A Brief History of the Information Technology Major
With a degree in information technology, students have a strong starting point for a career in a large number of fields. Many of these programs encourage students to grasp a strong base in business – with much of the real world application being related to business operations. With information technology professionals frequently being relied upon to manage important aspects of a company through business and technological decisions, this business element is instilled. As computers become more integrated into the work environment it is increasingly important for the information technicians to be the communicative link between the technical aspects of the company and the daily in office operational procedures. This major is designed to prepare students to be able to become that link as well as fully comprehend their own duties. As is the case with any other technology-heavy major, as we grow and technology continues to evolve, the more this major can adapt.
Delving Into the Information Technology Major
For those who chose to become information technology majors, their main goal is general to work towards the executive level in a tech-based industry. The average curriculum for an information technology program will focus on graphic presentation, information management, statistical analysis, mathematics, operating systems, and administrative systems. A clear understanding of these elements is imperative because the information technology department will carry much of the responsibility of the technological systems performance. Further coursework you will be required to take can include data management, system’s administration, and web development. Further courses are computer and information security along with software development and electronic commerce. Each course is designed to give you a skill or understanding of one of the many complex elements of this industry. With these courses you will build a strong foundation and a comfort with the work that will later follow graduation. The purpose of the information technology major is to offer students some comfort in handling varying technologies. Every class has a goal, and through your degree program you will address all of the areas you may not be so familiar with. While there are some subject-matters that are more complex than others, your instructors will ensure that no topic eludes you.
Degree Levels:
Associate
An information technology associate’s degree is designed to help students develop the IT skills they will need to become a strong working professional. This two-program is a more formal introduction for students that possess an interest in information technology and who aspire to a have a career within the industry. You will be able to get your hands dirty so to speak as you will have the chance to work hands-on with computer software, computer hardware, as well as networks. When you complete this program, you will be ready to take the CIW Professional exam – an industry standard certification examination.
Bachelor’s
When you earn an information technology degree, you put yourself in a position to acquire an entry-level position within this field. This is because you will have you grasped the tools needed to start a career to go along with the industry knowledge that can lead you to specializing your career to an area that you have a significant interest in or passion for. This great degree can offer any information technology professional the technical education to advance further build upon their current skillset. By furthering your education, you can open doors for yourself and become qualified for greater career opportunities.
Master’s
Traditionally, an information technology master’s degree program takes two years to complete. Students perform some assignments alone while completing others in groups. This degree can open the door to many different career opportunities for a student. Some courses take place in a technology lab where students create and test their projects such as network setups. The coursework is meant to assess a students’ practical knowledge of computer systems and operations. They test students on their ability to work together and their ability to explore topics on their own. This advanced degree is great for those looking to sharpen their skills.
Doctorate
The doctorate programs available for those who are looking to further study information technology cover a range of specialties. These can range from organizational leadership to global economics. Further subjects that can be explored include international business. To be eligible for this degree, you must first have earned a master’s degree. The degree program focuses on technological systems and how individuals can operate these systems alone and as a group. Students explore new innovative of handling systems on stage beyond that of entry-level. This degree is designed for those who already have prominent working experience, and are looking to new practices and methods.
Supplementing Your Information Technology Major
When you think of the word "technology," there are number of different thoughts and subjects that go through your head. From computer science to network administration, each individual has their head fill with varying topics. When you choose to supplement your major with a concentration or minor, you are able to take the subject your first think of and are interested (whether it is directly relevant or not) and explore it further. Additional education is never a negative, and in the case of information technology, there is always ample knowledge available to a hungry college student. When you tack on a minor to your curriculum, you give yourself the chance to solve a wide range of problems that general information technology majors may be unable to tackle successfully. Some of the more popular related subjects that students choose to turn their attention to more often is computer and information science, computer engineering, and computer graphics as well as web design. In some cases the knowledge you will learn from such minors can have a direct impact on your future profession, while others simply offer you a more well-rounded view point. By having a concentration, you are able to display your interest and direct skills to an employer who is looking for something that is beyond a generic information technology major. Instead you are able to highlight that you bypassed the typical trail to graduation, and possessed an interest in one aspect of the major and chose to follow that curiosity.
Learn More About the Information Technology Major
- Journal of Information Technology Education
- Open Courseware from MIT: Practical Information Technology Management
- Open Courseware from MIT: Information Technology as an Integrating Force in Manufacturing
- Open Courseware from MIT: Integrating eSystems & Global Information Systems
The Information Technology Major in the Job Market
The current projected job growth within the industry appears to be strong, creating an ample amount of jobs for graduates. This number shouldn’t waver as long as our society continues to rely on heavy computer use in business. This figure of job growth is also a repercussion of the consequent demand for security and operational expertise. However information technology majors are not limited to just one field, another area of expansion is the massive growth of online electronic sales, which requires a continued supply of savvy individuals to meet the demands of costumers from around the world. With larger salaries being offered to those who possess these skills and abilities, there is clearly still a demand for a skilled labor force in the field. With the continued trend toward computer application in all aspects of business operation only intensifying, organizations are in need of skilled professionals who are able to manage these systems. With a degree in information technology, students can aspire to become an information systems analyst, a technical support specialist, or even a computer and information systems manager, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, no matter which title you are looking to pursue, with the skillset you will acquire from an information technology degree, finding employment will not be your biggest challenge. With all that has occurred over the last decade alone, staying relevant in all areas of technology can be a challenge and those who are able to remain current and informed on what systems are available to organizations and corporations will find achieving higher-level employment much easier. This industry challenges students to find an area within the industry that they are passionate about and pursue a career that asks them to perform daily tasks that they enjoy and are able to accomplish well.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
