Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? 4 Things to Consider

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

How much will you earn with an information technology degree? Are there other ways to break into IT? Here's what to consider when thinking about getting an IT degree.

Student deciding to look into IT degrees

Career opportunities in the information technology (IT) field are abundant. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in the computer and information technology industry are expected to grow 15 percent between 2021 and 2031 [1]. This growth rate is much quicker than the average for all occupations and translates into around 418,500 openings per year. If you're considering earning an information technology degree, you can use this article to learn more about the requirements, benefits, and career outlook for IT graduates.

What is an information technology degree?

Information technology refers to the use of computer systems to manage information, improve communications, and solve problems. It is a broad field of study that encompasses many specializations, such as cybersecurity and network administration. Majoring in IT, you can earn an associate degree, bachelor's degree, master’s degree, or doctorate.

Information technology degree coursework

Aside from core courses for general education, you can expect to study the following subjects while earning an IT degree:

More advanced degree programs may also cover software development, IT project management, InfoSec, and business information technology.

Read more: Information Systems vs. Information Technology (IS vs. IT)

IT vs. computer science

In the computer science field, you’ll design and build computers and computer programs. In IT, you’ll work to maintain and improve those computers, as well as the systems, security structures, databases, and networks that help them run. There are also several fields that combine principles from both computer science and IT, like cloud computing, DevOps, and database administration.

So which should you choose? If you’re drawn more to the possibilities of what you can do with computers—building websites, designing software, creating machine learning algorithms—then computer science might be what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in the ways computers run, IT is probably more suited for you. Learn more about the differences between a computer science and IT degree.

Don’t forget that there may be other related fields, like data science or computer engineering, that can be worth exploring. In fact, you can learn more about the differences between

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What can I do with an information technology degree?

An IT degree is an excellent starting point for career paths ranging from engineering to managerial. Nearly every industry requires IT professionals, so you have a wide range of specializations to choose from. The list below outlines a few careers that can begin with an information technology degree, along with their respective salaries and education requirements.

*Note: All salary information below was sourced from Glassdoor in July 2023.

Systems administrator

Systems administrators troubleshoot, maintain, and support the operations surrounding computer networks and servers. On average, sysadmins in the US earn $85,716 per year. Sixty percent of system administrators have a bachelor's degree, 24 percent have an associate degree, and 9 percent have a master's [2].

Network administrator

A network administrator is responsible for ensuring an organization's network systems are working securely and efficiently. In the US, network administrators earn an average annual wage of $79,580. Fifty-five percent of network administrators have a bachelor's degree, 30 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a master's degree [3].

Information security analyst

Information security analysts protect organizations' sensitive data by monitoring cybersecurity threats and designing and implementing defense measures. On average, information security analysts in the US earn $107,458 per year. Sixty-two percent have a bachelor's degree, 20 percent have an associate degree, and 13 percent have a master's degree [4].

Help desk technician

Help desk technicians are customer service representatives with specialized knowledge in troubleshooting problems that may arise with hardware, software, or networks. In the US, help desk technicians earn $50,970 per year. Fifty percent of help desk technicians have a bachelor's degree, 32 percent have an associate degree, and 7 percent have a high school diploma [5].

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Is an information technology degree worth it?

Real-world experience and technical skills can get you far in IT. In recent years, prominent companies like Google and Apple have stopped requiring four-year degrees so long as employees have the technical knowledge to complete the work [6]. Google has also released online education offerings, such as skill-building career certificates, to prepare candidates for entry-level roles.

Benefits of earning an IT degree

  • Some employers might still prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees. While many companies might be getting rid of their four-year degree requirements, BLS indicates that some positions can require a bachelor’s degree [1].

  • You’ll learn in a structured environment. Enrolling in a degree can create a structured environment where you’ll have a set schedule, and professors and peers to ask questions. 

  • Higher degrees are linked to higher incomes. High school graduates in the US earn a median weekly income of $889, while college graduates make a median of $1,588 a week, according to 2023 BLS data [7]. So while it’s possible to land a job in IT without a degree, you might find that you'll need to work up to the salary you desire.

Other ways to break into the IT field

If you’re trying to land an entry-level IT job, there are less expensive and quicker ways to get the training you need, like IT certifications. Entry-level IT jobs generally require an understanding of various operating systems, networks, and basic security features. You can look through several job descriptions of positions you’re interested in to get a sense of what kind of skills you’ll want to have.

Start earning IT credentials today on Coursera

If you’re just getting started in IT, gain the job-ready skills you need with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate or IBM's IT Support Professional Certificate. In these beginner-friendly, self-paced online courses, you'll learn to master commonly used tools in the technology field and develop a strong foundational knowledge of cybersecurity, networking, databases, and more.

If you're ready to explore an undergraduate degree, you can earn your Bachelor of Information Technology from Illinois State on Coursera. Ready to pursue an advanced degree? You can do that as well with the University of Pennsylvania's Master of Computer and Information Technology.

Article sources

1

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm." Accessed July 18, 2023.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.