by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you are interested in customizing networks to aid the business world, Information Technology might be a good major for you.
Those who major in information technology learn about maintaining operating systems, designing networks, and customizing programs for business needs. Professionals also work to guide projects from conception through testing and finalization to ensure they are within budget and running smoothly. You will take classes in computer science, mathematics, computer programming, information storage management, and computer networks along with classes in business, management, risk management, and financial analysis to learn how information technology aids business.
Along with the option to major in general Information Technology, you have the option to specialize in areas, such as Network and System Administration, LAN/WAN Management, Computer and IS Security, Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster, Information Technology Project Management or Computer Support Specialist.
A degree in Information Technology involves the study of Computer/information Technology Administration And Management. Continue reading for the key facts every information technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering information technology programs.
Nationwide, information technology is a popular field of study, with 57,935 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Information Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 1,136 schools to determine the best overall colleges for information technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of information technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Information Technology emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations information technology graduates commonly enter.
Those who work within Information Technology should be comfortable both working by themselves on projects, or working on a team. You should also be well acquainted with computer systems and have a background in applied mathematics. Problem solving, multitasking, and creativity are other skills that allow professionals to create and improve technology to ensure it fits business and individual needs.
Most jobs in Information Technology will be in an office environment. Because many companies rely heavily on their computer networks to conduct businesses, professionals should be prepared to work overtime to ensure the proper function, fix any issues, and maintain the security of systems.
A summer job or internship in the field is recommended. This will provide you valuable exposure to computer programs and systems. This experience will also allow students to work alongside Information Technology professionals in building custom programs, wiring networks, and installing security features.
Skills developed in a information technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a information technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several information technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 4,450 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 10,031 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 14,773 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 27,697 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 140 |
People currently working in careers related to information technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 50.1% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 14.1% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 11.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 8.5% |
| Some college courses | 5.7% |
| Master’s degree | 4.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 3.0% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.0% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.8% |
| First professional degree | 0.4% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.1% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in information technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in Information Technology makes graduates ideal for any career working with computer networks, programs, and software. Areas that some graduates currently work in include financial firms, banks, government organizations, computer design firms, and in the IT department of large corporations. Since many businesses are working towards incorporating quicker networks and newer technology, graduates are employed in a variety of occupations. Although most employees require a bachelor's degree, in some cases, an associate's degree with experience in the field is acceptable. However, most businesses require administrators have their master's.
Studying information technology prepares you for a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to information technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to information technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | 583,513 | 12.3% |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Web Developers | 564,182 | 4.6% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
| Web Administrators | 510,685 | 0.7% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of information technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $64,248 |
| 4 years | $56,780 |
| 5 years | $64,307 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for information technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers information technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $175,079 |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Database Architects | $148,480 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
With 1,136 different information technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased information technology school rankings to help you.
Students interested in information technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 118,381 |
| Computer Science | 79,857 |
| Information Science/Studies | 22,425 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 15,581 |
| Computer Programming | 15,336 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 15,034 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,034 |
| Data Processing | 2,131 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,066 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 436 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
