If you are already working in the field of Information Technology, or you believe IT is where your talents lie, this is a great time for you. Over the past decade, the IT industry has shown tremendous growth, and the forecast is for continued optimism. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the field is expected to grow 12% in the decade up to 2026, which is faster than the average for nearly all occupations. Typical job titles include computer systems analyst, information security analyst, computer network architect, computer programmer, database administrator, computer support specialist, software developer, and network and computer systems administrator. For these jobs, candidates need a bachelor's degree in computer or information science and related work experience.Attractive salaries reflect the high demand for those with training and expertise in IT. Here are some job titles and median pay figures from 2018, all for holders of bachelor's degrees in Information Technology:
Computer Programmer $84,280
Database Administrator $90,070
Information Security Analyst $98,350
Software Developer $105,590
Computer Network Architect $109,020
A genuine advantage of our modern age is the capability of earning a college degree online. For those who have already earned an associate's degree and entered the workforce, or for those who are unable to return to a traditional campus to complete a degree, the electronic classroom is your lifeline to a new and improved future. With online courses, you can usually attend classes at your own pace and in comfortable surroundings. The ten online IT schools listed here have all been researched for value, ranked according to the categories shown, and all are accredited. In case of a tie in points, weight will be given to lower tuition rates. Unless otherwise stated, the hourly tuition rates listed below are for part-time and out of state students.
Hourly Tuition Rate:
Under $400 – 5 points
Under $500 – 4 points
Under $600 – 3 points
Under $700 – 2 points
Under $800 – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
Multiple Tracks/Specializations: 3 points
Payscale.com Salary Ranking:
Top 200 – 5 points
Top 500 – 4 points
Top 800 – 3 points
Top 1,100 – 2 points
Top 1,400 – 1 point
Graduation Rate:
80-100% – 5 points
60-79% – 4 points
40-59 % – 3 points
21-39% – 2 points
0-20% – 1 point
[The graduation rate shows the percentage of full-time, first-time students who graduate within six years.]
#10 – California Baptist University
Riverside, California
BS in Computer Information Technology Online
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: NoHourly Tuition Rate: $613Graduation Rate: 60%Points: 11WebsiteCalifornia Baptist University prefers that students have at least 24 credits of transferable college experience before applying to their online bachelor of science in computer information technology degree completion program. The degree, on average, can be completed in 16 months. A total of 48 major units are required, and some upper-level course titles are Enterprise Architecture, Legal and Ethical Practices in Information Technology, ECommerce Systems Development, Business Networking, and Information Processing Systems. The BS in Computer Information Technology curriculum also requires the courses Overviewing the Bible and Foundations of Christian Thought. California Baptist University calls for transcripts (electronic preferred) and $45 fee.
#9 – Colorado State University Global
Greenwood Park, Colorado
Online BS in Information Technology
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $350Graduation Rate: Not ListedPoints: 12WebsiteColorado State University Global bachelor of science in information technology is a 120 credit hour program with six specialization options: computer programming; cybersecurity; data management and analysis; intelligence and homeland security; project management; and virtualization and cloud computing. To succeed, students must have access to a Windows-based operating system and the Microsoft Office Suite. Colorado State University Global asks for the following items when applying to their BS in Information Technology degree: two full years of work experience; completion of more than 12 (and up to 90) transferable semester hours; a minimum of 2.30 GPA; and $25 fee.
#8 – Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
BS in Computer Information Technology Online
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: NoHourly Tuition Rate: $540Graduation Rate: 45%Points: 13WebsiteThe 120 credit hour online bachelor of science in computer information technology degree offered by Western Kentucky University makes accommodations for students with an AA or AS degree. A minimum of 36 credit hours toward this degree must be earned at Western Kentucky University, and students are accountable for meeting the requirements of the state's Colonnade Program of core curriculum. Elective courses include the following: Systems Administration I and II; Web Systems Development; Systems Analysis and Design; and Technology Support Administration. To apply for WKU's BS in Computer Information Technology program, submit transcripts and $45 fee.
#7 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
BAS in Information Technology Online
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: NoHourly Tuition Rate: $206Graduation Rate: 43%Points: 13WebsiteThe Kennesaw State University online bachelor of science in information technology (BASIT) degree is open to graduates of the associate of applied science in computing programs from any of the 23 schools in the Technical College System of Georgia. Application calls for a GPA of at least 2.3, a fee of $40, and Lawful Presence Verification. A total of 121 hours in length, Kennesaw State University's online BASIT degree includes these upper division major courses: Database Systems; Professional Practices and Ethics; Software Acquisition and Project Management; Policy and Law; Information Security Administration; and IT Capstone. The listed per credit hour tuition rate applies regardless of residency.
#6 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online BS in Information Technology
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: NoHourly Tuition Rate: $360 (approx.)Graduation Rate: 29%Points: 14WebsiteWestern Governors University offers a bachelor of science in information technology degree that is a 36 course program. Application requires an associates degree in information technology or a related field OR evidence of work history in the IT field. The $295 resource fee charged each semester covers textbooks for all classes. Western Governors University's BS in Information Technology charges $3,225 per six-month term, and the above hourly tuition rate was arrived at assuming three courses per term over a two-year period. Your completion rate may be more or less. General areas of the curriculum include network security, spreadsheets, technology communication, and scriptwriting and programming.
#5 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online BS in Information Technology
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $455Graduation Rate: 55%Points: 16WebsiteLiberty University's bachelor of science in information technology degree is a 120 credit hour, fully online program, with four specializations: application and database development; data networking and security; gaming design; and web and mobile programming. Electronic textbooks, exclusively used by this school, are supplied at no cost, and save students $800-$1,200 per year. The application process for the BS in Information Technology requires a minimum 2.0 GPA, and official transcripts are due within 60 days of acceptance. The $50 fee will be applied during financial check-in. Liberty University's Online Student Advocate Office serves as a mediator between the student and university departments.
#4 – East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
BS in Industrial Technology: Information and Computer Technology Concentration Online
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: NoHourly Tuition Rate: $166.41Graduation Rate: 59%Points: 16WebsiteThe 120 credit hour bachelor of science in industrial technology: information and computer technology concentration program offered by East Carolina University is open to holders of a qualified associate of applied science degree in an industrial or technology related field. The online option is for part-time enrollment only. Candidates may transfer up to 60 hours into the program. At least 60 hours must be completed at a four-year school to graduate. Courses in the East Carolina University BS in Industrial Technology: Information and Computer Technology Concentration include Intrusion Detection Technologies with lab, Cloud Infrastructure Services, and Enterprise Information Technology Management.
#3 – Central Washington University
Ellensburg, Washington
Online BS in Information Technology and Administrative Management
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $391.04Graduation Rate: 55%Points: 19WebsiteCentral Washington University's online bachelor of science in information technology and administrative management boasts of four program specializations: administrative management; cybersecurity; project management; and retail management and technology. The four-quarter format ensures that all core courses and many specialization courses are available year-round. Course topics include business writing, digital forensics, introduction to cyber terrorism, and security, privacy, and ethics. Candidates must have an applicable associates degree or an earned bachelor's degree in any field for admission to Central Washington University's BS in Information Technology and Administrative Management. No out of state tuition fees are charged.
#2 – George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
BS in Information Technology Online
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $377.50Graduation Rate: 70%Points: 21WebsiteGeorge Mason University offers a 120 credit hour, 100% online bachelor of science in information technology degree. Online courses are usually delivered asynchronously. Six specializations are available: Database Technology and Programming; Health Information Technology; Information Security; Information Technology Entrepreneurship; Network and Telecommunication; and Web Development and Multimedia. Candidates for the BS in Information Technology degree must have at least 21 credits in foundation courses and 33 in core courses.To apply to the BS in Information Technology degree program at George Mason University, submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a 250-word personal statement, and a fee of $70.
#1 – Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Online BS in Information Technology
Regional Accreditation: YesSpecializations Available: YesHourly Tuition Rate: $228.81Graduation Rate: 58%Points: 21WebsiteFlorida International University has a fully online bachelor of science in information technology degree that is 120 credits. The program has four concentrations: system administration; application development; network administration; and data administration. Six prerequisite courses include Programming in Java, Introduction to Psychology, and Pre-Calculus Trigonometry. Ten core courses are required and include Human-Computer Interaction, Website Construction and Management, Component-Based Software Development, and Professional and Technical Writing. Florida International University asks for the following to apply for their BS in Information Technology: SAT/ACT scores; proof of residency; transcripts; and $30 fee.
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