Wondering whether an IT degree is a smart move in today's evolving job market? Before you enroll in any kind of degree program, it's always a good idea to consider the demand in your prospective industry, salary benchmarks, potential job titles, and other relevant details to make an informed decision.
Below, we're diving deeper into what an IT degree program entails at the undergraduate level, today's top information technology careers, salary overviews, and the specific industries that most often hire IT degree graduates. From there, you can weigh this information with your own interests and strengths to decide whether to pursue an IT degree yourself.
What Is an Information Technology Degree?
A bachelor's degree in information technology is an undergraduate degree that teaches students the in-demand IT skills needed to manage, secure, and deploy computer systems and networks. These degree programs consist of around 120 credit hours and prepare students for entry- to mid-level roles as network administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and similar positions.
Top Careers With an Information Technology Degree
What can you do with an information technology degree?
Part of the appeal of an IT degree is its high level of versatility, as students build readily adaptable skills that can translate across a wide range of roles and industries. Below, you can read more about some of the most common career paths in IT, along with details on daily job responsibilities, salary expectations, and employment projections.
Keep in mind, of course, that this is not a comprehensive list of all potential IT jobs with an IT degree — just a sampling.
Network or Systems Administrator
Network and systems administrators are responsible for the installation, configuration, and maintenance of computer networks and systems — often on behalf of entire companies and organizations. These professionals handle everything from completing necessary network upgrades/repairs to troubleshooting and resolving problems as they arise.
Job Outlook: Despite a small projected decline in employment of 4% between 2024 and 2034, an estimated 14,300 openings for network and computer systems administrators is expected each year during the same time period, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Median Annual Salary: $96,800 as of May 2024.
Cybersecurity Analyst or Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts, also known as information security analysts, are IT professionals who are responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from cybersecurity threats and attacks. Common job duties include monitoring networks for signs of security breaches and patching vulnerabilities in existing systems.
Job Outlook: The demand for information security analysts is projected to grow 29% between 2024 and 2034, according to BLS data.
Median Annual Salary: $124,910 as of May 2024.
Database Administrator
Database administrators are IT professionals who create, maintain, and organize systems that store data and keep it secure. Often, these professionals work for dedicated IT firms, where they are responsible for backing up data to prevent loss, updating permissions, and keeping databases running as smoothly as possible.
Job Outlook: Employment of database administrators is projected to grow 4% between 2024 and 2034, according to BLS data.
Median Annual Salary: $104,620 as of May 2024.
IT Manager
IT managers take on more of a leadership role and are responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing all computer- and network-related activities on behalf of an organization. Common job duties of an IT manager can vary from one organization to the next, but often include staffing and training IT departments, overseeing IT teams, and recommending changes to a company's IT systems.
Job Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of computer and information systems managers will grow 15% between 2024 and 2034.
Median Annual Salary: $171,200 as of May 2024.
Software Developer
Playing a critical role in the rollout of new software programs and apps, software developers are responsible for creating programs that meet unique user needs and solve complex problems. Common responsibilities for software developers include investigating/researching user needs, creating models and diagrams for programmers/coders to follow, and documenting all aspects of development from ideation to launch.
Job Outlook: According to the BLS, employment of software developers (including quality assurance analysts and testers) is expected to grow 15% between 2024 and 2034.
Median Annual Salary: $133,080 as of May 2024.
Data Analyst or Data Scientist
As IT professionals, data analysts and data scientists are tasked with extracting meaningful insights from raw data sets. They often work with large and complex sets of data to pinpoint relevant patterns and, in some cases, predict future trends that inform business decision-making.
Job Outlook: Employment of data analysts/scientists is expected to grow 34% between 2024 and 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Median Annual Salary: $112,590 as of May 2024.
Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are IT professionals who study and assess an organization's computer systems to make recommendations for improvement. They often collaborate with business managers and other decision-makers to make changes that improve efficiency and lower costs while ensuring that systems continue to serve organizational needs.
Job Outlook: The employment of computer systems analysts is projected to grow 9% between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS.
Median Annual Salary: $103,790 as of May 2024.
Web Developer
Web developers are responsible for the creation of websites from the ground up. Once a website is launched, developers also work to ensure that the site is properly maintained and that it runs smoothly. In some cases, developers may also be responsible for creating website content.
Job Outlook: The BLS projects a 7% increase in employment of web developers (including digital designers) from 2024 to 2034.
Median Annual Salary: $98,090 as of May 2024.
Computer Network Architect
These professionals are responsible for the design and implementation of communication networks, often for larger companies or entire organizations. Their daily work typically consists of building network plans, presenting them to management/decision-makers, and deploying networks. In many cases, computer network architects are also responsible for network maintenance, which may include upgrading hardware and software as needed to ensure peak performance.
Job Outlook: The BLS projects a 12% increase in employment of computer network architects from 2024 to 2034.
Median Annual Salary: $130,390 as of May 2024.
How Much Can You Earn With an IT Degree?
While many factors can impact salary expectations (including level of experience, job title, and even location), it's a good idea to get a feel for what IT professionals make as you consider whether an IT degree is a worthwhile investment for you.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary across all computer and IT occupations was $105,990 per year in May 2024 — which is more than double the national median salary for all occupations of $49,500 per year, making IT a relatively high-paying field.
For the sake of comparison, check out the table below to explore a few common IT roles and their specific annual median wages based on BLS data:
| Job Title | Median Annual Pay (Based on 2024 BLS Data) |
|---|---|
| System/Network Administrator | $96,800 |
| Computer Network Architect | $105,990 |
| Database Administrator | $104,620 |
| Web Developer | $98,090 |
| IT Manager | $171,200 |
What Industries Hire IT Degree Graduates?
IT professionals are needed across virtually every sector — not just in the tech world. That's because businesses in nearly every imaginable industry now rely on computer systems, networks, and databases to carry out critical functions on a daily basis. In this sense, an IT degree can be especially valuable because it can help build flexible, cross-industry knowledge and skills.
Some examples of the types of industries that often hire IT graduates include (but are not limited to):
- Technology and software
- Healthcare (for electronic records and data security)
- Finance and banking (for fraud prevention and secure transactions)
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Manufacturing and logistics
Is a Bachelor's Degree in IT Worth It?
If you're the type of person who enjoys solving complex problems and working with the latest technology, then pursuing an IT degree could be the first step on an incredible career journey. Likewise, if you've been wondering whether now is a good time to get into IT, here are a few important points to keep in mind:
- The BLS projects much faster than average growth for IT occupations through 2034, with an estimated 317,700 openings predicted each year.
- IT degree holders earn well above the national median salary of $49,500 per year.
- An IT degree could open the doors of opportunity for advancement into management and leadership roles that self-taught professionals often cannot access.
- IT certifications and other professional designations alongside a degree could significantly strengthen your candidacy.
Start Your IT Career With Champlain College Online
As the demand for skilled and knowledgeable IT professionals grows, now could be an excellent time to get the ball rolling on your IT career. Whether you're interested in network administration, software development, network architecture, or anything in between, the right IT degree program could prepare you with versatile and career-ready skills that apply across numerous industries.
Looking for a flexible online degree to suit your busy schedule? Champlain College Online offers a Bachelor's in Information Technology that's designed to be completed in less than four years with the convenience of online coursework. In this program, students have the opportunity to master networking architecture, build comprehensive programming skills, explore cybersecurity fundamentals, and gain proficiency in emerging technologies.
Get in touch to request more information about our IT degree program today, or fill out your own application for admission to take the next step.
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