and nonrefundable fee, official transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. If you have 60 or more transferable college credits, you do not need to submit your high school transcripts.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $547
Out of State | $1,524
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET
George Mason University's BS in information technology program offers asynchronous online courses you can adapt to your schedule. Enrolled students can choose one of these five concentrations: cybersecurity, database technology and programming, health information technology, network and communications, and web development.
Evaluations of first-year applications consider cumulative GPA, ACT or SAT scores, extracurricular activities, and an optional personal statement. If you apply as a transfer student, you must have at least 24 transferable college credits.
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $730
Out of State | $730
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Loyola University Chicago offers an online information technology degree to students with varying levels of computer experience. Even with minimal knowledge, you can graduate with advanced skills. You can complete this BA program entirely online or take online and on-campus courses.
You can also pursue a dual bachelor's/master's degree with the School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Application requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA and good standing from previous institutions.
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Total Tuition
In State | $2,272
Out of State | $7,960
Credits to Graduate
132-145
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
For a technical background that includes soft-skill training, consider a bachelor of applied science (BAS) in information technology from Central Washington University. This bachelor's program allows you to take on-campus classes or complete your degree online.
To apply, you must submit your official transcripts and pay the nonrefundable fee. You may choose to provide your ACT or SAT scores. Transferring previous general education credits can reduce the time you need to graduate.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree?
Software developer Information security analyst Systems analyst |
Database administrator Web developer |
As a versatile tech-focused degree, a bachelor's in information technology can lead to many career paths. In-demand technology careers include software developer and quality assurance analyst. Or you can work in the growing cybersecurity field as an information security analyst.
Many programs help you explore your interests, strengths, and career goals. For example, a data management concentration can lead to roles like database administrator. Or you can concentrate on web development to pursue full-stack web developer roles.
How Much Does a Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree Cost?
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree
Public Institution
$9,375
Private Institution
$32,825
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College
Public Institution
$56,000
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,000
The cost of a bachelor's degree varies depending on the school. In general, public institutions charge lower tuition rates than private schools. An online format can also cost less. Some online colleges offer tuition discounts for fully online learners.
In addition to tuition costs, consider fees, textbooks, and other expenses. And make sure to research your financial aid options to lower your out-of-pocket costs.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology?
Most bachelor's in information technology programs take four years to complete. But some in-person and top online schools may offer accelerated options. The degree often requires 120 credits, including both general education and major courses, as well as electives.
Required Course Credits
120*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N)
No
*Depending on your program and specialization
Concentrations for a Bachelor's in Information Technology Degree
Many schools allow you to choose one or more concentrations in an information technology program. Popular concentrations include:
- System administration
- Network administration
- Mobile application development
Everything Else You Need to Know About Bachelor's in Information Technology Degrees
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in information technology?
Software developers and information security analysts may make the most money. According to the BLS, as of May 2021, software developers earned a median annual wage of $109,020, while information security analysts made a median annual salary of $102,600.
What courses will I take in an online bachelor's in information technology program?
Coursework blends advanced math and science with fundamental information technology knowledge, including programming languages and network security. You also learn web design, project management, and technology ethics.
Some courses feature a lab component, and many programs require an internship or capstone course. Common courses include:
- Information technology project management
- Human-computer interaction
- Networking essentials
- Web design and development
- Cybersecurity
Is information technology hard?
The difficulty level will vary by person. You'll need technical skills to succeed in an information technology program. Compared to computer science, IT focuses on applied computing skills.
Information technology also bridges technical knowledge with business abilities. That means you'll need to understand and use technology while also considering its applications.
If you're concerned about the difficulty level of an information technology degree, consider taking an intro class. It can also help to learn about programs that offer tutoring and other support systems.
What is information technology?
Information technology is the applied use of computers, data management systems, and networks. The field covers areas like cybersecurity, database management, and web development. Compared to the more theoretical focus of computer science, information technology focuses on practical applications.
During an IT degree, you'll learn how to protect sensitive data, manage networks, and develop applications and websites. The degree prepares you for in-demand, high-paying information technology careers.
