How an IT Degree Kick Starts Your IT Career
Artificial intelligence can write a college essay in seconds. Robots are increasingly cleaning our homes, delivering our packages, and interacting with us on a daily basis. And across the world, it’s estimated that one cyber attack occurs every 11 seconds—and that’s not the only scary statistic on cybercrime.
That might sound like a sci-fi novel, but it’s all happening right now.
As a result of booming technology, we need more information technology professionals than ever. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in IT will grow 11% in the next 10 years—that’s about half a million new jobs by 2032.
But organizations don’t want just anyone to solve their computer problems. They want someone who has real-world experience using cutting-edge technology. While IT is something that can be learned on the job, earning a degree in IT can kickstart your career by giving you the skills to solve problems, mitigate risk, and advance in your career.
In this blog, we’ll explore different kinds of IT degrees and how they can help you stay relevant in a constantly changing industry.
Why Choose an IT Degree?
While some IT professionals don’t think a degree is worth it—about 25% don’t have one—earning extra training in IT can set you up for success in your career. Employees who hold a degree are more likely to get promoted or advance in their area of expertise, no matter what level of degree they hold.
The possibilities are endless with an IT degree, especially if you choose a concentration that fits your passions. Some examples include:
IT analyst: Analysts create efficient systems and maintain them across the company they work for.
Programmer: Programmers write code in multiple computer languages for anything from automobiles to video games.
Systems professionals: Systems professionals know the ins and outs of different types of hardware and software and how to build, repair, and install them.
Help desk: Help desk professionals are the first line of defense against everyday computer problems and larger issues across networks.
Other Careers
A background in information technology can be helpful for many career fields. Since IT professionals require keen attention to detail, problem-solving, and an aptitude for research, their skills are sought after everywhere. A background in IT can translate to other STEM fields, including:
- Architecture
- Medicine
- Research and development
- Technical writing
- Teaching
Types of IT Degrees
Most colleges will offer two types of degree programs for information technology—a bachelor’s and a master’s. They may also offer certificates at the graduate level, which take less time to complete but add experience to your resume. Below, we’ll break down what each type of IT degree includes and how it can help you advance your career.
Bachelor’s
If you don’t already have one, a bachelor’s degree is your first step to advancement in the IT field. Typically, students who recently graduated high school earn their bachelor’s degree in four years, but with the rise of online learning and hybrid options, bachelor’s degrees can be earned by anyone, at any age, and at any time. Walsh College offers a bachelor’s degree that can be completed partially online, and even as an online student, you’ll have full access to the state-of-the-art Cyber Lab, hands-on training with enterprise-level equipment, and tools used every day in businesses around the world.
Concentrations
At Walsh College and many other schools, students can choose an IT concentration that best aligns with their career aspirations and goals. These include:
- Automotive Cybersecurity: With most vehicles on the road now programmed with computers, combining cybersecurity and the automotive industry is a growing career field. People in this field make sure cars stay safe on the road by building protective software into vehicles’ computers.
- Business Information Systems: This concentration teaches students how to develop efficient systems for businesses large and small, keeping their data safe and their software running smoothly.
- Cybersecurity: A growing industry in the US, cybersecurity professionals are needed to keep data safe online. Almost every business needs a cybersecurity professional, especially banks, government agencies, and retail stores.
- Programming: As software continues to evolve, more programmers are needed to keep up with the demand for new websites, phone apps, and artificial intelligence.
- Project Management: IT project managers execute IT projects for the organization they work for. Walsh’s concentration prepares you for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
Master’s
If you’ve already earned your bachelor’s in IT, or even in another field, a master’s degree can help you advance in your career if you’re hoping to make a change. With your advanced skills, you’ll be given more freedom to make decisions and feel confident about them in your workplace.
IT employers typically look for candidates with a master’s degree for the following roles:
- Cybersecurity engineer
- Cyber threat analyst
- Vice president of business operations
- IT support specialist
- IT technician
- Technical advisor
The MSIT and MSITL
Students who pursue the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program often want to take on a senior-level position in their field. Earning an MSIT makes them the “go-to” IT person in their company, and they participate in higher-level discussions around strategy, planning, and implementation.
The Master of Science in Information Technology Leadership (MSITL) provides the same technical experience and training but is a leadership track for the degree program. Walsh’s curriculum includes leadership development coursework to prepare students to lead teams of IT professionals in their workplace.
Certificates
Similar to the bachelor’s programs, IT master’s degrees also have concentrations in the form of certificates that help you align your passions with your career pursuits.
- Cyber security: Receiving a cyber security certificate from Walsh College prepares you to become a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
- Data analytics: This certificate helps you gain tools and techniques to level up as a data analytics professional.
Career Options
Below are some of the most in-demand IT jobs provided by US News and World Report. You’ll find Walsh alumni at these and other jobs around the country and around the world.
- Information security analyst
- Degree requirement: Bachelors
- Median salary: $103,590
- Software developer
- Degree requirement: Bachelors
- Median salary: $110,140
- Database administrator
- Degree requirement: Bachelors
- Median salary: $98,860
- IT manager
- Degree requirement: Bachelors
- Median salary: $151,150
How to Choose the Right Path for You
If you see yourself advancing in the in-demand IT field, then a degree path might be the right choice for you. While it is an investment of time and money, it’s also an investment in your skills and background. Here are a few things you can do before you decide if it’s the right direction for you:
- Talk to other IT professionals you know. Did they get their degree? How has it benefited their career path?
- Examine your own skillset. Do you want to keep honing your skills, or try something new?
- Do the careers we’ve talked about in this blog sound interesting to you? If they don’t, you probably don’t want to get your degree in IT.
If you’re still wondering if you should pursue a degree in IT, reach out to Walsh College and we’ll help you advance in a career you can be proud of.
Find Out How You Fit in the Future
There’s no denying it—the future is now. You can either stay put or go forward with it. A degree in IT can help you advance in your career, hone your skills, and pursue your passions. If you’re interested in learning more about earning your IT degree at Walsh, schedule an appointment with us today and we’ll help you find your fit in the future.
