Information And Technology

Earn an IT Degree and Create a Lucrative Career Path

IInformation technology, or IT, is definitely one of the most important and fastest-growing industries in the world today. Almost everything we do is touched by computer technology these days, so the demand for qualified IT professionals doesn’t figure to slow down anytime soon. There is a huge variety of both occupations and degree programs within the IT field, so it’s important to get the facts if you want to find the best option for you.

There are a few key concentration areas you might choose for your IT studies. Focusing on software will mean learning about network security and all kinds of mobile and desktop applications. Making infrastructure your emphasis will involve coursework in cloud computing and telecommunications fundamentals. Studying hardware will lead you to learn about servers, network systems, and all kinds of mobile devices. Meanwhile, a focus on services will involve learning about user support, repair practices, and systems deployment.

Generally speaking, bachelor’s degrees are the most popular ones in the IT field. Many of the occupations that pay well and continue to grow in demand require at least a four-year degree. You’ll need to earn certification for certain occupations, especially if you want to work with specific branded systems. Master’s degrees in the IT world are usually earned by those who want to work in research or teach at the postsecondary level.

One thing you’ll find with just about any professional IT role is remarkable growth in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected an increase of 13 percent for all IT professions from 2016-2026. The following occupations are growing at an especially healthy rate:

Information Security Analysts: With so much of our lives, including finances, online, there’s never been a greater need for IT security. In this role, people develop security policies, perform security audits, and handle all kinds of encryption protocols.
Computer Systems Analysts: These IT professionals integrate business management and analytics, helping companies streamline their automated systems. They make hardware and software recommendations for meeting key business objectives.
Web Developers: If you’re into coding, this is the career path for you. Web developers create all kinds of web-based applications using various programming languages.

When it comes to salary, there are many high-paying options for you to explore in the IT world. Web developers average nearly $70,000 per year, while network architects and software developers hover around $100,000. A host of occupations, including computer programmer, database administrator, and information security analyst, fall somewhere in the $80,000 to $95,000 range.

Of course, the information technology field is constantly evolving, which means there are always exciting new challenges ahead. Combined with rapid growth and healthy salaries, this ongoing evolution makes IT one of the most attractive career paths.