by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology involves the study of Computer/computer Systems Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Professionals Who Use Computer Systems. Includes Instruction In Basic Computer Design And Architecture, Programming, Problems Of Specific Computer Applications, Component And System Maintenance And Inspection Procedures, Hardware And Software Problem Diagnosis And Repair, And Report Preparation. Read on to learn the essential details every computer technology/computer systems technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering computer technology/computer systems technology programs.
Nationwide, computer technology/computer systems technology is a widely-pursued major, with 1,272 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 69 schools to determine the best overall colleges for computer technology/computer systems technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of computer technology/computer systems technology programs later in this article.
Programs in Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations computer technology/computer systems technology graduates commonly enter.
The skill set emphasized by a computer technology/computer systems technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a computer technology/computer systems technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several computer technology/computer systems 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 | 139 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 385 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 110 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 557 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
People currently working in careers related to computer technology/computer systems technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 33.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.5% |
| Some college courses | 7.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.5% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in computer technology/computer systems technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Majoring in computer technology/computer systems technology opens doors to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to computer technology/computer systems technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to computer technology/computer systems technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 150,615 | 0.3% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of computer technology/computer systems technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,769 |
| 4 years | $47,945 |
| 5 years | $55,101 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for computer technology/computer systems technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers computer technology/computer systems technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,455 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
With 69 different computer technology/computer systems technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased computer technology/computer systems technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering computer technology/computer systems technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician | 1,215 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | 492 |
| Computer Software Technology/Technician | 278 |
| Computer Hardware Technology/Technician | 18 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
