Best Associate Degrees in Information Technology Programs

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students who have completed a high-school diploma or equivalent, have technical aptitude, and wish to pursue a career in information technology without necessarily committing to a four-year bachelor's degree should consider an associate degree in information technology. These degree programs can be started with or without any technological certification or education. However, it is helpful to have a basic familiarity with information technology, as well as access to computers and an internet connection. Students can use the campus computer labs but can also use their personal computer with the system specifications to run any necessary programs while studying.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers within the field of computer science and information technology should grow 11% in the next decade, so those pursuing degrees in information technology can expect to enter an expanding job market that has a high demand for their skills and experiences. An associate's degree in information technology can prepare students to enter this growing field at a lower financial and time cost than a higher-level degree program.

There are many factors involved in deciding which information technology associate program to choose. Some factors, such as location, class sizes, or campus life, are preferences specific to an individual, but other criteria can be considered to assess the quality of an associate degree program. For the field of information technology specifically, one should consider what programming languages and software are taught within a program and what resources, such as computer labs and qualified faculty, a program has to facilitate the learning of these specific languages and software. Additionally, potential information-technology students should ensure that their degree program offers up-to-date coursework that is relevant to the field and will prepare them for careers in industries using the latest technologies and systems.

If a student wishes to transfer credits from or to an associate's degree, complete the degree program in a timeline different than the typical two-year path, or make other particular arrangements, they should consider the options given by different degree programs to find one that fits their specific needs. If one is pursuing an associate degree in information technology with a particular career path in mind, they should ensure that a given degree program will properly prepare them for that career. In addition to the specific technologies involved, students should ensure that the associate degree program they chose includes ample courses in their specific field, such as business, operating systems, software, web development, databases, hardware, or information systems.

Application and Admissions for Information Technology Associate Degree Programs

Requirements for application to Information Technology Associate Degree Programs vary depending on each school. Most programs require a high-school diploma or equivalent certification for consideration for acceptance into a program. Many programs do not require test scores to be submitted with an application for a specific associate degree program. However, they will still consider other factors, such as grade-point average and a student's aptitude towards the information-technology field. This aptitude can be exhibited through excellence in high-school science and math courses or participation in technology-related extracurricular activities or projects. It can also be demonstrated by obtaining certifications in information technology through other schools or organizations like CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, or Google. These certifications have the added advantage of making students eligible to receive credit towards their degree in some programs.

A student taking courses full-time with the recommended credit hours per semester can normally complete the requirements for an associate degree within two years. An information technology associate degree typically requires a total of 60 credit hours to complete. These are a combination of general education requirements and computer and technology-specific coursework. They do not typically include requirements for practicums or internships. For some programs, this works out to approximately 25 courses to complete. This can be done with four 15 credit-hour semesters for a typical two-year duration of an associate degree. However, this is not the only path to complete a degree.

A student can pursue an accelerated course of study to receive an associate degree in as little as a year. If they wish to work or pursue other goals during the course of their studies, they can become a part-time student and take three or more years to complete the degree. One aspect for students to consider within the field of computers and technology is the pace at which the field is changing; it is to a student's advantage to have studied recently as they enter the job market, as they will have the most up-to-date knowledge of systems, programs, and technology.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for a two-year degree was approximately $3,600 per year during the 2018-2019 school year, which then becomes $7,200 for the two-year degree. For an information-technology associate program, this cost can rise; the range of annual tuition can be up to $30,000 depending on the school where the associate program takes place. Full-time students taking 12-18 credit hours can expect to pay based on annual tuition rates, while part-time students taking fewer than 12 credit hours can have their tuition assessed at a rate per credit hour. The per-credit cost depends on the school; for example, the tuition calculator at Franklin University charges $398 per credit for domestic students and $526 per credit for international students; Rasmussen University estimates $260 per credit hour for a computer-science technology degree for domestic students.

Though courses and their content vary between degree programs, common courses and themes occur across associate degrees in information technology. These degrees have a general education requirement that is notably fewer credit hours than a bachelor's degree in information technology. These teach skills such as writing and composition, mathematics, science, economics or business, social science. The bulk of the degree comes from courses that teach specific knowledge and skills within information technology. These courses include the following:

• Business Computers and Business Statistics Courses prepare students for information-technology work in the business sector by producing aptitude in software and data used by businesses. This will prepare students to increase efficiency, troubleshoot problems, and implement e-commerce, cloud storage, and other software used in business settings.
• Information Systems and Operating Systems Courses cover networks, server environments, and other elements of information systems to give students a familiarity with their design, structure, theory, implementation, and use. It includes network management and project planning and covers different operating systems and how they work
• Hardware Courses train students in the essentials of assembling, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer hardware for personal and business usages.
• Web Site Development Courses teach students HTML, CCS, JavaScript systems, web architecture, and other skills necessary to develop, publish, edit, and troubleshoot web sites.
• Databases and Data Structure Courses teach the construction and methods of hierarchical networking, relational, and object-oriented databases, tools to query them, and analysis methods for databases to support problem-solving and decision making.
• Project Management or Business Courses give students knowledge in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting technological tools used in business as well as understanding basic concepts they will need to understand business goals and methods.
• Scripting and Software Development Courses teach the basics of using specific programming languages. These include languages such as Perl, Python, C++, C#, Java. These courses teach problem-solving, programming flow control, object-based programming, debugging, and best practices for performing computations and application and software development in these programming languages.

Those working in the field of information technology earn an average of $86,320 annually, according to the BLS. This can be broken down into specific careers within computers and information technology. Many of these careers can be started with an associate's degree, while some require additional training or experience.

Begin a Career as a Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers utilize skills learned in scripting and software development courses to program and implement software designed by a software developer. Their work allows the software to function properly and fulfill the needs of different operating systems and users. According to the BLS, computer programmers are paid a median amount of $89,190 per year, about $42.88 per hour. If someone wishes to becoming a computer programmer, having a specialization in a particular set of programming languages and experience working on different software is to their advantage. While most employers ask for a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, some positions may only require an Associate Degree; additional experience and skills make this application process easier.

Begin a Career as a Web Developer

Web developers utilize skills in HTML and other web design skills to create websites and perform upkeep activities. They may design layouts, menus, and navigation for the user interface of web sites. A variety of employers seek web developers, including computer systems and web-design industries as well as business and advertising. Web developers can also work as freelancers and be self-employed, which results in more flexible hours but less consistent work. The requirements for a web developer position vary widely on the role, as does the pay. However, the median pay, according to the BLS is $77,200 per year or $37.12 per hour. The typical entry-level education for a web developer is an associate degree, which makes this career a good choice for someone set on completing an associate degree.

Begin a Career as a Computer User Support Specialist

Computer User Support Specialists assist customers, companies, and employees in troubleshooting software and devices. Businesses rely on Computer User Support Specialists as their software and hardware systems become more and more complex. Some businesses create a company Information Technology Department to provide support for these systems. Computer User Support Specialists earn $55,510 per year, about $26.69 per hour, according to the BLS. Within the computer systems industry, Computer User Support Specialists comprise 8% of careers in the field and are growing much faster than the average rate for other positions in this field. Many positions will only require an associate degree, while some will require a bachelor's degree. The primary requirement for Computer User Support Specialists positions is the skills relevant to the job, which means one can qualify based on skills, certifications, or coursework.

Begin a Career as a Network and Computer System Administrator

Network and Computer System Administrators monitor, troubleshoot, and manage computer networks in business and other enterprises. Network and Computer System Administrators earn a median of $84,810 per year, about $40.77 per hour, according to the BLS. They use skills gained from courses in information and operating systems, hardware, and software. These skills can be gained in an Associate Degree in Information Technology, so some employers will require no further education. However, most will require a bachelor's degree in a computer science field.

Those who specialize or gain skills in management may consider becoming an Information Technology Director. Careers in this role require a bachelors degree and focus more on management skills than programming skills, though the role can require troubleshooting technical problems. After gaining some years of experience or obtaining a higher degree, such as a master's in information technology or business administration, an information technology professional with management skills could become a Chief Information Technology Officer. These officers oversee technological aspects within a business. This role is more demanding and requires more responsibility for elements like software and hardware design, budgeting, and other high-level management responsibilities, but also has a higher median salary.

The most common accreditation agencies for Information Technology fields fall under the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) Their process involves one of four accreditation commissions assessing standards for particular programs. Within ABET, the CSAB is responsible for computer science and information technology programs. Choosing a program accredited by these organizations indicated a level of quality education to potential employers, giving of an advantage in the application process.

According to the Special Interest Group on Information Technology Education, there are eight key criteria for a program's accreditation: student performance, program educational objectives, student outcomes, continuous program improvement, up-to-date coursework, and the quality of the faculty, facilities, and institutional support. Accreditation guarantees that the associate degree program meets additional quality standards and will ensure that graduating students are better placed when applying for positions in the workplace.

After completing an associate degree, some students may want to transfer to a bachelor's program in information technology or computer science. If one enters an associate's program with the intention to transfer or consider transferring to a bachelor's degree program, it is easy to do so within the same institution, as they have knowledge and trust of their courses content and quality and systems in place to easily transfer credits. However, it is also possible to take advantages of agreements between schools, common courses, and other ways to transfer credits from an associate degree in information technology to a bachelor's degree in information technology.

Once credits are transferred, the remainder of the bachelor's degree consists primarily of specialization courses that build on the core skills gained in an associate's degree program in information technology. These specializations are designed to equip students for particular career pathways within the field of information technology and include such fields as management, for those considering leadership of information-technology departments, programming, for those hoping to develop or implement software, or security, for those who desire to work in information assurance and cybersecurity.

Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology

While it's possible to transfer credits from an associate's degree in information technology to a bachelor's degree, if one intends to pursue a career that requires higher degrees at the entry level, it's best to start pursuing a bachelor's degree. For many of the computer science careers mentioned here, it's possible to apply with an associate's degree, but most employers will require a bachelor's degree. In addition to the courses and skills in software, hardware, and web development offered by an associate's degree, the 60 additional credit hours contains in a bachelors degree will also include higher-level courses in information systems, databases, scripting, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

Master's Degrees in Information Technology

There are several different options for master's degrees in information technology. These include specializations in computer science, which primarily deals with software, computer engineering, and business administration in information technology, which primarily deals with the business and management skills specific to information technology departments. Applications to master's programs typically require students to submit GRE scores, bachelor's degree transcripts, and essays or letters of reference. Students should consider what information technology careers interest them and whether the given careers require a Master's in Information Technology to pursue. Some, like the Chief Information Technology Officer, do not require a master's degree to qualify, but otherwise require up to fifteen years' worth of industry experience, which is more time-consuming than obtaining a qualifying degree.

Doctoral Degrees in Information Technology

A doctoral degree in information technology can be obtained with or without a master's degree in information technology. Some degrees, such as a PhD, are more specialized and research-focused, while others focus more on applications for information technology within organizations. A doctoral degree prepares students for roles involving higher levels of responsibility and strategy within an organization, such as a technical director, chief technology officer, information technology strategist, or even an entrepreneur forming a technology start-up company.

Certificate Programs in Information Technology

Because the field of technology is changing rapidly, ongoing education can be very helpful for those within the field of information technology to keep up with new programming languages, tools, and systems. Companies such as Apple, HP, and Blue Cross Blue Shield recommend certifications for their employees. Up to 91% of HR professionals find Information-Technology certifications helpful in evaluating expertise, which can sometimes lead to a pay increase, according to CompTIA. These certificate programs can be taken before, during, or after other degree programs, and can sometimes transfer credits to degree programs or be compensated by an employer. Many universities offer certification in languages like Python, including MIT, NYU, and SNHU. Computer programmers requiring expertise in operating systems can gain certification through Cisco, Google IT Support, NYU, and WGU. Certifications in database structure and data querying can be obtained through Oracle, TestOut, and Udacity. Skills and knowledge of systems and network security are taught in certifications offered by Cisco, ISC2, and WGU.

Many students pursuing degrees can gain financial support through scholarships or financial aid. The same is true for students in information technology associate degree programs. Students who have financial need, are enrolled in a program, and meet other qualifications can qualify for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive financial aid within the United States. Additionally, after completing 12 credit hours and enrolling in a computer science program, students can apply for Robert Half Technology/AITP Scholarships, which award students renewable annual scholarships based on academic prowess, volunteer and leadership experience, and career aspirations. Students pursuing a career involving information technology and library science who are American Indian or Alaskan natives, Asian or Pacific Islander, African-American, or Hispanic can quality for the LITA / LSSI Minority Scholarship in Library and Information Technology, which awards $2,500 to successful applicants. Students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities can apply to become a Morgan Stanley MBCU Scholar and receive a full scholarship up to four years.